I did not get them a gift

[Theshowmustgoon22]

I feel so bad . I have lived in my new house since April. Its a new build. And others moved in around the same time. Anyway 2 sets of neighbours have came round and have given me an Xmas gift. I never knew they were going to do that. I feel bad . I don't have anything for them . I never bought any Xmas cards . So can't even give a card. I can't just pop a bottle of wine round because we don't drink so don't have any . Feel like a prat 😔

That's really kind!
I would just say a big thank you, and accept it for what it is- a token of kindness.

Too late for this year but another year I wrap a box of shortbread and put a bottle of wine in a gift bag, and a selection pack. If I get any unexpected gifts I simply gift one of those. If I don't get unexpected gifts after New Year I eat shortbread and drink wine. I'm never caught out.

Could you invite them over for lunch tomorrow?
That might be a nice gesture?

Maybe a new year present either New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day but normally people don’t give to receive.

Really don't worry. People give presents because they enjoy gifting, not because they expect one back. I bet they would be mortified to find out that you are thinking like this.

Is that a thing, inviting neighbours who it sounds like you dont really know round for boxing day lunch with no notice? How would you get the food or would you give them your leftovers?

It would not work for us anyway. Have a child here with autism he gets extremely over whelmed and it would lead to massive melt downs.

Take them round a New Years present instead

I was going to say this. Bottle of fizz for the bells???

This happened to me at work with multiple close colleagues but we’d done a whole staff secret Santa so didn’t think there was any chance of any other gifts. Wanted to run away on the last day when they all got me a gift and I had nothing for them 😭 the worst feeling

Been a bit like that here.
Moved into newbuild earlier this year and three houses have given us presents whereas we haven't even sent cards.
I think some people just like giving?

I am hoping that next year it will settle down and the gifting doesn't happen.
Of course, it could go the other way and people who didn't give this year feel obliged and so it steps up a level?

Happy Christmas 🧑‍🎄🥳

Coincidentally we had the same today. A neighbour, who has lived next door for around 3 months, and who I've never met or even seen before, arrived on the doorstep with a card and a present.

I'd take some daffodils round on New Year's Day.

You don't have to feel like a prat.
You wouldn't have anticipated that.
They won't want / be expecting you to take them round a present at New Year either.
Just be friendly and pleasant when you see them. Maybe at some point later in the year you could take round some biscuits or cake and say you enjoy baking but won't use it all up. Or produce from your garden if you are a gardener. But it doesn't matter if you don't. Nobody will be expecting anything from you.