If you're lucky enough to have ties from a family member, you can create a memory quilt, wall hangings, or clothing item from them.  I used my father's ties to make 6 small wall hangings for my mother and siblings, using small log cabin blocks in various sets.  The meaningful labels that I had were distributed among the quilt tops (some from a family favorite shop no longer in business).  Small strips were cut straight grain from all the ties to make the scrappy blocks (see November 3 entry).