In the heart of the giving season, show your special someone how grateful you are through a sweet note or sentimental gift. With Thanksgiving meals weeks away and the daily gratitude challenge [1] filling our Facebook feeds, here are 10 acts of gratitude that don't take a lot of time or cost a lot of money. With a little creativity like a gratitude calendar or a homemade treat, those close to you can have a true sense of how thankful you are for them this holiday season.
— Additional reporting by Emily Bibb
Create a Gratitude Jar
Write little messages of thanks, and slip them into a repurposed jar. Your loved one will enjoy randomly picking out sweet notes — not to mention it's easy to add to throughout the year.
Make a Special Recipe
Homemade treats are a great way to show your appreciation. Bake a special family recipe or cook your favorite dinner together. Nothing expresses thanks like a good meal.
Leave a Message
Use a chalkboard [2] ($39, originally $49) as a space to write short yet sweet messages of gratitude. A message board makes a sweet reminder that anyone can add to throughout the week.
Create a Gratitude Calendar
Make a gratitude calendar. Similar to an advent calendar [3] ($30), use numbered pockets to store thank-you notes as a daily reminder of gratitude throughout the month.
Give a Keepsake Box
Put together a trinket box [4] ($16) of small sentimental notes and keepsakes to show someone how much they mean to you. Not only is it a great reminder of gratitude, but it's an easy way to store memories as well.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
Fill up a gratitude journal [5] ($4+) with life's lovely moments you've spent together. This makes a great gift and a great visual for your blessings as well.
Play a Game
Have fun with gratitude by playing a Thanksgiving trivia game [6]. Try this game before Thanksgiving dinner or customize it for any occasion throughout the year!
Donate in Their Honor
Giving back is the best way to show thanks. Many charities will allow you to donate in a loved one's honor. Check out JustGive.org [7] to find a variety of charities. Giving the GiveNow Card [8] shows your appreciation while giving back to others.
Write a Sweet Note
Jot down a quick note of thanks using a gratitude notepad [9] ($22). Slip your message into your loved one's lunch, purse, or briefcase for a pleasant surprise throughout the day.
Give a Bouquet
Who doesn't like flowers? Show your gratitude by putting together a bouquet of your loved one's favorites. Pick an assortment from the garden, or create a custom arrangement with flowers from your local florist.