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It takes a village to keep any of us afloat. From manicurists to postal workers, we rely on other people for a helping hand every single day. Show them your appreciation at the end of a stressful year with a thoughtful thank-you gift.
But nailing the perfect gift can be tricky. Although you see these helpers regularly, they’re a bit more difficult to shop for than friends and family.
If you’re unsure where to start looking, Jill Bauer stopped by Hoda and Jenna's Ye Olde Online Holiday Market to share her picks for the best thank-you gifts to give in 2020.
Whether you’re shopping for your dog walker, babysitter, hairstylist or teacher, scroll through to discover thoughtful gifts they’ll love to receive.
The below list has gifts by category. To quickly jump to the category you're looking for, click on the links below:
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to find the perfect present for everyone on your list!
Best thank-you gifts seen on TODAY
1. Changeable Pompom Hats
A hat is always a thoughtful and practical gift as winter sets in. But if you’re looking for a hat that’s extra special, opt for one that can change to match outfits or moods. These changeable “Pick-a-Pom” beanies and berets let them swap out pompoms to match their vibe. Whether they’re feeling sparkly, fluffy or cozy, there’s a pompom to match.
2. Dearfoams Women's Kristy Sherpa Slide Slipper
Winter is about being cozy. But sometimes winter clothing can be too cozy. If you know anyone who has ever complained about sweaty feet, gift them these sherpa slides. The open-toed design keeps things breezy while the furry lining and memory foam insoles keeps things comfy. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who spends all day on their feet and needs a bit of relief at home.
3. Italic Cashmere Slippers
Italic is a membership-based marketplace giving customers access to more than 800 products if they subscribe for $120 per year. And their treasure trove includes these cashmere slippers. They add a dose of luxury to the coziest of footwear, and the faux fur pompoms add a dash of fun. They are the perfect gift for the WFH sophisticate who wears a silk blouse and clean sweatpants to Zoom meetings.
4. Thank-You Cookies
With some gifts, you need to come right out and say it. These cookies give a big THANK-YOU to nurses, EMTs and medical professionals who have been working overtime this year. They’re vanilla sugar flavor and baked by Cookies by Shar, an award-winning Florida bakery. Plus a portion of each purchase supports Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, which works to end childhood hunger in America.
5. Mike's Hot Honey
Honey honey is a game changer — and the perfect gift for when you have no clue what to give them. This honey infused with chilis can be drizzled over practically any food that’s in need of more flavor. It goes great on pizza (seriously!), biscuits, chicken, cheese — even inside tea or cocktails.
6. Tea Drops Sampler
It’s officially tea season. But instead of gifting them a normal tea set, kick things up a few notches with “tea drops.” These little morsels of tea, sugar and spices dissolve into boiling water to create the perfect cup of tea. The 25-count sampler, available on Uncommon Goods and Amazon, includes five drops each of citrus ginger, blueberry acai, rose earl grey, sweet peppermint and matcha green tea. But eight-count and 15-count samplers are also available at select retailers.
7. "Anne Neilson’s Angels" by Anne Neilson
Who showed up and helped out this year when you needed them most? Let your angel on earth know that you appreciate their efforts with this beautiful book of art, scripture and devotionals. A portion of the proceeds from each book benefits charities supporting people experiencing homelessness or poverty.
8. Soap Rocks
If you want to give them a present they will use, buy soap. But if you want to get them a present they will love to use, buy Soap Rocks. These handmade bars of soap are replicas of precious stones like jade, opal, blue agate and many more. But unlike precious stones, Soap Rocks will make their skin smell like gardenias, milk and honey or rainforest mist.
9. Hand Soap Duo
'Tis the season to be jolly — and this kitchen soap duo is the perfect reminder to stay in bright spirits, even when attending to mundane chores like doing the dishes. The seasonal winterberry scent layers fresh pomegranate, plumberry and citrus with rich notes of cinnamon and cloves. And the stainless steel caddy makes it look elegant next to any sink.
10. Shower Steamers
These nifty little tabs are a thoughtful gift for whoever needs a little motivation to relax. Shower steamers turn any shower into a luxurious spa experience. In order to release the scents, simply run a hot shower and allow the bathroom to fill with steam. Then place the steamer on the shower floor under running water and inhale deeply as the bathroom fills with luxurious scents like eucalyptus and mint or water lily and linen.
Unique thank-you gifts
1. Alpaca Now Reindeer Socks
Alpaca fleece is like a more magical version of wool. Not only is it softer, stronger and warmer, it’s also somehow more breathable. While this reindeer pattern makes the gift of socks very timely, they’re so cozy that your helper might want to wear them all winter long.
2. Appreciation Plant Cube
Whether they’re the best teacher “of all thyme” or a “sub-herb” helper, these appreciation planter kits grow into a visible reminder of gratitude. The easy-to-grow kit contains everything they need to grow their own herbs, including a seed packet, peat pellet and the wooden cube planter.
3. Power Beads
Give them an extra bit of power. These natural gemstone bracelets come in an array of colors, all meant to evoke different qualities of life. Choose the message and color that best suits what they bring to your life. Royal blue calcite lets them know you appreciate their creativity while iced berry agate highlights their strength.
4. Techie Apron With Smart Pocket
Business can’t stop for a barbeque. The perfect gift for the multitasker in your life, this apron helps them (and their gadgets) stay clean while in the kitchen. Thanks to a handy “smart pocket,” they can answer calls and texts or double-check recipes without getting a mess on their screen.
Still looking for the perfect gift? Be sure to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to shop for everyone on your list, including:
- 33 white elephant gift ideas that no one will want to give up
- 36 thoughtful teacher gifts that are A+
- From honey spoons to ceramic sets, these 22 gifts are perfect for tea lovers
- It's not too late! 47 last-minute gifts that'll ship in time for Christmas
- 23 gifts we can't wait to give friends, family and more this year
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This gift guide was originally published on Nov. 25, 2019.