Neighbours can be a tricky dynamic to navigate – you may not feel especially close to them, but they are often the first people you turn to for a favour. It can feel hard to know what to get them in return for these neighbourly deeds, and you may feel awkward getting them something too personal. If you’re stumped on what to get them after they’ve fed your pets on a holiday or watered your plants, read ahead for some inspiration!
A Trinket from Your Travels
If you left your neighbour in charge of something around your house, while you’ve been swanning around in a fun new place, it can be a really sweet gesture to bring back a memento from your journey for them. Not only will this let them know how appreciative you are for their time, but it’s an object with exotic connections and history which can make an interesting gift without overstepping boundaries.
Something Sweet
A classic, and always well received – edible goods are a great, impersonal way to say thanks. They require little effort to obtain, and depending on the price and brand of your choice, can be a cheap and cheerful thank you or a thought-out gift. If you’ve asked the children of neighbours to do a small task for you, a little bag of sweets is a fantastic way to show your appreciation appropriately – although we recommend giving them to the parents first in case of any unknown allergies. If you want to make your gift a little more personal, decorating them in a little bag, or even baking something yourself is a brilliant way to send a thank you.
Gift Vouchers
These are a tried and true classic of small tokens of appreciation. Gift vouchers add a little extra thoughtfulness, without the stress of knowing exactly what to buy. If you know your neighbour likes a certain brand of clothing, or enjoys a specific hobby, purchasing a gift card for them in that field of interest shows you have put thought and effort into your mode of thanks. There are plenty of platforms to use to browse a diverse range of vouchers, such as https://giftsvouchers.co.uk. These can fulfil a variety of needs depending on your relationship, intimacy or knowledge of your neighbours. If your neighbours are a family, consider something for the kids, or even perhaps a restaurant voucher so they can have a meal out together.
Send a Note
Perhaps a little old fashioned these days, but if you want to thank your neighbour for something minor, and feel a gift is a little much – tell them! A handwritten note or a card is a lovely thing to receive, especially if you know your neighbour would appreciate it. Otherwise, a phone call, simple text, or even a call over the fence is still recommended to let your neighbour know you are aware of their kindness and are grateful for their good nature.
This list is a collection of gift ideas which are small, inexpensive and easy to obtain – but all encompass a gesture of thanks which is both genuine and appropriate for your helpful neighbours.