Christmas is easily my favorite time of the year. There is just something so magical about the holiday season! People giving to others, random acts of kindness, helping those in need... this time of year really restores my faith in humanity.
We love thinking up presents for our families, but I also like to think of little love gifts for neighbors, friends, the mailman... all those people who help us out in our day-to-day lives. I especially like coming up with presents for our neighbors. These are the people who are there when life puts us in a bind. Whether they water your plants while you're away, watch the dog, or just smile from across the street when you've had a hard day, neighbors are a blessing.
We have been blessed with some amazing neighbors, so I wanted to say thank you with a little gift basket filled with goodies guaranteed to make them smile!
The first item in my basket is a jar of homemade chocolate covered almonds with sea salt. This little recipe is super simple and can be made in bulk and then divvied up for each sweet neighbor. Plus, keep some extra for yourself!
Ingredients:
6 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate
2 cups almonds
sea salt
Adjust the amount of chocolate and almonds to your needs.
Directions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds at a time until fully melted and smooth.
3. Add almonds to melted chocolate and stir to coat.
4. Using a fork, lift the almonds out of the bowl one by one and place on the parchment paper. Don't take out more than a couple at a time or they will all stick together.
5. Sprinkle with sea salt and let chocolate harden and cool. Stick it in the refrigerator to speed up the process!
Now that you have your delicious chocolate covered almonds with sea salt ready to gift, it's time to turn to Hallmark to complete your basket. I don't know about y'all, but greeting cards just make me happy. I love receiving them, and I love giving them. No present is complete without a heartfelt card, and this neighbor gift basket is no exception.
I chose a different card with each neighbor in mind and then wrote a personal note inside each. This card is going to not only a wonderful neighbor, but a wonderful friend. I don't know what I would do without this person, and I hope this Hallmark card reminds her how special I think she is!
The final item for my gift basket is a Hallmark ornament. When I walked into Walmart and saw the huge display of ornaments, I knew that would be the perfect addition. I chose an angel ornament because this neighbor lost her mom this year. The holidays can be so tough when loved ones aren't here with us, but I hope she can look at this angel ornament and remember her beautiful mama watching over her in Heaven.
When we lost Taylor Grace last year, it was right before the holidays. A couple of sweet friends gifted us ornaments with her name and the year she went to Heaven, and those two ornaments are my favorite on our tree. They are such a beautiful reminder that our little angel is up there in Heaven, and I hope this one can be that same reminder to my precious neighbor.
Throw in a few extra little chocolates or candies, and your gift basket is complete! Simple and thoughtful- that's the name of the game with this one!
I purchased my Hallmark card and ornament at Walmart in the card section, but there is also a huge selection of Hallmark ornaments in a separate section at the front of the store.
Click here to save $1.00 off of a two Hallmark Greeting Card purchase at Walmart, minimum $1.00 purchase required. Take advantage of the savings and #SendHallmark this season!
Click here to save $1.00 off of a two Hallmark Greeting Card purchase at Walmart, minimum $1.00 purchase required. Take advantage of the savings and #SendHallmark this season!
I love buying ornaments! Andy and I have started a tradition of buying 2 ornaments each year.
ReplyDeleteYES! this is such a great idea for neighbors!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a sweet idea! I'm making cookie trays for our neighbors. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful basket and I love that ornament. So sorry for your loss! Sending prayers and thoughts of comfort during this time of year for you! #client
ReplyDelete