10 Easy Ways to Make It a Beautiful Day in Your Neighborhood

September 28 is #NationalGoodNeighborDay which means it’s the perfect time to strike up a friendship with the family next door. Here are 10 simple ways you and the kids can connect with your neighbors today and every day.

photo: Michael Newman via flickr 

1. Ask them their name. This seems like a no-brainer, but so often we don’t know even know our neighbor’s names!

2. Exchange phone numbers. A simple gesture that says you’re looking out for them.

3. Bake something. The holidays often bring this kind of tradition, but why not invoke it on a random Wednesday? Few people will be disappointed in fresh baked bread, cookies or other goodies. And everybody loves coffee cake.

4. Plant it. A cutting from your favorite houseplant or a pre-potted begonia: even a small bouquet of flowers are a sweet and inexpensive way to say, “Hey!”

5. Arrange an interview. Use this get-to-know-your-neighbors guide to help your kids interview your neighbors.

6. Make it a double. Next time you’re at the store, grab an extra bar of soap, dishwashing liquid or another cleaning product and gift it to your neighbor. It doesn’t need to be expensive, and keep in mind many people have chemical and scent sensitivities.

7. Make a hello card. Have the kids paint or draw a simple card that just says “Hello, neighbor!”

8. Carry the load. Help unload the trunk of the car or a pick up a package from the bottom of the stairs and place it in front of their door.

9. Do a work exchange. Mow their lawn, shovel their driveway, pull weeds or something similar. Even if you live in an apartment building you can help tidy up communal space or carry their recycling down to the street.

10. Organize a pot-luck. If you don’t have the space to do this in your own place, use a nearby park or community center. Make simple invites that you hand-deliver and set a time limit.

Do you have a good neighbor story? Share it with us in the comments below. 

—Amber Guetebier