This time of year, more than any other time, reminds me of the importance to show thankfulness. Technically we should be thankful year round, but sometimes life gets in the way.
Below are 33 ways I’ve come up with. Please feel free to add to the list in the comments!
Let’s Show Thankfulness!
- Pay for coffee/breakfast for the person in line behind you.
- Donate books to your local Lending Library, hospital, and/or daycare facility.
- Donate to your favorite charity in someone’s honor.
- Host a girls night out (or in) for all of the hard working ladies in your life!
- Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or shelter.
- Smile as you pass people on the street or in the store. You’d be amazed what one smile could do for someone’s day.
- Say hello to the person next to you in line.
- Call a family member or friend you haven’t spoken to in a little while.
- Send a handwritten letter to someone you care for.
- Donate unused clothing to a local charity.
- Volunteer at your kid’s school.
- Write a positive review for your favorite restaurant/hair salon/boutique.
- Compliment someone on a talent or skill that they have – or their beautiful eyes.
- Give a hug to someone that looks like they need one.
- Listen when spoken to.
- Introduce someone to a person that you know that may be of assistance to them become or their new best friend.
- Babysit for a mama/dad that needs some time to themselves, but never takes it.
- Offer to dog walk for someone that needs an extra hand with their pup.
- Help a neighbor run errands.
- Remember that little things make a big difference!
- Schedule a date – with yourself!
- Leave letters of encouragement on people’s cars.
- Send someone that touched your heart some flowers. OR buy flowers and hand them out randomly.
- Honor your parents in a way they’d be proud.
- When you pass by a military personnel – active or retired – thank them for their service.
- Tip a bit extra to the waitstaff that went above and beyond to make your dining experience special.
- Hold open the doors for people.
- Shovel a neighbor’s driveway when it snows.
- Do a favor without asking for anything in return.
- Pay for the next table’s dinner bill.
- Bring in something special for your coworkers.
- Offer to take photos for people.
- Give someone a gift card you don’t intend to use.
How Do You Show Thankfulness?
These things are menial – they cost little to nothing and can make the recipient’s day! What would you add to the list? Comment below!
Maartje van Sandwijk says
These tips are amazing! Definitely doing some of these!
Aditya says
Much needed post in a time where it seems we are constantly surrounded by negative news. Thanks !
Dana says
I hear you Aditya! I stopped watching the news – we need more happiness and gratefulness in our lives!
Linh says
Thankfulness comes with so many simple ways. Such an inspiring post! Thanks for sharing!
Dana says
My pleasure, Linh!
Ruth says
These are such lovely things to do! I like to think I have done a few of them today already 🙂 its nice to put smiles on peoples faces x
lexi says
i think more people should practice this! too many days go by without a nice meaningful gesture from others. I will definitely implementing some of these 33 ways to show thankfulness!
Dana says
I agree, Lexi! I hope you have a great time implementing some of the ways 🙂
Preet says
Definitely needed this today!!! Thank you for posting and allowing us to start our day right
Luci says
I believe that experiencing and showing gratitude is one of the secrets to being happier. This list is wonderful and has given me lots of new ideas of how to show gratitude. Thank you!
Dana says
I agree, Luci! When I show gratitude, it makes my day! 🙂
Llili Mila says
These are all great tips. I already do some of these, but will definitely try out the other ones. We should always be thankful for something.
Dana says
Thank you! What are your favorite “giving back” tips?
Jen says
Thank you for these lovely reminders on our abundance.
Dana says
My pleasure, Jen!
Evelyn Hernandez says
Love these tips, during this time of year we should all practice a little more thankfulness.
Lauren says
These are all wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing! Another great reminder to pay it forward!
Dana says
Thanks, Lauren!
Rylla says
I really like your blog! I love this post, thank you for sharing these tips with us.
Dana says
Glad you like it Rylla!
Marcie says
I like to participate in my local Buy Nothing group. We go around the house and find things that we don’t need that someone else might appreciate.
Kweni says
Most of us tend to forget to be grateful and thankful. These are wonderful ways to show appreciation.
Dana says
Thank you Kweni! I hope it makes a difference!
nicol says
love these ideas. small things showing gratitude is always better than the big things. it can definitely brighten someones day. I love leaving random sticky notes laying around for the next people etc.
Dana says
I love the sticky notes idea, Nicol!
Brit Strawbridge says
I love all of these ideas!! I can’t even pick a favourite because they are all so good! Something we should be doing every day!!
jenn pereira says
Aw… I love all of these ways of showing gratefulness to a person. I hope all the people do at least one of these everyday.
Dana says
I agree, Jenn! xo
Farrah says
I love all these ideas! I have a lot of things I’ve been meaning to donate!