Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our family and friends and to spend some extra special time together. It’s for seeing far-away relatives and meeting new members of the family, like new babies, significant others, and spouses.
We should be thankful for other people in our lives as well, especially those who make our lives easier, like teachers, bus drivers, coworkers, etc. This Thanksgiving, give someone you appreciate a small token of your appreciation. There are so many people in our lives that we can thank. Here are some ideas of gifts and people to add to your “thankful” list.
Ideas for Gifts
1. A handwritten note.
Pick up some nice stationery and write a note. There is nothing more personal than a handwritten note. Knowing a person took the time out of their day to express their sentiments of gratitude is very humbling and heartwarming.
2. A greeting card with a kind message.
Buy a box of Thanksgiving cards at Walmart and write a note in each one for each person you are thankful for.
3. A gift card.
Pick up a gift card to their favorite restaurant or coffee shop. It doesn’t have to be a significant amount, maybe 10-15 dollars. It will make their day and treat them to something special they deserve.
4. A coffee mug with candy in it.
Pick out a mug with a message of gratitude and fill it with candy for someone. Their sweet tooth will enjoy the candy, and they will think of you whenever they use the mug.
5. A small beauty gift.
Fill a small gift bag with travel-size body mist, hand sanitizer, nail polish, lip gloss, mints, and gum. Sometimes, you can find small gifts of body mist, hand lotion, and hand sanitizer at Bath & Bodyworks that are wrapped and ready to gift.
People to Thank
1. Teachers
Our teachers do so much for us and our children and deserve our appreciation.
2. Daycare/Preschool Teachers
Although this job is fun and fulfilling, it is also not an easy one. We have to play various roles during our day, like teacher, surrogate parent, disciplinarian, server, psychologist, friend, etc. Teachers at this level aren’t appreciated for doing so much in teaching the littlest of minds. In addition, if you see the director or co-director, cleaning staff, or cook, thank them too.
3. School Bus Drivers
Bus drivers are out in the sun, wind, rain, fog, and snow, getting our kids to school safely. They are a very important part of our day.
4. Barista
When ordering your favorite cup of coffee at your favorite shop, thank the barista who made it.
5. Fast Food Workers
It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of life, but thank the cashier and crew at your favorite fast-food restaurant the next time you go in or go through a drive-thru. Often, all they hear is the negative, so they will appreciate a positive word.
Do you have one worker who is always pleasant or always gets your order right? Then do something special to show your appreciation.
6. Your Babysitter
Let your babysitter know how much you appreciate them watching your kids and helping you when you get in a tight spot like that work meeting on a Friday night or watching your kids when your oldest has an out-of-town football game.
7. Your Mail Carrier
If you get a chance, thank your mail carrier when you see them. If not, leave a note in your mailbox and make it stand out so they will see it.
8. Your Hairstylist
Give your hairdresser a card and thank them for all the hard work they put in to make you look great. Often, they work long hours on their feet.
9. Your Coworkers
Thank your coworkers for being so great at work. It’s easy to say this in passing from time to time, but take some time and identify two to three coworkers that make your day enjoyable or a project more bearable and make your “thank you” stand out.
10. Your Grocery Cashier
Do you have a favorite cashier at your local store who always has a smile on their face or is always helpful? Take some time to thank them.
11. Your Vet and Staff
We rely on our vet and staff to take care of our furry family members. Write out a heartfelt message in a card and send it.
12. Apartment Complex Office Staff
If you live in an apartment, thank the office staff that keeps everything running throughout the year, like updating renewals, sending out special notices, and answering questions.
13. Apartment Complex Maintenance Staff
Thank your apartment complex maintenance staff for all they do around your complex.
14. Rescue Personnel
If you are out and about and see a police officer, firefighter, or EMT, thank them for their service. They put their lives in danger daily to serve, protect, and help people in their communities.
15. Our Vets
Once again, if you are out and about and see a veteran, thank them for their service.
If you are in a restaurant and see either rescue personnel or a vet, either offer to buy their meal or pay for their meal if they have already been served. They will appreciate your appreciation.
16. Your Dog/Cat Groomer
Thank your dog or cat groomer for making your furry friend look great.
17. Your Server
If you go out to dinner, write a thank you note to your server at the end of your meal for all their hard work or plan for a certain amount and leave them a big tip.
18. Your Mechanic
Let them know how much you appreciate their help in keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape.
19. Your Lyft/Uber Driver
Being a ride-share driver can be a tough and scary experience these days. The next time you get a ride share, thank your driver for their service.
20. Customer Service Representatives
The next time you call about a billing issue, ordering a product, getting a refund, or something else, thank your customer service representative. I guarantee it will brighten their day.
21. Your Housekeeper
If you hire someone to clean your house, let them know how much you appreciate their work and how wonderful your house looks each time they finish cleaning.
22. Security Workers
If your work employs security officers to patrol the premises, thank them for keeping you and your coworkers safe.
23. The Valet
If you are the head of a company in a high-end job and a valet parks your car each morning, thank them.
24. Delivery Driver
If you can catch them, thank your delivery driver when they deliver groceries or packages to your door. Even if you see them delivering to another apartment or house, thank them for their hard work.
25. Lawn/Snow Removal Person
Make sure you thank your lawn and snow removal person for all the hard work they do keeping your yard beautiful and your driveway clear.
There are all kinds of people in our lives that make our lives easier. Take some time and show them your appreciation this holiday season.