Why give thank you gifts? Are they really necessary? ...Um, yes!

In a world laden with ‘stuff’, one would be forgiven for questioning the practice of giving thank you gifts any more. Are they really necessary? Don’t people know we’re thankful? For many these days, gratitude often takes a backseat. Yet I’d argue (rather passionately, in fact) that the act of giving a heartfelt thank you gift — however small — is needed more than ever. Why? Because it can bring us closer together. Taking the time to find and choose a meaningful present to show your thanks rather than sending a quick text demonstrates you really care. And especially for women, so much of our labour is invisible.

Thank you gifts for women (and why these are a feminist act)

According to the ONS, women carry out an average of 60% more unpaid work than men.¹ There is a culture that doesn’t often thank us (either financially or otherwise) for all that we contribute — and that can (unsurprisingly) lead to low self-esteem and poor mental health.

Plus for women, expressing gratitude through thoughtful gifts can hold a special significance. Whether it's a token of thanks for a friend's support when we were going through a difficult time, some appreciation to a colleague for their hard work or simply recognising a loved one’s kindness, the right thank you gift can convey emotions when we simply can’t find the words. And it matters, doesn’t it? The difference it can make is immense. Especially when what you give has been thoughtfully considered rather than hurriedly bought. It’s why I’ve raised my son to really grasp this, because I know the positive knock-on effect this will have on those around him.

The history of thank you gifts

When you think about it, people have been giving thank you gifts for centuries as a way to express gratitude, forge alliances or even just to be polite. Offerings were made to the gods for blessings received for example, or the Victorians used thank you gifts as a form of etiquette. Now, in more contemporary times, we find that people favour big brand chocolates or flowers as their go-tos. But what if we supported small businesses in the process? I love the idea that thanking one person, actually then goes on to help another. By choosing to stock up on thank you gifts from local artisans, independent designers or small-scale producers, you're not only contributing to the local economy but also supporting creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in your community, too.

What do you give as a sign of appreciation?

When it comes to selecting the perfect thank you gift, thoughtfulness and originality go a long way. Instead of opting for generic presents, how about a gift that reflects the person’s interests, preferences and personality?

How do you say thank you in unique ways?

If you need some ideas, you could opt for...

• Something handcrafted that showcases a modern twist on traditional craftswomanship perhaps? From pottery to handcrafted jewellery, this would make a wonderful change from the usual mass produced presents.
• Something personalised, that sums up who they are — or a shared experience or memory perhaps. Just think how much that would resonate.
• Foodie delights that they wouldn’t usually treat themselves to, so they feel like a real treat.
• A gift that reflects how they helped (so you could buy them an everlasting plant to thank them for watering yours, or a fun picture of the kids to thank them for babysitting and so on).