20 Perfect Holiday Neighbor Gifts

The holiday season — a time of twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and the ever-daunting task of gift-giving, including those holiday neighbor gifts. But don't fret, my festive friends! If you're pondering what to give your neighbors this year, you've come to the right place. 

From easy and affordable options to unique finds, this list has got you covered. 

Let's jingle all the way to the perfect holiday neighbor gifts!

1. The Classic Cookie Jar

Who can say no to cookies? Especially when they come in a charming mason jar filled with all the dry ingredients needed for a delicious batch. Attach a cute tag with baking instructions, and you've got yourself a holiday gift under $10 that's as sweet as it is thoughtful.

2. Freeze Dried Candy Extravaganza

Take your neighbors on a cosmic journey with freeze dried candy. From Skittles to M&Ms, these astronaut-approved treats are a unique, delightful twist on classic favorites. It's a holiday neighbor gift that's truly out of this world!

 

3. DIY-Scented Candles

Nothing says "home" like the comforting scent of a candle. With a few simple ingredients, you can create custom-scented candles that will make your neighbors' homes smell like a winter wonderland. It's an easy neighbor Christmas gift that keeps on giving — literally!

4. The $10 Gourmet Coffee Sampler

Coffee lovers, rejoice! Pick up a variety of single-serve coffee pods and package them in a festive mug. It's a holiday gift under $10 that will have your neighbors buzzing with joy.

5. Handmade Soap Bars

Feeling crafty? Why not make some soap bars infused with natural ingredients like lavender or peppermint? You can use essential oils to scent them. Wrap them in rustic twine, and you've got an easy neighbor Christmas gift that's both practical and luxurious.

6. Mini Herb Garden

Give the gift of green with a mini herb garden. All you need are some small pots, soil, and herb seeds like basil or mint. It's a holiday neighbor gift that's as fresh as it gets!

7. Movie Night in a Bag

Create the ultimate movie night experience for your neighbors. Fill a reusable tote with popcorn, candy, and a small gift card to a streaming service. It's a holiday gift under $10 that promises a cozy night in.

8. The Breakfast Basket

Imagine waking up to a basket filled with pancake mix, maple syrup, and fresh fruit. This easy neighbor Christmas gift is a delicious way to say "Good morning, and happy holidays!"

9. Personalized Coasters

With a bit of creativity, you can make personalized coasters that your neighbors will actually use. Whether it's their initials, house number, or a fun holiday design, the options are endless.

10. The Gift Card

Let's be honest — sometimes the best gift is the one they can choose for themselves. Enter the gift card. Whether it's for a local coffee shop, an online retailer, or even a grocery store, a gift card is a one-size-fits-all solution that never disappoints.

Want to add a personal touch? Pair the gift card with a small, homemade item like a cookie or a hand-painted ornament. Place them in a festive envelope, and you've got a thoughtful yet practical gift that says, "I appreciate you, but I also respect your individual taste."

11. Hot Cocoa Kit

Create a cozy hot cocoa kit by filling a mason jar with cocoa powder, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Attach a small whisk and a tag with instructions for making the perfect cup of hot cocoa. It's like gifting a warm hug in a jar!

 

12. Personalized Recipe Book

Compile a small booklet of your favorite family recipes, and print it out. Bind it with ribbon or twine and include a handwritten note. It's a gift that shares the flavors of your home with theirs.

13. Reusable Shopping Bag

Purchase a reusable shopping bag, and fill it with a few small, practical items like a reusable water bottle, a produce bag, or a bamboo cutlery set. It's an eco-friendly gift that can continually be used throughout the year.

14. Seasonal Plant

Gift a seasonal plant like a poinsettia or Christmas cactus in a decorative pot. Include a care guide to help your neighbor keep their new plant thriving. It's a living gift that adds a touch of nature to their home.

15. Local Artisan Goods

Support local artisans by gifting handmade items like pottery, soap, or food items. It's a way to share the love for local craftsmanship while giving a unique and meaningful gift. Often, these gifts will also be one-of-a-kind, so no two neighbor gifts will be alike.

16. Pet Treats

If your neighbor has a pet, consider making or buying some gourmet pet treats. Package them in a cute tin or bag and include a small toy. It's a gift that's sure to get tails wagging!

17. Wine or Sparkling Cider

Gift a bottle of wine or sparkling cider with a custom label or tag. Include a set of wine charms or a decorative stopper to make it extra special. It's a classy gift that's perfect for toasting to the holiday season.

18. DIY Bath Salts

Mix Epsom salt with essential oils and dried flowers to create custom bath salts. Package them in a glass jar and include a small scoop. It's a spa-like experience in a jar!

 

19. Board Game Night Package

Put together a small package with a classic board game like checkers or tic-tac-toe, along with some snacks like popcorn and candy. It's a gift that promises hours of family fun.

20. The Re-Gift

Received a gift that's just not your style? Cut down on the amount of waste that happens around the holiday season by considering re-gifting it to a neighbor who might appreciate it more. Make sure to re-wrap it and perhaps add a small, personal touch like a handwritten note. 

