As Thanksgiving rolls around, we often find ourselves thinking of the many things we have to be grateful for. Unfortunately, we often forget to be thankful for the people in our lives. It’s time we think about them.
Some people can make our day with a simple act. Think about the man who held the door open for you or the woman in the grocery store who gave your fussy toddler a sticker to calm him down. These strangers help us believe there is still good in the world.
While giving a gift to everyone who does a good deed is not feasible, there are still ways to show gratitude, such as a smile or a simple “thank you.” These small acts will let these people know their kindness did not go unnoticed.
Paying it forward is another way to show gratitude and add goodness to the world. Choose to do kind deeds not only for people you know but for total strangers as well. Hold the door open, smile at someone who seems down, let the other person go first in line, etc.
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A Special Thanks
Now, think about people who regularly improve your life. These people deserve a little extra thanks. Some of these people might include:
- Spouse– In the busyness of raising a family, working, and maintaining a functional household, we often overlook our spouses. Yes, spouses should share in family and household tasks; however, they deserve your thanks for their efforts. Take the time to express your love and appreciation.
- Parents– The ones who raised you, cheered you on, supported your dreams, and stuck by you through those angsty teenage years deserve a great deal of gratitude.
- Best Friend– Everyone should have a friend or two who is there for them no matter what—someone who is a shoulder to cry on, a confidant, etc. If you are lucky enough to have someone like this in your life, let them know how much they mean to you.
- Boss– Not all bosses are created equal. There are some pretty terrible bosses out there. But, if you are lucky enough to have a good boss who truly cares about you and wants to see you succeed, be sure to express your appreciation.
- Co-workers– We often spend more time at work than at home. As a result, we form bonds with our co-workers; they become our friends, allies, and confidants. Show them how glad you are to have them as part of your work family.
- Clients– Outside of performance, one of the best ways to keep clients is to let them know how much you value them and their business. After all, without them, your company would fall apart.
- Teachers– There may not be a way to fully express your thanks to the person who spends most of the day with your child, teaching and caring for them. However, a nice gift is a good start.
- Missionaries– Missionaries take months or years out of their lives to fill people’s temporal and spiritual needs. For the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints headquartered here in Utah, missionaries are vital. Many of these missionaries give 18-24 months of unpaid, full-time service to the Lord. Consider sending a gift, such as cookies, to missionaries in your family or neighborhood.
Thoughtful Gifts
After reading the suggestions above, you have likely thought of one or more people to whom you should send a thank-you gift. Now, the next task is choosing what you should send. Below are some popular options to help you make the decision.
1. Get Personal
The more you know about the person you are thanking, the more personal gift you can give. Below are some examples.
- Sports Fanatic– Is this person a die-hard sports fan for a specific team? If so, sports memorabilia is sure to be a hit. Or, if you want to go all-out, give them tickets to watch their favorite team play.
- Book Worm– What would be better than a new best seller for someone who loves curling up with a good book?
- Outdoor Enthusiast– A gift card to a local sporting goods store, new gear, or trail snacks will excite any adventurer.
- Foodie– Some people deeply enjoy food and even travel to try different foods. For these people, food is a hobby. A gift for them should be a no-brainer. Think restaurant gift cards, a gourmet cookie gift box, or virtually anything to do with food.
- Shopaholic– While you may be feeding their addiction, gift cards are perfect for that one person who can never get enough shopping. Or, you could get their mind off shopping by helping them find a new hobby.
- Animal Lover– Say thank you by buying them a new kitten or puppy! We’re joking. Really. Don’t do that. Instead, give them a gift that includes something for their fur baby or a cute frame to display their favorite picture of their pet.
2. Be Practical
Personal gifts are at the top of the list; however, practical items also have their place. Most people appreciate getting things they will use regularly. Keep reading for some helpful suggestions.
- Spruce Up Their Office– Thinking about office supplies as a gift likely has you rolling your eyes, sarcastically thinking, “Yeah, a stapler is a perfect way to show my appreciation.” But hear us out.We agree there are plenty of office supplies that would make crummy gifts. But, you’ve got to think outside the cubicle. Forget about staplers, pencils, and file folders. Think of things that will not only be useful but will spruce up their space as well.Some ideas include personalized stationery or sticky notes, artwork for their wall, a low-maintenance plant for their desk, a designer name placard, a charging dock, or a classy, wood, monogrammed pen.
- Jump On The Tumbler-Train– Although trendy, a good tumbler keeps your coffee warm or water ice-cold for hours. While this is a practical gift, you can choose a design or writing to make it more personal.
- Make Scents– A good hand lotion, candle, or soap makes a great gift. However, be sure you know if the person has allergies or aversions to certain scents. Do some digging to find out their favorite smell.
3. Sweeten Them Up
One of the most tried-and-true ways to show someone your gratitude is to say it with food.
- Get On Their Sweet Side– If the person you are thanking has a sweet tooth, make them homemade brownies, buy a candy bouquet, or even buy cookies online and have them delivered right to their door.
- In Good Taste– For those who prefer a more savory treat, send a charcuterie board with meats and cheeses or a bag of gourmet nuts.
No matter your gift, the special people in your life will be grateful that you thought of them and appreciate all they do. You’ll feel good, and they’ll feel good. Win-win.
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Infographic
As Thanksgiving approaches, we often forget to express gratitude for the people in our lives. It’s important to consider them as well. The more you know about the person you are thanking, the more personalized the gift you can give. Check out the examples in the infographic below.
