old lady next door put money in our christmas card

Amanda65

What a lovely neighbour you have!

I would not buy sheets as she may have plenty and you probably don't know her bedroom colours. Also a little patronising maybe ? ie you are old therefore need warm sheets

I love the idea of a bird table for the garden - obviously she loves the outdoors space and would probably love seeing wildlife in the garden

[Deleted User]

Hi,

no, don't give it back, I don't like this tit for tat thing.

I like the something for the garden idea, what about a hanging basket of winter flowers, then you can change them in the spring.

NAR

Aw, sounds like she wants to "adopt" you as a family. Sounds like a relationship to nurture. I would also agree with getting something for the garden - a couple of winter plants maybe?

Spongbong

Maybe invite her over for Christmas dinner?

lyn735

My elderly neighbour gives me £10 at Christmas I help her out through the year and wouldn't dream of offending her by returning the gift. I tell her what I have bought with her gift and she is happy. Just appreciate that she appreciates what you do for her. You may think that you don't do much but it obviously means a lot to her.

lor6126

thanks for all replies, think will get her something garden related, maybe vouchers and an offer to run to garden centre when she wants to use them. Christmas dinner not an option as we are going to daughters tho we might invite her up for coffee/cake on boxing day. I just feel that now she will make this a regular thing, but i dont think she has anyone else to buy for so i dont suppose it will be leaving her short.
ps to the poster that asked, did she def mean to money in, yes, because there was two envelopes inside card, one each with our names on with a tenner each.
Thanks for all your help.

MrsRogers

What a lovely neighbour... its so nice to have fab neighbours ours (who are elderly) sent us a beautiful card with to our dear neighbour on the front.:D

They do far more for us then we do for them.. so i'm giving them a little homemade hamper with homemade jam, chutney & marmalade with a nice box of chocs..

A nice plant or rose would be so much appreciated to someone who loves their garden.. I personally wouldn't give vouchers as its back to the 'money' issue of how much!!

shopndrop

Sounds like she could be lonely maybe and appreciates having you nearby. How about going to a garden centre (to use the money to get something for the garden as others have suggested), taking her with you and whilst you are there treating her to afternoon tea?

minerva_windsong

I agree with giving a small gift/hamper in return, or using it to treat the kids or getting them to write to her. My other suggestion would have been to give it to a charity like Age UK.

meritaten

I think the lady may have previously had a bad experience with nieghbours, but has decided you are a 'nice' family and has adopted you! count your blessings and treasure her as you would a favourite granny! it sounds like you have a really good relationship developing and, not to sound mercenary or anything, I bet the lady would be a godsend if you needed an emergency babysitter or something.
I too like the idea of getting something the lady could see in the garden - nice planter or bird table, but I bet she would love being invited for a nice cuppa and mince pie on xmas eve or boxing day. without family perhaps she is lonely.