Last Updated on September 9, 2023 by Lori
One of the most powerful phrases in the English language is “thank you.” When you want to share thanks beyond words, here are thirteen excellent ideas for very special thank you gifts.
We should all get in the habit of saying those two little words more often! But let’s go beyond the words, and look at all the different ways to say “thank you” – that people will remember.
The best thank you gifts are the ones that come from the heart.
13 thank you gifts to make someone feel loved:
- Smile
- Send a handwritten thank you note
- Make a phone call (not text)
- Give a unique gift
- Give a personalized gift
- Bake some cookies
- Take them out to eat
- Share their kindness with others
- Offer to return the favor
- Find an event to attend together
- Donate to a charity in their name
- Give a gift subscription
- Give a gift certificate
Because while saying the words is always appropriate, sometimes we want to communicate something a bit stronger than just words.
These ideas are ways to go the extra mile when words just aren’t quite enough.
No matter who you are thanking or what prompted the gesture, find the best way to say “thank you”. The person you thank will feel appreciated and cared for – and your gesture has a positive impact on you, too!
Why Is It Important to Say Thank You?
Expressions of thanks have the power to make someone’s day infinitely brighter.
With just those two little words, you can express honest appreciation for a kind word, a meaningful gesture, or an action that someone has taken that benefits you.
It’s a way of repaying kindness with kindness.
“Thank you for the birthday gift.”
“I really appreciate the ride to the airport. Thank you.”
“Please pass the potatoes. Thank you.”
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Two little words.
We should all work those words into our everyday vocabularies just as often as we can. And often, those two words are all that’s needed to express our appreciation.
what about those times when a simple “thank you” doesn’t seem to be enough?
There are so many ways to express thanks beyond just speaking the words. When the occasion calls for it and you want to express deeper gratitude, try one of these thirteen ways to say “thanks.”
“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it all into words is all that is necessary.”
Margaret Cousins
Thirteen Creative thank you gifts
1. Give a Genuine Smile – The Easiest Way to Say Thank You
Express your gratitude with a genuine smile and the other person will almost always smile back.
Smiling releases endorphins and serotonin, natural chemicals that are proven to elevate moods, relax the body, and reduce physical pain. It’s almost as if smiling is a natural drug!
Imagine the impact your smile of thanks could have – you just might change someone’s whole day around!
Smiling truly is the simplest way of saying thank you.
2. Send a “Thank You” Note
Sometimes a handwritten note seems the best way to say thank you.
Because most people fire off a quick text or email, a handwritten note sent via post is so much more treasured.
It doesn’t need to be lengthy or formal – simply write a short note expressing your gratitude.
Not sure what to say?
Be straightforward – “Thank you for _______________. I appreciate it because __________.”
Be specific about what it is you are saying thanks for, and why. You can always add a few words about how you have used a gift, or how their actions made your life better, or some other elaboration, if you choose.
But the essentials of the note are to identify what you are thankful for, and why.
201 Ways to Say Thank You When You Are Searching For The Right Words
Your heartfelt words will mean more to the recipient than the most beautiful prose or poetry.
You can make the process easier by keeping a box of notecards in your desk drawer, so you’re always ready to jot down your message when the time comes.
These could be standard “thank you” cards, or blank cards in a beautiful design, or even handmade cards. But keep a few on hand so that they are available as soon as you want them.
3. Make a Phone Call to Express Your Gratitude
A simple phone call may be just the right way to get your message of appreciation across.
We’ve all become so accustomed to texting that we sometimes forget to use our phones to actually make a call. But it is so much more personal.
In addition to a phone call to say “thank you,” call on a regular basis just to see how they’re doing.
Let people know they matter to you and that you are thinking about them.
Even a call that lasts just a minute or two can have a significant impact on how someone else feels. So make the effort to use your phone to make the call.
Offer your friendship.
Be genuine.
4. Offer Some Type of Unique Gift
Look for a small item that you can give as a token of your appreciation.
