10 Contact-Free Ways to Be a Good Neighbor in 2021

Neighbors are an extremely important part of where you live, and that’s never been more true in the isolating times of 2020 and 2021. However, the pandemic has unfortunately also made it extremely hard to see our neighborhood friends in the ways we’re used to—block parties and yard sales, dinner invitations and kid playdates. 

But thankfully, there are some contact-free ways to maintain relationships with your neighbors and make quarantine feel a little less lonely. Here are some of our favorites to consider:

1. Create a Little Free Library. 

Little Free Libraries are designated neighborhood locations to exchange books you’ve read for those others in your community have contributed. Over 100,000 Little Free Libraries have been created and registered on the organization’s website so far, and yours could be the next on the list! Just make sure to thoroughly sanitize your books before donating them! 

2. Trade puzzles or games. 

In a similar idea to the LIttle Free Library, trade other forms of lockdown entertainment with neighborhood families, such as puzzles or games. If you’ve been playing the same games with your kids since March 2020, you could probably all use a little refresh. Again, make sure to sanitize your puzzles and games before dropping them off on your neighbors’ porch. 

3. Find a penpal. 

Bring back snail mail! With so much time indoors, we’ve all learned to appreciate thoughtful gestures a little more. Share your kids’ artwork in the mailboxes of elderly neighbors, or drop off notes to your friends to let them know you’re thinking of them! 

4. Support local businesses together. 

It’s no secret that local businesses have faced numerous challenges this year, and they could really use help getting back on their feet. Text your neighbors and plan to all order takeout from a local restaurant one week, or purchase gift cards from a local business. Oh, and make a pact to be especially generous tippers during this time! 

5. Connect online. 

Use sites like NextDoor to connect with those in your community and keep looking out for one another, even when it can’t be face-to-face. If you’re used to just posting about complaints or needs, take a moment to spread some positivity on these community-based social networking sites, or your neighborhood email listserv. This is also a great way to share about your Local Free Library and/or organizing support for local businesses. 

6. Drop off meals and treats. 

Make a batch of cookies and drop them off contact-free to your neighbors, or make dinner for someone who is high-risk and can’t get out to the store often. Who doesn’t love a food gift? 

7. Share encouragement from your windows. 

Get creative and share messages with your neighbors using banners, signs, or washable window markers! Share an inspiring quote, a few encouraging words, or a simple “Hi! We miss you!”. 

8. Sit on your porch. 

As the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to enjoy evenings from your front porch and wave at neighbors as they drive or walk by. The perfect socially distanced interaction! Who knows: You may even meet neighbors you’ve never had the chance to meet before. 

9. Care for those who are high-risk.

Even as local regulations may lift or the risk of COVID-19 may lessen in your area, be aware of high-risk residents in your area and how you can help them. As vaccines are distributed in your area, make sure they are able to sign up online and have transportation to a vaccine administration site. 

10. Keep your distance and respect local guidelines. 

Regardless of the activities you partake in during lockdown, remain sensitive to varying levels of comfortability your neighbors may have with face-to-face interactions. Be mindful of local guidelines and keep a community-centered mindset. We can get through this together!