Farewell gifts for neighbours: 20 gift ideas
Gifts from neighbours are not a matter of course – and are therefore something very special. A farewell gift allows you express your appreciation for your time together when you move house.
25.07.2023
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1. Gift ideas for neighbours: what are suitable farewell gifts?
When you say goodbye to your neighbours, a personal gift is a special gesture. Here are some ideas for inspiration:
| A letter or a card | Write a farewell letter with special memories and good wishes. |
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| Plants or flowers | Give a beautiful houseplant or bouquet of flowers as a symbol of growth and new beginnings. |
| Homemade baked goods or foodstuffs | Give treats such as biscuits, bread or jam. |
| Vouchers | A voucher for a local restaurant, spa or cultural event is usually well received. |
| Useful household items | Think about whether there might be useful items that your neighbours don’t have yet. These could be kitchen utensils, tools or other practical items. |
| Books or magazines | Do your neighbours like literature? A book usually brings a lot of joy and creates a special connection. |
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2. How much money should I spend on a farewell gift for my neighbours?
There is no rule for this. What’s important is that the gift expresses your appreciation and corresponds to the relationship you have with your neighbours.
3. How can I make farewell gifts for my neighbourhood more personal?
Anyone who invests effort and time in a personal gift expresses a special bond. Here are some goodbye gift ideas for neighbours with a personal touch:
| Share memories | Create a photo album or collage of shared memories. Add short, personal descriptions. |
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| Handmade gifts | Create a custom gift, such as a personalized candle or a handmade piece of art. |
| Cookbook of favourite recipes | Create a cookbook with your favourite recipes and add personal notes. |
| Neighbourhood collage | Create a collage with contributions from other neighbours to showcase the community. |
| Photo album | Collect memories of your time together and create a photo album. This is an emotional and personal gift idea. |
4. Are there any no-gos when it comes to farewell gifts for neighbours?
You can also miss the mark with a gift. Here are some examples of gifts for neighbours that are better avoided:
| Religious or political items | Avoid gifts with religious or political references. These topics can be very personal and may cause discomfort. |
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| Expensive gifts | Very expensive gifts could look inappropriate or give the impression that you are expecting something in return. |
| Gifts containing allergens | If your neighbour has allergies or intolerances, avoid gifts that could trigger them. Be particularly aware when it comes to food or fragrance products. |
| Impersonal gifts | Avoid generic gifts that have no connection to you or your neighbours. |
| Gifts that are too personal | Avoid gifts that are too personal – they may not be well received. |
5. Creative gifts for neighbours: what are some alternative options?
Are you looking for a special, unusual gift? Here are some alternative farewell gift ideas:
| Experience gifts | Instead of a material gift, you can give your neighbours an experience. This can be an invitation to a joint excursion, a picnic in the park or a dinner at your favourite restaurant. |
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| Donate to a non-profit | Make a donation to a non-profit organization close to your heart on behalf of your neighbours. This way you can show how much you appreciate your neighbours and do a good deed at the same time. |
| Culinary gifts | Put together a selection of homemade jams, spice mixes or baked goods. Use unusual or exotic ingredients. |
6. How can I say goodbye to my neighbours without giving a gift?
Here are some ideas on how to say goodbye to your neighbours in style and with heart, even without a gift:
| Personal farewell note | Write a farewell note thanking your neighbours and expressing your best wishes for them. Hang the note on their door or put it in their mailbox. |
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| Verbal thanks | Try talking to your neighbours in person and expressing your gratitude to them verbally. |
| Snacks and drinks | Invite your neighbours to your home. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming – just offering coffee and snacks already creates a pleasant atmosphere. |
| Digital communication | Do you have a good relationship with your neighbours, but rarely see each other? Then an email or a message via social media is a good option: tell them how much you appreciated their neighbourly friendliness. |
7. Summary: how do I choose the right farewell gift?
Rely on your gut feeling. Your neighbours will be happy if you are honest and sincere in your farewell gestures. Show your gratitude and appreciation in a way that fits your relationship with your neighbours.
