I am reasonably good with wood.  But I wouldn't be able to get any exotic/nice-looking woods to use, and I wouldn't really know where to begin for a knife handle.  I do make knives, out of flint and everything (I went to a flintknapping class recently) and I have only done a bit, but I like the antler handles.  I think you should do some research, and maybe cut your own handle.  It really shouldn't be difficult, it would be cost effective, and it would be custom made.  Anyway, whatever you do, good luck with it.

Hi!
Try on www.knifeforums.com there's a section about "Designing, Making, Maintaining and Showing Off Our Knives"
there are sections of newbies, bladesmithing, design etc...
also a section on      
"Knifemaking Supplies and Services Forum" if you're in the US then you have a lot of chances to buy a lot of knifemaking supplies (blank blades, steel sheets,handles in almost any material, tools, pins, sheath materials) if not then keep on drooling like i do 
Oh well..-  may be you are living somewhere you can order all those items 
I have two knives w/o handles and one of them i've been using for long at work (i work in a slaughterhouse) just wrapping self bonding rubber tape... (that's why i love full tangs )  it looks a bit Apache like... but it works ok and lasts for long. it gives good grip even when wet and greasy and not difficult to get clean with hot water and soap. 
Of course not for a gift (though i would'nt mind as long as the blade is a nice one  ) i'm planning to make  bone handles for it from bovine fibula,  if i make a decent work i'll post some pics of it.