If my neck is cold I am cold all over, so I made this quick-to-knit circular scarf.
This cowl is a great second project for a beginning knitter who has mastered a few simple techniques. It includes the easiest possible lace pattern.
Knit in the round, the cowl has Garter stitch borders and a lacy middle.
Pick a worsted weight yarn in a solid or tonal (shaded) yarn to knit the cowl. A multi-colored yarn will not show off the lacy part as well as a solid.
You might want to knit several and keep them on hand for “last minute” gifts.