How to Welcome New Neighbors - 50+ Gift Ideas to Say Hello

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If you feel the push to welcome your new neighbors but you’re not quite sure how, you’re not alone. Greeting new neighbors can be intimidating, but it’s well worth it to start a friendship with the people next door to you. Who knows, you may keep up your friendship for years to come! If nothing else, knowing your neighbors creates community, provides security and safety, and gives you an opportunity to love the people around you.

Choosing a gift for a new neighbor can be overwhelming, but just remember, showing kindness is more important than having just the right gift! A thoughtful gift can be a wonderful blessing to someone who’s getting settled into a new space, but a friendly face is often the best gift of all.

If you’re stumped trying to choose a gift for your new neighbors, here are some ideas to help! Scroll through to see gifts by price range, season, and age.

Tips for Choosing Neighbor Gifts

It does not need to be extravagant. And in fact, in this may just make the neighbor feel awkward and uncomfortable. “Am I going to have to buy gifts regularly for my neighbor in return?” If you don’t know much about your neighbor, don’t be afraid to choose something simple, like homemade bread, a candle, a bird feeder, a fun mug, or a potted plant.
Be sensitive toward allergies and common dislikes. If you don’t know your neighbor well or haven’t met at all, be sensitive about common food allergies and dislikes. For example, peanut butter cookies may not be the best choice for a first meeting.
An offer to help is often just a good as a gift. Not all neighbors will reciprocate your friendliness right away, and that’s okay! If your neighbors don’t seem to be the type for a long conversation or a big welcome, simply give them a sticky note with your name and phone number and let them know you’re available if they need help. Be specific with your offer if possible! Let them know whether you can help move heavy items, watch their kids for an hour, or grab something from the grocery store—whatever your offer may be! Scroll to the bottom for more tips on how to introduce yourself to new neighbors.

gift basket with bread, tomatoes, wine, flowers

New Neighbor Gift Ideas – 50+ Ways to Welcome New Neighbors to the Street

Neighbor Gifts by Price Range

$10 and Under

Homemade baked goods. 🍪 It’s classic. Whipping up a plate of cookies, a delicious pie, or a loaf of fresh bread is still a perfect way to welcome someone to their new neighborhood. It not only says, “I thought of you”, but also, “I spent time making this for you”.
“Welcome to the area” basket. 🧺 A “welcome to our town” basket is an incredibly thoughtful gift that doesn’t cost much money at all. It’s another great way to say “I spent time thinking about you” without bursting your pocketbook. As you run your errands around town, collect takeout menus from your favorite local restaurants, maps of area parks and walking trails, a list of seasonal events or activities, and perhaps a small gift like a dozen donuts from a local bakery. Put it all together in a small basket—and don’t forget to include a welcome letter with your contact information, offering to answer any local questions your new neighbor has.
Stationary. Scrap paper and stationary is one of those things that all homes need… but sometimes we don’t even know where they come from! Gift your neighbor with some cute notepaper for making lists as they get settled, or a set of pretty blank notecards for writing to family and friends. If you want to step it up a notch, combine it with some quality and aesthetically pleasing pens.
Flower seeds. 🌸 Nothing says “welcome home” like colorful blooms poking up in the backyard. Zinnias are some of the easiest flowers to grow (here are some great zinnia seeds to try!). They can be planted in the ground or in pots, and yield colorful flowers in 2-3 months.
Bag of coffee. ☕ Who can’t use some extra caffeine when moving into a new home? A bag of medium roast ground coffee is a safe bet for most people. But if you’re nervous your neighbor may not be a coffee lover, a $5 or $10 gift card to a local coffee shop is a safe bet, too (teas and hot chocolate are always an option!).

