What small gift would be good to give my orthodox jewish neighbors?!
Answers: I have the sweetest newly wed next door neighbors. They helped me when I was locked out of my apartment this weekend, and I want to give them a little gift to thank them. However, I am not sure what to give them. They are very conservative, and are kosher, and do not drink as far as I know. She is 5 months pregnant, and seems to like all things trendy and chic (she loooves cupcakes). I was thinking a cupcake cookbook, but can't find any that are kosher (would it be bad to get her one that was not kosher?). Or maybe some decorations for cupcakes? Everything I've seen on the internet related to kosher baking and cooking seems sort of dated. And I am reluctant to get anything for the baby. Any ideas?
Just wanted to say that you have great instincts, and that great neighbors like both of you deserve each other!
Probably a hand-written thank-you-note would be unexpected and appreciated, with no gift necessary.
You're right to avoid food, wines, and baby things. (It's a tradition/superstition not to buy/acquire things for a baby until it's born.)
If you know of a great cupcake cookbook, go for it. It doesn't have to be kosher-specific. There may be recipes that call for ingredients she can't use, but there are plenty of substitutions for baking.
Does she entertain? Perhaps you can find a cute serving platter or tray. Or even better: Offer to babysit when the kid is a month old!
Neighbors like you make the world a nicer place.
Do you live in a Jewish neighborhood? Mine is mixed and the local Acme has a kosher bakery. How about if you just sent them a package of mixed cupcakes from the local bakery? Assuming the place is kosher.
Or maybe just a thank-you card, you don't have to worry about it being kosher :)
Kosher cookbook
http://www.thepeppermillinc.com/prod_dtl...
or try this site
http://www.jewishfood-list.com/
When in doubt: GIFT CARD/CERTIFICATE to an appropriate place: baby store, local Jewish Deli/Restaurant, Linen's n Things, Bed Bath Beyond, etc.......that way, the couple can get what ever they want, and they will think of you and the kind deed they did whenever they use the item they choose most appropriate for their needs at that time......That way you don't get the wrong "thing".......Attach a note of thanks and they'll be very thankful for your being so nice to acknowledge their help........Peace and Enjoy!!
Christopher
No NO NO
get them a gift card at the local nursery or home depot,, etc
as for baby stuff
Buy them the Gerber Life insurance junk..
Artichoke hearts marinated in oil with some no yeast crackers???
Fried Artichokes are a popular dish in the Jewish district in Rome.
Also, around Hanukkah, make meringue cookies with a little blue food coloring and pipe the dough with a star tip. Bake and put in a jar with a nice blue ribbon. (saw this on food network)
Good Luck.
See my answer at your other question.
Here's what I recommend (although "Juggling Frogs" above me is exactly right too. Her advice is great!!)...
Zabar's is a great Jewish deli/grocer in NYC that ships anywhere in the U.S. They carry kosher items. Here's a lovely kosher tin of rugelach for $20 plus shipping. Rugelach are delicious buttery cookies filled with chocolate or raisins (other fillings too). I'd recommend the chocolate ones.
Delicious and appropriate.
You can look at other items on the website too. Just make sure you choose something kosher. If you need help, they have a toll free number: 800-697-6301
http://www.zabars.com/zabars-fresh-baked...
Oh...here's another nice kosher gift from Zabar's: coffee cake:
http://www.zabars.com/on/demandware.stor...
Well if you don't know what to get them do what I did for my dad, he can be very picky. So what I got him was a gift catalog where he can choose from over 20 products with a wide range of products. I went to http://ccheung.ordermygift.com
Ordered a small gift catalog and it mailed to him in about 3 days. He just picks a product and calls the number on the back and they send it to him. There about 2 dozen types of catalogs with various price ranges. So no headache, no worrying if you got the right or wrong gift. Hope this helps