Expressing any emotion outside of a computer screen has been, dare I say, taboo the last couple of years. Since we’ve spent the past 20 months communicating at a distance with everyone, including the delivery driver (thank God for contactless drop-offs), actions to show others our appreciation are limited. And now that we’re finally inching closer into comfortable talking zones, we can offer a bit more than a thumbs-up emoji and a friendly email to recognize people’s efforts. Below are five more creative ways to express gratitude towards others—and none of them involve keeping a gratitude journal.
how to express gratitude in action
Bonus: these are all great ways to spend a rainy day indoors.
Bake treats for your neighbors
You can never go wrong with gifting baked goods for any occasion. Sweets are also *proven* to make people happy, so awarding someone a tasty dessert often activates a mood boost in both the recipient and the baker (sugar = happiness).
Another benefit of delivering a platter of cookies or brownies to a neighbor or acquaintance is they are a great choice when you want to do something nice for someone but aren’t sure what they would enjoy. So, if you are looking to hand out a peace offering to your neighbors following months stuck at home, baked treats are the way to go.
Baking not your strong suit? Go with banana bread. There’s a reason everyone was baking it in 2020.
Send cards to local businesses you frequent
Every year around the holidays, we’re encouraged to shop locally (#shopsmallbusinesses). Another option to go along with your purchase would be to send a “thank you” card to local businesses you frequently visit. It may seem a little old school, but that’s exactly what it’s special: in a digital world, a lot of people are going out of their way to physically show appreciation for their favorite local businesses.
Consider writing a personalized note inside each card, including an employee’s name or a specific task they helped you achieve, or perhaps mentioning a product you recently purchased that you love. You can send them to your hair salon, bookstore, clothing boutique, or anywhere that you shop!
Send gift cards to your co-workers
The last two years have shifted how many businesses operate and have been a massive adjustment for the employees. The switch to working from home as opposed to the office was not easy for everyone, and many are still trying to navigate their way around a Zoom call. With IRL gatherings like holiday parties still risky for our colleagues, a thoughtful gesture will go a long way in boosting spirits this time of year.
Sending gift cards to your co-workers is a sweet surprise that doesn’t require much effort at all. It’s also another perfect alternative when you’re unsure of what they would like. A five-dollar treat to a coffee shop near their home is a simple way to express gratitude for their teamwork.
Make home-cooked meals of your family’s favorite dishes
Don’t forget about those within your home either. The people we live with are the ones we spend the most time with, so it’s easy to take them for granted. A simple way to communicate your thankfulness would be to make home-cooked meals of your family’s favorite dishes. Signal to your significant other you appreciate all they do with an impromptu romantic dinner. Or tell the kids how proud you are by surprising them with the homemade mac and cheese they adore.
Mail a handwritten letter
While it’s nice to be able to send a quick note to a friend or loved one via text or DM, a more meaningful way to get your words across would be to mail a handwritten letter. Putting pen to paper and detailing your emotions instead of typing them on a keyboard is a more sentimental approach to articulating your gratitude. Simply putting forth the effort to write and mail shows you care, and who doesn’t love receiving surprise mail?!
Are there any other creative outlets you can think of to express gratitude this time of year?
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