Let’s face it: January is usually a time of me, me, me as we focus on keeping our New Year’s resolutions. But in reality, January is National Thank You Month — a chance to thank others in your life for being a rad friend, sister, teacher or even host. With a few weeks left, there’s still time to spread the thanks. Here are 20 gifts that’ll help you stretch those thanking muscles.
1. Wax-Resist Technique Scarf: Make a loved one a stylish scarf using wax sticks and your choice of cloth dye. Draw them a picture or write why they rock — it’s all up to you. (via A Beautiful Mess)
2. Knit a Blanket: Want to give someone a warm and fuzzy feeling? A warm and fuzzy blanket should do the trick quite nicely. Oh, and you can knit this blanket in 45 minutes by using your arms as the knitting needles. Yep, your arms. Nothing like working for your thank you gift. Hello, toned arms. (via Simply Maggie)
3. Cookie Thanks: Encourage your whole family to remember what they’re thankful for. All you need are some yummy sugar cookies and food coloring pens to spread the message of thanks. (via Bake at 350)
4. Quick Bread in a Bottle: Whether you’re making this for your kiddo’s classroom teacher or your awesome coworker, they’ll be thrilled to receive everything they need to make chocolate-chip oatmeal bread, all housed in an adorable mason jar. (via Sunset)
5. Pretzels with a Twist: A pretzel dipped in brown sugar rosemary Dijon will have them saying, “Fheink vu.” (That translates to “thank you” when your mouth is full of this deliciousness). (via Country Living)
6. Scrabble Tile Coasters: Spell out why you’re thankful with these Scrabble coasters. Create a short and sweet thank-you message for your word-nerd friends. (via Curbly)
7. Infused Olive Oil: We love a good homemade thank-you gift. Especially when it tastes like heaven in a stylish bottle. We have four recipes to get you started. (via Brit + Co)
8. Bath Salts: Give them a spa day sans the expense. Making a variety of salts to suit their style will leave them soaking up your thanks in the most relaxing way possible. (via Om Nom Ally)
9. Cookie Butter: Here’s the sweetest thank-you around. This creamy, yet crunchy delight will light up their day and fill up their stomach. (via A Beautiful Mess)
10. Lip Balm: Everyone needs a quality lip balm during these dry winter months. Your friends will be extra thankful for this thoughtful gift. (via Brit + Co)
BUY
11. Soy Glad We’re Friends: ($18): Let your BFF know just how thankful you are to have her in your life with this sweet-scented soy candle.
12. The Great Guest ($100): Score major guest points with your hostess by gifting her the ultimate thank-you gift. This gift basket is brimming with gratitude goodies that you both can enjoy.
13. Hand Them an Emergency Compliment ($10): A compliment can make anyone’s day. Here are 60 that you can be guaranteed they have never heard before. Just tear it out from the book and pass it on.
14. Write a Note ($17): Say thanks the ol’ fashioned, write way: with a thoughtful thank-you card. Embarrassed by your penmanship? Take an online class and you’ll be hand lettering like a pro.
15. Custom Vintage Cocktail Spoon ($15): Get them a spoon with their drink of choice stamped on it and maybe they’ll give you a tasty drink in return.
16. Bamboo Bathtub Caddy ($50): Remember those ah-maz-ing homemade bath salts we mentioned earlier? Well, they pretty much need this handy caddy that takes bathing to the next level. Gift this to your BFF who works too hard, so she can relax and enjoy her wine. (We’ll take two, please!).
17. Monogrammed Cosmetic Bag ($44): You got this thank you in the bag. Chic, stylish and pretty personal, these makeup bags will make any beauty lover feel the love.
18. David’s Tea Starter Kit ($30): Relax and let loose with this gift featuring the perfecting starting point into the world of loose tea. Complete with all the tea you need, the Perfect Spoon (no really, that’s the name) and drawstring filters, this gift will make a tea addict out of anyone.
19. Friendship Beaded Bracelet ($25): Giving your friend a matching bracelet is like the football star giving away his letterman jacket. It’s not only the ultimate compliment, it’s a sweet way to say thank you too.
20. You Are the Gin to My Tonic Print ($25): Now all their guests will know how truly amazing they are, thanks to this thank-you wall art.
How will you be saying thanks? Tell us in the comments below.
