Accepting presents from someone who possibly has mental health issues?

[LB29]

I don't know if anyone has any experience of this but I have tried searching google with no luck. I am currently on my own, partner is working away until friday and my mum is out.
I have a neighbour who I have been told has been mentally unsound in the past and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Since we moved to the house 4 years ago he has had no contact with any member of the medical profession.
I used to talk to his sister when passing in the street and she would send my 2 children gifts at christmas. She died over a year ago, and her mother shortly afterwards leaving him living alone.
He seems to feel some guilt because he didn't send the children a present last year. He said if his sister knew she would be angry.
About 4 months ago he told another neighbour he was going to give me a present, approximate value 40 pounds, and i said at the time i would not accept any gifts although it was a lovely offer.
Now he has said he is bring some gifts round tonight. He would not accept no for an answer and kept mentioning his sister.
I do not want to accept anything as we cannot afford to buy him much back. What do i do? A neighbour told me that he threatened a shop assistant with a knife, but this is all hearsay from elderly neighbours with nothing better to do.

[EnnisDelMar]

It is probably a pleasure for him. People - especially elderly people with no kids - love to give kids presents.

It sounds like you are afraid of him, I would be a bit hesitant too, but you've tried to say no to no avail so really the best thing might be to let him do it.

Don't get him anything back. Just a nice hand made thankyou note/card from the kids will be brilliant. He'll be really pleased.

[BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte]

I agree... just accept graciously and say a big warm thank you.

Maybe you could make a casserole or a cake to say thank you. He may appreciate a home-cooked meal...

[LB29]

Thanks for the replies, I think it just must be my upbringing as my partner thinks I'm being silly as well. Home cooked meal sounds like a lovely idea, the kids always love to bake a cake as well.