Challenge #8: Give a Gift

New here? You have stumbled onto Challenge #8 of my neighborhood outreach challenge. We are reclaiming our streets, one prayer (and one token of kindness) at a time. You can get the full 10-challenge framework in my new book, How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird, but today, let’s get generous.

The Challenge: Give a Gift

From the Book:

Give a gift to a neighbor. If you don’t know them well, a small token acts as an “instant ice breaker.” It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate; think of things like a seed packet, a coffee mug, fresh flowers, or even a drawing from your children. The key is the gesture of kindness. If you do know your neighbor, try to choose something that speaks to their specific hobbies or needs. Attach a simple gift tag with your name, address, and phone number so they know exactly who their “secret admirer” is.

Go Deeper: Adorable, Affordable Ideas

The book says “don’t overthink it,” but sometimes our minds go blank! Here is a list from the blog of simple ideas that work even if you’ve never met the person (and here are tons more!):

The “Instant Ice Breaker” List

• The “Free” Option: A drawing from your kids. Getting children involved is a beautiful way to teach them to love their neighbor!

• Pro Tip: You can find endless craftiness on Pinterest or just pick up a token of affection at a dollar store.

The Tag is Key

Don’t forget to include a tag!

• Why: If you aren’t home when they find it, you want them to know it came from the friendly person in the [Color] house, not a stranger.

• What to write: “Just a little something to brighten your day! From: Amy at 123 Maple St.”

The Rules: No Weirdness!

From the Book:

Don’t overthink the “perfect” gift. A bottle of wine, a puzzle book, or sample-sized lotions are all perfectly normal neighborly tokens.

When you deliver it, you don’t need a long speech. Just point to your house so they can place you, hand over the gift, and chat for a minute or two about the neighborhood or the weather.

And whatever you do, don’t just “thrust the gift and run”—stick around long enough to be a friendly face!

God’s Way

From the Book:

Generosity is a tangible way to express the love of Christ, who gave us the ultimate gift of grace. By giving unexpectedly, you are “warming them from the inside out.”

You aren’t responsible for their reaction—whether they are delighted or cranky—you are only responsible for your creative obedience to Christ’s command to love. Your small gift might arrive at the exact moment they need to know someone cares.

The Words: What to Say

It’s easier to knock on a door with one hand when you are holding a gift in the other. Use this script from the book:

“Hi, I’m [Name] and I live right over there. I was just thinking of our neighbors today and wanted to bring you this [Gift]. I hope you’re having a great week!”

Ready for Challenge #9?

You’ve given the gift—now it’s time to open your own door.

In the 10th Anniversary Edition of How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird, I walk you through 10 specific challenges to move from “stranger” to “neighbor,” including the big one: Hosting. (Don’t panic—I promise to make it stress-free!)