It’s November, the month of Thanksgiving and a cliche month to encourage people to show appreciation. It may be cliche, but it’s always a great time to show those around you how grateful you are for them. I’ve put together a list of a few of my favorite ways to say “Thank you,” some simple and some a little more elaborate! Whichever side you tend to lean to, just take some extra time this month to be thankful.

Send a Card
Snail mail is one of my absolute favorite things. Between the funny cards, colorful pens, and unique postage, how could you not love it!? When I’m thinking about someone I pull out my stash of cards, write them a note, add a couple of fun doodles and seal it with a colorful strip of washi tape. I think it is so much more personal than shooting over a quick text. I probably enjoy sending mail as much as a enjoy getting mail, it’s a dying art!

Cook a Special Dinner
In my house, my husband does most of the cooking. We’ll say it’s because he loves it, and not because I just rotate my three favorite meals. Anyway, when I’m feeling extra thankful for my husband or want to show appreciation for him being so patient with my craziness, I’ll surprise him with dinner. Most of the time, I try to go out of my comfort zone to make it extra special.

Give a Simple Gift
I used to think a gift card was such a lazy and insincere gift, but the older I get and the more I realize how much I enjoy receiving gift cards, I think they’re a great and easy way to say thank you. There are a handful of gift card options I think can never be wrong: Starbucks, Target and when in doubt Visa!

Go Somewhere
Sometimes a little time away from everything is needed for both sides of a relationship. It can be the smallest of outings, like taking a co-worker to happy hour, or your mother-in-law to a little boutique she’s been talking about. I also like to think that taking my dogs on a nice hike is showing appreciation for their love, but they never seem to take it that way.

Make Something
Everyone is gifted with a talent; crafting, baking, the list goes on. Take time out of your day to make them something they didn’t ask for. Baking is my thing, during the holidays I try to bake as much as I can for other people. It’s my way of gifting those I care about with my talents.

Be There
In a world that’s hectic and fast-paced, giving someone your full attention is hard. One of the most sincere ways to say thank you might be to just shut everything off, and just be present. Whether this is over wine with a girlfriend, or before-bed conversations with your significant other, make a mental note to put everything else aside and give them your full self.

Simply Say ‘Thank you!’
Wow! That easy, huh? I mean seriously how many times does someone do something for you and you either slide right past, or throw out an empty “thanks”? I have tried to make a point to give more genuine, look ‘em in the eye “thank you’s.” Not only does this show the other person you’re sincerity, but I also think it has helps me realize how much I have to be thankful for.

Sometimes it is easy to take for granted the people in our lives. I encourage you to take some time today and show your appreciation!