Whether you find yourself swimming in way too many holiday cookies that you could, or rather, SHOULD not be eating all of or maybe you are trying your hardest to stay away from sweets this holiday to avoid the added 5 pound weight gain, either way, I have always appreciated getting a non-sweet holiday gift from neighbors or friends.

Here is a great round up of some non-sweet gift ideas to give to friends and neighbors this holiday season. Warning: there are LOTS of cheesy puns. But I do love a good holiday cheesy pun!

Bowl of Fruit

Whether you live in a warm climate with grapefruit growing in your backyard, or you can pick up some nice mandarins at the store, a bowl of in season fruit is always a nice gift.

Shake and Pour Pancake Mix

You can add some homemade pancake mix to a Mason jar with a note that says: “We’re ‘POURING OUT’ Christmas wishes and hoping you have a Christmas to ‘FLIP’ over.”

Measuring Cups or Spoons

Most people can use a few more measuring cups or spoons, especially at holiday time. Attach a not saying, “Wishing you joy beyond measure.”

Tape Roll

Tape rolls sure come in handy this time of year and often get misplaced you you can never seem to find a roll when you need one. Give one to your neighbor on a magnet with a note that reads, “Christmas time is always a rush, wish so much to do and no time to hush. We hope this tape on the fridge in full site will keep you from the store one more night.”

Popcorn and a Movie

Give a card with a Redbox movie code with some popcorn and give the gift of popcorn and a movie to your friends to enjoy over the holiday break.

Veggies and Dip

Give your neighbors baby carrots, along with veggie dip, with a note saying, “We know you are ‘24 carrot’ neighbors. What a treasure! Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.”

Muffin Mix

Give a jar with  muffin mix as well as instructions with additional mix-ins, along with a not saying, “You’re getting MUFFINS for Christmas.”

Wrapping Paper

Give a beautiful roll of wrapping paper (you can add in tape, gift tags, ribbons, etc i f you want) and include a not saying, “‘Wrap’ yourself up in holiday cheer.”

Another option for a note for a gift of wrapping paper and a roll of tape could say, “Since November you’ve been shopping, barely sleeping, hardly stopping. Now it’s late and you’re in a scrape, out of paper, out of tape. Hope this wrap saves the day! Have a happy holiday!”

Bread

Give a nice loaf of homemade bread (either white or wheat, or even a sweet bread like banana, pumpkin cranberry, etc.) and attach a note that says, “Any way you ‘slice’ it, you’re sweet neighbors.” Another option is “You have always been there when you were ‘kneaded’.”

Sugar scrubs

Give a friend a holiday inspired homemade sugar scrub like peppermint or gingerbread and give a note wishing them a relaxing holiday season.

Potted Herb

Herbs smell amazing and are a practical gift that can be used in cooking. Wrap a potted plant in some festive fabric wrapped in twine with a note saying, “Wish you a flavorful holiday season.”

Nice Soap

Who doesn’t love a nice new container of liquid soap? Attach a note saying, “We WASH you a Merry Christmas.”

Spatula

Spatulas are something else that are always useful so you can give one with a not saying, “We hope this helps SPREAD a little holiday cheer.”

Batteries

Batteries are always something needed during the holidays. Give a batch of batteries to your neighbors with the following note, “Hope you have enough ENERGY to last through the holidays.”

Well if you have stuck with me through all of those cheesy puns, congratulations! You are stronger than most! Ha. I hope these ideas were helpful. And I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season!