7 Creative (and Last-Minute!) Neighbor Gifts Your Entire Street Will Love
Just ask Mr. Rogers, a good neighbor goes a long way in making life more enjoyable. In fact, numerous studies suggest neighborly relationships can actually improve your health and well-being. This time of year, improving those relationships can be as simple as delivering a heartfelt offering.
Holiday neighbor gifts are a longstanding tradition – and for good reason. Nothing makes someone feel loved like being remembered. So this year, make it sweet, make it simple, and give your street-mates the gift of neighborly love. We’ve got several ideas for fun, easy neighbor gifts that are sure to up your street’s friendly factor.
Your favorite products
If you’re looking for a last-minute no-brainer, look no further than your own pantry or cleaning cupboard. Gifting your go-to, favorite household items is the easiest way to spread neighborly love – not to mention your hottest hacks.
Got a natural cleaner you stand by? A ride-or-die kitchen towel? The best-smelling hand soap known to mankind? During the season of sharing, give your neighbors the gift of your (unmatched) experience and expertise with a selection of your favorite things.
Local event tickets
If there’s one thing you definitely know about your neighbors, it’s that they’re interested in your community! That’s why gifting tickets to a local event is a great way to share your mutual love for your town or region.
Don’t feel like you need to break the bank, either. Tickets to a high school sporting event, local play or even your neighborhood movie theater are perfect options for gifting your neighbors a sense of community and belonging.
Good smells
Forget taste buds; this time of year, it’s all about the olfactory – and everyone is interested in making their home smell like holiday cheer. Gift your neighbors your favorite candle or room spritz – or to make the gift just a little more heartfelt (and a whole lot prettier), make a big batch of stovetop potpourri to share along the street. We love this recipe from The Sweetest Occasion that features a beautiful mix of orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks and star anise.
Wrap enough for one pot in a clear cellophane bag and tie with a note that includes simmering instructions. Your neighborhood is about to start smelling like holiday heaven.
Kid-centric kits
If your neighbors have young kids, you can imagine just how relaxing that holiday break will be. Keeping little ones entertained is an exhausting job, so why not give those holiday-crazed parents a bit of reprieve with a gift that’s aimed at keeping tiny minds occupied.
A fun holiday craft set is the perfect way to gift festive cheer and a bit of kid-friendly entertainment. Find some easy DIY ornament sets like these from Michaels, or put your own materials together (wood figures, felt scraps, pompoms, paints, glitter, etc.) for a creative session that your neighbors (and especially your neighbors’ kids) will love.
Local business support
Every neighbor knows, when local businesses thrive, so does the entire community. This year, show some local support by sourcing your neighbor gifts from local businesses. Whether you opt for treats from a neighborhood bakery, a gift card to a trendy new restaurant or a candle or kitchen accessory from a locally owned boutique, you can help your neighbors get to know your community while doing your best to support it! Win/win/win.
Neighborhood branding
If you consider your street something really special, own it! Give the gift of neighborhood pride with a custom gift centered around it. Hang your house keys on a ring created just for you and your neighbors – with a bit of street pride printed right on it. Etsy has several options for creating the perfect piece to give your neighbors a sense of belonging.
And if you get credit for branding your street… well, so be it.
Something savory
With so many sweets piling up this time of year, your neighbors will thank you for a savory – or even healthy – offering. To keep it festive, choose an item as aesthetically pleasing as it is tasty. We love the gift of infused olive oil, which you can pick up in the store or make yourself.
Aimee Mars gives you several variations that are sure to tickle your neighbor’s tastebuds. Delivered in pretty jars with or without a loaf of crusty bread, this is one gift your neighbors can enjoy without the all-too-family holiday guilt.
Embracing the last-minute hustle
The holidays are here, but if you’re still empty-handed, don’t despair! Most of these gifts can be thrown together in a matter of hours, so hop to it! With a plan and a little creativity, you can delight your entire street – without all the stress – this holiday season.