Ideas for Holiday Neighbor Gifts

Easy, Thoughtful Neighbor Gifts (Even Last Minute)

I love giving simple gifts to neighbors and friends on our street during the holidays—usually a delicious treat or a small DIY that feels personal. It’s a fun way to show you’re thinking of them, and it’s also an easy way to get kids involved (hello, “joy of giving” moment!).

We enjoy our neighbors all year long, and the holidays are such a nice time to express our love for them in a thoughtful way. It’s even better when the kids help make the gift! We love delivering treats and singing a Christmas carol when we do!

Below you’ll find 30 frugal neighbor gift ideas broken into three sections: 10 non-edible homemade ideas, 15 edible homemade gifts, and 5 quick store-bought options for when you’re in a pinch.

Packaging tip: you can find cute packaging options at lots of stores right now, like Walmart, Target, or even a dollar store. Think ribbon, twine, bows, gift tags, treat boxes, tins, and cellophane bags. (After Christmas, watch for clearance and stock up for next year!)

Top 10 Homemade Gift Ideas for Neighbors (Non-Edible)

1. DIY Christmas Countdown Plaque

Gift this one a bit early so they can actually use it before Christmas. Great for families with kids who love counting down!

2. Snowman Soap

All you need is a bottle of white soap, puff paint, and a few simple supplies. Full tutorial: Down Redbud Drive.

3. Chalkboard Countdown

A reusable countdown they can use for Christmas, birthdays, vacations, and more.

4. DIY Pine Scented Candle

This striped candle looks gorgeous and smells like Christmas. Tutorial: Sugar and Charm.

5. Homemade Ornaments

These are great for families and classrooms too. Start here: DIY Christmas ornaments for kids.

6. Homemade Holiday Potpourri

Looks pretty on a shelf and smells amazing simmered on the stove. Tutorial: Tidbits.

7. DIY Blue Mason Jars

These look boutique-level when filled with candy, lights, or a small candle.

8. Christmas Tea Tree

Perfect for tea lovers. Tutorial: Christmas Tea Trees.

9. Holiday Decorative Frame

Simple, classy, and still feels thoughtful—especially paired with a printable quote or family photo.

10. DIY Coasters

Everyone uses coasters, and they’re fun to customize. Ideas here: DIY coasters.

15 Edible Homemade Christmas Gifts for Neighbors

Homemade food wrapped up nicely is one of the most thoughtful gifts. If you’re gifting anything perishable, add a quick label with “made on” date and storage notes. (Food safety tips: FoodSafety.gov holiday food gift tips.)

1. Homemade Jam

Pour jam into a small mason jar and add a bow. Try one of these:

• Quick Strawberry Freezer Jam
• Low Carb Raspberry Chia Jam

2. Reindeer Mason Jars

Tutorial: Polka Dot Chair.

3. Custom Mug with Hot Cocoa Stirring Spoon

Pair with a packet of cocoa or mini marshmallows for an easy “cozy night” gift.

4. Candy Santa Hat Sleighs

Tutorial: Life With My Littles.

5. Hot Chocolate Santas

These add instant holiday personality and are fun for kids too.

6. Homemade Caramel Sauce

Perfect in a jar with a tag: “Pour over ice cream, apples, or brownies.”

7. Homemade Freezable Cookie Dough

Gift with baking directions and a “bake day” note—so cute and practical.

8. Homemade BBQ Sauce

Pour into a jar and label it. Recipe: Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce Copycat.

9. SOS Mix

Great pantry gift for busy families: SOS Mix (Cream of Anything Soup).

10. Homemade Apple Pie Filling

Make multiple jars at once for gifting: Apple pie filling with printable labels.

11. DIY Brownie Mix

Layer dry ingredients in a jar and attach a tag with wet ingredients + bake time. Recipe: Better Than a Box Homemade Brownie Mix.

12. Treat Plate

Pick one or mix a few treats. Start here: Christmas treats or browse cookies & treats.

13. Popcorn

Popcorn gifts are easy and always welcome. Try: Quick and Easy Caramel Popcorn or more ideas here: popcorn recipes.

14. Candied Nuts

Bag them up with a ribbon: Cinnamon Roasted Pecans.

15. Homemade Bread

Mini loaves feel extra giftable. Grab ideas here: muffins & quick breads.

5 Easy Gift Ideas That Aren’t Homemade

If you’re short on time, these are still useful, easy to package, and genuinely appreciated.

1. Batteries

Wrap with a ribbon and gift tag. (Bonus points if you add “for all the new toys!”)

2. Bubble Bath

Instant “relax” gift—tie a ribbon around the bottle and call it done.

3. Neighbor Mug

Funny mugs are always a hit—pair with cocoa packets or tea bags.

4. Ornament

A simple ornament can be meaningful (especially if it matches their style—funny, rustic, or elegant).

5. Hand Soap

Simple, practical, and easy to make cute with a tag and bow (holiday scents are always popular).

Quick Packaging Tips (Make Any Gift Look Expensive)

• Use one “hero” element: a big bow, a cute tag, or a mini ornament tied on.
• Stick to 2 colors: it looks more polished (ex: red + kraft, black + gold, pink + white).
• Add a tiny note: a 1-sentence card makes even a simple gift feel personal.
• Label food gifts: “made on” date + storage note is thoughtful and helps families enjoy it safely.

FAQs

What’s a good inexpensive neighbor gift idea that doesn’t feel cheap?

Anything that’s practical or consumable works well—mini bread loaves, popcorn mixes, cocoa spoons, or a pretty candle. Simple packaging (tag + ribbon) makes a huge difference.

How early should I deliver neighbor gifts?

For holiday treats, 3–10 days before Christmas is a sweet spot. For countdown gifts, deliver earlier so they can actually use them.

What are the safest edible gifts to give neighbors?

Shelf-stable items like cookies, fudge, popcorn, candied nuts, and bread are usually easiest. If you gift anything perishable, include storage notes and deliver close to when they’ll eat it.

What if I don’t know my neighbor well?

Go neutral: ornaments, soap, cocoa, popcorn, or a small candle. These feel friendly without being too personal.

Final Thoughts

Neighbor gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. A small treat, a simple DIY, or a useful store-bought item—packaged nicely—can create a lot of holiday joy.

If you want more frugal ways to wrap gifts, don’t miss: Frugal and creative gift wrapping ideas.

Want even more ideas?

• 25 Homemade Gift Ideas Perfect for Any Occasion
• More Gift Ideas (Gift Category)

More Easy Ideas

• Hot Chocolate Spoons DIY Gift
• Peppermint Sugar Scrub Recipe
• Holiday Tips (Frugal + Helpful)