What better way to show your gratitude than a heartfelt “thank you” gift?
Discover the best thank you gifts as recommended by 17 experts. See below!
Karen Block
Director of Public Relations, GreatUsefulStuff
The best thank you gift is something that adds a little luxury to your life.
These beautiful, washable Suede Potholders are a pleasure to cook with and really elevate your entertaining experience. They can be used as trivets as well.
You can be confident that the person you are thanking won’t already have these and that they will think of you every time they use them.
The TechAway Roll makes a great Thank You gift because it is something that everyone needs and few people go out and buy for themselves.
People keep acquiring more and more electronic gadgets that need charging but they don’t pay attention to the increasing number of charging cords they have.
Most people just throw their charging cords into a plastic bag, but this sturdy bag has 3 separate sections to keep cords untangled and easy to access. Its great for traveling or for storing charging cords at home.
It can also be monogrammed for a more personal gift!
Instead of an expected bottle of wine, this unusual Bamboo Tequila Tasting Set makes a wonderful out-of-the-ordinary thank you gift.
Pair it with an artisanal bottle of tequila and this thank you gift will provide hours of entertainment and good times.
This was for a boss who went beyond for me. He allowed me the independence and trust needed to succeed in my job. A small token of my appreciation was to keep him stylish!
Chamomile and lavender gift basket for my assistant. My assistant always finds a way to complete any task given to her.
She also always puts others before herself. I decided to give her a spa package which also included a gift card for a massage.
Heidi Mueller
Owner, Excelsior Candle Company
An easy Thank You gift for that helpful person in your life is a hand poured soy candle from Excelsior Candle Company.
What makes Excelsior Candle so special? They’ve been recently featured on The Doctors, it’s women owned and they last longer than your average candle.
A box of artisan chocolate truffles is a classic but excellent thank you gift.
Just make sure they are fresh and nicely packed. If the recipient is a gentleman, then a good bottle of wine will convey the same feelings of gratitude. Try a red wine from Turley Wine Cellars.
A good book can be a great idea for a thank you gift, both timeless and tasteful.
The wise “Tao te Ching” by Lao Tzu, in hardcover or special edition, is a valuable addition to any book collection.
As a woman, I love giving and receiving handwritten thank you notes because they are so personal and genuine.
Accompanied with a small gift, such as this aqua starfish keychain, a personalized handwritten thank you note gives meaning and a mindful connection to a physical gift.
Fill your thank you note with positive compliments and gratitude all about why you are thankful to your friend, spouse, or relative. They can look back and re-read your note when they are having a tough day.
Be specific and give examples of when this person has really helped you and supported you through a difficult time. Handwritten notes go a long way!
Related: How to Write a Thank You Note for Gifts
Vivian Qin
Sales & Marketing Specialist, Triducna
To give you some background about the company, Triducna specializes in back, shoulder, and neck massage tools and cushions, also foot massagers. Our infrared, heated massagers include adjustable massage nodes that simulate a real back massage, providing relief for muscle knots, tension, and aches.
Our massagers help people get relaxed for all ages. If people can use our massager every day, they can benefit a lot from it.
Wooden watches right now are very popular, they are the must-have gift idea for the boss or as a thank you gift!
Punkpost cards
We get messages from our users telling us things like, “They loved their card and were crying tears of joy.”
So sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest impact.
Users choose a card from the Punkpost collection, quickly type their message in the app and talented artists will write, personalize, and send uniquely handwritten cards on their behalf. It’s seriously as easy as sending a text!
For $20 a month, customers will receive a culinary adventure subscription box filled with spices, recipes, and a Spotify music playlist from a different destination every month, as well as fun facts and travel tips from the destination country.
Each box comes with a menu plan and a shopping list to help with planning. This helps busy families save time on trying out cuisines from other countries, searching for the spices, looking up recipes & finding a way to tie it all together.
This is a great way to incorporate the health benefits of spices into your life; as well as a way for parents to connect with their spouses and families while teaching the family about other countries.
Our customers love getting to experience a different country each month without the expense of travel.
Some of the countries featured so far: Lebanon, Jamaica, India, Vietnam, Italy(Tuscany), Portugal, Greece; and many others.
Recipes are easy to follow, so even busy parents can cook flavors from around the world in their own kitchen!
Every box sold supports a non-profit that impacts youth education and we also hire refugees to give them opportunities to work.
LoveBook
We’ve created an online system that allows our customers and yourself the opportunity to create your very own personalized book online.
You are the creator. We give you the tools to personalize your characters to adding your favorite cover design, to selecting and manipulates all the pages you wish to have in your LoveBook. You are the author.
This gift can be created for anyone special to you in your life, a best friend, mom, dad, brother, etc. It’s all up to you.
Gift baskets
Pears and wine… and cheese and crackers. Nothing says thank you better than a basket of everything!
Harry & David is always a reliable go-to for thank you gifts. It is one that I love to send when ‘thank you’ alone doesn’t quite do it. I use this one personally as well as for our business.
Flowers
This next one is great if you like to support small and family-owned businesses. I love to say thank you with a unique arrangement from Bouqs.
Bouqs offers flower arrangements direct from the farm to your front door. With little touches from their kraft paper to hand-written messages (of your choice), this is one of the best ways to say thanks in a way that feels original and authentic.
Yeti Gifts
How do you say thanks to guys (that aren’t into chocolate and flowers)?