Let their interests guide your choices.
Consider food preferences, musical tastes, hobbies, etc. This is, after all, someone you care about – try to tailor even the smallest token to the individual.
If you’re wracking your brain and are still unsure of what to get, try buying them coffee or chocolates or a fruit basket, which are appreciated by almost everyone.
5. Add a Personal Touch to Your Thank You Gift
Say “thank you” with a homemade gift.
The person will recognize your thoughtfulness and appreciate the extra time and effort you put into handcrafting a gift made uniquely for them.
Create something sentimental that truly shows your appreciation. If you are good at macrame, embroidery, painting…whatever talent you possess…use your skill to create something special for your person.
Not the crafty type?
Put together a photo slide show of you and the recipient. You can use a computer program like Canva or Adobe to help you out. Print it out or send it digitally.
Or choose a craft kit or pattern to get you started. There are plenty available online or in stores.
6. Bake Some Cookies – Everybody Loves Cookies
Another creative way to say thank you is to bake cookies. Why? Because everybody loves cookies!
Or banana bread, or muffins, or whatever your specialty might be.
Don’t like to bake? Pick up a special treat from a local bakery or order something online, and give them a sweet and tasty thank you gift.
7. Treat Them to a Meal Out
Say “thank you” with a meal at their favorite restaurant, or time together doing something fun that you both enjoy.
Dinner is fine – but lunch or brunch can be special, too. Make it a treat for them.
If the weather is beautiful – make it a picnic!
8. Share Their Story With Others
Let others hear about the act of kindness you received.
Be sincere but profuse in your praise of the person who helped you out.
Share the information with friends or family members you have in common, and your praise will most likely be relayed back to the person you want to thank.
They will understand how appreciative you truly are when they hear about your kind comments.
9. Thank You Gifts That Return the Favor
Tell them you’d like to repay their kindness in kind.
This is especially good when someone has helped you in some way, such as a ride to an appointment or pet sitting. Offer to do the same for them when needed, or let the person choose what kind of favor they’d like from you.
A small favor can often help someone out in a big way and will be just as appreciated by others as the original favor you received.
10. Find a Fun Event You Can Do Together
Find a local concert or show that they would enjoy and buy them tickets – one for them, and one for a guest of their choosing. Go with them, if they ask you to. Use the time together to strengthen and grow your friendship.
11. Contribute to a Charity in Their Name
Is your friend passionate about a particular issue, such as children’s education or health research?
Make a donation to a charity or non-profit in their name.
12. Give Them a Gift Subscription
For someone who’s always doing nice things for you, consider a monthly gift subscription.
There are so many subscription boxes available, from specialty foods to wine to sustainable products, that you can surely find something they will enjoy receiving.
Need ideas? Check out CrateJoy for the biggest selection of subscription boxes you’ll find anywhere.
13. Give a Gift Certificate
If you’re having trouble figuring out the perfect thank you gift, consider a gift certificate to a local or online store that sells a variety of different merchandise. That way, they can treat themselves to something they like that they might not purchase otherwise.
Read More:
- 10 Creative Homemade Gift Ideas for Everyone in Your Life
- 13 Memorable “Thank You” Gifts For Someone Special
- What Gifts Do Moms Over 50 Really Want?
- Fair Trade Bath Products in a Gift Basket: A Unique Idea for Someone Special
- 40 Inspirational Quotes About Gratitude and Appreciation
- How to Build Gratitude With a Daily Affirmation
Final Thoughts on 13 Memorable Thank You Gifts For Someone Special
It’s easy, and so meaningful, to say thank you, either by word or by deed. The only limit is your imagination.
If you go the extra mile to show someone you’re genuinely grateful, the gesture will be remembered for a long time to come.
A sincere expression of appreciation will strengthen the significant relationships in your life.
Choose one of the creative thank you gift ideas above, or come up with your own, and say “thank you” to someone special in a meaningful way. You will both be glad you did.
What’s your favorite way to tell someone “thank you”?
