Thoughtful Small Gifts I Keep on Hand for Neighbors, Friends, and Surprise Visitors
You know me, I always keep a little stash of gifts tucked away. A couple for women, a couple for men, something for the teens, and then one or two “works-for-anyone” emergency options. It all started years ago when a neighbor dropped by with homemade fudge, and I had absolutely nothing but a half-burned candle and a bag of pretzels to offer in return. Never again.
Now I keep a basket in my closet with small, thoughtful gifts, and it has saved me more times than I can count. These are the kinds of things you can hand to a neighbor, your delivery driver who’s out in the cold, a coworker, a secret pal, or even that second cousin you haven’t seen since the last family reunion.
Here are the small gifts I’m keeping on hand this season, so I never have to scramble… and neither do you.
Small Gifts to Have on Hand This Season
If someone opened my front door and said, “What smells so good?” nine times out of ten, it would be this candle. The scent is fresh and bright, and for some reason, everyone loses their minds over it. The bubblegum-colored jar looks cheerful in a gift stash, too.
Perfect for: neighbors, girlfriends, your hairdresser, or anyone who likes their house to smell fancy.
This mini set is something my youngest granddaughter would want. It’s perfect for tucking into a stocking, pairing with a cozy robe, or keeping for that friend who’s always planning her next getaway.
Perfect for: teens, daughters, travelers, or that friend who is always planning a getaway.
These embroidered hydrangea napkins look far more expensive than they are. They look like something that came from a boutique, not something you grabbed from your gift stash. Tie them around a bottle of wine, and you have a hostess gift that looks surprisingly put together.
Perfect for: hostesses, neighbors, your mom, or the cousin you only see at Christmas brunch.
These are what I call “luxury comfort.” Barefoot Dreams socks are warm, soft, and have saved me many times when I needed something small but a little elevated. This is a gift everyone would love.
Perfect for: sisters, girlfriends, teachers, or anyone who’s always cold.
A compact lighted mirror is one of those things you don’t know you need until you have it. This rechargeable version is perfect for plucking eyebrows, touch-ups in the car, or keeping in your suitcase for those times when the hotel mirror isn’t up to par.
Perfect for: teens, girlfriends, or your daughter-in-law who always travels prepared.
This idea is so fun! Wrap a bottle of bubbly in one of these charming labels, and suddenly your simple champagne becomes a personalized gift. I keep these for those “Oh no, I forgot a gift” moments.
Perfect for: neighbors, coworkers, hostesses, or the unexpected drop-by visitor.
It’s hand sanitizer, but make it chic. This one is THE hand sanitizer you want. It smells lovely, looks cute in your bag, and won’t leave your hands sticky.
Perfect for: teens, teachers, girlfriends, or anyone constantly reaching for sanitizer.
This sweet little necklace is under $10! It’s perfect when you need a small but thoughtful gift. It’s feminine, affordable, and comes packaged so nicely you don’t even need to wrap it.
Perfect for: teens, nieces, coworkers, or secret pals.
This tiny clip-on book light makes a great stocking stuffer or can be paired with a cozy novel or bookstore gift card for an extra touch. Ideal for anyone who loves to read in bed.
Perfect for: book lovers, teenagers, grandparents, or anyone who travels.
These elegant stirrers fun, pretty, and a great little “extra” when you want to look thoughtful without spending much. Pair with a mug or cocktail mix and call it done.
Perfect for: coffee lovers, cocktail mixers, hostesses, or coworkers.
Cute and practical! This little zippered RX pouch is the little pouch you don’t think you need until you’re digging for aspirin in the bottom of your purse. It keeps everything tidy, and people always love practical gifts.
Perfect for: travelers, moms, coworkers, or that friend who likes to be prepared.
This gloss is a best-seller for a reason: it hydrates, adds shine, and flatters everyone. The shade “Ice” is a safe bet for gifting because it looks pretty on just about anyone.
Perfect for: daughters, teens, coworkers, beauty lovers, or stocking stuffers.
This little lotion smells heavenly and keeps dry winter skin at bay. It’s the perfect add-on for a beauty basket or to keep in your purse for on-the-go moisture.
Perfect for: teachers, coworkers, daughters, or anyone with dry skin.
These tortoise claw clips are strong, stylish, and actually hold your hair in place. Toss a few in your gift stash. They’re useful for every age and hair type.
Perfect for: teens, daughters, nieces, or stocking stuffers.
Shop More Small Gift Ideas:
Each time you share my posts on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE, AND FACEBOOK, it not only helps other ladies who might be style-challenged find my blog, but it also strengthens our community. Furthermore, I appreciate every one of you and consider you a friend.
Are You One Of The GURLS?
You’ll receive a daily email reminder from me, keeping you updated when a new blog post is published. Additionally, a special email might occasionally appear in your inbox, so be sure to keep an eye out for it.
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Verse Of The Day
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
