Tag Archive for: friends

Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy—it’s also a perfect time to show kindness and strengthen connections right in your own neighborhood and/or community. Whether you want to surprise a new family next door or thank the longtime neighbors who always keep an eye out, why not give a thoughtful Halloween gift to make the season even more special? And you may ask, why do I write about this? Well, it has NOTHING to do with this holiday being my birthday. That’s just absurd! 😉

Why Give Halloween Gifts to Neighbors?

The winter holidays often get all the attention when it comes to gifting, but Halloween offers its own unique magic. A small seasonal gift can make a big impression—it says, “I appreciate you,” while adding fun and festivity to your neighborhood. Gifting also helps create traditions, like starting a “You’ve Been Boo’d” surprise exchange, where one neighbor secretly leaves a treat-filled basket on a doorstep to be passed along. Doesn’t this sound like fun!

Halloween Gift Ideas Made Easy

You don’t need to go big to make an impact. Here are some creative yet simple ideas to get started:

  • Spooky Treat Bags: Fill small bags or baskets with classic Halloween candy, popcorn balls, or caramel apples. Wrap them in orange and black cellophane for a festive look.

  • Pumpkin Spice Goodies: Share the flavors of the season with pumpkin bread, cookies, or a jar of homemade spiced mix. I found a few great options at Homegoods recently!

  • Festive Décor: Mini pumpkins, fall-scented candles, or even glow-in-the-dark window clings make fun, inexpensive gifts.

  • Boo Buckets: Start a “You’ve Been Boo’d” tradition by leaving a surprise basket of goodies on a neighbor’s doorstep with a note encouraging them to pass along the fun. Want to get even more creative? Personalize them!

  • Non-Candy Options: For those who might not want sweets, consider gifting Halloween socks, themed mugs, or cozy throws in fall colors.

Add a Personal Touch

A handwritten note or Halloween card can make even the smallest gift extra meaningful. Consider adding a cheerful message like, “Wishing you a spooktacular Halloween!” or “Thanks for being such a great neighbor.” Or simply leave it at a door with an “Always Watching” tag.

Make This Halloween Effortless & Memorable

Giving Halloween gifts to your neighbors doesn’t have to be elaborate—it’s the thought and spirit that count. Whether you drop off a plate of cookies or surprise them with a “boo basket,” these little gestures create joy that lingers long after October 31. After all, Halloween isn’t just about the kids knocking on doors—it’s about creating community joy, one doorstep at a time.

Need help to make this happen? Know I am always here to curate festive, ready-to-give gifts that take the stress out of finding the perfect surprise any time, including Halloween. Instead of juggling candy, décor, and wrapping, you can simply choose a beautifully designed gift box that delights at first sight. Contact me and we can get some fun ideas going!

Until Next Time,

SH Signature

One of a Kind Show – Chicago

As you all know, I LOVE the One of a Kind Show – Chicago. I’ve posted, talked, and gushed about it for years…so much so that a group of us head there together each December. I find the best, most unique gifts. And since the holidays don’t automatically end on December 25, I thought I’d give you a few gift ideas from the vendors I love at the show.

Gift Ideas

Have a sweet teen in your life? Try whimsyjewelry.com. When I was at her booth, she told me she was inspired to create her active girls necklaces after watching Zendaya in The Greatest Showman! I not only bought a gift for my niece but a super cute girl jump-roper necklace for ME!

For little people, it can be hard to find the right thing that is also ok for the parent. Enter Ames-based The Bubble Haus. They have the cutest soap paints you’ve ever seen. Your little creative can make art AND get clean using them.

What about that hard-to-buy-for sister/aunt/mom/girlfriend? I can tell you sapahn has JUST the right thing for her. They have all the options you’d ever want for her…or that really stylish him!

Hey guys, trust me she called and she REALLY wants one-of-a-kind jewelry. No matter her style, one of these makers has just the right thing for you. Check out:
lockedandlayered.com
my-prysm.com
allisonmooneydesign.com
crosslyne.com
facebook.com/vintageliz
shoprachb.com

How about that foodie person? If you follow Favorable on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, which you should, you’ll know this next one. Simply Stoneware has GORGEOUS graters that are unlike anything you’ve seen. They’d be GRATE (pun intended) paired with ginger, garlic, or a chunk of parmesan.

Have that guy who has everything? Well, he doesn’t have a Mistura watch, I promise you that. These incredibly unique watches are even more beautiful in person than you’ll see on the website!

I really could go on and on about all the great makers at this show. Remember, even if you can’t get something for the holidays, you can shop these great small business owners for birthdays, anniversaries, bar/bat mitzvahs, and any other occasion…or you can just call me and I’ll have just the right gift ideas for you.

Until we chat again, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Favorable.

SH Signature

Previously…

Much like A Christmas Story, there I was.  7 years old.  On the big guy’s lap, providing detailed evidence as to all my nice deeds for the year and clarifying a few naughty moments. My Christmas list was simple and pretty on target for my age group.  I was just about to pounce off when I decided to toss one more wish Kris Kringle’s way. Because, I thought, “It never hurts to ask.”

“And, Santa, I’d really love an 8-track player for Christmas.” I wanted it so badly because listening to my favorite tunes over and over and over and over again would be so GREAT!

He winked, smiled, and moved on to the next kid while I received my complimentary candy cane and Polaroid snapshot. (Photo used for this blog is of me on my Grampa’s lap, but you get the point.)

I’m sure you know what comes next. Just a few weeks from that simple, innocent ask was the Christmas surprise of a lifetime.  An awesome 8-track player under the tree.  That made my whole year and all because I asked.

Now…

What a great reminder as your year and my year come to an end.  Are there any questions you can ask yourself to close out 2022 or prepare for 2023?  Check-in on a key team member and ask how you can help them succeed in 2023?  Reach out to one more client or a prospect and get a coffee on the books for January?

And, as I take my own advice, since it doesn’t hurt to ask, how can I help you this holiday season? If you need help with shopping for your family or friends, or if your company needs an end-of-year recognition and celebration idea, I can make that happen. Just use the Contact Us page and we can make the magic happen for your friends, family, employees, or teammates!

Until we chat again, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Favorable.

SH Signature