Hi Oddies,

One thing about me is that I do not wait until the very last day of the year to get things done. I like to enter December feeling calm, which is unusal for me. I always look and feel like my life is in a frenzy.

So one of the biggest to-do list items I check off this month is brainstorming and preparing how i’ll show gratitude to people on my list this year.

Who is on this list? This isn’t friends or family. That list is different. This list is all about people who I worked with, who did business with me, who supported me, or who mentored me. People like that.

Even if you feel like you don’t have anyone to write down, get to 10. These could be people who did one simple thing to help you this year - it doesn’t matter.

The purpose? First of all, to properly say thank you. But second, to keep your relationship with them fresh as you enter 2025.

How do we do this? I’ve got your back.

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45 Ways to Show Professional Gratitude Before the End of the Year

For Full-Time Employees

Digital Appreciation (Budget: $0)

1. The LinkedIn Champion

Action: Create public recognition posts

How: Write detailed, achievement-focused posts tagging colleagues

Why: Builds public professional reputation for both parties

Script: "Inspired by @[Name]'s innovative approach to [specific project]. Their solution to [challenge] demonstrated exceptional [skill], resulting in [specific outcome]. Grateful to work with such talented professionals! #CareerGrowth #Innovation"

2. The Email Elevator

Action: Send praise emails to leadership

How: Write specific, metrics-focused emails about colleagues to their managers

Why: Helps colleagues gain visibility while showing team spirit

Script: "Hi [Manager], [Colleague]'s recent work on [project] generated [specific results]. Their approach to [challenge] particularly impressed me because [specific detail]. I feel fortunate to work with such talented team members."

3. The Social Amplifier

Action: Systematically engage with colleagues' professional content

How: Set 15-minute daily blocks for meaningful engagement

Why: Increases visibility and shows consistent support

Script: "Your insights on [topic] really resonated, especially the point about [specific detail]. This adds valuable perspective to the conversation about [industry trend]."

Tangible Appreciation (Budget: $20-50)

4. The Coffee Connection

Action: Send surprise coffee/tea deliveries

How: Use delivery apps or local café gift cards

Why: Shows personal attention to preferences

Script: "Your favorite [specific drink] is on its way! Thanks for your amazing support on [project/task]. You make our team better!"

5. The Treat Messenger

Action: Send favorite snacks to the office

How: Use office delivery services or local shops

Why: Creates memorable, personal appreciation

Script: "A little fuel for our awesome [department] team! Thanks for making every day better with your [specific positive trait]."

6. The Book Bridge

Action: Send relevant professional books

How: Choose books aligned with their career interests

Why: Supports professional growth while showing thoughtfulness

Script: "This book on [topic] reminded me of our discussions about [specific challenge]. Your perspective would be fascinating!"

Professional Development (Budget: Time Investment)

7. The Skill Share

Action: Offer to teach a team lunch-and-learn

How: Prepare a 30-minute session on your expertise

Why: Adds value while positioning you as a resource

Script: "Would love to share my experience with [skill/tool] in a casual lunch session. I've learned so much from our team and would like to contribute back."

8. The Documentation Hero

Action: Create helpful process documents

How: Document your efficient workflows or solutions

Why: Helps team while demonstrating initiative

Script: "Created this guide based on questions I frequently receive about [process]. Hope it helps streamline your work!"

Share

9. The Resource Curator

Action: Share industry insights and articles

How: Create a weekly digest of relevant content

Why: Positions you as a valuable information source

Script: "Thought you'd find these articles about [topic] interesting, especially regarding [specific point]. Happy to discuss further!"

Relationship Building (Budget: Variable)

10. The Mentor Match

Action: Connect mentors and mentees

How: Make thoughtful introductions between colleagues

Why: Creates valuable professional connections

Script: "[Name 1], given your interest in [area], I'd love to introduce you to [Name 2], who has great expertise in this space. [Name 2], [Name 1] is working on fascinating projects in [related area]."

11. The Cross-Department Connector

Action: Organize inter-department coffee chats

How: Set up casual 30-minute connection sessions

Why: Builds broader internal network

Script: "Would love to introduce our teams over coffee. Your work in [department] aligns interestingly with our current projects in [your department]."

12. The Project Appreciator

Action: Create project completion celebrations

How: Organize small team recognition events

Why: Builds team morale and acknowledges efforts

Script: "Let's celebrate the successful completion of [project]! Your dedication to [specific aspect] made this possible."

