A few and few are used with plural count nouns:

–a few friends, few ideas, a few things to do, etc.

A little and little are used with noncount nouns:

–little money, a little rain, a little wind, etc.

NOTE: Few and little give a negative idea, conveying the notion that something is largely absent:

–They have very little money.
–We have few options remaining.

NOTE: A few and a little give a positive idea, indicating that something exists or is present:

–I have a little free time today.
–Do you have a few moments?

Examples of A Few, Few, a Little, and Little

• That's a little more than I wanted to pay. Thanks anyway.
• Only a few weeks. Have you filled out the application form yet?
• Your oil is a little low. Shall I put in a quart?