When to Give a Thank You Gift

I sometimes wonder when to give a thank you giftranged from the elaborate to the homemade.  The
to someone who has done a favor for me or helpedthoughtful neighbor with the snow blower received a
me in some way.  When is a gift proper as opposedgift of homemade, warm-from-the-oven cookies,
to just a simple thank you note, a payment ofwhile the chopped firewood earns an entire loaf of
money, or just saying a sincere “thankhomemade pumpkin-raisin bread.
you”?  I asked an online group what occasionsA fruit basket would be an appropriate gift to give
required a gift and then what type of gift would besomeone who gives you a business lead.  While a
appropriate. friend who helps you land a new job might receive a
In their collective wisdom they said that a gift shouldbasket of flowers or fruit with a thank you note
be given when someone does something special forattached. And a thank you gift idea for a favorite
you or your family. Some of the reasons for whenteacher might be a nice little book full of poems and
to give a thank you gift were:  If someone hassayings especially for a teacher.
helped you get a mortgage or land a great job, afterSuggestions for thank you gifts ranged from edibles
someone helps you out by feeding your cats whilelike cookies, candy, food gift baskets, to gourmet
you're away for the week-end and after spendingcoffees and exotic teas. One might also give a gift
one or more nights in someone's home.certificate to a local restaurant, gift cards to a
They felt that a thank you gift should be given whenfavorite boutique or a movie theater.
ever someone has gone out of their way to assistRemember any time someone does a favor for you
you. Examples of this include making a change in theiris a time when it's proper to give a thank you gift.
schedule or spending a great deal of time helping you,Also, it’s not the cost of the gift that matters,
for instance: a neighbor clears your driveway with hisbut the thought that counts. So the next time you
snow blower or chops some firewood for you whenare touched by someone’s thoughtfulness,
your husband is laid up.consider giving a small token of your appreciation.
When asked what appropriate gifts might be they