Gift Ideas for Neighbors ~
My mom loves to give her friends and neighbors amaryllis bulbs. They are beautiful and one of the easiest flowering bulbs to bring to bloom. Most online flower shops sell one bulb for around $15 dollars. Lowes sells amaryllis bulbs, already in a box, with a small ceramic pot, for $9. If the bulbs or box don’t include instructions, be sure to attach them. You can find some here.
Microplane Zesters are awesome. Who wouldn’t want one? Pair a zester ($12) with some whole nutmeg, wrapped in cellophane, with a cute Christmas bow. Done. Freshly ground nutmeg is more aromatic and tastier than pre-ground, in the containers. Whole nutmegs, if kept in a cool dry place, can store for many years. A package of nutmeg can be expensive, but if you open it and just give 3 (or so) to your neighbors, it is way more economical.
On Facebook, Jessica shared a fun idea. She bought Christmas books for her neighbors, with the tag, “Seasons Readings” attached. I love that, because they can be read over and over again, every year. You could even do a different Christmas book ever year, making your gift-giving easier, and it will also help build a book collection for your neighbors. A couple of my favorite Christmas books: The Sweet Smell of Christmas and Olive, the Other Reindeer. Whether there are little kids at the home or not, children’s books are always fun, and there are sure to be nieces/nephews/grandchildren somewhere, that would love to hear a story.
Last year, my friend Kara, gave us the cutest, most simple gift. She just printed off some Christmas “subway art,” stuck it in a frame, and it was an instant Christmas decoration. Subway art is found in abundance all over the internet, just print it on some nice photo type paper. You can even find decent frames at the dollar store. Cheap and easy!
I love the idea of a bag of awesome apples (Honeycrisp from Harmon’s!) with an apple peeler. Depending on your budget (or the recipient), you could either do my favorite Back to Basics Apple Peeler or a standard apple peeler, like the highly rated OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler. I have the Back to Basics Peeler as a permanent fixture on my counter, because my kids use it several times a day! They go through apples like crazy. And, I think part of it is because they just want to use the fancy peeler. 
I’m sure you can come up with some clever Christmas play-on-words to write on the tag. But, I don’t think it’s necessary…just “Merry Christmas” is perfect.
I’ve had several neighbors give me that chewy coconut-honey grahams-almond mix for Christmas that is soooo yummy (I’ve heard it called Celestial Chew, Garp, Party Mix…you name it.) But, if you want to try a chewy mix that’s something different, try Death by Special K. Way addicting, and one of the husband’s favorites. He won’t share with anyone. Pack some into a cellophane bag, and you’re good to go! I’ve got some links to several other perfect Christmas Treats at the end of this post.
I love practical gifts that everyone could use. Several gals have told me that they have received a roll of wrapping paper, a bag of bows and tape. We could always use more of that around Christmas time! Attach a little tag that says, “We hope you’re getting wrapped up in the spirit of Christmas.” Those gift wrap cutters are pretty handy too!
Need more gift ideas for neighbors?? Check out these previous posts…
Last Minute Gift Ideas for Neighbors
Gifts in a Jar
Nutty Craisin Chew
Homemade Fortune Cookies
Caramel Popcorn
My Favorite Sugar Cookies
Raspberry Jam Rounds
Chocolate Turtle Cookies
I would love to hear YOUR ideas for neighbor gifts!!
Mariel
@orsoshesays
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