Year-End Special Touches (Budget: $50-100)

13. The Gratitude Box

Action: Create personalized appreciation packages

How: Combine small meaningful items with handwritten notes

Why: Makes lasting impression with personal touch

Script: "Each item represents something I appreciate about working with you: [explain each item's significance]."

14. The Charitable Champion

Action: Make donations to colleagues' favorite causes

How: Research causes they support and contribute

Why: Shows personal attention to their values

Script: "Made a donation to [cause] in your honor, knowing how passionate you are about [issue]."

15. The Future Forward

Action: Send personal growth tools/planners

How: Choose quality planning or development tools

Why: Supports their future success

Script: "Your growth this year has been inspiring. Here's to an amazing year ahead!"

For Side Hustlers

Digital Appreciation (Budget: $0)

16. The Content Champion

Action: Create public testimonial graphics

How: Design shareable social media posts highlighting client wins

Why: Provides value to clients while building your portfolio

Script: "Celebrating @[ClientName]'s amazing results with [specific achievement]! Your innovative approach to [challenge] shows why you're a leader in [industry]. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey! #ClientSuccess"

17. The Resource Radar

Action: Share personalized resource collections

How: Create custom bookmark collections or resource lists

Why: Adds value without monetary investment

Script: "Curated these [industry] resources thinking of your goals for [specific project]. Each link addresses a different aspect of [challenge] we discussed."

18. The Skills Showcase

Action: Feature clients/collaborators on your platform

How: Create "Partner Spotlight" content

Why: Provides exposure while showing appreciation

Script: "This week's spotlight features [Name]'s groundbreaking work in [area]. Their approach to [specific aspect] is revolutionizing how we think about [topic]."

Tangible Appreciation (Budget: $25-75)

19. The Productivity Pack

Action: Send curated work-from-home care packages

How: Combine useful items (quality pens, notebooks, tea)

Why: Supports their work while showing thoughtfulness

Script: "A few tools to support your amazing work! The [specific item] reminded me of your commitment to [specific goal]."

20. The Local Love

Action: Send local artisan products

How: Source from small businesses in your area

Why: Supports local community while showing personal touch

Script: "This [item] from [local business] reminded me of our conversations about [shared interest]. Hope it brings joy to your workspace!"

21. The Inspiration Drop

Action: Send motivational books or planners

How: Choose based on their business goals

Why: Shows investment in their success

Script: "Your journey in [field] inspired me to send this. The chapter on [topic] particularly made me think of your approach to [challenge]."

Network Building (Budget: Time Investment)

22. The Connection Catalyst

Action: Create introduction chains

How: Connect complementary professionals

Why: Builds valuable network while helping others

Script: "[Name 1], [Name 2]'s work in [area] aligns perfectly with your needs in [specific aspect]. [Name 2], [Name 1] is doing fascinating things with [related topic]."

23. The Knowledge Exchange

Action: Organize skill-sharing sessions

How: Set up virtual mini-workshops

Why: Creates mutual value through learning

Script: "Would love to exchange insights - I can share about [your skill] while learning about your expertise in [their skill]. No pressure, just mutual growth!"

24. The Mastermind Maker

Action: Create small accountability groups

How: Connect 3-4 peers in similar stages

Why: Builds support network while adding value

Script: "I'm connecting a few talented professionals for monthly growth discussions. Your experience with [specific challenge] would add valuable perspective."

Client Appreciation (Budget: Variable)

25. The Service Upgrade

Action: Offer free service upgrades to loyal clients

How: Add bonus features or extended support

Why: Shows appreciation while encouraging retention

Script: "As a thank you for your continued trust, I'd love to include [premium feature] in your next project at no additional cost."

26. The Early Access

Action: Provide preview access to new offerings

How: Create exclusive beta testing opportunities

Why: Shows value for their input while getting feedback

Script: "Your insights have been invaluable. Would you be interested in early access to [new service/feature]? Your feedback would help shape its development."

27. The Custom Tutorial

Action: Create personalized how-to guides

How: Document specific processes for clients

Why: Provides lasting value and shows dedication

Script: "Created this custom guide for [their specific use case]. Hope it helps streamline your [process]!"

