Last Updated on November 27, 2024 by Andrea

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Saying Thanks is Not Always Easy

If you’ve been reading at my site for a while, you know that I’m an introvert at heart. My mom did fantastic teaching me how to pretend I’m an extrovert, but it’s exhausting. Give me a book and a cup of coffee any day over socializing, please.

I love friends and I really do love hearing people’s stories. I enjoy being a friend and helping others. Those activities just don’t energize me. Today I was home alone for a few hours and cleaned, baked bread, did several loads of laundry, scheduled appointments, took a walk, and LOVED every quiet minute of it.

Given the choice between a phone call or an email, I’m most likely to choose the email. I can do it on my own time and phrase everything just right. I remember once telling my sister that I would rather text a thank you than call because when I call I have to SOUND thankful…and some days I just didn’t feel like making the effort.

Have you ever been there? Some days it’s just so much easier to text a thought or feeling than to talk to someone live and make the effort to really connect with my tone of voice and attention.

These days, many people are craving connection, even if it requires a bit more effort. Still others are basking in the glory of NOT needing to connect and are retreating even more into a text-only world.

The Importance of Saying Thank You

Expressing our deepest thanks is more than just good manners; it is a meaningful way to express gratitude and strengthen relationships. Whether it’s through a heartfelt note, a small gift, or a kind word, showing appreciation communicates that you value someone’s effort or presence in your life. Gratitude fosters connection, making others feel seen and appreciated. It’s one of the best ways to show someone that their actions matter and leaves a lasting positive impression. The next time you have an opportunity to express your deepest gratitude, remember that even small gestures can make a big difference.

Gratitude has a ripple effect, impacting not only the recipient but also the person giving thanks. Taking the time to express appreciation can improve your own sense of well-being, helping you focus on the positive aspects of your life. It’s a great way to nurture a mindset of thankfulness and cultivate joy. For the recipient, hearing a heartfelt thank-you can boost their confidence and encourage continued kindness. Whether it’s through a simple verbal acknowledgment or a thoughtful act, saying thank you is one of the best things you can do to create a culture of mutual respect and kindness.

Incorporating thank-yous into your daily life can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. It’s not always about grand gestures; sometimes, the best way to express gratitude is through simple, intentional actions. A handwritten note, a small token of appreciation, or even a sincere text message can speak volumes. These small gestures often mean the most because they show thoughtfulness and effort. The next time you want to show your deepest gratitude, consider how these creative expressions of thanks can leave a meaningful impact on someone’s heart.

When to Say Thank You

The opportunities to express thanks are endless, but often overlooked in today’s busy society. When a family member or friend goes out of their way to help, give them a special thank you. Thank someone for their hard work in your yard or around your house. Garbage men, lawn services, and house cleaning professionals always appreciate an added bit of gratitude. Don’t forget to send a short message of thanks for an unexpected gift or an outpouring of love.

A Wide Variety of Thank You Gestures

While saying thank you is appropriate all year (Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, Teacher Appreciation Week, Pastor Appreciation Day, Admin Assistant Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.), Christmas is a prime time to prepare to extend our thanks. however, I’d like to encourage you with some creative ways to demonstrate thankfulness. All will require at least a bit of time and some require more connection. There are some on here that require NO money, only a bit of your time. But I promise that it’s worth the time and energy!

Traditional Examples:

• The best place to begin this list is a thank you note. (Thanks, Mom, for making me send these all those years! 💜) I’m not talking a text here – I mean the real deal. You buy a thank you card and hand write why you love the gift/gesture/thoughtfulness. Be sincere! We all love receiving hand written notes more than ever now. The dancing chicken in the picture was one from a thank you note I received. It makes me smile every time I look at it! My son helped create these thank you notes – and he earns 25% of the profits. Greeting cards are not as common any more so much more appreciated these days.
• Call them! Make some time to place an actual phone call to tell the person how much you appreciate his/her gift/gesture/thoughtfulness. If you like video calls, go the extra step and look them in the face to tell them. Regardless of the means of calling, don’t multitask. Simple words and actions go a long way. Just give them your undivided attention and be sincere with your gratefulness.

Gift Examples:

• Depending on the gesture, a thank you gift may be in order. I recently made a trip to help someone after surgery and I received a thank you in the form of a gift card for a massage. Wow. That was an amazing thank you gift! What makes a good thank you gift? Something they love! Consider these:
• Gift card for massage. Massage Envy and Hand & Stone have locations around the US.
• Gift card for their favorite shop or restaurant, especially one they won’t typically visit for themselves. I love a gift card to a coffee shop any day!
• Book by their favorite author
• Beauty gift card: Ulta, Sephora, Bath & Body Works, or The Body Shop are good ideas all around the country.
• Right now gift baskets abound in nearly every store. These can be a great gesture of thankfulness. If it’s not the holiday season, here’s a fun place I saw that has some great options off the beaten path.
• Etsy is another place to find a great personalized gift or gift basket. I recently sent one to someone with items sourced in Florida (since that’s where I live) and it was a big hit. You can really be creative here! This can be a fun way to say thank you with flair.

Free/Nearly Free Examples:

• Take them for a walk – grab a coffee or tea and enjoy some time together. The best thing about this one is you get the added bonus of strengthening your relationship while you say thank you.
• Offer to watch his/her kids for a while. This is no small thing!
• Return the favor! Did she make you dinner when you were overly stressed? Make her dinner when you know she’s stretched a bit. This one speaks to me as I know it takes time to pull together a meal for someone else. Make the most of your time and just double something you are making for your family. Don’t forget dessert – even if it’s fruit or a half gallon of ice cream.
• Are you an artist or love to create? Give him/her something special that you make just for them. It will always be special.
• Don’t forget to thank your kids when they do great things. Here’s a surefire blueprint to letting them know you really appreciate them.
• Sometimes the gift of time is the best gift. Have you been busy lately and maybe not spent time with the person? Set a date and make it happen. Go over (or invite her to your house) and just visit a while. It’s NOT a waste of time to cultivate our friendships.
• Give a social media shout out – bonus points if you include the gift or a representation of the item in a picture! I tend to forget about this one but most people really feel honored when others express public gratitude.
• Bake a thank you gift. When times were tough and money was non-existent, I used this one a lot. I gave cookies for kids birthday gifts and thank you gifts for several years. The recipients loved them, they didn’t collect dust, and I felt like I gave a piece of myself without needing to tap into resources that didn’t exist.
• Get the kids involved! Most kids love making cards or pictures. Enlist their help to express your gratitude.

What is Your Favorite Way to Say Thank You?

This is just a start to the great ideas! Take some time and move beyond a text “thank you” this season. Be creative and reach out with sincerity. I predict you’ll be glad you did! Remember that small acts of kindness and gratitude go a long way. Even warm smiles can be an excellent way to show our thanks!

By the way, while you’re at it, the next time you give thanks, remember to thank God for your friend’s thoughtfulness (Psalm 100:4). Friends are one of our greatest blessings.

What creative acts of gratitude have you received or sent? Share them in the comments section so we can learn from you, too!

Thanks for taking time to read my post. If it was helpful bookmark it or pin it so you can draw from it when needed.

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Be well!

🌸Andrea

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