I love treats, probably more than the average person. And every Christmas season without fail my kitchen counter slowly accumulates plates and baskets of delicious desserts from neighbors, even more than my sugar-loving palette can handle. So a few years ago, I started focusing on simple treat-free Christmas neighbor gifts I could give instead.
And although my love-language is not gift-giving, I do enjoy spoiling my neighbors. However, I thrive on simplicity. Therefore, I give you a carefully curated list of simple yet thoughtful treat-free Christmas neighbor gifts.
Framed Quote
This one is so easy and can be cherished all year long. One year I found my favorite Christmas quote and another year I used a favorite generic quote. Then I beautified it using a free design app and printed a bunch of 4×6 copies at my local photo center. Finally, I bought several frames at the dollar store, put it all together, and stuck a bow on top.
All-Purpose Seasoning Mix
Don’t tell my neighbors, but this is what I’m going to do this year. My husband happens to be a seasoning MASTER so I’ll be enlisting him for help. Or if you’re not a seasoned chef, here’s some pre-made seasoning that I love. Put some in mini mason jars and you’re good to go. So cute and so delicious!
Stovetop Potpourri
This is a great gift to make your neighbor’s house smell amazing. You can always buy the ingredients in bulk for pretty cheap. Some recipes will suggest putting it in a crockpot instead of the stovetop, but I have found that the aroma isn’t as strong. So if you do it on the stovetop, just make sure that you keep filling it with water or you’ll burn the potpourri and your pot. At least that’s what my “friend” told me. You can find several seasonal recipes on Pinterest, but here’s a good Christmas blend.
Cookie Cutters & Recipe
Technically this one could be considered a treat, but it can be used any time of year. You can gift cookie cutters in a mason jar. Here’s a set of 50 by Wilton for $8. Can’t beat that! Use some twine or ribbon to tie your favorite cookie recipe to the lid and you’re done!
Tape, Ribbon, & Bows, Oh My!
I almost added wrapping paper to the list, but personally thought it might be overdone. Still very practical, but I have more Christmas wrapping paper than I need! However, I do find myself making last minute trips to the store for tape, ribbon, and bows. Bundle them together in a cute bag or basket and your neighbors will love it!
Hand Soap
If you’re on top of things, you can find Christmas hand soap on major sale! I love to stock up (they last forever) and then tie a simple bow around the top and you’re all set.
Batteries
Another practical, but necessary Christmas item is batteries. Buy in bulk when they’re on sale and then put all different sizes together in a creative container. Your neighbors will love you, especially at 4 a.m. on Christmas morning.
Holiday Heart Attack
You may be accustomed to seeing heart attacks done in February, but there’s no reason it can’t be Christmas themed. Cut out a bunch of red and green hearts and write what you love about your neighbor on them. Stick them all over their door, knock and run. They will love the creative and thoughtful surprise.
Bubble Bath
Give you neighbors the gift of luxury and relaxation with a bottle of bubble bath. This Sweet Orange Vanilla bubble bath from the Honest Company is a perfect winter treat (without the calories, of course).
Orange Juice
Whether it’s freshly squeezed or freshly bought, orange juice is a delicious and easy gift. Your neighbors can serve it with Christmas morning breakfast and might ask for it again every year.
Roll of Paper Towels
Sometimes the gift is all about the creative packaging. Don’t think about a plain old roll of paper towels. Think about a practical and useful gift wrapped in twine or ribbons with a cute little quip about “absorbing” the spirit of Christmas, or bringing “bounteous” blessings. Maybe that’s another post for another day.
Takeout Menu Binder
This might be one of my favorite gifts I have given and received. Snag several takeout menus from your favorite restaurants and place them in a 3-ring-binder. Print this adorable poem (written by my brother and sis-in-law) in the front and you’re good to go.
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