Gift guide

Thank You Gifts That Show Real Gratitude

A good thank you gift matches the size of the favor: a tin of cookies for a neighbor who fed the cat, a gourmet basket for a family that hosted you, or something lasting for a person who truly went above and beyond. Thanksgiving is the natural season to send them.

Pair any of these with a handwritten note that names exactly what you are grateful for. That sentence is often what people remember most.

1
BooksEditor's pick

The Lawyer Who Killed the Judge

A tense psychological thriller set inside the courtroom, written by a practising lawyer. Easy to wrap, hard to put down, and a far better gift than another candle for anyone who loves a twisty read.

View on Amazon
2
Food

Wine Country Gift Baskets Many Thanks Gourmet Gift Basket

The name says it all, and a gourmet basket is easy to send to someone across the country who helped you this year.

View on Amazon
3
Food

Mrs. Fields Signature Nibblers Bite-Sized Cookies Tin, 16 Count

A small tin of cookies is the perfect thank-you for everyday kindness, like a neighbor who collected your packages.

View on Amazon
4
Food

Moose Munch Premium Popcorn Trio by Harry & David

Three bags of popcorn feel generous and fun, ideal for thanking a family or a small team.

View on Amazon
5
Food

Wine Country Gift Baskets The Connoisseur Gourmet Gift Basket

A more substantial gourmet basket for a bigger favor, like someone who hosted you or helped you move.

View on Amazon
6
Food

Hickory Farms Farmhouse Meat and Cheese Food Gift Basket, Medium

A savory meat and cheese basket is a hearty way to thank someone who would rather snack than eat sweets.

View on Amazon
7
Books

Gratitude by Oliver Sacks (Hardcover)

Oliver Sacks wrote these four short essays near the end of his life, and they are a moving meditation on being thankful.

View on Amazon
8
Books

Moleskine Classic Notebook, Large, Ruled, Black, Hard Cover

Give it as a gratitude journal with a note suggesting they write down three good things each night.

View on Amazon
9
Kitchen

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle, Matte Black

For the person who did something truly big for you, a beautiful kettle is a lasting thank-you they will use every morning.

View on Amazon

Scale the gift to the favor and always include a note. Be specific: "thank you for driving me to every appointment in March" means more than "thanks for everything". For people far away, a delivered food basket is the easiest way to say it on time.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good thank you gift?

Food gifts like cookies, chocolates or a gourmet basket are the most popular thank you gifts because almost everyone enjoys them. For a bigger favor, choose something lasting they will use daily.

How much should you spend on a thank you gift?

Match it to the favor rather than a set number. A small treat suits a small kindness, while a significant favor deserves something more substantial.

What should I write in a thank you note with a gift?

Name the specific thing they did and how it helped you. One or two sincere sentences are better than a long generic message.

More gift guides