We use Yeti for this – especially for our male employees. Yeti has made it easy to customize most of their products with everything from monograms to sports teams.
You can also use Etsy to order custom monograms for them too. It is an easy ‘thank you’ that can be used over and over again.
Research shows experiences create a bigger emotional response than objects and foster stronger relationships. Here are a few gifts to consider, that everyone can enjoy:
Chocolate tours
Who can resist chocolate? Prepare your taste buds for one of these amazing chocolate tours.
There’s no sweeter thank you than this. Learn about fine chocolates and how they are made while tasting a variety of chocolate delicacies.
Hot Air Ballooning Adventure
If you enjoy the picturesque scenery from far above, hop onto the basket of a hot air balloon. This is an adrenaline rush and a truly unique experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life
Pottery class
Discover a new hobby that will help you unwind and let your creativity take over, like a pottery class. Learn how to turn wet clay into a sculpted art piece that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Handcrafted Chocolate Pizza
Gourmet chocolate is almost universally appreciated which makes it a perfect thank you gift.
Chocolate Pizza Company offers a handcrafted Chocolate Pizza that blends rich milk or dark chocolate with homemade English toffee, trims the border in candy favorites and scripts “Thank You” in white chocolate.
Served in a custom pizza box it is unique, delicious and impressive.
Marta and Pavlina
Founders, Luc and Bell
Luc and Bell Bracelets
A gift with meaning is always in season.
This holiday, your readers can say “thank you” by offering kindness, inclusion, support, and self-expression. These are the messages that Luc and Bell carry with each one of our handmade bracelets.
We make jewelry with love, created for our own children when they were facing bullying. We wanted to give them something they could wear as an ever-present reminder that they are not alone, and that they are loved.
Each piece has a red bead symbolizing strength and protection, a heart for love, and an animal specifically chosen for its commitment to family and community – like a penguin, an elephant, or a wolf.
Luc and Bell jewelry is a lovely gift:
- It reminds people of their own strengths and the circle of friends around them.
- Each bracelet is handmade.
- Packed with meaning, they are small enough to be perfect stocking stuffers.
- They are ideal for support groups, families, friends, teams, and children.
Luc and Bell bracelets retail for $12 and a portion of our profits are donated to children in need.
A thank you gift should come from the heart and this heart-shaped handbag tidy embodies that feeling like no other. It can be personalized with the receiver’s initials or even a little thank you statement, in order to make the gift even more personal and meaningful.
In my opinion, the best thank you gifts are ones that are unique and encouraging or uplifting!
I may be a little biased, but the one thing that fits both those qualifiers is artwork.
Whether it’s an uplifting word print or an original painting, for me those are always the most cherished gifts. I honestly believe any piece of art can be perfect as a “thank you”!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the appropriate budget for a thank you gift?
The ideal budget for a thank you gift can vary depending on your relationship with the recipient and the reason for your gratitude. You don’t need to spend a fortune to convey your appreciation.
In many cases, a small, heartfelt token can be as meaningful as an expensive item. Consider your financial situation and the recipient’s expectations when deciding on a budget. Remember, it’s the thought that counts and a sincere message of thanks can go a long way.
What if I don’t know the recipient’s preferences or interests well enough to choose a thank you gift?
If unsure about the recipient’s preferences or interests, consider choosing a versatile and universally appealing thank you gift. Items such as scented candles, high-quality chocolates, a beautiful potted plant, or a stylish coffee table book can be suitable for many people.
Alternatively, you can opt for a gift card from a popular store or online retailer, which allows the recipient to choose something they truly desire.
When giving a more generic gift, include a thoughtful note or card expressing your appreciation, as this personal touch can make a significant impact.
Are there any cultural considerations to be aware of when selecting a thank you gift?
Yes, it’s essential to be mindful of cultural differences and preferences when choosing a thank you gift. Different cultures may have varying customs, beliefs, and preferences regarding gift-giving. For example, some cultures consider specific colors or numbers to be unlucky.
In contrast, others have specific guidelines on the types of gifts that are considered appropriate. To avoid any potential cultural faux pas, research the recipient’s cultural background and preferences. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to ask a mutual friend or colleague for guidance.
Being sensitive to cultural nuances shows respect and thoughtfulness, which can make your thank you gift even more meaningful and appreciated.
Can I give a thank you gift in a professional setting?
Yes, it’s appropriate to give a thank you gift in a professional setting, as long as the gift is appropriate and doesn’t violate any company policies or ethical guidelines.
Some good options for professional thank you gifts might include a gift card to a local restaurant or coffee shop, a box of gourmet treats to share with the team, or a small desk accessory like a personalized notepad or pen set.
What if I don’t have time to shop for a gift?
If you don’t have time to shop for a gift, there are still plenty of ways to express gratitude. A heartfelt message or a phone call to say thank you can be just as meaningful as a physical gift. You can also consider sending a digital gift, like an e-card or an e-gift card, which can be delivered instantly and conveniently.
What if the person insists they don’t need a thank you gift?
If the person insists they don’t need a thank you gift, you can still express your gratitude in other ways, like sending a heartfelt message or performing an act of kindness in return.
Remember, the most important thing is to show your appreciation and to let the person know how much their support or help means to you. If you do give a thank you gift despite their insistence, make sure it aligns with their interests or preferences and sincerely expresses your gratitude.