Thank you gifts ideas are sometimes hard to come by. When someone does something special for you, you know you want to reward them appropriately. Unfortunately, it is often hard to know what is appropriate--and even harder to find the perfect way to say ‘Thanks!’ To choose a great gift, all you need to do is consider the reason for your appreciation and apply some basic guidelines.

• How Much to Spend – If someone does something that saves you time or money, consider how much it would have cost you to pay someone to do that. That’s a good guideline for how much you should spend. You don’t have to hit that dollar mark, but don’t exceed it and don’t miss it by too much either. If a neighbor watches your pet or watches your houseplants, consider how much you would pay a responsible teenager, a gardener, or a kennel. If someone tutors or picks up your child, consider how much you would it would cost you for the same service, and set your budget accordingly.
• What to Buy – A gift is always appreciated most when it shows care and consideration in the selection. Show someone that you have thought of them on vacation by choosing something that reflects where you have been but does so in a way that is appropriate to the recipient. Giving food to someone on a diet or wine to someone who drinks little of it would not be a thoughtful gift. Despite the current trend, gift certificates are not the best choice for anyone but a teenager. When giving a gift certificate, you run the risk of telling the recipient that you couldn’t be bothered to choose an appropriate gift. Don’t pawn the selection off onto them, choose something that shows you’ve put your time and thought into the selection.
• How to Choose – Choosing something appropriate is easier said than done. Women and girls are often easier than men and boys, because jewelry is always popular and comes in such a wide range of styles and price ranges. To show that you have considered the individual, think to what the recipient usually wears as well as your budget. If she rarely wears gold, it may be because she prefers silver. Choose a style that reminds you of her or will remind her of the favor she has done for you. For men who don’t wear jewelry, consider electronics, music, coffee, or a round of golf.
• Hostess Gifts – Hostess gifts are a special category in and of themselves. When going to someone’s house for dinner, don’t bring flowers that your hostess needs to arrange; this will force her to take time out of her already busy schedule. Bring her something personal to help her unwind after the party or replace something that she will be consuming during the party.

Whatever you choose to give as a thank you gift, be sure to write a note that indicates why you have chosen that particular thank you gift idea. What was it about the gift that made you think of the recipient? What do you hope they will think of when then wear or use it? You can’t go wrong with a thank you note as long as you write legibly, use good paper, and express your gratitude sincerely. A beautifully written note will make the most out of any thank you gift idea.