Return Gift for Neighbor Bakers

[Anonymous]

Our neighbors are bakers -- the whole family! -- and they drop by with cupcakes or gorgeous cookies or an entire cake from time to time.

I feel like I need to return their generosity but have no clue what to prepare. I don't think ME baking something for them makes sense, although that would normally be my go-to.

Ideas? They are of Muslim faith and so I also want to be culturally aware (I should google this, I know).

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't overthink it. They don't expect anything in return. Maybe a nice plant?

[Anonymous]

High end vanilla or vanilla beans would be great.

[Anonymous]

What do you enjoy? If your hobbies aren’t as transferable you could always give them flowers.

[Anonymous]

I cook a lot for various neighbors, sometimes baking, other times sharing other things I make since it's just me and DS, and he doesn't love leftovers. I would never expect anything back and would feel bad if my neighbors felt they had to compensate. The vanilla idea is nice, but not necessary.

[Anonymous]

My kid loves to bake, and we often share because we have too much!!!

I don't need anything in return, other than a neighborly relationship. Smile, wave when we go by, etc . . .

If you wanted to give me something, I would prefer not storebought baked goods. Because we have all the baked goods we need. Some flowers, or some fruit that caught your eye at the farmer's market, or something that reflects your talents (e.g. I have a neighbor who gave me a bar of soap she made, how cool is that?) would be very welcome. But really, only if you feel the need to give something.

[Anonymous]

If you garden, you could bring over vegetables in the summer months.

[Anonymous]

OP here - these are great ideas, thank you!

[Anonymous]

I’m another person who often drops off baked goods, and I agree that I don’t want/need anything in return, especially not more baked goods!! If you want to give something, I would like whatever you are good at—vegetables from your garden, etc. Nice vanilla or specialty olive oil and vinegar would be lovely, as would flowers.

[Anonymous]

We have been very kind to a neighbor child. Out of the blue, they brought us a card thanking us for being good neighbors and for our kindness. It was a really sweet gesture.

[Anonymous]

Bakers are usually baking anyway and just bake more and share. If you are already shopping for flowers, grab some for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m another person who often drops off baked goods, and I agree that I don’t want/need anything in return, especially not more baked goods!! If you want to give something, I would like whatever you are good at—vegetables from your garden, etc. Nice vanilla or specialty olive oil and vinegar would be lovely, as would flowers.

+1

I Bake and love sharing with my neighbors. I would never expect anything in return but these here are very good ideas.

[Anonymous]

Penzey’s Baker’s Box!!

[Anonymous]

Nice vanilla is a great idea. Specialty teas would be nice too.

[Anonymous]

Nice vanilla is a scam imo.