Anonymous wrote:High end vanilla or vanilla beans would be great.

If they are Muslim, I would err on the side of alcohol free vanilla. That's all we use. Any gesture would be nice though! I bake a lot for neighbors and do like the idea of a card or flowers. Nice to be appreciated.

People like this aren't looking for a return favor. They get satisfaction by creating/sharing their decadent desserts and you complimenting them and receiving it graciously. That's just how some people are.

Having said that, just continue to be friendly people - shovel their sidewalk tomorrow, offer to watch their house/take-in their mail when they're out of town, chat with them, etc.

What about pretty paper doilies or cup cake cups?