Holiday Gift Ideas for Neighbors & Friends

Pulling together holiday gift ideas for neighbors and friends is something that brings me so much joy! I love making, I love creating and I love gifting. The homemade touch, the appreciative response and the overall feeling of ‘I made this’ is so fulfilling this time of year. We don’t all need to spend a fortune to give to those who surround us!

Growing up, I always loved when my mom made wassail. If you’ve never heard of wassail, it’s a cider – type beverage that in medieval times they drank for a good year ahead. It’s yummy and so nostalgic. Whenever she made it, the smell would fill our home and it smells just like Christmas. She gifted it to friends and neighbors and people would talk about how they looked forward to receiving it each year. Here is the recipe I grew up with.

Now as a mom, I do make the same wassail for my kids, but sometimes I just want that smell… 

These days, during the holidays, I burn these simmering spices and it smells just like nostalgic Christmas to me. And let me tell you, it looks so pretty in the pot. The cranberries don’t really add much aroma but they do look gorgeous. The pop of red screams Christmas, and bonus is it’s non toxic unlike some of those heavily scented candles!

This super easy-to-pull together kit makes such a great doorstep gift or neighbor gift. We gifted one to each of my children’s teachers along with a gift card and everyone feels special. After all, you took time out of your day to create something for them…that’s awesome!

I dry my oranges in the oven at 240 degrees for about 4 hours. I slice them about 1/4″ thick and dab them dry. They usually need about 4 hours in the oven, turning each hour. You can also do this with fresh oranges. If you choose to gift to friends include a whole orange in your gift bag instead of the dried orange slices.

Here’s what you will need:

• 4 dried orange slices
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• 1/4 cup whole cloves
• 1 single star anise
• add a splash of vanilla for an extra touch!

Add the contents to a small saucepan or mini slow cooker. Add 2 to 3 cups of water and simmer on low uncovered. Add additional water as needed and let it do it’s thing. The scent should last a few days!

I like to bag up all the ingredients in a clear cellophane bag but it does look very charming in a mason jar as well. 

Add a handwritten note or tag, with cooking instructions and top with a ribbon. I have a free printable gift tag here for you…alright, you’re set! The sweetest holiday gift for the sweetest people in your life!

What are other holiday gift ideas for neighbors and friends you love? Share your traditions in the comments!

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