Karousel - Funny I should see this today as I had lunch with one of my best friends today. She knows I don't have money for gifts and she knows that making cookies is too tiring for me. Every year she gives us a plate of cookies and I give her a card. She was telling me how good it felt to do this for me and I was telling her how much I appreciated it AND that she includes some of my favorite treats that she makes, which is so thoughtful. She loves doing this for me. This plate of cookies means so much more to me than if she bought a gift AND just the friendship we have alone is enough of a gift for both of us.

It is hard for me as a giver not to be able to give much so I do know how you feel. Befriending you neighbor as you have may mean more to her than you think. As others have said, the gift of a plate of cookies is a gift of love. Debbie is right, it takes time, money, and love to make all of those cookies. Write her a thank you note for both the gift she gave you and for her friendship. That would be thanks enough.