$10 – $20

Gift basket. A basket full of goodies makes one of the best gifts any time of year, especially if you don’t know much about your new neighbor yet. Fill it with practical gifts that most people use —dish soap, hand soap, trash bags, paper towels, a tea bag sampler pack, chapstick, or some pretty dish towels. Seasonal items are another great add!
Mug. ☕ Everyone can use another sturdy mug for their morning joe (or tea). Add a bag of coffee or a box of tea if you want!
Placemats. A set of pretty placemats makes a fun gift that can quickly transform a table and make it feel more homey.
Hot pads or oven mitt set. ♨ A set of unique hot pads or oven mitts (or both) is a memorable welcome gift that your neighbor will use over and over. This is a great one to buy from a local artisan or online creator (search Etsy!) if you have time to look around.

$20 and Up

Customized coasters or cutting board. 🔪🏽 Personalized coasters or an engraved cutting board or charcuterie board with your neighbors’ last name are a really fun way to celebrate a new home.
Wooden spoons gift set. Everyone needs a good set of wooden spoons!
Kitchen set. Make a basket of important kitchen items to make the transition a little easier. You could add a small cutting board, a water bottle, dish towels and washcloths, and a candle. Items that tend to need replacement (like washcloths and candles) are typically a pretty safe bet.
Personalized gift. 🎁 If you really want to hit it out of the park, go for a personalized gift like a popcorn bowl, custom home map, or a tote bag.
Entryway rug. 𖡴 A pretty but simple entryway rug or small area rugs are a great gift—most people have multiple doors, and entryway rugs never last forever. A welcome mat for the front porch can also be a good idea, but this one is a little more risky since they may already have one.

woman looking down at welcome mat on porch

Neighbor Gifts by Season

Spring

Potted plant. 🪴 As the weather turns warmer, a potted plant for the porch or some early-blooming flowers for indoors make some of the best new neighbor gifts. Who doesn’t love flowers, especially in a new space?
Flower seeds. 🌻 Flower seeds are another special gift that can quickly help turn a house into a home. There’s nothing like pulling up to your new driveway and being greeted by beautiful blooms. Zinnias and sunflowers are both quick-blooming, easy-to-grow options that don’t take up much space.
Watering can. A cute watering can is another perfect choice for neighbors who have a small garden or potted or hanging plants.
Hummingbird feeder. 🐦 Give your new neighbors a front-row seat to the local birds with the gift of a hummingbird feeder! These birds are absolutely incredible to watch, and making homemade nectar is inexpensive and simple.
Spring door wreath. A pretty spring door wreath with eucalyptus instantly helps the front of a home feel welcoming and cozy.

Summer

Bouquet/vase of flowers. 💐 A simple bouquet or vase of flowers for the counter may be the best way to welcome new next door neighbors in the summertime. You pretty much can’t go wrong with this one!
Wind chimes. Wind chimes are a fun idea for anyone with a deck or patio. If you like unique housewarming gifts, this is a memorable choice that will be enjoyed by most anyone.
Picnic basket. 🧺 A picnic basket is a thoughtful way to encourage mini summer getaways in a new town. If you want to step it up a notch, fill a cute basket with some fruit, granola bars, and sparkling waters. A list of your favorite parks and hiking trails close by would by another thoughtful gesture!
Backyard games. Help your neighbors break in their new backyard with a classic summer game like cornhole, ladderball, or giant checkers.
Insulated tumbler. Good neighbors help each other stay cool! In the summertime, an insulated tumbler for water, iced coffee, or other cold drinks can be a kind gesture. You can’t go wrong with a Yeti (one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received!).

Fall

Mum. 🪴 The classic fall porch plant! A potted mum will quickly be put to good use on the porch of your new neighbor’s house. Mums are plentiful at local stores and greenhouses in the fall. If you have a Costco nearby, they tend to have great deals on mums, too.
Pumpkin pie ingredients. 🥧 The smell of fresh-baked pie is one of the quickest ways to make a house feel like a home. So make it easy on your neighbors by giving them everything they need to make one in their new place! Don’t forget to include a simple pumpkin pie recipe card.
Donuts and cider. 🍩 What better way to start off on the right foot than with donuts and cider? Grab a variety pack if you don’t know their favorite flavor yet. If you have a local orchard to shop at, all the better!
Cozy socks. 🧦 A pair of warm socks can be a great option as the weather turns colder. Pair them with a box of tea and help your neighbor enjoy a cozy night in. (Farm to Feet socks are my absolute favorite for the chilly months!)
Hot chocolate kit. A hot chocolate gift set with different flavors or delicious adds ons (think marshmallows, candy cane stirrers, or whipped cream) is a perfect small housewarming gift for the changing season. There are so many fun food items to gift in the autumn time!

