Neighborhood Christmas Gifts?

[Anonymous]

We live in a very tight-knit community with great people who have become good friends over the past year. We just received a couple holiday gifts, which were both reasonably sizable in my opinion for being a friendly neighbor gift--$75+. I feel like we need to give something in return, but if we do this with one family, we'll have to do it with five families, and I really don't want to spend all that money! Advice? What do you do with your neighbors and holiday gift giving? I don't want to start a tradition that going to get more and more expensive as the years go!

[Anonymous]

Maybe send a thank you note and a tin of homemade cookies.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP - thank you note and homebaked treat would be nice and hopefully a tradition you could sustain. I can't imagine gifting neighbors (or even close couple friends) at a rate of $75 or more a pop. If you're want to spend a little on them you might consider a personalized ornament or interesting (but not super pricey) bottle of wine (most wine shops have someone on staff who could help you find something for a given price point that is quality). But honestly, we only gift with one family we're very close to and even then, we spend ~$20. I personally don't think you need to reciprocate - a very gracious thank you is just fine (and an absolute must). If they were expecting something in return and don't get it, they'll either be fine with that b/c they gave in the true spirit of giving, or they won't do it again next year, which will probably be fine (and less awkward for you).

[Anonymous]

don't set the precedent by returning the favor. A nice thank you note will do if you don't want to exchange gifts like this in the years to come.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree with PP - thank you note and homebaked treat would be nice and hopefully a tradition you could sustain. I can't imagine gifting neighbors (or even close couple friends) at a rate of $75 or more a pop. If you're want to spend a little on them you might consider a personalized ornament or interesting (but not super pricey) bottle of wine (most wine shops have someone on staff who could help you find something for a given price point that is quality). But honestly, we only gift with one family we're very close to and even then, we spend ~$20. I personally don't think you need to reciprocate - a very gracious thank you is just fine (and an absolute must). If they were expecting something in return and don't get it, they'll either be fine with that b/c they gave in the true spirit of giving, or they won't do it again next year, which will probably be fine (and less awkward for you).

I agree with this.

If your children and theirs are good friends, you could give them a GC to the movies and a coupon for evening babysitting or a sleepover at your house.