Do you buy anything for neighbours?

[MrsofClaus]

We've had a young family living next door for around 3 years. We've helped them with different things, dh has done odd jobs etc. Best neighbours ever. Their families aren't in this country but they have plenty of friends.

So last year they gave us a gift and we reciprocated. Did the same this year.

It's not something I've ever done but it's a nice tradition they've started.

Does anyone else do this?

No. We know our immediate neighbours enough to say a passing “hello” to, but that’s it. I wouldn’t want it to be any different to be honest, but can see why other people might like it. My mum, for example, is friends with most of the neighbours on her street and they all do a big secret Santa each year. We’re all different 🤷‍♀️ For me, neighbours are much like work colleagues, in that I’m happy to be polite and interact with them at surface level where our paths cross, but we’d otherwise have nothing in common, so it doesn’t go beyond that.

We do, just with one side. She is lovely. She has been amazing when we had building work, so we got her a voucher for the garden centre (she loves gardening) to thank her. Normally it's be a box of shortbread or something.

Before we moved to this house, we never bothered.

My parents neighbours buy DD and her cousins gifts. My parents reciprocate for their grand kids.

I buy for my nextdoor neighbours and they buy gifts for us.

When my children were very little our neighbour used to help with babysitting (we have no family close by). We'd look after each others pets when on holiday. And as they are get older, we help them with tasks they struggle with.

My children are now teens but we still go over on Christmas Day night with their gifts. They are like a substitute family to me (and they drive me bonkers at times).

Our neighbours on the other side have a grandchild whom lives with them 50% of the time and I always get the grandchild a gift.

I do like buying presents for people.

I did in my previous house but since moving I haven't; because I don't like my new neighbours.

No. Nice enough neighbours to say hello to, but that’s it.

Yes. A box of chocolate for each on either side and they both have big friendly dogs so we tend to do a big bag of treats and a toy for the dogs as well.

Started with just exchanging kids presents as both our kids were same ages and spent a lot of time together. Now kids have flown the nest I buy a very good bottle of red as I know that’s a favourite tipple because they are great neighbours

I buy for one neighbour. We’ve been neighbours for many years and she’s kind and helpful with small things.

We bought for the neighbours in our old house, just something like buscuits/chocolates to share and something pampering for her.

We moved ten years ago. Still give them a little something and see occasionally.

Yes. For the dogs!

No but I would if I got on well etc like your situation OP.
My neighbours and I dont have that sort of relationship. We might chat for 5 minutes a time, a few times a year, take a parcel in for each other and say hello in passing and that is that.

Nice to know lots do 🌲🤶

Mine dropped a box of biscuits by the door yesterday which is a kind thought, but I we've only socialised once this year otherwise it's been quick hellos on the drive. So feels slightly unnecessary and has added to my shopping and to do list 😁 but of course I will reciprocate.
See also people that insist on still sending me Christmas cards even though I don't reciprocate. Strike me off your list, you're just making me feel guilty!!

I don't send cards now. I got 2 this year. I gave next door one back but that's it. So glad people have stopped.

We do with one set who live a couple of doors down because we made friends on the day we moved in. They had dc the same age as ours and we’ve been close ever since. We don’t get for the neighbours immediately either side of us.

We hardly even see our neighbours. One side made clear when they moved in, they don’t do cards. The other side, I’ve waited until I saw them to check they were both still alive before I put card through their door.

So they just said "We don't do cards " how odd. You'd know by them not sending one back.

Yes, we give three of our neighbours a box of biscuits or chocolates every year because they're nice and they make a fuss of the dog.

Cards to everyone in the close and there are 3 neighbours who I give a little something to as they're always so supportive.

No - I did the first year we moved and he gave me it back! Miserable bugger

Omg what a dick!

Yes, with one side. They are lovely and so easy going. We buy and get a gift each year. It's usually wine, and some chocolates, sweeties, a candle or something else christmassy.

neighbours are much like work colleagues, in that I’m happy to be polite and interact with them at surface level where our paths cross, but we’d otherwise have nothing in common, so it doesn’t go beyond that.

This is exactly how i feel about neighbours. They are just randoms who happen to live nearby. If I encounter them (which is rare nowadays) I am polite in the distant middle class way my grandmother would have used. However I dont get involved in social chit chat and can see no point in doing so. Its a very diverse area and people tend to stick to their own ethnic groups, whci suits me fine.

Yes! Usually biscuits/ chocolates are exchanged . We also do the same for Eid too; and they give us homemade food at Eid.

First time this year. We’ve always lived in detached houses but in a flat now. See them more frequently, they’re very nice and it feels appropriate.