These people are worthy of our gratitude for doing what they do day in and day out, and we don’t need to wait for a special occasion to thank them.

If you’re looking for inspiration about what to write in an appreciation card, then read on for some useful tips. Feel free to use them as they are, or simply as a starting point for your own personal messages.

A Simple Thank You

Here are some short but heartfelt messages of gratitude that could be sent to someone in almost any situation or profession.

Examples

• “Every day you’re there keeping things going. I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am.”
• “For all that you do, and for the kind, thoughtful way you do it - thank you.”
• “Just sending warm heartfelt appreciation your way today!”
• “Just wanted to let you know the things you do are never taken for granted. We see them, and we’re grateful.”
• “Thank you for always being there and always going the extra mile.”
• “Thanks for being you and all that you do. You’re appreciated more than words can say.”
• “Thanks for everything you do!”
• “What you’re doing is so important and appreciated.”
• “Thank you so much. You’re appreciated for all you do. ”

Helpful Tip: A short-and-sweet thank-you message can be ideal if you don’t know the person well, or if you prefer to let an accompanying gift express your gratitude.

Say something complimentary

We all like compliments, especially if it’s for something that we just do as a matter of course. And compliments are a great way to bump your appreciation level up a notch or two.

Examples

• “You’re someone who makes a difference every day, but especially now.”
• “You go above and beyond daily. But lately, you’ve been going even beyond that! Thank you ever so much”
• “When I look for people who are trying to make this world a better place, I see you and everything you’re doing. And it makes all the difference.”
• “Thank you for the things you do for me. It means far more than you know.”
• “You care very much about the people around you. I’m so grateful to be one of them.”
• “It feels very good to know there are caring people like you. Thank you for everything”
• “Has anyone told you you’re awesome? Well, you are, and it’s appreciated!”
• “Don’t ever doubt the difference you make. It’s immense!”

Helpful Tip: Some people will not be comfortable being called “heroic” for, as they see it, just doing what needs to be done. It can actually mean more if you describe them as kind, caring, devoted, thoughtful, hardworking, or something that you know is important to them.

Thanking Teachers and Teaching Assistants

Last year certainly brought home the reality of how important teachers and support staff are. Teachers care deeply for their students and we can express our gratitude and appreciation with a card. Here are some ideas of what to say in a card.

Examples

• “I’m so glad that Amanda has the chance to learn from a fantastic teacher like you.”
• “It’s clear to see how much you care about all of your students. We’re so grateful that Simon is one of them.”
• “It’s wonderful to see how much you care about each one of your kids. Thank you for being such a great teacher.”
• “Sending all our appreciation to one of our favourite teachers. Thank you for doing what you do!”
• “Teaching isn’t easy, but right now it has even more challenges than usual. Thanks for your dedication and hard work!”
• “Thank you for becoming a teacher. Clearly, this is what you were meant to do!”
• “You’re an amazing teacher, and we just want you to know you’re appreciated.”
• From a younger child: “Thank you for being such a nice teacher! I love how much fun it is learning things with you.”
• From an older student: “I’ve learned so much from you. I may not remember everything you taught me, but I’ll always remember the way you cared and inspired me to keep on learning.”

Helpful Tip: As suggested in the examples above, involve little ones and teenagers in thanking their teachers and support staff. It’s good for their development and will lead to more memorable and meaningful messages for the staff on the receiving end.

Doctors, Nurses, and Care Home Staff

These are the people who put the “care” in healthcare. Expressions of appreciation from the people they look after can be especially encouraging as they carry out their critical and often very stressful work.

Examples

• “Your expert care makes lives better. I know because mine is one of them!”
• “This is a tough time to be in your job, but you’ve risen to the occasion with courage and strength. So grateful for you and the important work you’re doing.”
• “The people you’re caring for are in the very best hands. Thank you for doing what you do.”
• “Thank you for becoming a nurse. You really are an amazing one.”
• “Sending heartfelt thanks for your commitment and dedication to nursing.”
• “Just a reminder that you’re a brilliant doctor doing much-needed and much-appreciated work. Thank you!”
• “It helps to know there are very capable doctors like you. Thank you for being there with your expertise and caring so generously for the people who need you.”
• “Generally, we exaggerate when we call someone ‘a lifesaver,’ but in your case, it’s actually 100% accurate. Thank you for saving and improving lives every day!”

