The holidays are a busy time with various annual activities. One is shopping for all of the recipients on your holiday gift list. When it comes to creating the list of who to shop for and what they are getting, most of the time people think of their family and friends. Yet, there may be others to add to your list. Sometimes neighbors, mail carriers, co-workers, hairdressers, etc. are left off the list, but still hold a valuable spot in your life. These are the people who complete a service for you or are an important part of your life. Because of that, they should also be considered during the holidays to receive a gift of gratitude and fellowship. While it may not be realistic to purchase a gift for everyone in your life outside of your family and friends, there are still many ways to help make these people feel memorable. While gift cards are wonderful tokens of appreciation, there are many other ideas for simple and small gifts. Take a look at the list of people and gift ideas below. See who you may want to include on your holiday gift list.

List of Possible People to Add:

• Neighbors
• Mail Carriers
• Babysitters
• Teachers and Childcare Providers
• School Bus Drivers
• School Crossing Guard
• Hairdressers and Nail Technicians
• Co-workers
• Handyman
• First Responders
• Service Men and Women
• Garbage Collectors
• Lawn Service Providers
• Medical Providers
• Cleaning Service

For many of these people, a heartfelt card will suffice. But, for the people who you interact with on a regular basis, a simple gift can go a long way.

Gift Ideas:

• Oven-mitts filled with a package of cookie or brownie mix. Add in a festive towel or fun whisk or spatula and you have one tasty gift with all the needed essentials. Don’t forget the cookie-cutters.
• A tray full of homemade cookies or another sweet or salty treat. Homemade or store bought bread is always a favorite.
• A mason jar filled with handmade hot chocolate mix. Another option is to place the mix inside a clear glass ornament with a cute ribbon tied on top.
• Stovetop Potpourri in a Jar – The sweet smells of Christmas are all mixed together in this potpourri recipe that can be made in large batches. First, get the needed number of mason jars. Then, add the following ingredients:
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Whole allspice
  • Whole cloves
  • Rosemary
  • Cranberries
  • Orange Slices
  • Whole Star Anise

Be sure to include instructions on the gift: place the items into water in a pot on the stove and let simmer.

• A small arrangement of herbs that will grow during the winter or spring.
• Cozy hand warmers – Quick and simple to make with these instructions:
  • Items Needed:
    • Two Pieces of 3” x 3” cotton Fabric
    • Uncooked Rice
    • Sewing Supplies
  • Directions:
    • Sew together, inside out, the fabric pieces, but leave an inch open on one side to add in the rice.
    • Then, turn the squares right side out.
    • Add in the rice. Fill the square to about 3/4s full.
    • Finally, sew the hole together.

Include the following instructions with your gift: place in the microwave to warm for 25 to 30 seconds. Let cool for a minute, before using.

• A personalized ornament that resembles the person you are gifting to. For example, a fun school ornament for a teacher.

These gifts don’t have to be big or expensive. Most of the time, these people are overlooked on holiday gift lists. A simple gift can have a big impact and valuable meaning that can last for many years.