Can you believe November is almost over? This year has flown by, and it’s time, yet again, to focus on what we are going to do to show our neighbors our appreciation and love this holiday season. I love baking, and there are so many delicious holiday recipes to try out, but sometimes it can get a little overwhelming when your counter gets piled high with various sweets from all your loving neighbors! While some things you can freeze for later, often we can’t get through it all before stuff gets stale, or we are just too sugared out! With that in mind, sometimes it’s nice to do something a little different for your neighbors. Here is a list of some easy and cute ideas you can give your neighbors that aren’t loaded with sugar!

Fruit may still be sweet, but at least you’re getting some nutrition as well! And with all the junk available around the holidays, sometimes that’s just what your body is craving. Gift a pineapple with a tag that says Mele Kalikimaka, or make an adorable clementine wreath!

You can always stick with food and go with a more savory route, too. I love this cute little popcorn Santa, or you can attach a note that says something like “We wish you happiness as you “pop” into the new year!”. I also like that this is something the whole family can enjoy whenever they choose to! You could take it a step further and also attach a Redbox promo code that will allow them a free rental- the gift of a movie night!

Another cute idea is to gift a bag of tortilla chips with your favorite cheese dipping sauce and say something like “You are ‘nacho’ ordinary neighbors!”.

You can also go with something delicious- for the nose! I love this cute idea- “Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas” along with your favorite Christmas CD and a candle. Easy, and definitely a thoughtful gift! You can also gift your own batch of homemade Christmas potpourri- who doesn’t love the smells associated with Christmas?

Insert neighbor-soap image here

You can always stick with something practical. Everybody uses soap, making it a gift that is sure to always be appreciated; of course, you should attach a clever pun, like “Just soapin’ you have a Merry Christmas!”, “Spread cheer, not germs!”, or “We WASH you a Merry Christmas!” I’m a fan of the cheesey puns ;).

Another practical and yet cozy gift is a blanket! You can never have enough blankets, and you can make this a festive gift easily- “Fleece Navidad or “Just settle in for a long winter’s nap”, etc.

Another great idea is something to help your neighbors “wrap up” the Christmas season. We got a roll of tape one year from a neighbor- and it was perfect! I was using so much tape wrapping everything up that I easily went through that roll of tape- it was definitely a helpful gift!

And speaking of helpful, why not give the gift of no dishes? Some festive paper plates, cups, and napkins would be a very welcome gift to anyone this time of year! You could also gift a box of tissues, a roll of paper towels, or Clorox wipes- while they may seem boring, they will definitely be used by your neighbors! All you have to do is attach a cheesy pun and you’re set! (“We ‘tissue’ a Merry Christmas”, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good WIPE”, etc; you get the drift ;) ).

I’d love to hear your ideas of neighbors gifts that aren’t loaded with sugar!