What Is A Good Gift To Give Your Neighbor?

Nick Durante
by Nick Durante
Credit: Shutterstock / EdBockStock

Everybody loves gifts, and that’s especially true when you’re new to a neighborhood and don’t know anyone yet. That said, it’s hard to find a good gift to give your neighbor if you don’t have a relationship with them. So, what is a good gift to give your neighbor?

The best practical gifts to give your neighbor are houseplants, cookware, and gardening tools. Household safety items like water leak sensors and fire extinguishers are also quite helpful. You can also give your neighbor an electric screwdriver, a hardware set, and a gift card to a local hardware store. Fun gift ideas include recipe books and candles.

There’s no reason to spend a fortune, and it’s the thought that counts when it comes to housewarming gifts. Follow along as we highlight the best gifts to give your neighbor, whether it be practical or fun items.


Useful Housewarming Gift Ideas for Your Neighbor

1. Houseplants

If your neighbor just moved in, there’s a good chance they haven’t settled in and made their house feel lively yet. In that case, you can help inject their house with personality if you give them a houseplant or two. That said, the last thing your neighbor wants is a houseplant that’s demanding and hard to take care of.

Look for low-maintenance plants that are safe for pets in case they have cats and dogs. Plants like cacti, succulents, and pothos are easy to take care of even if you don’t have a green thumb. Make sure to give your neighbor some tips on how to care for the plant, so they aren’t overwhelmed.


2. Cookware

Cookware is one of the most neutral gifts to give your neighbor, whether it be a housewarming gift or a long-time neighbor. Everybody needs cookware, and it’s a thoughtful gift with countless options. Whether it be a frying pan or cast iron skillet, your neighbor will surely find a use for it.

Some people even gift cookware sets to their neighbors and friends, but that may be unnecessary. For example, your neighbor may have limited space, so a full set of pots and pans may be excessive. You can’t go wrong with uncommon cookware items, such as woks, as your neighbor may not have one.


3. Gardening Tools

Have you noticed your neighbor working around the yard? If so, then they will likely appreciate some new gardening tools. Useful gardening tools like shovels, trowels, and pruning sheers are endlessly helpful throughout the year.

Even something as simple as a pack of gardening gloves will go a long way and help your neighbor out. You don’t need to spend a fortune, especially if you don’t know your neighbor well. That said, garden hoes, rakes, and stand-up weed pullers are typically affordable and easy to find.


4. Recipe Book

A recipe book full of recipes that mean a lot to you can serve as a great gift for your neighbor. This low-cost book is more about the thought than the price tag, and that means more to many people. Of course, it helps to know your neighbor before you give this gift in case your recipes go against their diet.

For example, your neighbor won’t have much use for a book with recipes for spaghetti and meatballs if they’re vegan. Otherwise, this thoughtful gift is sure to make a strong impression and show your neighbor that you care.


5. Electric Screwdriver

If your neighbors recently moved in, they likely have lots of furniture to assemble and pictures to hang. All of that is much easier with an electric screwdriver, and that’s a great housewarming gift for your neighbor. Today, you can find countless affordable electric screwdrivers that anyone can quickly learn to use.

You can also throw in some nails and other hardware for good measure. It’s a gift that keeps on giving as your neighbor will likely use the electric screwdriver for years to come.


6. Practical Gift Card

Moving is expensive, so practical gift cards go a long way in alleviating some of those costs. Your new neighbor will likely need to visit home improvement stores to purchase household items. You don’t need to get an expensive gift card.Even a small amount makes a difference.

It also helps to give your neighbor a gift card to a local grocery store or restaurant. Universal gift cards that serve as prepaid debit cards are also infinitely useful. That way, your neighbor can use the gift card for whatever they want.


7. Pizza Stone

Countless people love pizza, whether they eat meat and cheese or they’re vegan. Pizza stones make it easy for anyone to cook delicious pizza at home. They are more popular than ever, and they’re easy to use even if you aren’t an experienced chef.

Look for a pizza stone that’s compatible with grills and ovens to give your neighbor several options. Pizza stones are perfect for fans of crispy pizza, and it’s a thoughtful gift that your neighbor will appreciate.


8. Home Safety Items

Peace of mind is the best gift you can give anyone, and home safety items help homeowners achieve that. Sure, most people have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but your neighbor may not have a water leak sensor. These simple sensors detect leaks so you can call a plumber or patch the leak before it becomes severe.

Other home safety essentials, like fire extinguishers, are easy to find, and every homeowner should have at least one. It also helps to give a first aid kit, as not everyone has one in their home. Headlamps and lanterns are also great safety gifts for power outages and extreme storms.


9. Candles

Nothing says “welcome” like a few candles that make your neighbor feel comfortable at home. Candles create a positive, relaxing atmosphere and a fun mood. Cheap and easy to find, candles are neutral gifts that many people love, so your neighbor will appreciate the thought.

Some candles, such as citronella candles, are quite practical, especially if your neighbor spends a lot of time outside. They repel mosquitoes, and that comes in handy throughout spring and summer in most climates. Otherwise, you can simply find a few cheap candles with several scents, as your neighbor is bound to like one of them.


10. Wet/Dry Vacuum

While some are expensive, it’s easier than ever to find affordable wet/dry vacuums. Every homeowner should have a wet vacuum, as spills are sometimes unavoidable. Small wet/dry vacuums that only hold 3 gallons of water typically cost $40 are under.

That may be too much for some people to spend on a gift for their neighbor, and that’s understandable. However, it’s a thoughtful, practical gift if you have extra money to spend and have a good relationship with your new neighbor.


Summing It Up

Houseplants, cookware, and gardening tools are the best gifts to give your neighbor. Thoughtful gifts like recipe books and candles aren’t as practical, but they make a strong impression. If you don’t know what to get your neighbor, simply give them a gift card to a local hardware store or grocery store.


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Nick Durante
Nick Durante

Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.

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