| The more holiday cheer we can spread, the | | | | great for finding inexpensive holiday gifts that are |
| better, especially in our own neighborhoods. | | | | often just sentimental enough. |
| Here are some ideas for simple, sweet, | | | | 6. Favorite fixin's. Combine the dry ingredients of |
| inexpensive gifts that are just right. | | | | your favorite sugar cookie recipe in a plastic bag |
| 1. Holiday Cookies. Carve out a day to spend with | | | | and slide it into an inexpensive Christmas stocking. |
| your favorite ladies, and bake away. Pool your | | | | Print the baking ingredients on a festive tag, and |
| recipes and divvy up the goodies into gift bags or | | | | use a pretty ribbon to tie it to the stocking, along |
| decorative plastic gift trays at the end of the day. | | | | with a holiday cookie cutter. |
| 2. Have a stack of classic chocolates on hand. My | | | | 7. Fresh flowers. A simple bouquet of flowers, |
| kids' school has a fundraiser in September so we | | | | artfully arranged, is always welcome, especially |
| can buy just such incidental gifts, along with gift | | | | when it arrives with a heartfelt note. Potted plants |
| wrap. If you don't have such a fundraiser in your | | | | are wonderful, too. |
| neighborhood, you might think about starting one. | | | | 8. Wreaths or poinsettias. There's always room |
| handles ours.) If you are just looking for some | | | | for more holiday greenery. |
| yummy chocolates to stock up on, Ferrero | | | | 9. Gift certificates for your local favorite coffee |
| Rocher is a big favorite, and these chocolates can | | | | house, café, or soup restaurant. |
| be purchased inexpensively in beautiful holiday | | | | 10. Movie tickets (and if the family has young |
| arrangements at most discount stores. It's nice to | | | | children, throw in an offer to babysit, too.) |
| have a stack of extra gifts like these in the | | | | 11. An assortment of candles in festive shades |
| cabinet during the holidays, when you never know | | | | and aromas, or an aromatherapy diffuser and |
| when you'll need an extra gift. | | | | essential oils. Scents of peppermint and cinnamon |
| 3. A bottle of your favorite (and relatively | | | | are especially lovely this time of year. |
| inexpensive) wine. | | | | 12. A personalized ornament for the neighbor's |
| 4. A journal and a nice pen. It's nice to have a | | | | holiday tree. |
| special place to record their favorite personal | | | | 13. Simple photo albums or photo frames that |
| thoughts of family memories. | | | | match your neighbor's décor. |
| 5. Homemade crafts. If you're a scrapbooker, | | | | 14. An inspiring book of quotes or meditations. |
| make a mini holiday album. If you love to sew, | | | | 15. A simple note telling each neighbor what they |
| fashion some new placemats or potholders. And if | | | | bring to your life and how much you value their |
| you are not craft inclined, shop for neighborhood | | | | friendship. |
| gifts at your local holiday craft fair. These are | | | | Happy holidays from our neighborhood to yours! |