When Isla was born our next door neighbors literally moved in the day before. Funny enough, my husband went home to let the dog out and met them. They asked, “Aren’t you expecting?” and Steve of course replied “Yeah, she’s in the hospital right now!”
After I delivered, my brother sent me a text saying that our neighbor left us something at the front door. Confused, because we don’t really know our neighbors…however, we just met our next door neighbors who just moved in! When I was discharged home, I was surprised to see a huge chicken pot pie in my refrigerator and a beautiful handwritten note. Usually it would be our responsibility to introduce ourselves first, but since I was preoccupied with a newborn and a sexy, fresh postpartum body…they made the first introduction and I will be forever thankful for their generous gift (and friendship.) It’s because of them, I started to make welcome baskets to new neighbors on our street.
My go-to for all home needs is obviously Home Goods. I can spend a lot of time and money in there finding things I potentially need. Potentially.
I turn to Pinterest to spark my creative juices and use whatever I find at Home Goods to make an organized basket. I knew this family was moving from the West Coast so I thought it would be appropriate to make a warm basket: coffee, hot chocolate, cookies. Things to warm your soul and home! I even found a cute french press! Put it all in a basket and a heart felt note welcoming them to obviously the best neighborhood!
Why You Need to Meet Your Neighbor
I didn’t realize how much community is important in your life until I move to a city where I didn’t know one soul. I knew my then-boyfriend and his friends, but friends of my own? Nope. I struggled finding my own little bubble and when I finally formed my little group, I realized how important it is to have people to lean on, count on, and essentially just to have.
Even just having your neighbor to text for support does so much to your mental health
What I personally love is that I have two veteran mamas near by who offer the best advice to me. I know I can reach out to them for support or to vent.
You never know, they may need you more than you need them.
Welcome to Neighborhood Basket Ideas
- Wine and Cheese basket. Get a bottle of wine, some crackers, and cheese. Supply plastic cups for easy clean up, because nobody wants to wash dishes after moving in.
- Kitchen Supply Basket. I’ve recently made one before. With dish soap and all surface cleaner. I also put a bottle of champs and sparkling juice for the kiddos, too! They will be constantly cleaning after moving all their stuff in! Not to mention whatever ick the previous homeowners left. You can add sponges, towels, etc.
- Sweets Basket. You can never go wrong with a basket of candy, chips, chocolate, etc. Unless they have allergies or diet specific. But you wouldn’t know until you meet them! Save the basket for yourself and then make them a new one!
- Popcorn Basket. Just poppin’ by! Put some microwavable popcorn in, with some soft drinks, alcohol, napkins, and a DVD! Or a giftcard to Netflix.
- Homeowner Supply Basket. A hammer, painters tape, towels, measuring tape, flashlight, nails etc. Because they may need an extra one of something. I swear at one point we had 4 hammers. Why? I don’t know. None of them were pink.
- Moving Survival Basket. Plastic plates, cups, utensils, napkins, etc. Because like I said, washing the dishes is the last thing you’d want to do. We’ve been in our house for 2 years and I still reach for the paper and plastic utensils!
How have you welcomed new neighbors?
Here’s to you, mama! Making friends isn’t easy, at least you’re trying!
