Gifts for People Who Make Our Lives A Little Easier

By Michele Robert Poche

Tis the season to be jolly, right?  So why not spread a little Christmas cheer and show your gratitude to the all-too-often unsung heroes this holiday season?

Financial gifts.  Sometimes tipping really is the best way to say thank you, especially with helpers like postal workers, garbage collectors, doormen, landscapers, housekeepers, dog walkers and babysitters.  As a general rule, $20 should be the minimum gift presented to an individual.  If you’re presenting to a group, make sure no one receives less than $10-$15 each.

Small gifts.  For those we interact with more personally, a small token of appreciation such as a picture frame, a gift certificate or other special memento should be extended from you or your family.  Teachers, tutors, lesson givers, coaches, cafeteria workers and crossing guards all fall under this category.  The gift value can vary but should fall somewhere between $10 to $25 each.

Home-cooked meals.  Have a special group of fire fighters in your area?  Recruit a few neighborhood families to prepare a full meal for the station.  Assign each family a different small course (appetizers, salad, drinks, side, dessert) with two or more families handling the entrée.  Coordinate the delivery with the house captain and be sure to include a little note from everyone.

Christmas cards. When making out your holiday card list, don’t forget to include your pediatrician/doctor, your dentist and even your veterinarian (with a picture of your pet enclosed if he’s not in the family photo). Many offices like to display all of their holiday greetings throughout their halls and doorways for all visitors to enjoy.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” 
Fred Rogers
Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood