The joy of a handmade gift!

I don't believe anyone appreciates a handmade gift quite as much as those of us who like to make handmade gifts ourselves. For that reason alone, I was so delighted when Sandy G. sent me this surprise package in the mail last week! You know the package is going to be something you love when it has a teapot on the mailing label and a tea-themed card inside, don't you?

This reversible teacup hot pad is a crochet design I've never seen before (I would have had to make it!), and I absolutely love it! Larger than a potholder, it's large enough to actually use beneath a hot dish on the serving table, but it's so pretty with that lovely stripe of shell crochet that I wouldn't want to cover it up. Can't you practically feel the cozy texture from this photo? It's such a beautiful and unexpected gift … and it inspires me to go make something to give away myself! Do any of you give handmade gifts? If so, what's the last handmade gift you gave?