We have next door neighbors that are Muslim and are so very kind. They bring us plates of food when they cook and they even scared away some kids trying to steal our car at 2 in the morning.
I wanted to return the favor with a nice card from us and a gift. I don’t know how strict they are with Halal, and I read that Halal-friendly might not be good enough so I’m weary of a gift card to a restaurant even if it says Halal.
So what kind of gift(s) would be appropriate for a thank you? I appreciate any help you all can provide!
Hi, Muslim here!
That sounds very generous of you, honestly I think you’re being very accommodating and that’s already very nice.
I think something simple like gift bouquets are fine, at grocery stores.
My neighbours give my family those sometimes. If one box has gelatin, we just give that specific box to a different neighbour.
But generally it’s ok, just any generic gift bouquet should be fine.
Thanks for being a great neighbour!
Thank you very much for this! I was also reading that a fruit platter and/or chocolates are good too?
If that is true, is there any kind of chocolate that is off limits? I know alcohol and marshmallow is no good, but anything else?
I want to make sure there’s something for their kids too.
It’s pretty much avoid alcohol, gummies, marshmallow
Anything else should be ok.
Thanks for being so kind
Honestly it’s pretty thought to make the food super neutral and still really good. You can follow all religious restrictions and still have trouble with what they actually like haha.
Thanks for being a nice neighbor.
Avoid anything alcoholic and all kind of meat except seafood. If it has to be food consider fruits or dried fruits (dates, almond, nuts…), honey and olive oil are also among guifts we give in my area (Morocco). A nice box of dates is my favorite or a game/toy for their toddler/child if they have any.
Fantastic ideas! I was thinking of getting some delicious Baklava from a local place as well.
Maybe some non food gift, like a bouquet of flowers? Or a gift card to a local movie theater or other non food activity?
Oof. Yeah, that’s definitely a good idea! I forgot about movies too.
If it’s food we’re talking about: You can never go wrong with fruit (unless it’s durian and they hate it), or vegetarian stuff in general.
Seafood would be okay too.
Thank you! Lots is vegetarian restaurants around here, so that’s a definite option.
Due to the lack of knowledge, would asking them what they would like as a thank you gift be possible? It may ruin the suprise but than you aren’t going to accidentally get something they may see as offensive or inappropriate.
Yeah, I did think of that as well. I was hoping for it to be a surprise, but asking them is also an avenue to take. They have kids, so I was hoping to get their whole family a little something.
How liberal/conservative do they seem? Our family is fairly liberal but others might not be like that especially if they are older. To be safe , a fruit basket is a good idea. Dates can be tricky depending on the origin of them (ensuring it’s not from settlements).
What can be tricky with the dates? I tried looking it up but didn’t really find anything explaining it.
A rainbow flag. If they are not homophobic then they should accept it without problems, if they are homophobic, you dodged a bullet :)
Muslim here. If you’re worried, something kosher will do as long as it doesn’t contain alcohol (kosher food without alcohol is automatically halal).
Pork chops /s
deleted by creator
Removed by mod
You would be showered with upvotes if this was a Christian family in question. Shows Muslims are given an unfair special treatment
Well, I downvoted because how is this helpful or a thoughtful gift for anyone, unless this is something they specifically have an identity around or are heavily invested in?
Even an LGBTQ+ person I wouldn’t buy a rainbow flag or rainbow gear for unless they specifically wanted one and didn’t have one. I’d try and get them something useful like food, something to entertain themselves, etc.
