Christmas Gift Ideas for Neighbors

Gift your neighbors with a token of appreciation this Christmas. Creating good energy between neighbors is an ideal way to touch base with your neighbors during the holiday season. Even those neighbors you don't get along with will warm up to a Christmas gift. The size of the gift will depend on your chosen price point and closeness with the neighbors, but even the smallest gift will be appreciated. From a small box of chocolates to a little something for their garden, options are abundant for Christmas gifts for your neighbors. Remember to include a thoughtful note with the gift.

Stationary

Arm yourself with rubber stamp supplies to create a collection of gift tags, note cards and thank you cards. Blank cards are widely available online and in craft stores. Purchase ink and rubber stamps with contemporary designs such as floral patterns including damask, birds like owls, doves or swallows and Christmas patterns. Place a single stamp at the bottom of one corner for note cards and envelopes. Center the stamp on a thank you card and reserve the smallest stamps for gift tags.

Wreath

A seasonal holiday wreath is an idea you can purchase or make yourself. Expand your horizons beyond the standard evergreen wreath and look to playful options. Floral foam is available at craft stores, use it to design your own wreath to gift your neighbors. Wrap the wreath in colorful grosgrain ribbon, glue small Christmas bulbs all over it, or wire branches, berries and fruit around the perimeter of the wreath. Feathers, buttons, gum drops, wine corks, cookie cutters, rolled pieces of paper, crayons and other materials you have on hand can be turned into stunning wreaths.

Flowers

Bring over an amaryllis in a festive pot to spread good cheer to your neighbors. A small, hand-tied bouquet of red and white gerber daisies is another option. Or, go all out and have a Christmas floral arrangement made.

Gardening Gifts

If your neighbors are gardening buffs, order some bulbs they can plant in the spring. Other ideas include seed packets tied to the handle of a gardening tool, a Christmas garden ornament, or a gift card for a local gardening center or greenhouse.

Soap

Soap making supplies can be purchased at craft or specialty stores. Make a selection of scented soaps for your neighbors. Use a holiday theme or make plain white soap. Package the soap in a festive box with grosgrain ribbon. Or, shop for luxurious liquid soaps and dress them up with cellophane and raffia.

Wine

With the extra entertaining done around the holidays, a bottle of wine is surely a welcome gift. Wine can be found at a variety of price points. Whether you choose red, white or rose wine, options are available. Pair an inexpensive wine with a set of wine glasses or wine glass charms.

Cookies

Fresh baked cookies are a thoughtful offering, especially when you get the kids involved. As it can be a popular gift option, look to cookie varieties beyond the basic chocolate chip or sugar cookie. Instead, bake up a batch of dark chocolate cookies with white chocolate chips, lemon squares, toffee shortbread or any variation of biscotti. Package the cookies in a decorative box or jar and wrap with festive ribbon. Another idea is to layer the dry ingredients in a glass jar with instructions for what to add. Your neighbors can make their own cookies. This gift works well for families. Another idea is homemade granola gifted in a keepsake glass jar.

Free stuff

Keep your budget in check and give your neighbors a gift that won't cost you a thing. Make up your own coupons and place them in a decorative envelope to enclose some holiday spirit. Ideas such as a snow clearing, a grass cutting, dinner, and a homemade dessert are all sound options.