Neighbor Christmas Gifts

Each year we give our neighbors something little for Christmas. Sometimes it's just a plate of goodies, but other years we've gotten more creative. These ideas are relatively inexpensive and can also be used for co-workers. My husband did the wrapping paper and the extension cords at work and they were very well received. After all, they don't add to the waistline, and there tends to be plenty of food that will do that each holiday season.

1. Gift idea: A roll of Christmas wrapping paper and a roll of Scotch tape. (The tape is optional. You could just give the wrapping paper.) Shop for good sales. We actually bought ours at an after Christmas sale and then stored the paper until the following year. Here is the poem that goes with this gift:

Since November you’ve been shopping
Barely sleeping, hardly stopping.
Now it’s late – you’re in a scrape.
Out of paper, out of tape.
Hope this wrap helps save the day!
Have a happy holiday!

2. A hot baggie (or 2): See HERE for how to make one. We gave one red hot baggie and one blue one, but you can adjust the poem however you'd like. If you don't want to do 2 hot baggies, then just omit the part about the blue sack (the 3rd stanza). The poem I wrote for this gift went with these went like this:

‘Tis the season of hustle and bustle
Which gives a good reason to ease a sore muscle.
The miracle contents of this red sack
Will please and soothe your aching back.

Just heat by microwave three minutes on high
Then for one hour kiss sore muscles good-bye!
Or take it along when you go see the lights
To keep out the chill of Jack Frost’s cold bite.

Store the blue sack in your freezer where it’s out of your way
And when your head is throbbing at the end of the day
You’ll be amazed at how it can relieve your stress
When you have a splitting headache and just aren’t your best.

Your family is great and we want to express
How much we appreciate your love and kindness.
We treasure your friendship at this Christmastime
And send warmest of wishes to your house from mine!

3. An extension cord. Let's face it. Everyone can use an extra extension cord, especially at Christmas. We shopped for a good sale and even found some for 2 for a $1 once. I also found the large orange exterior kind (that are normally about $5 each) on some rebates and I was able to get them for free, so shop around. Here's the saying that I put with this idea:

Here's an "extension" of holiday cheer.
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas this year!

4. Click here for 103 Gift Ideas that are creative and inexpensive.

5. Homemade holiday breads. Click here for some great recipes. I have made the Candy Cane Bread before and it was really yummy. My neighbors liked having hot sweet bread dropped off at their door. Not a lot of people go to that much trouble anymore, and this is certainly a very inexpensive way to give something.

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Ok, well, that's all I can think of at the moment. I may remember other things sometime when I am not so tired. If you have more ideas, please comment. We'd love to hear from you. Merry Christmas!!