Gestures which is not based on any particular reason, like getting a compliment on days you are not expecting or receiving an unexpected gift, can change an uninspiring and a normal day so much that a random voucher, a written greeting card, or even a gift to return the favour can make us realise that kindness is still alive and well. However, let's face it, if someone gave you a surprise gift (especially if you weren't ready for it), saying "thank you" effectively is going to be difficult; how do you do that, anyway, to properly express your appreciation? 

In this blog, we will look into some of the 'appropriate ways' to express your gratitude, while putting your personal expression on it, and most importantly, making sure that the "Thank you" message feels just as sincere and as special as the unexpected gift you receive.

The Importance of Saying Thank You.

Saying thank you is simply good manners; it goes beyond that. Expressing thanks is a way to nurture relationships (both personal and professional). An expression of thanks can:

• Indicate to the giver that their intention might not have been completely lost.
• Strengthen emotional or social connections.
• Create a culture of gratitude.
• Reflect your personal values and rules.

In our world, where time is of the essence, digital influence or interruption controls our sense of time, making you feel that you don't have time to express thanks for a "thoughtful present", whether it's through gestures you made in person, or a generic thanks message, this little act goes a long way.

Different Types of Surprise Gifts and How to Acknowledge Them

Now, let’s consider some types of surprise gifts you might receive and the best way to acknowledge them: 

1. Amazon Gift Card 

An Amazon voucher card is a contemporary gift—affordable, practical, and generous. If you have received one from a family member, coworker, or friend, you should recognise the gratitude and the way you intend to use it. 

Example to say thanks: 

“Thank you for the Amazon gift card! I was pleasantly surprised, and it was so thoughtful of you. I already have several things in my cart, it was exactly the gift I needed!” 

2. Greeting Card 

A greeting card—especially a handwritten one can be more personal than an expensive gift. It carries emotion, time, and intent. If the card also has a lovely note of inspiration or warm wishes, you will want to acknowledge the investment involved in that, too. 

Example to say thanks: 

“I was very touched by the lovely greeting card you sent. Your note was very meaningful and made my day special. Thank you for thinking of me!”

3. Return Gift

Return gifts are presented at events such as birthday parties, weddings, or religious celebrations. If a return gift is presented to you unexpectedly, you can still thank the host and acknowledge their thoughtfulness.

Example thank you note:

"Thank you so much for the lovely return gift! It was a nice surprise. You know how to make everyone feel special!" 

How to Write the Perfect Thank-You Note

Writing a thank-you note doesn't need to be complicated. Very easy words can be used:

1. Acknowledge the gift specifically

Don't just say "thanks for the gift." Be specific about what the gift was and why you liked it.

2. Mention your feelings about it

Was it heartwarming? Practical? Did it lift your spirits? Let the giver know about the feelings the gift comes up with.

3. Mention what you plan to do with it (if relevant)

This again adds sincerity. For example, if it is an Amazon voucher, mention what you are going to buy.

4. Express your desire to stay in touch

If the giver is someone you like to keep in touch with, mention this.

When a Simple Thank You Is Enough 

In certain types of relationships or situations, a simple thank-you note may not be enough. Here is how to go above and beyond:

• Birthday Wishes for a Colleague.

Suppose a coworker wants to surprise you with a gift and send you wishes for a happy birthday. In work situations, you should be able to be a little more formal than when responding to gifts in personal situations. You still want to maintain a level of warmth in your response.

Example:

"Thank you so much for the wonderful birthday gift and the kind birthday wishes. I really appreciate the gesture of kindness. I feel fortunate to have coworkers like you. Thank you again for your kindness! You made my day!" 

This is polite, acknowledges the gift, and is appropriate for the workplace setting.

• Anniversary Wishes for Son-in-law.

Of course, in family situations, gratitude has so much more meaning. If you have received a wish on your anniversary, as their son-in-law sent a surprise gift with a thank-you message, keep the warmth in your response.

Example:

"Thank you, dear mom and dad, for the lovely anniversary gift and your sweet anniversary wishes. You made our day unforgettable. We are so thankful to have you as a part of my family."

Ways to Express Your Thanks in Today’s Time

Not all expressions of gratitude need to be written down. Consider these means of expression: 

• Voice Note 

So personal and authentic, especially for close friends and family.

• Social Media Update

When people post their gratitude online for everyone to see, sometimes people appreciate seeing how their gesture is appreciated. 

•  Return the Favour

An impressive way to show your appreciation to another person is to, without asking, show a thoughtful and kind gesture in return. A coffee treat or a handwritten card is as nice as it gets. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

You can never go wrong saying thank you, but just be careful not to:

• Take too long to respond – when you delay your response, the 'thanks' comes across as insincere. 

• Overdo your thanks – sometimes being sincere means not being overly flattering. 

• Use a generic 'thanks' - plain 'old' messages often come across as impersonal. 

• Overlook tones - especially when thanking someone using a different cultural mindset or context, think about the implications of tone and expression. 

Gratitude in Certain Situations

There may be occasions when unexpected 'gifts' or acts of kindness are escalated to a level of meaning; these include: 

•  Professional Milestones

A job promotion, the successful finish of a project, or a work anniversary may receive congratulations or surprise gifts. Appreciate them in a similar manner, with style and professionalism.

•  Personal Milestones

When people celebrate life events like birthdays and baby showers, you may receive unexpected gifts or verbal expressions of gratitude. These deserve sincere, authentic thanks.

• Special Occasions 

It is always appropriate to send a festive thank you when you receive a surprise gift, whether it is Diwali, Christmas, Eid or any other celebration!

Conclusion 

When someone has taken the time to surprise you with a gift—big or small—it deserves more than a generic thank you. Whether you received a note, gift, return gift, or even just a voucher, the words we use in our thank you messages will reflect the relationship we have with that person. 

We can incorporate simple lines such as:

• “Thank you for thinking about me…”
• “Your gift has brightened my day…”
• “I truly feel blessed to have you in my life…”

to make a plain thank you memorable. 

The next time someone has kindness that catches you off guard, take a moment to reflect before sending a response, and reciprocate the warmth and friendship with your thank you words.  After all, gratitude and generosity are at their best when shared with thoughtfulness and sincerity.