As the bleak mid-winter settles in and the last of the lights and tinsel are coming down, it’s a good time to reflect on your holiday fun and the people who made it that way that you’ve still yet to thank. The beginning of the year, in itself, is a good time for us to think about doing things just a little bit better than we have before–like staying in touch more, worrying less, and showing our gratitude.

Saying, “Thank you,” doesn’t always have to be a hand-written note, although one is always appreciated. But we know that sometimes you want to do something different that’s a little more special, so we’ve rounded up some ideas that we feel anyone would appreciate and always remember.

Say it with sweets
Who doesn’t like a sweet treat? Bake them their favorite cookies, homemade bread, or buy a bag of their favorite candy or snack. Especially during these wintry months, it’s time for sweet, cozy comforts galore.

Create you own labels
Here’s a fun way to present your candy, doughnuts, or fresh-baked goods. Add a little something extra and attach a creative label. There are lots of cute ideas online like this one from Happiness is Homemade, so find your favorites and give your offering some extra flair with a personal touch.

Do something special for them
A great way to show your thanks is to treat them to dinner or a movie they’ve been wanting to see. Now’s the perfect time to catch up on those Oscar contenders, plus it allows you to spend some quality time together and is a fun way to extend your gratitude.

Pay it forward
Knowing you contributed to their favorite charity will touch their heart immensely, so donate some funds or volunteer your time in a selfless act of gratitude, and they’ll never forget it.

Be there when they need help
Whether it’s lending a kind ear to quietly listen or a hand to hold in a time of grief, be the support they were to you and offer them the same kindness.

Brighten their world with flowers
Flowers are a timeless gift that everyone appreciates. If you happen to know their favorite flower, buy them a bouquet or arrangement and include a thank you note. Sometimes, what’s even more special are just a few blooms from your own yard or garden, when the season permits. Find a small glass vase, or even a pretty colored one like blue or pink. You could also use a clear glass vase and add any color food coloring to the water, too, for a fun touch. Then place a few sweet blooms inside. Sometimes the simplest things are the most remembered kindnesses of all.

Give them your time
This is perhaps one the most valuable and underestimated gifts. Do they need help shoveling when it snows? Offer to shovel or bring over your snow blower when the next snowfall hits to clear their property. Lawn or garden work? Give them your helping hands to weed, rake, and clear flowerbeds. Is their car in the shop? Offer to drive them to and from work, the store, or run errands. Are they lonely? Stop by with some warm coffee  and conversation. Time is a gift that’s priceless and always appreciated.

Go digital with your gratitude
Thank someone on their Facebook wall so everyone knows how wonderful they were to you. You could also send a digital greeting card, which allows you to include your own personal message. We have lots of sweet and fun eCards to choose from, and you even have the option to attach a gift card  for an extra special treat to go along with your greeting. We also have “Simply Thankful – Blue Mountain’s guide to positive living,” which is a wonderful page we created to inspire some thoughtful new ways to help you show gratitude.

Do you have some favorite ideas for how you like to show your appreciation? Please share them with us! We love to hear how the power of gratitude makes the world a more thoughtful, kinder place, and we thank YOU for continuing to keep it thriving and growing.