Creative Holiday Gratuities for those who help you all Year Round
When the holiday season arrives, people rush around shopping for the perfect gift for their loved ones, but what about the people that help you out during the year? People like your postman/woman, trash collector, grocery bagger, or yard care provider and many others, deserve a little bit ofgratitudefor their friendly service throughout the year. Read on for some ideas of how to express your appreciation for these wonderful people.
- Goodies. Instead of buying a box of chocolates at the store, take the time to make some delicious homemade treats to give out. Add a nice touch by hand decorating with icing, sprinkles or little candies. You can make cookies, cupcakes, fudge, brownies or some kind of candy. Simply search for a recipe and then make an afternoon of baking and making memories with your loved ones. You can make this gratuity even more special by handing them out in person or taking them to where the person/people work. You might just brighten their day with your thoughtful gesture.
- Gift in a jar. These are nice gifts you can make yourself, at home. You can put hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows and maybe even a small bag of candy or cookies in the jar, put on the lid and decorate the jar with a ribbon or festive stickers. You can also make a sand candle by filling the jar half full of pretty sand and setting a candle in the middle of the sand and then decorate the jar. these are just a couple of ideas of gifts to put inside of a mason jar. Be creative and show your gratitude at the same time. The nice thing about the jars is that they are reusable, who knows, maybe they will pay it forward and give a jar gift to someone else!
- Gift card. If you know the person rather well, give them a gift card to their favorite restaurant or coffee shop or even bookstore. You do not have to break the bank with these cards, but show them you appreciate them with a kind gesture of something they can enjoy. A gift card is nice because you do not have to try and figure out what they might like, especially if you are casual acquaintances.
- Holiday card - hand delivered. A holiday card can brighten someone's day in ways you cannot imagine. What makes this gratuity special is handing it to the person/people yourself, instead of mailing it. When you hand them their card, take the time to talk with them for a few minutes. Show you have an actual interest in them as a person, not just "the mailman/woman" or "trash collector". They are living, breathing human beings providing a service for you in whatever way and deserve some recognition. You do not have to try and become their new best friend, but carry on a conversation for a few minutes, let them know they are appreciated for their hard work all year long.
- Gloves/scarf. Either of these (or both) are great gratuities for someone that works outside. Your mailman/woman, trash collector, people that take care of your yard, baggers (people that carry your shopping bags to your vehicle for you) and anyone else that assists you in some way while outdoors.
Sometimes people overlook people that are always there, doing their job. It is not out of rudeness or uncaring that people do not think of their mail carrier or others that provide fine service everyday. Perhaps people just feel that they are doing a job that they get paid for, and do not give it another thought. The point is that everyone likes to hear that they are doing a good job and are appreciated for their efforts. Think about all of the people, that help you out in some way, throughout the year; what can you do to show your appreciation this holiday season?
