What’s the best way to thank my caring neighbor who has assisted me during COVID-19?

Q. I am a senior and probably at high risk for catching the virus so I have tried not to go out much at all. I am so lucky to have a neighbor who early on told me she would be happy to get my groceries and medicines, or whatever I needed. She is amazing! I email her my list and give her a blank, signed check and she puts everything inside my front door. I have tried to give her some money, like a tip, I guess as a thank-you for doing all this, but she refuses every time. I want to do something to thank her. I can’t very well ask her to go somewhere to get her own gift, though, or can I? Can you help me with what you think might be appropriate?

A. Yes, certainly, and what a wonderful neighbor you have! It is so heartwarming to know there are such wonderful, caring people doing such nice things for others. If you haven’t already, mail or give her a hand written thank you note when you give her your next check. And, no, I would not ask her to buy a gift card when she goes to the grocery store for you.

Some other thank you options (assuming you have a credit card)

• Order a bouquet of flowers and have them delivered to her house with a short thank-you note written by the florist. If you know what her favorite flowers are, ask the florist to use them in the bouquet if at all possible.
• If you have ordered items from the internet before, you could select something which you think she might like, order it and have it delivered directly to her house. It could be a bottle of perfume you know she wears. If you don’t know, the next time she comes to pick up a check, just make a comment like this: “I really like the perfume you are wearing today? What scent is it?” After she tells you, then casually ask: “Oh, is that your favorite?” Her response should provide you with the information you need to order a bottle of it online and have it delivered to her home.
• If she likes to read, perhaps one of your short casual conversations when she stops by to get a check could be: “I hope you have had a little time to read a good book.” If she says she has, she’ll probably tell you what it is and then you can casually say: “Sounds good. There are a lot of new books coming out right now, what’s on your list to get next?” Once again, her response should give you the information you need. It is important to take action to quickly order the book or one of the books she mentions. Once again, have it delivered directly to her house.
• Or perhaps there is a magazine you think she might enjoy which you could subscribe to in her name.
• If she likes jewelry (and I don’t know a woman who doesn’t) order a bracelet or necklace for her which suits her style and have it delivered directly to her house.
• If you know her favorite restaurant, call the restaurant, pay for a gift card, and have it mailed to you so that you can add a note inside the envelope when you give it to her, or have it mailed directly to her.
• If you like to bake cookies, cakes or pies, periodically bake something on the days you know she will be shopping for you and have it ready to give to her when she steps inside the door with your groceries. Or perhaps you like making casseroles. What a great gift so that she gets a night off from cooking.
• If you knit, crochet, embroider, or craft, perhaps there is something you could make and give to her.