neighborhood car-lined street with autumn leaves

Winter

Indoor plant. 🪴 Winter-blooming plants make the perfect gifts during the gray months of long, dark days. Christmas cacti are typically plentiful in stores during the winter, and they produce bright red blooms from November to January. Here are some more ideas for winter blooming indoor plants.
Candle. 🕯️ You really can’t go wrong with a candle. Who doesn’t love an aromatic, crackling flame during the cold winter days?
Indoor herb garden. 🌿 Gift your neighbor with plentiful, fresh herbs by providing an indoor herb garden kit! Or, make your own diy mason jar herb garden with a few simple supplies you may already have on hand. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Elderberry syrup kit or other immune-supporting gifts. Show your neighbors you care with immune-supporting gifts to help them stay healthy during the wintertime. Try an elderberry syrup kit (a premade elderberry syrup works too), local raw honey, an essential oil diffuser, or immune-supporting tea.
Throw blanket. Help your neighbor enjoy the cold winter evenings with a knit throw blanket for their new living room.

Neighbor Gifts by Age

Single

Treats from a local store. 🍪 Everyone loves food! Grab some of your favorite things from local stores – a sweet treat from the bakery, unique local artisan finds, or coffee shop gift cards all make a good gift.
Home cooked meal. This is one you’ll want to plan with your neighbor ahead of time, but there’s something truly special about offering a home-cooked meal. Introduce yourself to your neighbor as soon as you can (move-in day isn’t too soon if you get the chance!) and ask if there’s a day this week that you can bring over a home-cooked meal while they work away on their to-do list. Be sure to ask about allergies and food preferences, too. Or better yet, get their phone number and text them three choices from this week’s meal list. (This takes the pressure off so they’re not put on the spot.)
Candle set. 🕯️ A relaxing candle set will make the house smell good and quickly feel more homey, especially during fall or winter.
Home maintenance kit. 🔨 For singles, especially those who may be moving into a first home, a home maintenance kit can be an invaluable gift for all those small repairs—from tightening cabinet pulls to measuring and hanging pictures.
Something handmade or homegrown. 🍅 If you have anything you make or grow yourself, this can make a really personal and special gift for people moving into a new area. Our family likes to give away handmade coaster sets, honey from our backyard, homegrown vegetables or flowers, or canned apple butter. Whether you knit scarves, make candles, or harvest your own maple syrup, giving something you made or grew is a great way to make new neighbors feel loved.

Couple

Oil or spice kit. 🧑‍🍳 An olive oil sampler set or gourmet spice kit is an easy way to welcome new friends who love to cook.
Board game or card game. 🎲 This one could be a little risky if you haven’t met your neighbors yet. But if you know they’re game-playing type of people, finding a two-person board game can make an excellent unique gift idea! Here are some of the best 2-person board games for couples.
Charcuterie board and bottle of wine. 🍷 Creating a little in-house date night makes a nice gift for welcoming your new neighbors. Pick up a pre-made charcuterie board and bottle of wine at the grocery store, or assemble your own charcuterie board with some delicious meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits.
Stovetop potpourri. Help your neighbors enjoy the cozy scents of home with a stovetop potpourri kit. Orange, apple, cinnamon, and clove make a home feel cheerful, warm, and comfortable.
Rattan basket. 🧺 A pretty rattan basket has many uses. We were given a few lovely baskets when we moved in, and still use them to this day! A small entryway basket for holding keys or a kitchen countertop basket for holding mail, notes, or fruit are both excellent new neighbor gift ideas—perfect for adding touch of beauty while getting settle in to a new home.

