Learn to make something that you absolutely love, but have never made before. Maybe a blueberry pie or a vegetable lasagna or Mexican dinner with enchiladas suizas, Spanish rice and frijoles ollas. Whatever it is that you like, look up recipes online (or dig one out that your mom or grandma used to make) then go to it. Then you could invite your friends over to help you or at least eat the food once it’s made.
And go to a few places (wherever you are) that you think are the most beautiful and take a bunch of photographs. Then you’ll have some ready-made gifts to give people come holiday time. You can also go ahead of time to buy some frames. I always get frames on sale at Big Lots or Target or Walmart and then keep them in a drawer. When somebody’s birthday or a holiday rolls around, then I get a print made from some of my nature shots and frame it up and wrap it. So far, people have been very appreciative.