In just a few days Thanksgiving will be here, and we will gather with friends and family to give thanks for all we have. But what exactly does that mean? How do we show we are truly grateful for someone or something? It is not always easy to know how to give thanks, so below, is 7 ways to say thank you. These ways are creative, fun, and even frugal, so take a look and see which one you want to give a try! After all, tis the season!

7 Ways to Say Thank You

1. Make an intentional phone call.
In the world of email and text, it is so easy to send off a quick message of thanks to someone for something they have done for you. Instead, pick up the phone and make the point to call and say thank you. It will show your true appreciation since you have put forth the effort to make a real connection.

2. Build up a supply of gratitude gifts.
Stockpile all of those little freebies you get throughout the year (lotions, candles, etc.) and you will have plenty of gratitude gifts on hand. Keep them wrapped in simple tissue and ribbon so when the need arises, you have a quick gift to say thanks. Instances to give a gratitude gift can be when a teacher spends extra time after school helping your child, or a neighbor gets your mail while you are gone.

3. Don’t underestimate the hand written note.
Keep a supply of stationary from your local dollar store on hand so you can always write a handwritten note to say thank you. People love receiving mail, and a handwritten note expressing your gratitude won’t go unnoticed.

4. Bake something.
Do you have a friend who is always helping you out? A mailman who always makes sure you get your mail on time? A cashier who is always patient with your coupons? Bake a dozen cookies and say thanks. Everyone loves a sweet treat, and this is an inexpensive way to show you appreciate them.

5. Give your time.
The gift of time is so valuable, so if you want to show someone you are grateful for them or something they have done, gift your time. Help them with a household project or task they have needed an extra hand on.

6. Don’t be afraid to give compliments.
Are you thankful for the department store clerk who is always great about helping you? The coffee shop barista who knows how to make your coffee just right? Sometimes just making a verbal compliment and saying thanks is the biggest self esteem booster of all!

7. Keep a gratitude journal.
Each night, write down 2-3 things or people you are thankful for. Compile a list all year, not just during the Thanksgiving season of what it is you are thankful for. When times seem tough and you need to reflect on the positive, you will have a whole journal to comb through. It is not a bad idea to even tell people when you have included them in your list of what you are thankful for!

Saying thank you does not need to be a task or a chore, in fact it can feel quite rewarding and heart warming. Give some of these idea a try and see what a difference they can make in your life!