A User Interface box to edit contents from index

Hello guys,

I’m not sure if i am on the right forum, but i couldn’t find one more fit.

I’m working on a theme that will need to allow the user to edit certain contents from the index page (like the text paragraph on footer, for instance)

I thought about creating a Page Template file, or a sidebar, or even a widget, but i still feel that’s it seems kinda of a workaround.

Is there any way to create a custom option on the menu, with a custom UI… like a meta box or something, or like a plugin settings page… that will allow the user to edit the contents in a very simple way?

I don’t even know what to search for in this case, so i decided to ask for help here.

Thanks in advance. =)