HomeGift AdviceWhat Do You Give Your Neighbors for Christmas?

What Do You Give Your Neighbors for Christmas?

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Short answer: Most people give neighbors a small, shareable treat, like a tin of butter cookies, a bag of good chocolate or a box of truffles, usually $10 to $20. For neighbors you're close to, step up to a fruit or nut gift basket. A candle or hot cocoa set is a nice non-food option.

Neighbor gifts should be easy to give and easy to enjoy. Store-bought treats are the safest choice, since many families avoid homemade food, and a short note goes a long way. Here are our picks for quick drop-offs, closer neighbors and non-food gifts. For more food gifts, see our 55 best Christmas food gifts.

How we chose: This is a researched shopping guide, not a hands-on product test. Every pick comes from products we researched for our full Masters of Gifts gift guides, and prices shown are the ones we last checked. Prices change, so check the retailer before you buy. Our editorial standards explain how we research every list.

Sweet treats to drop off

Easy, affordable gifts for the whole street.

Royal Dansk butter cookies tin, 24 oz

Royal Dansk butter cookies tin, 24 oz

The classic blue tin of Danish butter cookies, a tin people reuse for years.

Amazon price: $14.98 (checked October 27, 2026)

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Ghirardelli assorted chocolate squares, 12.5 oz bag

Ghirardelli assorted chocolate squares, 12.5 oz bag

Individually wrapped Ghirardelli squares to drop a few into each bag.

Amazon price: $13.49 (checked October 27, 2026)

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Lindt LINDOR sea salt milk chocolate truffles, 60 count

Lindt LINDOR sea salt milk chocolate truffles, 60 count

For the office candy bowl or for filling 10 to 12 small favor bags.

Amazon price: $41.64 (checked October 27, 2026)

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Bigger gifts for close neighbors

For the neighbors who watch your house or shovel your walk.

Harry & David Royal Riviera pears, Cream of the Crop

Harry & David Royal Riviera pears, Cream of the Crop

Gift-boxed Royal Riviera pears from Harry & David, a holiday favorite.

Amazon price: $34.99 (checked October 27, 2026)

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Holiday Nuts Gift Basket, Extra Large Assortment

Holiday Nuts Gift Basket, Extra Large Assortment

A larger assortment of sweet and roasted salted gourmet nuts.

Amazon price: $36.95 (checked October 27, 2026)

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Stonewall Kitchen Classic Sampler Collection

Stonewall Kitchen Classic Sampler Collection

A six-piece jam and condiment gift box for a breakfast spread or cheese board.

Amazon price: $37.00 (checked October 27, 2026)

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Cozy non-food gifts

For neighbors with dietary restrictions.

Yankee Candle Balsam & Cedar large jar candle

Yankee Candle Balsam & Cedar large jar candle

A large Yankee Candle in a cozy balsam and cedar scent.

Amazon price: $19.97 (checked October 27, 2026)

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Dunkin' hot chocolate bombs, 3-pack gift set

Dunkin' hot chocolate bombs, 3-pack gift set

Boxed hot chocolate bombs that are ready to hand over.

Walmart price: $13.50 (checked October 27, 2026)

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Bedsure GentleSoft sherpa fleece throw blanket

Bedsure GentleSoft sherpa fleece throw blanket

A soft sherpa throw that works for almost anyone.

Amazon price: $18.99 (checked October 27, 2026)

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Skip this

A few neighbor gifts can go wrong.

  • Homemade treats for people you don't know well. Some families avoid homemade food because of allergies. Store-bought is safer.
  • Alcohol. You may not know who drinks. Choose a treat or candle instead.
  • Big gifts that create pressure. Keep it small so neighbors don't feel they need to reciprocate.

Neighbor gift FAQ

How much should you spend on neighbor gifts?

$10 to $20 per household is common. Close neighbors might get a bit more.

Should you give your neighbors a Christmas gift?

It's not required, but a small treat and a card are a nice gesture, especially for neighbors who help you out.

What is a good non-food gift for neighbors?

A candle, hot cocoa set, or holiday ornament works well for neighbors with dietary restrictions.




Bobby Bernstein
Bobby Bernstein
Bobby Bernstein is the owner of Masters of Gifts and has spent more than a decade covering shopping and gifting. He is the former owner of Nerdmuch.com and the former shopping editor at Heavy.com, and his bylines have appeared at Gadget Review, Slickdeals, GameStop, Ranker and many other outlets. Before moving into shopping journalism, he spent more than five years in retail management. You can reach him on Twitter.

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