Love Thy Neighbor: 10 Inexpensive Gifts to Give Your Neighbors, for Christmas

As it pertains to neighbors, it’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what or who you’re going to get. I have been quite fortunate with my neighbor pool. There’s been one or two hiccups here and there but for the most part all of my neighbors are friendly and loving and would go out of their way if you needed something.
So much so, that when my son’s toe collided with a door last week and the door won, leaving the toe hanging and off to the side (gruesome but true,) we were able to stop by our neighbor’s home who is a podiatrist and have it examined and bandaged, as there’s nothing you can do for a broken toe.
My neighbor was also kind enough to open his office the next day, on a Saturday, and do an X-ray and wanted no parts of our insurance information. There was indeed a fracture of the toe, which we expected. What I did not expect was the level of kindness from my neighbor and the way he went above and beyond for my family.
It’s part of the reason why I gift so much to people during the holidays. It’s a genuine effort on my part to show that I care but also in some cases, to convey that I genuinely appreciate the effort, kindness and selflessness that people show throughout the year.
Your neighbors should be an extension of your family. Your eyes and ears when you’re not home, especially if something is amiss with your house. Your helping hand to run an errand or too, should a loved one fall ill. Your support, should there be a death.
All of these circumstances have happened with my neighbors and my husband and I are glad to help. It’s just refreshing to know, that they would also do the same.

Now with all that being said, I have many neighbors and the gift tab can be quite expensive, so here are my list of inexpensive gifts that you can give to your neighbors, that they’ll get much use out of for years to come

***Tip***
Many of the gifts I buy for neighbors and teachers, are Christmas themed. That way, I know, they’ll pull it out every holiday season and think of me.

1. Send a Christmas Card

I mean it doesn’t get much simpler than that! It’s probably the least expensive of all the things you can do but still just as thoughtful.

2. Christmas Mugs

Hot chocolate bars are all the rage during the holiday season. Buy mugs that would fit in perfectly with a cocoa bar set up. I gifted my neighbor the mugs above and she immediately sent me this photo of how she displayed it at her bar. #nailedit

3. Holiday Bowls

This year I gifted many holiday themed candy dishes but you can also get some that can be used for dips, appetizers, condiments, you name it. Cute, useful and festive!

4. Throws

I honestly don’t think you can have too many! It’s the perfect gift if you may not know someone’s likes or home decor style. If you have a Kirklands near you, they are currently selling beautiful throws for $10. You can’t beat that.

5. Sports Paraphernalia

Ok so back to our podiatrist neighbor. He is the biggest UNC fan there is. Each time we see him, he is draped from head to toe in UNC gear. I purchased some UNC items for him but my favorite was this little pin from Amazon that he can wear on his white coat or scrubs when he sees patients.

6. Witty Wine Glasses

I am a big fan of the stemless wine glasses with cute phrases. Even better if they have a lid and can be taken on the go. People will always use these for sporting events, parties, barbecues, etc. They make a great gift.

7. Board Games

Sometimes, I just buy a gift for the children as a “family gift” for the household. Board games are a great idea because everyone can still use it and be involved. I love the game Spot It because it is great for all age groups, it’s a quick and easy set up and it’s easy to learn how to play.

8. Baked Goods

This was my first year making homemade goodies for my neighbors. Let’s be clear. I don’t cook but I chose things that even a kid could make such as pretzel turtles and chocolate bites, as well as Oreo ornaments. They turned out great.

9. Family Socks

This is a good idea because they make for nice photo ops for the family. You may still be able to snag these at Walmart but act fast.

10. Make a Basket

I am queen of the gifting basket. A few small items can make for a really elegant gift. Here I purchased the basket from Burlington, that can be used as a future keepsake. I then added slippers for the couple, holiday drink glasses, with a bottle opener, stemless wine glasses, bracelets for the daughters, a couple of ornaments for decoration and voila! A beautiful gift with presentation flair.

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I know we only have a few days left before Christmas but I hope these gifting ideas for your neighbors will help you to bring good cheer to their doorstep and future usage for many years to come!