Nearing the end of autumn, we approach the holiday season. Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is an annual holiday many families look forward to before the cold kicks in.
Many children remember Thanksgiving as a holiday to eat turkey or sit by the fireplace, but there’s more to that. Beginning in our teenage years, we must gradually learn ways to express our gratitude––most directly, through gifts.
It’s hard to come up with a new gift idea every year to give to those you care about, but it’s not too late to start brainstorming now. Here are some ideas to get you started.
FAMILY
1. Photo Album
A Thanksgiving present for people close to you often needs more than a thank-you card. Handmade DIY gifts can do the trick.
Using a piece of blank notebook or an album bought online, glue or insert printed pictures of you with your family. On a few of the pages, write a short message on a notecard, which can include memorable trips and inside jokes. These can be so much more natural and enjoyable to write than a cheesy, page-long thank you card.
2. Coupon Book
This idea is even simpler––you only need paper, pens, and scissors to put this coupon booklet together. First, cut a sheet of letter paper (or colored paper) horizontally in half and then vertically in half. Stack the 4 pieces of paper on top of each other and fold them in half.
Voila! Your mini-booklet is ready.
Fill each page with a chore or privilege: sleeping in, free dinner, etc. can all do the trick. For coupon books, try to get as personal and creative as you can! Add stickers and doodles as bonuses.
3. Dinner
Many parents or siblings may prefer action over words. If that’s the case, I suggest adding a dish or two of food YOU cook to the Thanksgiving feast table! It doesn’t have to be a lot, but make sure there will be enough for everyone to take several bites out of.
Follow a recipe to ensure its good taste. Some easy but classic dishes are curry and rice, corn on the cob, s’mores, and hand-squeezed lemonade. Be careful not to repeat your mother’s dish that is already on the table, so be as creative as you can. Make it a surprise.
FRIENDS
1. Social Media Post
Who said Instagram stories can only be used for friends when it’s their birthday? Tag your friends to express your gratitude and make it personal by including pictures and messages. If you don’t have Instagram or Facebook, a simple text message can also make someone’s day.
2. Something they need/want
Black Friday comes right after Thanksgiving, but who would choose to purchase stuff with a 10% discount over receiving a free gift? Friends are people who you share interests and styles with. Take an extra minute to consider what they need for school or their bedroom, as well as any beauty trends or sports teams they follow. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Academics: cute pencils, pens, highlighters, sticky notes, journal, notebook, water bottle, etc.
- Life/home: plant for your desk, mug, keychain, poster of their celebrity, fuzzy blanket, makeup, etc.
3. Hangout
Time spent together means more than anything. Spend a day with your favorite people and fill it up with activities that you can’t do during a normal school week. For example, getting highlights at a hair salon, shopping at the mall, eating at an Italian café, picnicking in a park, or binge-watching your favorite TV shows together.
TEACHERS
1. Drawing
For all the artists out there, draw something for your teacher! Writing thank-you cards are quite too common and plain and awkward. So if you have artistic talent, use it! A portrait sketch of your teacher, a watercolor drawing of the school campus, or a painting of your teacher's favorite animal/sports team/superhero is more thoughtful and special than a card and flowers.
2. Useful Things
This might seem unoriginal, but believe it or not, people are not doing it anymore. Take a look at your teacher’s desk and see what might be missing. A plant or file holder?
A whiteboard marker that still works? Red pens? Teachers can be quite practical, so giving them something they may use is really meaningful.