Theme Your Gift Giving

Looking for a creative way to set your holiday neighbor gifts apart? Choosing a themed gift idea adds a fun twist to your holiday gifting. This is a great option if you know your neighbors well and want to go the extra mile for their gift. Here are some holiday gift idea themes to consider:

1. Cozy Winter Nights: Assemble a basket with a soft blanket, a good book, and some hot cocoa mix. Add a pair of fuzzy socks for extra coziness.
2. Spa Day at Home: Create a relaxation kit with bath salts, scented candles, a face mask, and a plush towel. You could even add a small bottle of champagne or sparkling cider for a luxurious touch.
3. Movie Marathon: Fill a popcorn bucket with popcorn, a selection of classic movies or a streaming service gift card, and some theater-style candy.
4. Gardener's Delight: Assemble a set of gardening gloves, seed packets, and small gardening tools. Add a small potted plant for an extra touch.
5. Fitness Fanatic: Create a fitness pack with a reusable water bottle, a small towel, and a set of resistance bands. Include a playlist of motivating workout songs.
6. Culinary Adventure: Put together a set of exotic spices, a cookbook featuring international recipes, and some unique kitchen gadgets like a mortar and pestle or a pasta maker.
7. Artistic Flair: Assemble a set of art supplies like sketchbooks, colored pencils, and watercolors. Include a small instructional book for beginners.
8. Coffee Lover's Dream: Create a coffee-themed basket with a selection of gourmet coffee beans, a French press, and a stylish mug.
9. Pet Lover: Assemble a package with gourmet pet treats, a new toy, and a personalized pet tag. Include a small gift for the pet owner, like a keychain featuring their pet's breed.
10. Game Night: Put together a selection of fun board games or card games. Add some snacks like pretzels and dip to keep the players fueled.
11. Sweet Tooth: Create a candy bouquet or a basket filled with a variety of sweets, from chocolate bars to gourmet lollipops.
12. Travel Bug: Assemble a travel kit with a world map, a travel journal, and some travel-sized toiletries. Add a luggage tag for a personal touch.
13. Eco-Friendly: Create a sustainable living kit with reusable shopping bags, beeswax wraps, and a bamboo toothbrush.
14. DIY Craft Kit: Assemble all the materials needed for a specific craft project, like knitting or scrapbooking. Include an instructional guide or video.

The Heart Behind the Gifts: Why We Give to Our Neighbors

Before we wrap up this festive guide (pun intended!), let's take a moment to explore the "why" behind the tradition of giving holiday neighbor gifts. After all, it's the thought that counts, right?

1. Building Community

Gift-giving is a wonderful way to strengthen bonds and foster a sense of community. It's a small but meaningful gesture that says, "Hey, I'm glad you're my neighbor."

2. Spreading Holiday Cheer

The holiday season is all about joy, love, and generosity. Giving a gift to your neighbor is a simple yet impactful way to spread this festive spirit.

3. Acts of Kindness

Sometimes, the best gifts are those given without any expectation of something in return. It's a random act of kindness that can make someone's day a little brighter.

4. Gratitude

Let's not forget the countless times your neighbor took in your mail while you were on vacation or lent you a cup of sugar in a baking emergency. A holiday gift is a great way to say "thank you."

5. Tradition

For many, giving gifts to neighbors during the holidays is a cherished tradition passed down through generations. It's a custom that adds a layer of warmth and familiarity to the season.

So, whether you're a seasoned gift-giver or a first-timer, remember that the true essence of holiday neighbor gifts lies in the intention behind them. It's not about how much you spend but how much love and thought you put into it.

6. A Personal Touch

Lastly, giving a gift to your neighbor adds a personal touch to the holiday season. It's an opportunity to show your appreciation for the people who make your neighborhood a better place to live. Whether it's the neighbor who brings in your trash cans when you forget, or the one who always has a friendly wave as you pass by, a small gift is a way to share your appreciation for them.

Give Holiday Cheer With Candy Jan Freeze Dried Candy

Candy is always a classic holiday gift. When all else fails, giving something that will satiate the sweet tooth is a great option most people will enjoy. 

By choosing freeze dried candy, you’re still giving a fantastic gift with a fun twist. Freeze dried versions of favorite candies like Skittles or Airheads will create a deliciously sweet treat for all your neighbors to enjoy. 

Why Freeze Dried Candy?

On top of being a tasty twist on your favorite sweet treats, freeze dried candy lasts longer. Plus, the freeze drying process intensifies the flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. 

Candy Jan offers a delightful selection of treats to choose from. If you love chocolatey or caramel options, then M&M's, Milk Duds, or classic caramels are a crunchy, rich choice. Looking for a more fruity flavor? Freeze dried fruity marshmallows, Hi-chews, Starbursts, or Sweet tarts will satisfy that sweet tooth. Do you want that extra punch from something sour? Sour candies are fantastic freeze dried. With the intensified flavor, the sour will have you puckering. 

Each bag of freeze dried candy is under $10, making it a wallet-friendly option for each of your neighbors. While you’re purchasing for all your neighbors and friends, don’t forget to add a bag for yourself. You deserve a treat, too! Get ahead of your holiday shopping and buy your neighbor gifts now.

Whether you give freeze dried candy or another one of the holiday neighbor gifts, you won't break the bank. There are fantastic, unique options whether you’re a DIY diva or a last-minute shopper; these ideas are sure to make you the talk of the neighborhood. 

Happy gifting and happy holidays to you and your neighbors!