Do you enjoy making things for other people? Might I suggest some friendly little pillows or pincushions to keep on hand for gifts or make a list of ones you'd like to stitch for different people. Most of them take very little stitching time and it's easy to turn them into cute little pillows.
Make a matching pincushion, scissor fob, and needle book for a stitchy friend. For non-stitchy friends, a little pillow with a mug and some tea bags makes a simple little gift. (I'm partial to thrift store mugs myself. No need to spend a lot of money to encourage someone.) Or you might put two or three seasonal cushions together in a basket with a doily to give as a housewarming gift. There are so many possibilities!
Here are links to a few free cross-stitch patterns to stitch for friends. Simply click on the pattern name to be directed to the link.
A Token of Friendship by Notforgotten Farm
Keys to the Past by SubRosa
Locks and Keys by SubRosa
Sampler Bag by Samplers and Santas
Treasured Friend by Plain and Fancy Merchant
My Friend by Primitive Bettys
Flower Basket by Sampler Girl
Sampler Quote from Hands Across the Sea
Good Friends Nametag from Victoria Sampler
A Friend to Me by Gettysburg Homestead
Sister Stitcher by the Primitive Hare
