20 Ways to Give Thanks and Express Gratitude (with free printable!)

Gratitude is a common theme in November due to Thanksgiving. While I think that gratitude is so important to think about, I think it is even more important to remember to express the gratitude that you feel! This post will share some simple, easy ways to express your gratitude this month (or any month!) The ideas are not revolutionary, but are simple reminders of people to thank and some fun ways to do so!

I wrote a list of ways that I want to express gratitude in my bullet journal, but I also included a free printable checklist that you can use if you prefer! There are several different versions, including one that you can fill in with your own ideas, if you wish! Printables will be linked at the bottom of this post.

Here are 20 easy ways to express gratitude this season:

• Thank a teacher: Write your child’s teacher a message and express your gratitude for helping your child learn or even better– have your child write them a meaningful note of gratitude! If you don’t have children, see if you can contact one of your old favorite teachers and thank them for being such a great teacher! 
• Leave a positive review: Write a detailed, glowing review for your favorite small shop, restaurant or store. 
• Thank your parents: Call your parents or write them a letter and let them know why you are grateful for them. 
• Surprise your mail carrier: As the busy holiday season arrives, leave your mail carrier a thank you note, a hand warmer or a snack to make their day!
• Thank a medical professional: Write a thank you note to a favorite doctor or nurse that you are grateful for. 
• Give a generous tip: Make your server’s day and give them a little extra money for the holidays by surprising them with a generous tip. 
• Thank your significant other: Tell them all of the things you appreciate about them that you may normally forget to mention.  
• Leave a comment of gratitude: If a blog or social media account has inspired, motivated or helped you in some way— let them know! 
• Thank your garbage collector: I can only imagine this is a thankless job–surprise them with hand warmers or a cool drink (depending on where you live!)
• Give a shoutout: Public displays of gratitude aren’t always necessary, but they can make a person feel special. Give a public shoutout to someone you appreciate!
• Gratitude journal: Make a daily list of all the things you are grateful for and notice how much more positive you feel. 
• Fill out a comment card: If you receive great customer service at a store, ask for the employee’s name and fill out a comment card in their favor. 
• Give back: Show gratitude for what you have, by giving your time, money or donations to those less fortunate. 
• Send Thanksgiving cards: Surprise loved ones with a Thanksgiving card in the mail! Target usually carries multipacks in November.
• Make a Thanksgiving craft: Make a craft with your kids to help them learn to express their gratitude! 
• Share your gratitude daily with your family: Make it a routine to say one thing you are thankful for before dinner or bed each night!
• Thank your neighbors: Rake their leaves, roll in their garbage can or deliver some homemade cookies!
• Host a Friendsgiving: Express gratitude for your friendship!
• Buy someone flowers or coffee that you appreciate.
• Thank your co-workers or boss: Bring a treat to share into the office or send your boss a thank you email.

Click on the image below to download your free printables. Four versions are included so you can print off the one you like the best!

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