How To Express Gratitude: Tips for Mindful Expressions of Thanks

Learning how to express gratitude is an art that many schools just don’t cover. And, in today’s bustling world, it can be difficult to stop and appreciate those who make a difference in our lives. And not everyone has the luck to learn from good examples. Never fear; this blog aims to cover the basics of saying “Thanks” to those people in your life who truly deserve it. We’ll also cover a few ideas to answer the question: what’s a good thank-you gift?

Why Showing Gratitude is Important

Learning how to express gratitude is about more than just saying “Thank You.” (although a personalized “thank you” card is always a good way to show your appreciation!). It is about giving acknowledgement to those who make a difference in our lives. The friends who’ve stood by you through rough times. The family who raised you. The colleague who did you a favor.

Learning how to express gratefulness is an exercise in building and nurturing strong bonds with the people who matter. It is also about being the kind of person you can respect and look up to.

In the corporate world, expressing gratitude builds a strong company culture and motivates employees. It strengthens business relationships, helps retain clients, and fosters loyalty. Whether personal or professional, gratitude builds bridges that last.

Health Benefits of Gratitude

One Harvard Health article sums up the benefits of gratitude brilliantly:

“Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

That is to say that those who regularly show gratitude do, in general, see the brighter side of life more readily. After all, thankfulness is a mindset. Once you start looking for the positive things, or things to be grateful for, the effects start to trickle down.

Studies show that making a habit of being grateful, like keeping a gratitude journal, helps reduce stress, anxiety, and even aches and pains. Taking things beyond a journal or internal thoughts and learning how to express gratitude shows even more benefits.

After all, be it in your personal or professional life, the people who you make feel appreciated tend to stick around longer.  Showing your thanks is an investment in worthwhile long term relationships, and those relationships have health benefits all their own.

How To Express Gratitude: Gifts

Not sure how to express gratitude? You’d be surprised how many people ask us the same question. There are many ways to show thanks, and these gestures can vary greatly across cultures.

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, gift-giving becomes the obvious choice for expressing your gratitude. Sending baskets for Thanksgiving to your loved ones will certainly show them how much you appreciate them. Especially if you are unable to be with them in person during this special holiday.

When words don’t fell like quite enough, Thank-you gifts are a timeless way to show your appreciation. And best of all, there is a perfect gift for everyone! From flowers and fruit baskets to chocolate and gourmet gifts, there are endless ways to show your appreciation. And, if you’re looking to send gifts to different countries, our international gift delivery service can help you share your appreciation across the globe.

How Do You Say Thank You Meaningfully?

Learning how to express gratitude in words is an art. Saying “Thank you” really should go beyond those two little words. You don’t have to be a poet, but the more specific you can be about what you are thankful for and why, the better.

Don’t worry if you can’t find the words at the moment. Often, a thank-you can actually be more meaningful if it is revisited later. Take time (but not too much) to choose your words carefully and make your message personal. Even in the business world, this holds true. After all, saying something like, “I really appreciate how you went out of your way to help me with that project,” holds more meaning than a simple “thanks.”

If finding the words organically is a struggle, try thinking of your thank-you in parts. There’s the obvious start, “Thank you,” followed by the explanation of what you are thanking them for. For more intimate friends and family, you can expand further. By adding to your show of appreciation some reference to their past actions or characteristics, you’ve appreciated as well.

When all else fails, you can try something like Gift Baskets Overseas’ AI Greeting Card Generator to help you out.

What Else Can I Do to Express Gratitude?

There’s more to the art of how to express gratitude than words and gifts. After all, the reasons for being thankful to someone are even more varied than the gifts and ways to express thanks.  And the saying “actions speak louder than words” has survived for a reason: its ring of truth.

So, if words aren’t your things, and gifts are off the table, try being there for them. In your personal life, this can look like any number of things. Like offering to house-sit while friends are away or helping your parents set up their newest gadget. In the workspace, it might look like mentoring a colleague, offering your help on projecting, or volunteering for overtime. 

All of these gestures boil down to the same things: offering your time, offering your assistance, or showing your support.

Final Thoughts on Showing Thanks

Knowing how to express gratitude mindfully is an art that should be practiced. And frankly, one the world can never see enough of. So be thankful boldly and often. Share your thanks loudly for big and little things alike. Spreading positivity like that is not just good for the mind, it’s also good for the body and soul.

And whenever you need a little help showing your thanks with a heartfelt gift, Gift Baskets Overseas is here to make your gratitude unforgettable.

You’ve learned how to express gratitude; now what?

• Master the art of writing a business thank-you card.
• Send a thank-you gift now.
• Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all the latest gifting news, holiday tips, and more!