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Should we give our neighbour a present?

(58 Posts)
Nonogran Tue 21-Dec-21 18:27:13

Nah, don’t reciprocate. Once you start it, it could get very tedious.
Just offer a smiley thank you & leave it at that.
Our new neighbours gave us wine the first Christmas they were here. We were embarrassed but didn’t reciprocate. They’re a nice young couple but we didn’t want that kind of neighbourliness with them.

LauraNorderr Tue 21-Dec-21 18:25:49

I think I’d prefer to reciprocate such a kind gesture, a bottle of wine, a box of chocs, something for the garden, whatever you think they’d enjoy.
I would write a little card saying ‘ a small Christmas gift to cheer you as it’s such an usual year for us all’. Something along those lines to indicate it’s a one off.

lemsip Tue 21-Dec-21 18:19:36

No, I would say a jolly thanks and leave it at that!

FarNorth Tue 21-Dec-21 18:10:24

I would probably thank them but not reciprocate.

Calendargirl Tue 21-Dec-21 17:42:11

Wonder why they’ve started now after all these years?

As Elizabeth said, it will have to be a regular occurrence if you reciprocate.

Being a bit ‘Bah Humbug’, I would prefer if they hadn’t given me anything in the first place, and would fret over what to do!

Elizabeth27 Tue 21-Dec-21 17:35:28

I would get wine, biscuits or chocs but wait until Christmas Eve to give them.

It has now set a precedent though for years to come. If you don’t want this to be every year then I would not send a gift at all.

BlueBelle Tue 21-Dec-21 17:28:11

I would reciprocate but everyone will have a different view so only you can know.they obviously felt they wanted to give you a little brightness in these dull times and why not? they are only small presents Maybe a bottle of wine or some flowers or Christmas chocolates would be nice in my opinion?

kittylester Tue 21-Dec-21 17:22:38

We have lived here for 30 years as have 2 lots of neighbours with whom we get on really we'll- more so since the first lockdown.

We have exchanged Christmas cards for years but never presents. Until this year when one neighbour left a candle and a potted plant on the step.

Should we reciprocate? Would it look odd now?

[Title edited by GNHQ at OP's request]