The neighbor gift: The sometimes problematic but good-spirited gesture of neighborly affection. Even when neighborhoods agree to put an end to the round-robin of gift-giving and invest in a charity instead, a knick-knack or fruitcake is sure to arrive on the doorstep—and we don’t mean your crazy uncle.

If you’re still scouting out or trying to brew up the perfect token of appreciation, you could just try any of these five things, sure to brighten any holidayscape or warm the belly.

1. We’re conjuring up memories of sharing a sliced “Apple Pie” caramel apple with friends and family. A sweet experience you can pass on. (Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 602 E. 500 South, $4.50)
2. A peppermint candy that chews and melts in the mouth, complete with a vintage-inspired, reusable tin. (Chewy Peps at Hip & Humble, 1045 E. 900 South, $15)
3. We love Utah’s-own Stephen’s Hot Chocolate, especially in French Vanilla and Chocolate Mint Truffle. The gift of hot beverage gives the recipient a sweet treat they can turn around and share with others on cold nights … or hoard for themselves. (At local grocery stores, around $4.99 for one-pound can.)

4. Tried and true, the pretty ornament is an old reliable. A safe but sparkly variety should blend in nicely with any holiday theme, be it Candyland or White Christmas. (Walls, 1465 S. 700 East, $4.50)
5. A cookie cutter as pretty as Mrs. Pots? Yes, please. (Sur La Table, 10 N. Rio Grande St., $4.95)
6. There is such a thing as too much FM 100. And there’s nothing quite like hearing your favorite artist cover Wham’s “Last Christmas.” The Christmas mix never gets old. Check out songs featured on Woxy’s Holiday Mixer. (Thanks, Lacey).

You know what they said about the Grinch (nasty, wasty skunk, heart full of unwashed socks, etc.). Better summon some spirit for the season. These festive activities are guaranteed to bring out your inner Tiny Tim or help you get your Santa on.

Ski Like Santa: The Canyons is offering a free day of skiing on Saturday to anyone willing to don Santa’s cap, beard, and infamous red velour getup. And yes, the full costume is a must; a lack of costuming effort will result in the lack of a free ticket. Passes go to the first 50 Santa wannabes. Find more info here.

Nativity, Florida-Style: A street in the Aves goes all Miami on us this time of year with its pinked-out nativity scene. We mean pink as in pink flamingos. Each house on the street dresses up a plastic garden bird to contribute to the collective nativity scene (or so the story goes). One of our favorites is covered in cotton balls … it’s a sheep, you see? Gifts of the Magi include Chinese takeout and Cuban cigars. The flamingos are so clever and funny, you’ll want to take them home, but remember to be respectful. The newest addition to the display is a sign posting the “11th Commandment:” Thou Shall Not Steal Thy Neighbor’s Flamingo. See it on 10th Avenue between K and L Streets.

All Griswalded-Out: Eat your heart out, Clark. This Murray home is so decked out, it has been featured on HGTV. The homeowner has a website, on which he says, “You won’t believe your eyes … or ears.” It’s true. He has streamed music for your viewing and hearing pleasure through 99.9 FM. See the work of a truest holiday fanatic at 5631 S. Whispering Pine Circle (5631 South 820 East). For more ideas of where to see light displays, get suggestions from the lighting connoisseur, himself.

There’s nothing like a good cup of holiday cheer to make you want to pull up your sleeves and expose your inner Martha.

You’ve still got twelve days to make the holidays craftily complete. We searched the world (wide web) for our list of DIY favorites. These are the projects that made the cut, so to speak.

This little knick-knack shelf from craftster.org is the answer for displaying the ambush of tidings of great joy, i.e, cheery, yearly updates from friends and family. Perfect for an entryway, and even cuter if made in duplicate and stacked.

We’ve made these danglies before, and the blogger couldn’t be more correct; these earrings are super duper easy to construct.

Put a twist on the concept by employing the same technique to create a sparkly mini garland for your mantle or shelving, or create a ring around candle groupings … any place that could use some holiday glitz. Fancy beads would also dress-up a wreath with a little holidazzle.

Though you’ll need some knitting foreknowledge (stitch one, pearl two….), these whimsical slippers would set any toes a’twinkle. We love the ballet-inspired “laces.”

A wonderfully intricate snowflake takes the typical origami project up a notch. Make three and use them as ornaments, or if you have the time and patience, make a batch of differing shapes and sizes and string them above your kitchen window (if you’re lucky enough to have one).

These little wreaths are all over online, but we love the playful, mixed-media look of this one. This post offers the most direction—and an adorable creation (and that fabric isn’t bad either).

Somehow, everything’s more fun when miniaturized, stockings included. Leave it to Martha and crew to come up with something so criminally cute.

These days, there’s a cozy for everything and anything. Even headphones. A thoughtful/kitschy offering for the friend who never leaves home sans iPod.

PS: Check out Domino’s pretty, new site. You’ll see their handful of DIY holiday gift ideas here.

