5 Gifts to Whip up in a Flash for that Good Neighbor
I was raised in a house and a time where “running some over to the neighbor” was a common occurrence. Whether soup because someone was sick, a pie because it was just as easy to make two, or a batch of cookies as a holiday hello, letting the neighbors know they were appreciated with our handmade efforts was part of life. As busy as we all are these days, sometimes we don’t even know our neighbor’s names! Here’s 5 gifts that are easy to whip up, easy to give, and easy to run the results over to the neighbor who you appreciate or have been meaning to introduce yourself to.
1. What could be quicker than dipping pretzels in melted white chocolate then rolling in the decoration of your choice or drizzling with colored white chocolate? Present on a holiday paper plate, stand up in a canning jar with a bow around the neck, or wrap the bottom half in tissue paper and belt with a bow for a pretzel bouquet!
2. Cookie mix in a jar. Any recipe can be used for this by layering the dry ingredients (mixing the salt and baking soda in with the flour), but Google “cookie mix in a jar” and it will take you longer to look through the options than to put it together if you’re looking for new ideas! Change up the color scheme (pink’s not my thing, but I know I have some pink-loving friend’s out there!) to match the holiday you’re celebrating and change up the name to personalize for your recipient. [Click the picture for the Cowgirl Cookie Mix tutorial]
3. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate. This simple mix uses ingredients that many already have on hand. Wrap the mix in a decorative plastic bag and stash in a festive mug for personal portions with a tag that says Just add milk and heat! [Click on picture for this Taste of Home recipe]
4.Cappuccino Mix. If you went for the hot chocolate, you already have the non-dairy powdered milk and cinnamon. Add some coffee powder and nutmeg and you have the makings for a more sophisticated drink. Jar it up and tie on a little coffee scoop and mix directions for a a budget-friendly holiday gift that is sure to receive a welcome as warm as the beverage! [Click picture for recipe]
5. Coasters. For a non-food quick gift, modify this idea from Better Homes and Gardens. Get linen fabric that has the holiday or color scheme of your choice, cut squares to 5×5, and pull threads along all four sides until the fringe is the length you want it. If you want the coasters to have a little more heft to them, you can stack and glue two or more together. Stuff into a clear jar and tie the neck with a ribbon for a colorful gift that doesn’t need wrapping!
DO YOU HAVE A GOOD IDEA FOR A QUICK NEIGHBOR GIFT OR BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ONE? TELL US ABOUT IT!
That’s a new twist on the pretzels. I’m going to get those going this weekend!
New twist? More like twistless! I’m with you, Elle – this is a new go-to for me. I’m already thinking ahead to St. Patrick’s Day and pastels for Easter. And what about team colors for a Super Bowl watch party?? -El
Thanks — I needed the inspiration!
Glad to be of service, Debbie – let me know if you need a taster! 🙂 -El
My daughter, who is on a tight budget, always whips up some nice homemade treat like this for the holidays. Wonderful ideas.
Thanks, Susan! We just got back from playing cards with friends and our hostess handed us pumpkin bread wrapped in a tea towel as we left. How can you help but smile at the hominess of it?!
I won’t be making use of any of these great ideas this year. My December Goalfest challenge is so far behind I need all remaining 18 days to get it done and may still not make it. Sorry everyone, Christmas is cancelled!
Love your focus and dedication, Pauline! File this away for great gifts throughout the year. Who couldn’t use some chocolate-dipped rolled-in-green-sprinkles pretzels for St. Paddy’s Day??
I love the idea of the chocolate covered pretzels although I’ve never seen pretzels that shape here in the UK. I’ll have to have a search.
You can do the same with the big twisted pretzels, too, Jenny. Here’s a couple of links that show it on a twist – one partially dipped and one totally dipped: http://www.rachelswartley.com/2013/02/06/chocolate-dipped-pretzels-for-valentines-day/ http://themerrythought.com/recipes/chocolate-covered-pretzels-christmas-style/ -El
Great list and prompt.
I love giving home-made / baked gifts: Chocolate covered pretzels or oreos, Christmas Cookies or Scones, Russian Tea Mix or Margarita mix, Home bottled Kahlua, etc.
Mmmmm – makes me wish I was your neighbor, Nancy. I’m on a real scone kick right now. And Kahlua is always a good choice! What’s Russian Tea Mix? -El
Here’s a recipe:
http://www.cooks.com/recipe/bw5yo56n/russian-tea-instant-spiced-tea-mix.html
It’s a bit like Constant Comment tea, but presweetened.
Thanks, Nancy – that’s a pretty interesting combo!
Love these ideas, especially the coasters and pretzels. It’s possible they may be gifts to me! Hahahahaha…
Maybe we should experiment in the near future?? What occasion wouldn’t those pretzels work for? Another interesting variation was rolling them in crushed peppermint – it looked like rock candy. -El
Great ideas! I’ve always loved cookies in jar…especially if they’re Toll House.
Can’t go wrong with a Toll House cookie, Jill! That’s the one (and only!) cookie recipe I have memorized – which I guess just happens after three decades of making it!