As much as I love those apple muffins, I actually would not recommend making them for anyone you don't already know to be into health food! :)

I really think that most people would just be appreciative of the gesture, and that you shouldn't concern yourself too much about allergies, except perhaps nuts. If you're really concerned, I would buy a gift card for a local coffeeshop, simply because you're never going to cover off all of the allergies that exist.

I did something similar for our neighbours at Halloween when they dropped off an extra pumpkin (there were *none* to be found in the city). Whether or not they actually ate the cupcakes, they were very appreciative and I made it known how grateful I was...isn't that what neighbourliness is about?

I like the potted plant idea. There's just too many ways a food gift can go wrong if you don't really know the recipient.

I have a snowblower, so I often take care of my neighbor's drive if there is a heavy snowstorm. The last time they gave me a very nice bottle of wine. It definitely is about the gesture.

A big basket of fruit is always welcome in the winter. Add an assorted variety of oranges, kiwi, fresh pineapple, a couple of tomatoes and anything fun that catches your eye at the store. With fruit, you don't need to worry about allergies, vegetarian diets, celiacs or diabetes. A big bouquet of flowers will "Wow" anyone, too. Good idea!

I agree, it's more about the gesture than the actual gift. I wouldn't worry too much about the allergies. I'm sure no matter what you decide to give them, it will be much appreciated!

How about...Rice Krispie treats?? :)

my dad is allergic to mold and many perfumes, so any gifts of plants or flowers we received were immediately put into the garage. :( if i were you, i would bake up some cookies or muffins (without nuts) and call it a day. i dont know anyone who doesn't appreciate baked goods!

Oh, totally Clementines! So nice! My mom sometimes buys us a box when she comes to visit.

Rice Krispie treats are good unless neighbors are vegetarian (marshmallows have gelatin which is made of animal byproducts). I like the flower idea.

My dad is a plower-without-asker too, and does it for the same reason -- he loves to play with his toys. He's diabetic and a recovering alcoholic (not a drop in 25 years) so there are two gift ideas that are off-limits. Usually the neighbors just call and thank him, which is plenty for him.

since this is fairly common at my house (three properties accessed by one private drive) I usually go with a verbal thank-you at the time and then gift something close to springtime...Valentine's Day has been my chosen date the last couple of years. I handmake a special edible with a little bit of a visual wow factor (royal icing cookies are no-fail on this point) and then include a handwritten thank you and a gift card for the grocery store.
Because everyone buys groceries regardless of their dietary or alcohol practices, right?

Having grown up with a family who routinely does this for our neighbors, they really aren't expecting anything back from you but friendliness, so any gesture you make will be appreciated.

Make something that you know is great and don't worry about dietary restrictions for now.

Even if one of them cannot eat it, such nice people will accept it graciously and be touched by your thought.

Then, think of finding out what kind of treats they like as a good way to get to know them when you say hello in passing.

oooh yes, I LOVE the grocery store gift card idea! Attached to a bundle of clementines, yum!

My cousin is stuck in Maine every Winter and each year I mail her Satsuma and Meyer lemons from my garden - a box about every 3 weeks - she says it's often the only thing that gets her through to Spring.

Another idea: bake a batch of cookies, attach the recipe, plus a log of the cookie dough wrapped for freezing (that they can slice and bake later). Something simple like orange chocolate chip or ginger does the trick (I agree with skipping the nuts). What's great is that, if they have company stop by, they can easily slice & bake a few fresh cookies (I keep logs of frozen dough year-round).

In this instance I'd lean toward something to brighten their Winter but more personal than a gift card.

Um, maybe this is old fashioned, but what about a thank you card? Always thoughtful, and never an issue of allergies, etc.

If your neighbor is outside in the cold, doing the chores, why not knit (or crochet) him a hat or scarf? If that's not on your list of hobbies, perhaps purchase a one from etsy?