Row 1 (left to right)

1. A cool day planner kit would make deadlines so much more manageable. (Artichokes & Co., 1790 S. 1100 East, $39)
2. Whether used as wall decorations or to serve salads, regal crown plates feel so deliciously Marie Antoinette. (Artichokes & Co., 1790 S. 1100 East $38)
3. Barbara Bestor offers an insider’s look at the stylish California Silver Creek neighborhood in “Bohemian Modern.” Connoisseurs will go crazy for the grainy hardcover. (In store at 116 S. Rio Grande St. and online at Anthropologie.com, $34.95)
4. The gift of paper gives re-decorators and other creative minds a great start on a new project. (Wallpaper from Walls, 1465 S. 700 East, $38 and up)
5. An organizable Home Maintenance binder helps new home owners stay on top of matters in the nest: a gift that keeps on giving. (Artichokes & Co., 1790 S. 1100 East, $33)

Row 2 (left to right)

1. A beautiful Rococo Noir scalloped pedestal makes the perfect stand for the baker of mini cupcakes in the family. (Artichokes & Co., 1790 S. 1100 East, $33)
2. Two gifts in one: a really big coinpurse and ladylike, handheld clutch. (HouseAndWear.com, “Lucky Breaks Online” price: $32, just enter “Lucky” at checkout. Thanks, Lucky!)
3. A cute little soap-and-dish combo makes washing hands a lot more fun, and keeps sink spaces looking cheery. (Hip & Humble, 1043 E. 900 South, $29 for soap and dish, sold separately)
4. A candle with a jar so elegant, it will be kept long after the wax has melted. (Mor Fig and Olive candle, Anthropologie.com, $28)
5. Any combination of Ceramic Egg Vases in lovely shades of green and blue will give a home a nice, little dose of nature. (WestElm.com, $19, $16 and $12)

Row 3 (left to right)

1. “ReadyMade: How to Make (Almost) Everything” is the big answer for the ultimate DIYer on your list. (Anthropologie.com, $25)
2. A desk planner fit for soccer moms, working gals and other office queens. (Hip & Humble, 1043 E. 900 South, $24)
3. Ceramic made-in-Japan kitchen goods by Bee House will animate and re-animate countertops. (Blue Cockatoo, 1506 S. 1500 East, $20-$24)
4. A hostess can put sweets or soaps on a pedestal with these so-cute glass canisters. (Hip & Humble, 1043 E. 900 South, $22 and $14)
5. Bijou Candle Holders give off year-round glam. (WestElm.com, $4.99, $11.99 and $14.99)

Row 4 (left to right)

1. T-shirts mocked up with original designs by artists are truly the most wearable form of wearable art—even printed in limited quantities. (Threadless T-shirt, Threadless.com, $20)
2. Let your friend wake up to her favorite musician with the cutest, coolest and cheapest poster of any of-the-moment band. (TheSmallStakes.com, $20)
3. Give the power to personalize walls, t-shirts and pillows with wrestling masks, turntables and spray cans. (Stencil1 stencil kit, Blue Cockatoo, 1506 S. 1500 East, $23.95)
4. Damask-patterned drawer liners scented with Vanilla Pear keep the dresser’s insides pretty and its contents smelling pretty irresistible. (Gianna Rose Atelier liners, Walls, 1465 S. 700 East, $20)
5. Who wouldn’t want to wipe their mouth with a napkin this cute? (Set of six napkins, Hip & Humble, 1043 E. 900 South, $16)

Row 5 (left to right)

1. A gift of giving: your sister can keep her gifts looking customized throughout the year with rubber stamp and tag kits from Cavallini & Co. (Blue Cockatoo, 1506 S. 1500 East, $16)
2. Practically one-of-a-kind alligator-skin (actually paper) bracelets give the jeans-and-t-shirt wearer a spoonful of hip-ness; (http://evlovedesigns.blogspot.com, $15)
3. At-once simple and ornate, a Vintage Bluette Bobby keeps growing-out bangs tucked stylishly away. (Darlybird.com, $4)
4. Pulled-back hair never looked so good with embellished elastics by Hunkin Bunkin. (Blue Cockatoo, 1506 S. 1500 East, $10-$14)
5. A delicate flower votive gets the gardener through winter. (Hip & Humble, 1043 E. 900 South, $12)

Row 6 (left to right)

1. Keep your friend looking cute and feeling comfortable despite her toothache with the help of an amusing Vintage Ice Bag. (ContainerStore.com, $11.99)
2. The sweetest hair clips by Chaffinch; made with delicate vintage fabrics. (Blue Cockatoo Gallery, 1506 S. 1500 East, $7-12)
3. A cheery, layered ring warms up cold fingers. (Etsy.com, $10 and up)
4. No wrapping necessary with these nicely-packaged and tasty caramels by V Chocolates. (Emigration Market, 1706 E. 1300 South, and Vchocolates.com, $7.99.
5. Post-its never looked so dainty; the perfect gift for the cube-mate. (VictorianTradingCo.com, $7.99)