to do something for my neighbour?

[livingthesimplelife]

I have a neighbour (young couple) who I say hi to if we pass each other. They are due to have their baby in a few weeks, and wondered if it would be odd if I made them something/got them something, despite not really knowing them? If so, what do you think? Perhaps a meal (pasta bake and crumble or something?), or a voucher for COOK meals?

I don’t think it’s weird. I would go small though, I’m sure they will appreciate the gesture.
Our neighbour who hadn’t long moved in got us something when we had our first baby and I thought it was a nice thing to do.

I think it’s lovely but I’d not cook if you don’t know them, as they don’t know the state of your kitchen

That sounds a lovely thing to do OP.

Our neighbours who had recently moved in got us a card and a baby blanket. I though that was lovely

I'd avoid food because some people are squeamish about eating food when they haven't seen the environment in which it was prepared. Then there's the allergy minefield.

You could send a little baby grow or cardigan or something. I'm sure they'll appreciate it.

Sounds like a lovely thoughts, op!
to be honest (and this is no reflection on you) but I’d be reluctant to eat something from a kitchen where I didn’t know the person that well. Vouchers are a lovely idea though, or even another small token gift. You sound like a really lovely neighbour ☺️

Lovely idea. Store bought biscuits are a safe choice. Even if they don’t like them, they will likely have visitors they need to feed.

You could always get them a uber eats voucher or something if you are thinking about food. They may appreciate a takeaway one evening.

Lovely idea, OP x

Don't be ridiculous. I hope they would be nothing but grateful and cheeseandhoney I sincerely hope you are never on the receiving end of such a gesture.

I only take food if I know them well enough that I know what they eat and I buy a couple of posh ready meals from M&S or a supermarket finest type range.

It's nothing to do with being ungrateful.

Lots of people feel squeamish about that sort of thing, so while they'd be very grateful for the gesture, the food could well end up in the bin.

Exactly! Equally, they could be vegetarian, have allergies, etc. vouchers are the safe way to go.

We moved into our new home and had a baby three months later and really appreciated the neighbours buying a little something! They bought a little bunny and a sleep suit. I took my friend a curry box when she had her baby (like the takeaway boxes you get from the supermarket) which was very appreciated!

I'd just give them a congrats card and little toy for baby when it's born. I'd not do food.

A lovely gesture, but I would also say not food. They could have allergies, be gluten free or vegan. Perhaps they prefer to choose their own food.
A nice baby blanket or teddy bear and a card would be lovely 😍

Our new neighbour got me a bunch of daffodils and a toy car for our eldest with a card.

Thanks for calling this out. I hate the fetishisation of food safety, it’s so virtue signalling and me, me, me.

It is so bloody refreshing @livingthesimplelife to read a nice thread rather than neighbours at odds with one another for something (although I do live the drama!).

I love COOK vouchers. We use them regularly and bought the new parent set when we were expecting our second. If they have a voucher they’ll choose what they want and use it when they need it.

Just lovely and thoughtful x

When we had both of our babies, a few of our neighbours gave us cards and either a wee outfit or little toy. It was much appreciated and not wierd at all!

I gave mine an M&S dine in meal (and offered to cook it which they took me up on) when they had their baby. They said it was one of the nicest gifts they’d received.

I’m with the other posters, I wouldn’t eat food from someone whose kitchen I hadn’t seen. A outift, nice biscuits or voucher etc would be lovely though

How lovely. I did similar for my neighbours when their baby was born. Stick to a token though, a meal is a great idea. mmj

It’s a lovely kind idea.

i would however agree with those who’ve said to not do food.

I am gluten free, and I’m always a little sad when we get a food gift as 9 out of 10 times, I can’t have it.

a little something for the baby is a better idea.

My neighbour who I hardly know got us a £20 cook voucher. The amount didn't matter but the thought was amazing and encouraged us to order food for the freezer which was a life saver when dealing with a new born!