Moving to a new neighborhood can be intimidating and scary for anyone, especially if you don’t know anybody. If you find new neighbors driving up to your street, if would be nice to  welcome them to the neighborhood. It’s easy enough to knock on your door and introduce yourself. While you’re certainly not obliged to give them anything more than a handshake, it would be nice if you brought along a small token to help them get settlled into their new home.

So what are good housewarming gifts for new neighbors? Here are some ideas:

• Neighborhood gift basket – if they’re new to the city or the state, it may be a good idea to put together a neighborhood kit – maps, some products from local stores and discount coupons from restaurants.
• Cleaning/Tool Kit – people moving to a new home always need a few cleaning supplies and tools. A cleaning kit with sponges, rags and cleaning solutions would definitely be appreciated.
• Plants – nothing spruces up a room better than a live plant. They last much longer than fresh flowers and they are easy to take care of.
• Food – when your neighbors busy unpacking and getting your house in order, they may not have time to put a meal together. A gift of food can be most welcome in hectic times, and put you on their good side. Since they’ll have their utensils packed up, you can include some paper plates and plastic knives and forks. Be careful though – they may have different eating preferences and allergies. Alternately, you can give pastries, cookies, homemade jam or fresh-baked bread.
• Household items – if you have neighbors who are newlyweds, it may be a good idea to gift them with something they might not immediately buy for themselves. A nice vase or serving bowl, or even kitchen utensils like baking pans would be good gifts.
• Wine or champagne – a staple of housewarming gifts, almost everyone appreciates a bottle of wine.
• Decorative scented candles – lighting a scented candle  brings warmth to any home.

Of course, there may be some things you shouldn’t give your neighbors:

• Pets – they might not appreciate having to take care of while they’re busy getting their house in order
• “Re-gifts” – especially if you still have the original tags!
• Wilted plants or worn out items – you wouldn’t want someone’s hand-me-downs, either, would you?
• Novelty items – anything kitschy will just take up space and will either end up in the trash or in the closet.