I wait and see how they are first. If they appear friendly, I will introduce myself. Giving a gift to a stranger could be a bad idea. If it's a food gift, they could be allergic to something in it, or it could go against their religion to eat it. Same with alcohol. I like to get to know someone before I give them gifts.
I agree. I just saw a movie on TV where that was going on. The hello and welcome gift and I am thinking "geeze I don't even know half my neighbors and I have been here more than 2 decades. I don't want to know anyone until I know what they are like first.
I live in an apartment building. With the exception of one family on the opposite end of the floor and the POS that lives next door, I know no one else. I saw one fellow leaving his apartment the other day as I was coming home from work and he said hello, so I responded in kind.
I don't usually do anything. The only time I ever introduced myself to a new neighbor was after I caught their little dog in my yard with my dead duck in its mouth. They were really nice old people and they felt awful about it and I presented them with a baby lime tree to show that there was no hard feelings. I secretly hated that evil duck anyway..he attacked anything that moved..
I introduce my self and welcome them to the neighborhood. Then ask if they need any help. I don't bring gifts since not knowing them would not know what would be a good choice. Giving a gift on assumption could result in an unwelcome gift.
We are a private community so finite number of people can live here. We all know each other and believe in live and let live. Better to set the tone of a friendly neighborhood than ignore them and have them feel unwelcome.
Our Welcoming Committee will get them their keys, directory and welcome them on behalf of the rest of the community.
Benedict Arnold 