When the holiday season rolls around, it’s easy to get caught up in gift-giving for family and friends and forget about the people who make your neighborhood feel like home. From the couple next door who keep an eye on your house to the family that always shovels your sidewalk, showing appreciation doesn’t have to cost much. Here are some cheap Christmas gift ideas for neighbors that are thoughtful, festive, and easy on your wallet, including some fun mason jar gifts you can make yourself.
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1. Homemade Mason Jar Gifts
Mason jar gifts are perfect for neighbors because they’re affordable, easy to personalize, and look adorable when tied with a festive ribbon. Try one of these ideas:
- Hot Cocoa Kit: Layer hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes. Add a cute tag that says “Warm Wishes This Christmas.”
- Cookie Mix in a Jar: Combine dry cookie ingredients (like flour, sugar, and chocolate chips) in layers. Attach baking instructions on a holiday tag.
- Homemade Sugar Scrub: Mix 1 cup of sugar with ½ cup of coconut oil and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Add crushed candy cane bits for color and texture.
- Soup Mix Jar: Layer lentils, split peas, and seasonings for a comforting “just add broth” meal idea.
2. Scented Candle or Wax Melt
Grab a few seasonal candles or wax melts from the dollar store or discount retailers. Choose scents like “Christmas Cookie” or “Balsam Fir” and wrap them with cellophane and ribbon. You can even attach a tag that says, “You make our neighborhood shine bright!”
Related post: How To Make Money Making Candles
3. Homemade Baked Goods
Nothing says “thank you” like a plate of homemade cookies or fudge. Package treats in a festive tin, or reuse a mason jar for a stack of cookies tied with string. Bonus: bake in bulk to cover multiple neighbors at once.
4. Hot Chocolate Bombs
Hot chocolate bombs are trendy, fun, and surprisingly easy to make. Melt chocolate, form it into silicone molds, fill with cocoa and marshmallows, then seal. Wrap in foil or clear plastic wrap and tie with ribbon. Add a tag: “Just add hot milk and enjoy!”
5. Mini Poinsettia or Succulent
Plants bring cheer and life to any home. Mini poinsettias are usually under $5 at grocery stores, or you can repot small succulents into thrifted mugs for a personal touch.
Related post: How To Make Money Growing Plants At Home
6. Homemade Ornament
Craft simple ornaments using cinnamon sticks, dried oranges, or salt dough. Personalize them with your neighbor’s name or a short holiday message. Include a note: “Made with love from your neighbors next door.”
7. Mug and Cocoa Gift Set
Find inexpensive mugs (Dollar Tree or thrift stores are great for this) and fill them with cocoa packets, candy canes, or a small bag of mini marshmallows. Wrap in a clear bag with a bow.
8. DIY Potpourri or Simmer Pot Kit
Add slices of dried orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cranberries to a mason jar. Attach a note: “Simmer in water for a cozy holiday scent!” It’s festive, smells amazing, and looks beautiful on a kitchen counter.
Related post: 10 DIY Gift Ideas That Actually Save You Money
9. Jar of Peppermint Bark
Layer homemade peppermint bark pieces in a jar for a sweet, simple gift. All you need is white chocolate, crushed candy canes, and a microwave. Melt, mix, spread on parchment, chill, break, and package.
10. Personalized Christmas Card and Candy Bag
Even if you’re short on time or cash, a handwritten card with a small bag of chocolates, mints, or candy canes goes a long way. Include a warm message about how much you appreciate having them as neighbors.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a lot to spread holiday cheer in your neighborhood. With a few simple supplies, some mason jars, and a little creativity, you can give gifts that are heartfelt and memorable. After all, it’s the thought that counts, and your neighbors will appreciate the effort more than the expense.
