Gift idea needed for a neighbor

[ufcrusher]

I'm curious what people think. You have a neighbor who you are friends with who basically constantly helps you out. The help he provides ranges from little things, such as helping to carrying a package you cant manage by yourself, to much bigger things, such as taking care of your pets while you are gone.

While this isnt a one sided street, as I take care of his pets while he is out of town and I have helped him on many occassions with other things, I cant help but feel that he has done more for us.

I should mention that we have gone away numerous times recently due to either family issues or business and that he has offered to help with the animals each and every time. (Although I did lose 1 fish while he was watching them, he offered to reimburse me for it, which I declined) He has only gone away 1 or 2 times in the time we have known each other. Also, as a result of my ankle and cane, he has helped me carry things many times that I would not have been otherwise struggled with. (I.e. - carrying container of RO water....I would have been able to do it, but it would have taken me a while with constantly putting it down)

I know that there is going to be at least 2 more times in the near future where I am going to have to ask him to step up and take care of the pets. 1 time for the holidays while we are away (their family all is in the area) and another a month after that when we go back east for a wedding.

So this begs the question, what level of gift would you get for a friend/neighbor who goes above and beyond the normal level? I feel bad because he is helping us way more than we help them, but I have told him many times that any time he needs my help let me know.

I would probably say figure $40 or less as the max we would want to spend. Thanks.

[avlena]

I'm curious what people think. You have a neighbor who you are friends with who basically constantly helps you out. The help he provides ranges from little things, such as helping to carrying a package you cant manage by yourself, to much bigger things, such as taking care of your pets while you are gone.

While this isnt a one sided street, as I take care of his pets while he is out of town and I have helped him on many occassions with other things, I cant help but feel that he has done more for us.

I should mention that we have gone away numerous times recently due to either family issues or business and that he has offered to help with the animals each and every time. (Although I did lose 1 fish while he was watching them, he offered to reimburse me for it, which I declined) He has only gone away 1 or 2 times in the time we have known each other. Also, as a result of my ankle and cane, he has helped me carry things many times that I would not have been otherwise struggled with. (I.e. - carrying container of RO water....I would have been able to do it, but it would have taken me a while with constantly putting it down)

I know that there is going to be at least 2 more times in the near future where I am going to have to ask him to step up and take care of the pets. 1 time for the holidays while we are away (their family all is in the area) and another a month after that when we go back east for a wedding.

So this begs the question, what level of gift would you get for a friend/neighbor who goes above and beyond the normal level? I feel bad because he is helping us way more than we help them, but I have told him many times that any time he needs my help let me know.

I would probably say figure $40 or less as the max we would want to spend. Thanks.

I would actually go for something food-related. You don't want to get something too big, because he might feel uncomfortable, like he should give you a gift. It's more about you taking the time and effort to thank him, not how much money was spent. How about a nice Christmas-y dinner or make him a bunch of Christmas cookies. Is he a single guy, or does he have a wife & kids?

[ufcrusher]

Married, no kids.

[kgsilvas]

Costco has some nice food baskets in a variety of price ranges.

[MikeD]

The wife and I have done a "dinner and movie night" gift basket for a friend when in a similar situation. Pick up two movie passes and a $25 gift card to a restaurant, arrange them in a basket, and voila...you're good!

[Jeffbx]

Yup, food is good. Everyone needs it & most people won't refuse it. I'd say have a look at some gift baskets from Costco or Harry & David.

[DarkFury]

Two words for ya.... Hickory Farms :thumb:

[Grimm]

Make sure you give a hand written card telling them how much you appriciate them as neighbors. A pre-printed card is nice, but it can't convey just how much you appriciate their help.

[tupacboy]

get the wine on the deals page :)

[Markel]

get the wine on the deals page :)
That runs about $75 with shipping. But, you could order it for yourself, and give him the bottles you don't want. :P

[renovation]

we have the same type of neighbor here. we go away so they watch and feed our dog and 2 cats and also take in our mail for us. wife found a very nice christmas nut cracker wine bottle opener for them and were getting them a very nice bottle of wine to go along with it! the open is from Neiman Marcus so you know its nice and not cheap! :)