Yes, the smell of varnish or paint can be temporarily unpleasant and the Original Poster recognised that by presenting a gift by way of apology. But I don’t know of any substance for domestic use that would leave a lingering smell for so long. The demands by the neighbour are ridiculous and opportunist. You say flippant, I say lighthearted and this website is never going to slam anyone for trying to inject a bit of humour into what can be a dreary old world.