It takes a village to keep any of us afloat. From child care helpers 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 wonderful people regularly, they’re a bit more difficult to shop for than friends and family. That's why lifestyle expert Dhomonique Murphy stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to share her favorite gifts for the helpers in your life, from personalized plant pots to food gift boxes as sweet as them.
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Whether you’re shopping for your dog walker, babysitter, hairstylist or teacher, scroll through to discover thoughtful gifts they’ll love to receive.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s 2022 Gift Guide to find the perfect present for everyone on your list!
Best thank-you gifts as seen on TODAY
Huggaroo Original Microwave Heating Pad
Murphy says this heating pad is perfect for anyone looking to ease daily stresses, or minor aches and pains. According to the brand, the pad weighs three-and-a-half pounds and wraps around your shoulders to simulate a hug. You can pop it in the microwave for heat therapy or store in the freezer for a cooling effect.
The Spice Lab Sea Gourmet Salt Sampler Collection (Set of 7)
The aspiring chef or foodie in your life will love experimenting with different flavors thanks to this gourmet salt sampler. Coming in a set of seven or eleven, the brand says each tube is labeled and filled with all natural ingredients, from tropical hibiscus to Himalayan pink salt.
Personalization Mall Growing Dreams Personalized Mini Flower Pot
Brighten up someone's day and space with their favorite flower or plant housed in a personalized ceramic pot. Personalization Mall has tons of different options to choose from, you can share a loving message for grandma, add up to 21 names for your favorite teacher or there's even an option to personalize with birth months for each member of the family.
- Personalization Mall Birth Month Flower Outdoor Flower Pot, $38.49 (was $54.99)
- Personalization Mall Close To Her Heart Mini Flower Pot, $22.99
- Personalization Mall Floral Love for Grandma, $54.99
- Personalization Mall Expressions Personalized Mini Flower Pot, $22.99
Knock Knock "Why You're So Awesome" Journal
Murphy says this is a cute personable gift to show someone how much they mean to you. According to the brand, the book contains 50 prompts that you can fill-in about your recipient and Murphy loves that you can make it as fun and humorous as you'd like.
Hygge Games "I Should Have Known That!" Trivia Game
This game features over 400 questions of trivia topics that you "should've known," from "Which hand does the Statue of Liberty hold her torch?" to "Is a penguin a bird?" And Murphy says this game is not only extremely addicting, but also makes the perfect gift for the whole family.
Sugarwish Treats Mini Box
This isn't your ordinary treat box. The reason? The recipient is able to choose exactly what they want inside of it. According to the brand, you can choose from five different categories, including candies, cookies or dog treats, then your recipient can customize it to exactly what they want inside. Once it's chosen, it's shipped directly to them!
More thank-you gifts
Lifestyle expert Jill Bauer previously stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to share her picks for the best thank-you gifts.
Sprigs Multi Mitts
Bauer says these are perfect for neighborhood dog walker or crossing guard since they feature a pocket to stash their cellphone in. They're mittens but they can convert into fingerless gloves when they need to reply to text messages or answer a call.
"The Cheese Board Deck," by Meg Quinn and Shana Smith
The host or hostess in your life probably has attempted to create their own charcuterie board once or twice, but with this deck of cards, they'll have all the inspiration they need to design 50 charcuterie boards. With this gift, each one they create will be Instagram-worthy.
Uncommon Goods Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio
Raise a glass to the helpers in your life (and then help them raise a few of their own). Once they drop a flavor-infused cube into their champagne, they can sip away on citrus-inspired or berry-inspired mimosas.
Mary Steratore Thank You For Your Part In My Journey Necklace
For the nurse, counselor or coach that consistently shows up for you, this thoughtful gift is one they can keep with them at all times. The handmade necklace features a Lapis stone that is securely wrapped in wire and adds a pop of color to this sentimental piece.
Crock-Pot Lunch CrockFood Warmer
Great for teachers or those who are always on the go, this mini crockpot can heat up their lunch right at their desk. Whether they enjoy meal prepping and prefer to skip the microwave or typically bring in leftovers for lunch, this smart food warmer will come in handy.
Anne Neilson 100 Days of Gratitude Cards
If you consider them to be a real-life angel, these sweet gratitude cards will let them know how much you appreciate them. This set includes 100 cards with original artwork on one side and a quote about gratitude on the other.
Anne Neilson Love Scripture Cards
This deck features 26 scripture readings that those guided by faith might appreciate. Each card has an original angel artwork on one side and a curated scripture verse on the other.
Roku RCAL7R Voice Remote
They do a lot for others — so they'll enjoy getting to kick back and stream some of their favorite shows and movies. This Roku remote features a headphone jack, so they can plug their earbuds in and tune the world out while they relax.
Delite by Delightly: Growing Together Kit
If you still aren't sure what to get the special helpers in your life, these curated boxes from Delightly are a no-fail option. You can find all different kinds of gift boxes for every kind of person on your list, including these fun boxes: You Are the Sweetest, Detox Kit, Soup-rise Kit and S'more Fun Kit. The kit pictured above is essentially a garden in a box: It includes a planter with sunflower seeds, plant food and a plant stake.
This gift guide was originally published on Nov. 25, 2019.
