Ramadan and Eid- present help needed.

[ironingboardsarenotweapons]

I had some new neighbours move in about 15 months ago. Mum, Dad, 2 young children and a quite new baby. The mum of the family doesn't speak much English but she's just brought me around the most enormous box of dates and told me it is Ramadan starting tomorrow. On Eid last year she must have spent days cooking because she brought me around the most amazing and deliciously tasty food. Enough to feed my family for at least 2 nights.

I really want to reciprocate her kindness but I am not sure what would be the best way to do it. Does anyone have any ideas about the best presents I could get her and the family for Eid?? Would flowers be OK? I was going to get some chocolate for the bigger children (is this OK??). I will check the packet beforehand and make sure it is OK for vegetarians.

Finally, is there a way to say 'happy Ramadan' and 'happy Eid'?

Eid mubarak / Ramadan mubarak

Provided it is hala or vegetarian, most people love chocolate. For some reason everyone I know adores Raffaello's - I can't say why because I can't stand them. But all my muslim friends seem to desire them above others. Something nice for her as well as a family gift - flowers or perfume oils (the pure oil based perfumes - avoid ones with alcool in them as there are some who use these and others who don't) are always welcome. The other thibg a lot of my mum friends love is luxury bath things (the "lock the door, ignore the kids" type of thing - they usually deserve a litle "me time" after Ramadan and Eid)

Ramadan is the month of fasting and ends with Eid, so right now you would wish them ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ and then later on ‘Happy Eid’.

Re presents - anything would be acceptable, it’s the thought that counts and I’m sure your neighbors will be touched at your kindness. Chocolates/cakes/flowers are the norm. Last year my neighbors gifted us a box of Krispy Kreme donuts which went down a treat. Just make sure that whatever you give is suitable for vegetarians and alcohol free. And if you gift dates then make sure they’re not from Israel (no need to get political please, it’s just facts)

A nice houseplant would also be a good gift.

Asda have some beautiful Eid cards, I think it’s a grand idea of flowers but maybe something other than chocolate for the children they will have tons of sweet treats in the house I doubt mum will want more, it’s like buying chocolate for people at Christmas. Why not a small craft for the children? Those little figures you paint or something else to keep them busy

I think a mere acknowledgement and an "Eid mubarak" will be very much appreciated. Don't overthink it, a card if you can easily get one (if your dc are young you can print out a colouring one and get your dc to colour it in) and some flowers or nice chocolates. The thought would be very much appreciated.

Can I ask for suitable suggestions for my child's taxi driver/wife.
They are super kind to my DD and buy for her birthday/Xmas.
Am I thinking a plant/flowers and Raffaello's are the way to go??
Thanks!

Nice chocolates and / or a plant for mum. Kids are probably inundated with chocolate / sweets. Depending on their ages, there are some lovely Eid / Ramadan books you can buy now, e.g:

www.little-linguist.co.uk/search/for/eid/

Or maybe don't buy for their festival but drop round some Easter gifts (if you celebrate).

Assalamu alaikum.

Greetings to celebrate Ramadhan and then Eid can be Ramadhan Mubarak (during the Islamic month of Ramadhan) and then Eid Mubarak for Eid.

Plants/flowers, chocolates/sweets, small toys or crafts for children, are all lovely ideas. Check that things things are suitable for vegetarians and alcohol-free - people may have different approaches to food, but the safest option is to avoid alcohol and animal products. Ramadhan is also a time of giving to charity and helping others, so you could give a donation to a charity on their behalf (often you can get little cards or certificates of donation to give to people) - charities to help bring water or food to people in need, or to support education and health, are often popular for donations in Ramadhan. For toys, people can have different preferences, but I've often found those little squishable food soft toys go down well, or puzzles/colouring/craft that will keep children entertained independently while parents try to recover!

Why not buy for the festival they celebrate, though, rather than one that they don't?

@Scirocco For the same reason that the Mum gifted OP the dates when she doesn't celebrate Ramadan. As an exchange of culture "it's our celebration and we'd like to include you".

That's as well as, rather than instead of, though?

The OP asked for advice on a Ramadhan present for someone, so I'm not clear why the advice would be to not buy a Ramadhan present.

@Scirocco - why is it as well as? I can't see that the mum gifted OP Christmas / Easter presents (assuming OP celebrates, apologies OP if you don't).

My understanding from the original post was that the Muslim mum was gifting the neighbours foods to mark her own cultural celebrations, not those of the OP. Therefore it was my suggestion that instead of the OP worrying about what to buy for a festival she doesn't celebrate, why not reciprocate by gifting to the neighbours when it was a festival in the OPs culture. I have assumed that this might next be Easter but if OP doesn't celebrate then whatever is appropriate - Passover, St Patrick's Day etc.

Chocolates and flowers it is then. I will have a look for the raffaelo ones next time I am in the shops. I'll get something non food for the 2 older children. Good point about chocolate at Christmas- my youngest who isn't really a fan of chocolate still has Christmas chocolate left over. I have got her a box of dates and have checked them. They're from Morocco which is OK.

My kids are older (pre tren and teen). My oldest crochets really well though and makes these fantastic animals. Will avoid pigs though!

Thank you for the greetings as well.

Moroccan dates are delicious! Good choice!

Sounds like a great selection, your neighbour is lucky to live by you.