Helpful Tip: Also, don’t forget the mental health professionals. Their work might have a lower profile than some but it’s still critical, and well worth recognising with a message of appreciation.

Postal Workers and Delivery Drivers

Christmas may be the busiest time for a Postie but don’t forget, their work goes on all year-round, and we can say thank you at any time too.

Examples

• “Even bills aren’t so bad when they’re delivered by a Postie like you. Thanks!”
• “It’s great to have a Postie as friendly and reliable as you. So glad we’ve got you to count on.”
• “Just a big thank you for our favourite Postie.”
• “Thanks for all the smiles you’ve delivered.”
• “TO: One outstanding Postie…FROM: One grateful recipient…THANK YOU!”
• “You’re the best! Thanks for always delivering.”
• “Your dependable service has always meant a lot, but especially recently. Thanks for the work you do.”

Helpful Tip: If you’ve got a driveway, you could put your artistic skills to work and use pavement chalks to express your message of thanks.

Retail Workers, Hairdressers, and Beauticians

We all count on the dependable employees who keep pharmacies, hardware and grocery stores, other retailers, as well as hairdressers and beauticians running smoothly. A message of thanks to them could be a bright spot in an otherwise stressful work week.

Examples

• “None of this is easy, but you are appreciated. Thank you.”
• “Remember you’re essential. And appreciated!”
• “So grateful that our local shop is staffed by the best and friendliest employees anywhere. You’re all amazing!”
• “Take care, stay safe, and please know how grateful all your customers are for you.”
• “Thank you for always being so cheerful and helpful. Your friendliness makes my day!”
• “Thank you for always going above and beyond to provide great customer service. You’re very much appreciated.”
• “Thank you for everything you’re doing. I know this won’t make up for the people who’ve been rude, but I hope it helps to know there are other people who really appreciate you. You’re doing a great job!”
• “Thanks for showing up and doing what you do every day like it’s no big deal. It actually IS a big deal, and you’re really appreciated for it.”
• “You are literally keeping the rest of us going. Thanks for the sacrifices you’re making.”

Helpful Tip: If you know your recipient’s name, address your message to them: “Hi, John” or “Dear Mr. Smith.”

Restaurant or Take-Away Worker

After eating at home for days on end, a meal out or a takeaway can be an absolute treat. But that doesn’t happen by magic. It takes a dedicated team to prep, cook, and get it to your table or home. Now that calls for a thank-you.

Examples

• “You provide way more than just food - it’s comfort and care during an uncertain time. Thank you for continuing to do what you do best.”
• “You have no idea how much joy you deliver with every takeaway. Thanks for keeping the goodness coming!”
• “We hope you’re staying safe and taking good care of yourselves. Thanks for taking such good care of us!”
• “Thanks for delivering the good stuff time and time again. You’re dependable and fast. It’s so appreciated!”
• “Thank you for the great grub and service. You have our loyalty forever!”
• “Pizza delivery night is almost as big as Christmas around here. Thank you for serving up the best.”
• “Just wanted to tell you that we’re loving the new specials. Look forward to trying them all. Thank you!”

Helpful Tip: Gratitude for a job well done is always welcome, but then again, so is a good tip!

Closing Thoughts

Who are other people in your community that you might want to reach out to with a message of appreciation? Maybe emergency services staff (fire, ambulance, police) or spiritual leaders, or cleaners, plumbers, gardeners, or anyone else who regularly makes your life better.

Whoever you wish to show your gratitude to, you can finish your message with one of these endings, or one of your own.

Examples

• So grateful,
• With warmest/deepest thanks,
• Gratefully,
• With thanks,
• Sincerely,
• With sincere gratitude,
• Appreciatively,
• With heartfelt appreciation,
• Warmly,
• Thanks so much,
• Thank you!
• Feeling thankful
• Bless you,