Mother's Day is around the corner and while we may all be looking for gifts for the mothers, or mother figures in our lives, there are also people out there who may not be moms, but just make the job a whole lot easier. They can be close family, babysitters, friends, or teachers. And while they know their role is thankless, that doesn't mean every once in a while they don't deserve thanks — and what better day to do that than on Mother's Day.
But what should a mom get for the people in her life who do so much? It can seem daunting, but we found 20 awesome thank-you gifts that anyone would love, especially those who help out. From spa and self-care gift baskets to yummy brownie grams, and sweet-smelling "Thanks" candles, here are a few items that can be a way to show appreciation and gratitude for help with the kids, or maybe for just being there.
Homesick Thanks Candle
Nothing says "thank you" better than literally saying "Thank you" and that's what this Homesick candle does. It is a "Thanks" candle with that sweet-smelling gratitude as part of it. So what does saying thanks smell like? With this candle, it is a "soothing cucumber and fresh lemon blend atop a base of subtle patchouli."
Succulents
Succulents are plants that can brighten up anyone's home, and they're just the right size for a thank you gift. They're not too large of plants to give someone — they're small enough to take care of and nurture. This succulent assortment from The Sill comes with three different succulents to take care of and is a sweet way to say thanks.
Letter Mug
Saying thank you doesn't have to be complicated. It just just be a small gesture or item that shows the person receiving it that you appreciate them, and them specifically, for what they do or who they are. We think a simple but chic black and white initial mug from Pottery Barn does just that and will feel extra warm knowing the thought behind it.
Personalized Travel Box
Personalization with initials is a great way to say thank you without getting too in the weeds with full names. It's special and sweet, especially if the personalized gift is useful, too. That's where these initial travel jewelry cases come in. They're available in a variety of colors. All they need are the initials of the person getting one.
'Thank You' Charm Bracelet
Saying thanks doesn't have to be complicated, that's we why love this charm bracelet that literally comes with a "Thank you." It's a dainty silver bracelet that features a bow charm. It's a gift that will have meaning for the person wearing it whenever they put it on. The saying on the packaging reads: "This little bow I give to you to help me say a little thank you."
Thank You Self-Care Box
Sometimes when people are great friends or just helpful people, they deserve to put in some self-care time for themselves. Saying that while also saying "thank you" to them can be done at the same time with a "Thank you sooo much" spa care package. This one comes with bath salts, lip balm, a candle, and pink clay goat milk soap.
Lucky to Have Clover Planter
We should all be so lucky to have people in our lives to thank for being amazing. Even if they aren't Irish, you'll put a smile on their face with this thank you gift: a clover blossom kit that comes with a sweet thank you (as well as care instructions). The planter reads, "Someone Like You is Hard to Find & Lucky to Have!"
Thank You Wine Label Gift
There's nothing easier, or more classic and tried and true a gift, than a bottle of wine. But instead of just buying someone any bottle of wine as a thank you, give the gift some oomph with a custom wine label. Amazon has this set, which comes with four different stickers that say "thank you" in cool, fun ways. Just peel and stick.
Philosophy Fresh Hand Cream Set
Everyone appreciates soft hands, especially if they can moisturize them with good stuff, like Philosophy products. The brand sells its own "thank you" kit that comes with hand wash and hand lotion. The box even says, "Philosophy: where there is gratitude, there is joy." The gift set also has a giant "thank you!" printed at the top of the box.
Thank You So Much Tote
There's also this "Thank you so much tote," which says thank you so you don't have to, or it can be a double thank you. Either way, it's super cute and perfect for whoever is lucky enough to get it to take to the grocery store, farmers market, or just use while running errands. The bag is water resistant, and if that weren't reason enough to gift someone, The Little Market says "every purchase supports fair wages, skill development, and training for artisan women in rural Bangladeshi communities."
Custom Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are delicious, but they're that much sweeter when they're given as a thank you. Of course, you can just gift someone cookies, but why not take it up a notch and make sure the cookies are personalized? It's possible with these custom shortbread cookies from Uncommon Goods. It's a treat that is both thoughtful and yummy.
Ballerina Herbal Warming Slippers
These slippers don't actually say thank you on them, but whoever wears them will have feet that will very much appreciate them as a gift. They're super cozy and also warming for that person who tends to be cold a lot. Seriously, stick the slippers in the microwave and "aromatic lavender buds and thermally conductive flax seeds" in the insoles with give off an herbal aroma to help relaxation and feelings of calm.
Heart-Shaped Tea Bags
Tea is always a good idea, especially as a gift. It's a great way to say thanks, too, and encourage that person to kick back and treat themselves every once in a while. The real treat of these tea bags, though, is that they're shaped like hearts, for an extra special touch. The set has 15 bags in three types of tea: 5 English breakfast, 5 Earl Grey, and 5 white berry.
Little Jar of Big Thanks
For the more crafty gift givers, we found this DIY-style thank you jar that is literally the gift (and thank yous) that keep on giving. It's a jar with handmade notes inside that are messages of thanks, quotes, affirmations, and well-wishes that the recipient can open to feel the gratitude over a long period of time.
Custom Cutting Board
This custom cutting board is a unique way to say thank you to someone special, especially if that person likes to cook or likes sentimental things — or both. The cutting board can be custom made to have engraving that says the name of the person and their kitchen. It's thoughtful and a super special item to say thanks with.
Thank You Spoon Full of Comfort Box
Often, the best way to say thanks is by buying them food. But not just any food — warm, homecooked food. If that person isn't close by or life is super busy, Spoonful of Comfort sends "thank you" care food packages across the country. Pick from a variety of soups to send (and they'll get bread and cookies with the meal, too).
Thank You Pun Cards
Some people are card people, because they know that actions can also be words (in the form of giving someone that card). But these aren't just any cards. They're funny and adorable cartoon-style thank you cards to write a thank you message for that amazing person (or people) in your life, along with a pun, of course.
Thank You! BrownieGram
What could possibly be better than brownies? A brownie gram, that says "Thank you!" spelled out on it. That's what Small Batch Brownies has to offer when it comes to sending thanks to loved ones who deserve it (and love dessert). The box comes with 15 brownie bites and you can choose from different types of brownies, from classic to boozy.
Thank You Gift Box
Whether you're thanking someone or just sending appreciation for them being around, this literal "You Are Amazing" gift box will definitely make them feel the love. It's also a relaxation-style kit and comes with a candle, matches, soap, lip balm, and a bath bomb. The cool thing about this box is that it can come in the theme of a scent of choice: lavender, cinnamon and vanilla, clean cotton, and sea breeze.
Baked by Melissa Cupcakes
Baked by Melissa sells mini cupcakes that have big flavors, and the best part is that they travel incredibly well. That's why we think it makes for an amazing thank you gift idea for friends or family near or far. It's always fun to see what flavors are in the box and the packaging is so bright and cheery it's impossible not to put a smile on someone's face.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.