Gift Ideas for Your Neighbors, Co-Workers, Teachers & Friends - Day 11

Welcome!

This is Day 11 of the 21 Days to a Stress Free & Debt Free Christmas.

I’m so excited that you are joining me for what I hope will be a really helpful series designed to walk with you step by step through the Christmas season in a way that ensures you keep your sanity and that you don’t overspend.

Today, let’s talk about gifts for teachers, co-workers, neighbors, or friends.

It can be a challenge at times to know how to handle gifts for your co-workers, teachers, neighbors, or friends. You may really want to give to them, but if funds are low then it may not always be possible. I totally understand that position and would encourage you to let go of any guilt you may have if you are simply not able to give to them this year. I am a firm believer in handwritten notes, so perhaps you could write them a note expressing how much you appreciate them.

I try to give to as many of these people as possible, so I try to squeeze out even a little bit of money and look for really frugal options. If possible, maybe your group of friends, co-workers, neighborhood friends could do a gift exchange, where you only give to one person within those circles. Here are some ideas if you are hoping to give, but still have to keep your budget in check.

1. Baked goods/homemade treats

Who in the world doesn’t enjoy baked goods or some other homemade treat? If the recipient doesn’t want to polish them off themselves, then they can always use them up to share with friends who may come and go during the holiday season. This gift can save them time from having to prepare something for any guests. This fudge recipe HERE is a really simple one and quite yummy!

2. Mixes in a jar

The next best thing to a homemade treat would be giving the ingredients. This idea allows the recipient to choose when to use the item. They could save the cookie or hot cocoa mix until later on when all the other treats have been eaten up. If you give them in a cute mason jar*, then they can use that for something else later. Who doesn’t love mason jars? I’ve used this recipe HERE for Christmas cookies for a couple of years, and it even includes free printables. So cute!

Christmas Cookies in a Jar by The Larson Lingo

3. Hand soaps

While I know lotions can be a touchy subject with some folks, everyone uses hand soap {or at least they should!}. These are useful and you can make them fun by choosing some seasonal scents that aren’t available all year round.

4. Sauces + a kitchen accessory

I might not have thought of this one on my own, had I not received it one year for myself. Do you have a favorite homemade BBQ sauce, pesto, or salsa that your friends or co-workers might enjoy? Add in a silicone baster brush* or some other kitchen accessory, and you have a really cute and practical gift.

5. Coffee/tea + travel mug

Your coffee or tea drinking friends would love this one. I still don’t see anything wrong with giving cute coffee mugs, but that is another one that I keep hearing people talk against. If you feel like they might have too many regular mugs, go for a travel mug. I use my Contigo travel mug* constantly and it has never spilled or leaked {this is not my exact mug, but looks very similar}. It’s been dropped quite a bit and is still going strong. It’s not the cheapest mug, but it’s a great one if you can swing the price.

6. Redbox promo codes + movie snacks

I saw this idea online and I LOVE it! I love it so much that I’m seriously considering using it for some gifts this year. I had no idea, but you can purchase promo codes from the Redbox website. Attach the promo codes to some boxes of candy, a bag of popcorn, or a 2 Liter drink and you can give the perfect at-home movie night gift.

7. Gift cards

They may seem boring to some people, but I never get tired of receiving gift cards. Whether it’s to Starbucks, Amazon*, or a local yogurt ship, a small gift card is always a nice thought treat!

If you still need some more ideas, check out some of these posts below. While they may be labelled as teacher or neighbor gifts, I think most would work for co-workers and friends as well.