It's always the gifts I start first that get finished last. I've had this on my to-do list to give to a friend for ages. I like how the variegated yarn makes it look like the octopus is in the middle of changing its colours.
I'm very pleased with the octopus applique -- would use again. The natural twist of thin strands of knitting give the legs the same wriggliness as a real octopus'.
Applique
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/demi-octopus