How to Say Thank You With a Gift
Show your gratitude for an act of kindness. According to etiquette expert Peggy Post, the words "thank you" are powerful words and capable of bringing happiness and fostering relationships. Acknowledge a kind gesture with one of your own. A gift leaves a bigger impression than a mere phone call, note or email. Use creativity and forethought to send a meaningful thank-you gift.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Select a gift related to the original act of kindness. For example, if the gift recipient paid for your portion of dinner during a San Francisco business outing, send along a Golden Gate Bridge paperweight along with a check for the amount owed. Use the thank-you gift to remind the gift recipient of her kindness.
-
2
Research the gift recipient's taste. Keep in mind the gift recipient's preferences, phobias and allergies. Sending a dozen roses is nice, but not if the gift recipient is allergic to roses.
-
3
Be appropriate. Choose a gift that reflects the nature of the relationship. A thank-you gift to a professional colleague must stay within the confines of business etiquette. Likewise, a thank-you gift to a close friend should be fun and show familiarity with the gift recipient. According to Ravenwerks, a business etiquette consultant group, most behavior that is deemed as discourteous or abrasive is unintentional and could be avoided by simply practicing good manners.
-
4
Write a note and include it with the thank-you gift. Let the recipient know the purpose of the gift. According to My Super Charged Life, specifically acknowledging the reason for the thank you, adds impact to your token of appreciation.
-
5
Use a convenient delivery method. Be mindful of the gift recipient's lifestyle and schedule. Do not send a heavy household item to the job of a person who uses public transportation to and from work.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Purchase an "experience gift" like a class or a tour instead of a traditional gift.
According to a 2007 survey sponsored by The Emily Post Institute and chocolate manufacturer Merci, 87 percent of Americans are bothered when people don't say thank you.
Hand-write the included note.
