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Last-Minute Easy and Fun Neighbor Gifts DECEMBER 17, 2024 / KELLI NAPOTNIK / 
When we celebrated the first Christmas in our new home, we were still getting to know our neighbors. Having come from a rural community where a knock on the door was uncommon, I jumped a little when I heard someone use the antique door knocker on our front door. I remember opening it and being delighted at seeing my neighbor with a beautifully wrapped treat in her hands. She introduced herself to me and wished us all a Merry Christmas! I remember marveling at the beauty of her baked delicacy and the care she had taken to tie a ribbon around it.
Homemade gifts are a wonderful way to show friends and loved ones you care. They take thought and time to put together and are usually inexpensive options for gift-giving. Homemade gifts can make great neighbor gifts as well! Whether you're planning on baking cookies or taking a delicious loaf of bread, I thought I'd share some easy and fun neighbor gift ideas to inspire you this season!
 Cookie Dough Gift Idea - Jaimielyn Nye, from I Heart Naptime, shares this wonderful idea of frozen cookie dough as a neighbor gift! They can be baked right away or stored in the freezer for later. This would also be a lovely gift to add to a meal you may be taking to a friend in need. I love the presentation as well!
Seasonal Dish Soap with Tea Towel - I always appreciate simple and practical gift ideas. I love a delightful seasonal soap to make daily chores more enjoyable. A gift like this doesn't add any extra clutter and is something that can be enjoyed even after the holidays are over.
Simmer Pot Gift Idea - There's something comforting and delightful about the fragrance of orange, rosemary, cinnamon, and clove! Mindy, from Coco and Ash, shares where to buy everything you need to make a simmer pot gift bag. In addition, she provides a free cute printable to dress up your simmer pot for the holidays and provides instructions.
Christmas Morning Pancakes - Give the gift of breakfast! This would also make a wonderful addition to any meal you are taking. All the dry ingredients for pancakes are premixed and ready to use with the addition of an egg and 1 cup of milk!
 Cinnamon Honey Butter - If you love baking bread, consider gifting your next loaf with this delicious cinnamon honey butter. To dress your jar up as a gift, add a touch of festive greenery and twine around the lid!
 Crock-Pot Applesauce - We often think of apples for fall, but it is a flavor appropriate for Christmas as well! Adina shares in her blog the easiest way to make applesauce using a crock-pot! If you're looking to dress up your basic applesauce recipe, I love this one as well.
 Hot Cocoa Kit - As the temperatures drop I appreciate a warm drink more and more. This is a wonderful idea and can be completely customizable. Want to make individual sizes for every member of your neighbor's family? Use these jars here. Looking to make a dairy-free hot cocoa kit? Use oat milk powder and dairy-free chocolate chips instead! Be sure to download the adorable hot cocoa instructions tag listed in the post! Baker's twine can be found at the Dollar Tree.
Do you enjoy gifting homemade gifts to friends, loved ones, and neighbors each year? Be sure to visit our Pinterest page for more inspiration! What is your favorite homemade gift to make each year? We'd love to hear!
 #1: This reindeer chow is delicious and made with peanut butter, chocolate-coated cereal, M&Ms, and mini Reese cups. This would make for a fun extra to include with a meal!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
#2: If you're taking a meal and want a fun side to send along that your recipient can snack on throughout the week, try this yummy homemade salsa recipe!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
#3: Looking for an easy Christmas Cookie recipe to bring to your next potluck, or maybe just for you to snack on while you enjoy your favorite holiday movie? Give these Pillsbury Christmas Cookies a try!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
#4: There's no escaping the flu and cold season, so why not bring a sick friend a gift basket filled with all the flu-fighting goodies? Include soothing teas, honey, lemon, tissues, nasal spray, Vitamin C, or cough drops. We even found this adorable "Bee Well Soon" Label!
#5: The last thing you want to do when taking someone a meal is to give them food that they can't eat. If the recipient of your meal schedule has food allergies, here are some great recipes and resources for you as you consider what to make.
Photo Credit
Cookie dough gift idea - I Heart Naptime
The Tidy Mom Honey Butter: Cinnamon Honey Butter - TidyMom
Hot Cocoa Kit Image: Hot Cocoa in a Jar Gift Idea
Read other recent articles by Kelli Napotnik:
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Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you. Helpful Posts
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