Family with Kids

Movie night basket. 🍿 Create a fun movie night basket with popcorn, savory snacks, hot chocolate, a comfortable blanket, and some fun popcorn containers.
Bird feeder. 🐦 No one is too young or old to enjoy seeing colorful, flying visitors at the window! Gift the new family on the street with a classic bird feeder, or consider a wooden birdhouse kit for families with middle-aged kids.
Cookie mix in a jar. 🍪 Help your new neighbors create a fun family memory (and make it easy on the parents!) by gifting them a quick-to-make cookie mix in a jar. (Here’s a fun DIY recipe to try!)
Chalk or bubbles. For littler kids, it’s hard to go wrong with a box of sidewalk chalk or some bubble wands!
Board game. 🎲 Finding a unique, family-friendly board game is a super thoughtful way to welcome both parents and kids to the block. Here are some ideas for family friendly games for all ages.

chewy chocolate chip coming out of the oven

Older Neighbors

Handmade gift. 🧶 If you’re a crafter, share your gift! Showing you care with a handmade item goes a long way. Knit, crochet, sew, or paint something unique or practical for your new neighbor.
Jam or jelly. 🫙 Whether you make it yourself or buy it from the local farmers market or even grocery store, a special spread for their morning toast is a kind gesture.
Tea. A simple gift like some calming tea bags are a kind gesture for older neighbors who may not need a lot.
Bird watching gifts. 🐦 It may seem cliché, but a bird feeder or bird house is both interesting to watch and a lovely way to decorate a new place. Consider trying out some slightly more unique gifts, like a solar-bird feeder that turns into a garden lantern at night, a clear window bird feeder for close-up views, or a resin bird house shaped like a tiny cottage. 🛖
Offer to help. This may be one of the best ways to start a good relationship to your older neighbors who are new to the area. We’ve found simple offers of help to be so appreciated by our own older neighbors—climbing on their roof for a 10-minute gutter fix, helping them off the floor after a fall, bringing a meal after a broken leg, or simply offering water during an hours-long plumbing fix at their house. And although offering to help certainly isn’t an ask for help in return, older neighbors often have much to give! Ours have often blessed us with tools to borrow, sweet knitted gifts for our babies, lovely flowers, and so much more.

How to Meet and Welcome a New Neighbor

If meeting new people isn’t your favorite thing, greeting the new neighbor on the block can be intimidating. But building good relationships with your neighbors is important for so many reasons, and it’s not nearly as hard as you think! Knowing your neighbors provides security and safety, and it may just be the start of a friendship that you treasure for years to come.

neighborhood sidewalk on a fresh spring day

Here are some tips for meeting new neighbors.

Introduce yourself as soon as you can. No, you don’t have to pound on their door the minute the moving trucks drive away, but don’t wait weeks or months to welcome your neighbors. While it’s never too late, it will be less awkward to knock on their door and greet them as your new neighbors than it will be to march up the walkway and introduce yourself after they’ve lived next to you for a year.
Be friendly, even if they’re not. Sadly, in our world, some people are surprised by a friendly greeting. If your neighbor seems confused by your knock and offer of a small gift, don’t worry. They’re probably just a little surprised and may not be sure what to say. Leave your gift and give them some space. (We’ve had neighbors like this, and we ended up becoming good friends later!)
Include a note with your name and phone number. Let your neighbor know they can call you if they need anything—from a cup of sugar or a hammer to keeping your eyes out for their lost dog. Things come up, and it’s nice to know you can easily call or text your neighbor.
Don’t bombard them. Proverbs 25:17 says, “Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you.” Be friendly to your neighbor, but don’t annoy them with your constant presence. Even moreso than for other friends, you don’t want to make your next door neighbor dread every time they see you because they know it will start an hour-long conversation! Reach out a couple of times and let them know you’re there for them without taking over their Saturday.

Here are 10 more tips for meeting new neighbors, including some good questions to ask during your first conversation. 🤍