I have made a few pieces and since underwear is so personal why not make a lingerie bag. Right now in the first couple pages of Projects our cutie katulle has posted some that she makes for her shop. Many of her designs are in Designs by Cuties.

Definitely get a pattern. If you are planning on using tricot or knit fabric (requires ball point needles) I suggest Ann Person's Lingerie book or any of her Stretch & Sew patterns. Good Luck. Sounds like it will be fun gifts.

I have made quite a lot of girls knickers and 'first' bras, but I would say that it does take a bit of experience in sewing to make them well. Go with Capoodle's idea and make a lovely embroiedered bag from nice 'girlie' fabric. if you still want to sew underwear, have a look at the Kwik Sew lingerie patterns as they are good.

I got a pattern from this site, it worked well considering I could not get the correct materials here in Brisbane. But you can order the materials including bra wires from the site. I have tried other bra patterns that did not work well.