Thank You and Appreciation Ideas

Little ways to say "I appreciate you"

These days, it really is better to give than to receive. It just seems like material things mean less—and time spent with family and friends means more.

And no gift can compare to the feeling you get when you've done something nice for someone else.

So on a day that's all about you—like your birthday, anniversary or any other big day—why not use the occasion to do a little something nice for the people you love?

On Your Birthday

• Send an e-card to your parents and other special people and thank them for being there through the years.
• Send your parents, former teacher or mentor a card noting the important lessons you have learned from them.
• Call Mom and Dad at the exact time you were born to say, "Thanks for having me!" (Not highly recommended if you were a middle-of-the-night baby).
• Give a gift to your favorite charity.

On Your Wedding Day

• Tuck a handwritten note into hotel room gift baskets.
• Hand out signed cards in your receiving line.
• Instead of favors at the reception, include a heartfelt letter at each place setting.

Of course, you don't need a special occasion to thank the people you love. With the right words and the right card (some starting at just 99 cents), any day at all is a great opportunity to say "thanks."