Like A Good Neighbor
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.
- 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)
- 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)
- 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.)
- 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)
- A cookie cutter as pretty as Mrs. Pots? Yes, please. (Sur La Table, 10 N. Rio Grande St., $4.95)
- 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).
December 15th, 2006 at 10:44 am
These gift ideas all sound delicious. Especially the carols coming from my Woxy Mixer. Love it! Thanks. AOL Radio is another excellent Internet radio (serving mac users only, purists i guess) featuring a vast selection of tunes – including 11 different stations of holiday music. Rock your heart out choosing among Indie Holiday, Pop Holiday or Navidad Latina! For those completely caroled out, there are 24/7 faves like Prince, Janet, Mariah, Metallica & Dave Matthews. What could be merrier?!
December 15th, 2006 at 3:46 pm
Those teapot cookie cutters are adorable! Thanks for the fabulous tips!
December 15th, 2006 at 6:00 pm
Caramel apples are a great idea, and so fun for sharing. The wheels in my head have been turning…and I have to say I always a love some homemade bread (or storebought, that’s what Great Harvest is for) with some gourmet honey. It’s one of those things that I would never buy for myself but love to receive from someone else.
December 18th, 2006 at 12:18 pm
Hey I thought of another really good neighbor gift…some mulling spices and a spice ball. You could also do some loose tea and a spice ball. Those sorts of things always sound good ’round the holidays. Cheers!
December 18th, 2006 at 12:31 pm
Awww, your blog makes me so miss SLC!
December 18th, 2006 at 2:24 pm
I heart this Blog!
December 18th, 2006 at 10:47 pm
Another fun and great idea is an already packaged cookie or cake mix with all the required ingredients…of course minus the dairy products…but it makes it much easier and convenient to want to make the cookies or cake! It is also great fun when a neighbor makes their favorite recipes of cookies, breads, etc. and inserts the recipe with the goodie!! It makes for a great recipe collection!!
December 19th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
Wow! So many great ideas–even ones that would work out last-minute. Am wondering where to find a spice ball, and what recipe I could share that doesn’t necessarily require a cake mix. :) Maeve is the baker around here, not me.
December 24th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
I have to agree on the Apple Pie apples, they are good anytime of the year, but especially at Christmastime