Time-Sensitive Appreciation (Budget: $50-100)

28. The Holiday Helper

Action: Send seasonal productivity tools

How: Choose practical items aligned with work needs

Why: Shows thoughtfulness and supports their work

Script: "As we enter [season/holiday], wanted to send something to support your incredible work. Each item was chosen with your [specific work style/needs] in mind."

29. The Milestone Marker

Action: Celebrate client anniversaries

How: Send personalized appreciation packages

Why: Strengthens long-term relationships

Script: "Celebrating one year of collaboration! Your trust in my [service] means the world. Here's a small token of appreciation..."

30. The Growth Reporter

Action: Create annual impact reports

How: Document client achievements and growth

Why: Shows value while celebrating success

Script: "Looking back at our year together: [list specific achievements]. Thank you for letting me be part of your growth journey!"

For Business Owners

Team Development (Budget: Variable by Team Size)

31. The Growth Catalyst

Action: Provide personalized learning budgets

How: Allocate funds for chosen development areas

Why: Shows investment in individual growth

Script: "Your passion for [skill area] adds tremendous value to our team. I'd like to support your growth with [specific learning opportunity]."

32. The Skill Spotlight

Action: Create team teaching opportunities

How: Set up internal knowledge sharing sessions

Why: Validates expertise while building capabilities

Script: "Your expertise in [area] has impressed everyone. Would you consider leading a session to share your insights?"

33. The Career Architect

Action: Develop custom growth plans

How: Create individual development roadmaps

Why: Shows long-term commitment to success

Script: "I see tremendous potential in your [specific strengths]. Let's create a growth plan that aligns with your career aspirations."

Client Relations (Budget: $100-500 per key client)

34. The Industry Insider

Action: Create exclusive market reports

How: Compile industry insights and trends

Why: Provides unique value to key clients

Script: "Created this custom market analysis thinking of your challenges in [specific area]. Hope these insights support your strategic planning."

35. The Success Box

Action: Send milestone celebration packages

How: Create custom gift boxes for major wins

Why: Celebrates shared successes

Script: "Celebrating our successful [project/milestone] with carefully chosen items representing our journey together."

36. The Strategic Partner

Action: Offer advisory sessions

How: Schedule quarterly strategy meetings

Why: Deepens relationship beyond transactions

Script: "Would love to schedule time to discuss your vision for [next period] and how we can support your goals."

Vendor Appreciation (Budget: $75-200 per key vendor)

37. The Supply Chain Star

Action: Create vendor appreciation events

How: Organize recognition ceremonies/meals

Why: Strengthens crucial business relationships

Script: "Your reliability in [service area] has been crucial to our success. Would love to celebrate our partnership over [meal/event]."

38. The Early Settler

Action: Implement early payment programs

How: Pay key vendors ahead of schedule

Why: Builds goodwill and reliability

Script: "Implementing early payments to show our appreciation for your consistent excellence."

39. The Reference Provider

Action: Offer detailed testimonials

How: Write comprehensive success stories

Why: Supports vendor growth while documenting value

Script: "Would love to share how your [service/product] has specifically impacted our success in [area]."

Community Building (Budget: Time + Variable Financial)

40. The Industry Elevate

Action: Create mentorship programs

How: Structure support for industry newcomers

Why: Builds positive industry presence

Script: "Your journey inspired our new mentorship initiative. Would you consider sharing your insights as a mentor?"

41. The Local Leader

Action: Support community causes

How: Partner with local organizations

Why: Strengthens community connections

Script: "Supporting [local cause] aligns with our commitment to [shared value]. Would you like to join us in this initiative?"

42. The Knowledge Network

Action: Host industry roundtables

How: Organize peer learning sessions

Why: Positions company as industry leader

Script: "Hosting a discussion on [industry challenge]. Your perspective would add significant value to the conversation."

Year-Round Recognition (Budget: Annual Planning Required)

43. The Impact Tracker

Action: Create achievement portfolios

How: Document team and individual wins

Why: Shows consistent recognition of efforts

Script: "Documented your impressive impact this year: [specific achievements]. Your contributions shape our success."

44. The Wellness Champion

Action: Implement wellbeing initiatives

How: Provide health and wellness support

Why: Shows care for whole person

Script: "Introducing [wellness benefit] because your wellbeing matters to us."

45. The Future Builder

Action: Create long-term incentive programs

How: Develop equity or profit-sharing plans

Why: Aligns individual and company success

Script: "Introducing our new [incentive program] to share our success with those who make it possible."

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Love,

Jen Glantz

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