speech for giving a gift

What Are The Best Phrases To Say When Giving A Gift? Discover 50 Amazing Phrases For Any Occasions

You have found the perfect gift, beautifully packaged it, and all you have to do is give it to your recipient. But you're lost for words and don't know what to say? Here's you'll find the best phrases to say when giving a gift.

What phrases you can use when giving a gift depends on the occasion and your relationship with the recipient. There are many unique expressions to say, from funny gift-giving phrases on Christmas to more elegant words on weddings. But the most important thing is always to be sincere.

Below I listed 50 of the best-of-the-best heartfelt phrases on different occasions you can say when giving a gift! But first, let's find out the general rules that will help make your gift-giving speech genuinely thoughtful.

5 Basic Rules Of Successful Phrases When Giving A Gift

1. emphasize how much the recipient means to you.

First and foremost, always remember that everything you say should be for the recipient and about the recipient.

It sounds obvious, but, in fact, when giving a gift, people unconsciously shift the focus from the recipient to themselves.

We all fall into this trap from time to time, but not because we want to show the recipient how much time and effort we’ve put into finding the perfect gift. The reason is simple -  all our wishes just slip our mind as soon as we hand a present to our recipient.

So the next time you give a gift and feel stuck trying to find the right words, take a deep breath and just say how much the recipient means to you. Emphasize how you appreciate their love, friendship, care, or support. Such sincere words are like one more gift from you. 

2. Be Sincere In Your Wishes To The Recipient

You don't need to make up something extraordinary if you want your gift-giving experience to be meaningful to your recipient.

It is quite easy to express your love, care, and respect - just tell about your feelings.

I believe that sincerity makes key to a successful and enjoyable giving of gifts.

Indeed, nothing but heartfelt, kind words can melt the recipient's heart and make the gift-giving experience truly remarkable and unforgettable.

And no matter if you’re giving a gift to your better half, a best friend, or a respected colleague, I'm sure your recipient will highly appreciate your sincere words. Hearty wishes will undoubtedly touch your recipient to the core and stir up strong emotions, whether childlike delight or tears of joy.

3. Don’t Apologize For Your Gift

"I couldn't spend very much!", "I'm not sure if you like it," "This gift is so small."

Are these phrases familiar to you?

I'm almost 100% sure that nearly everyone made such excuses at least once in their life when giving a gift.

And such phrases are something you should never say to the recipient. No matter how small or inexpensive your gift is, you don’t need to feel uncomfortable or even guilty of not being able to afford something better.

If you make your present thoughtful, its size and cost don't play any role, so there are no reasons for excuses. Moreover, I don't even doubt that your recipient will appreciate anything you give them. So when giving a gift, be confident and positive!

4. Don't Focus On The Money Aspect Of A Gift

A little below, I will provide you with the best phrases to say when giving a gift, but for now, you just need to remember six words you never should mention to the recipient - "This gift will save you money."

The new study on consumers’ response to gifts found that people negatively react to gifts given to them with the intention of saving money.

Such wording might make the recipient feel offended and perceive your gift as a slight rather than a compliment.

But it doesn't mean you can't give your dear ones gifts intended to help them save some money while they are having financial difficulties. When giving a gift, you just have to highlight other benefits of your present that aren't about money so that no one will feel uncomfortable.

5. Use The Right Tone When Giving A Gift

Last but not least, a correctly chosen tone for gift-giving makes all the difference.

So if you want your gift to be well-received, consider the occasion's level of formality and closeness of your relationship with the recipient.

In informal situations, like giving a gift to your beloved one, family, or good friends, you can use a casual, friendly tone with a touch of humor. And even if you lack words, a warm hug is also a suitable option.

But in more formal situations, like congratulating your boss, colleagues, or just someone you don't know well, such a casual tone might be perceived as inappropriate, if not impolite. In this case, your speech needs to be more conservative and respectful.

I hope these tips on how to make your gift-giving speech successful were helpful. And to find out what exactly phrases you can say when giving a gift, read on! I have a lot of useful and valuable information for you.

50 Remarkable Phrases To Say When Giving A Gift (For Different Occasions)

If you are here, you probably wonder how to find the right words to express your love, care, and respect to your recipient when giving them a gift.

I know, sometimes it can be pretty challenging to choose the best phrase, but no worry, I prepared expressions that will make your gift-giving speech thoughtful and memorable.

Whether it's a birthday, job promotion, or wedding, below you will find the perfect gift-giving phrases on nearly any occasion.

Great Gift-Giving Phrases To Say On Birthday

Hold out your hands and close your eyes! I hope this small gift will make your birthday even more joyful and brighter!

Best wishes! I have something special for you on this special day, and I hope you like it. Enjoy this gift!

I wish you all the best and give you this little present which I'm sure will bring you unutterable joy! Happy Birthday!

On this special day, I want to give you a gift that will come in handy for you. And I hope this useful present will please you with its benefits for years to come!

It's hard to find the right words, so I just want to give you a warm hug and, of course, this amazing present. Enjoy your birthday and my gift!

Heartfelt Gift-Giving Phrases On Anniversary

This gift, of course, can't express all my feelings to you, but I hope it becomes a little reminder of my love. Happy anniversary!

I want to give you this gift as a token of my gratitude for all the happy days together. Happy anniversary, my sweetheart!

Guess what I have for you? - All my love and this cute gift that I'm sure will please you!

I wish you another year of true love and give you this wonderful gift that will hopefully add brightness and joy to your life!

Happy anniversary! Here's a little present for you that I hope will add vivid colors to your memories of today's celebration.

Romantic Gift-Giving Phrases To Impress Your Loved One On Valentine's Day

I could move mountains for you, but I think this gift will express my sincere feelings to you much better. Happy Valentine’s Day, my love!

I'm so happy that you're My Valentine! Take all my love and this thoughtful gift on this beautiful occasion!

On this romantic day, I want to give you a gift that will always remind you of my love. So take care of it, as you take care of my heart!

No words can't express my everlasting love, so I hope that this gift will become to you a delightful reminder of my sincere feelings. Happy Valentine's Day!

I got you something special! And although my gift is quite small, I hope it will always remind you that my love for you is huge. Happy Valentine’s Day, honey!

Elegant Phrases For A Wedding Gift-Giving Speech

May the years ahead be filled with great joy and happiness! And I hope this gift will help you with it! Best wishes!

Heartfelt congratulations to the best couple ever! I hope this gift will be able to express how happy I'm for both of you!

Congratulations on your wedding! Here's a little something to start your happy life together. Enjoy!

My gift can't make this day even more special, but I hope it will bring you lasting joy! Wishing you the best!

I have a little something for you! I hope you will not only like this gift but will use it in your new life together!

Excellent Phrases To Say When Giving A Housewarming Gift

Congrats on the move! I have for you a small present that I'm sure will add brightness and cheerfulness to your new home!

Congratulations on your new place! I hope this nice gift will make your new family nest a bit comfier!

Here's something useful for you! I hope my gift can help make your new home more cozy and comfy!

May your new home be filled with joy and coziness! And this great gift will definitely help you with this!

Your new home is almost perfect! To be completely perfect, it just needs my gift! I'm sure this cute gift will turn your new place into a truly "home, sweet home."

Nice Gift-Giving Phrases On Job Promotion

Congratulations on your job promotion! I hope this gift will help you keep all your career goals in focus!

Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion! Here's a small gift to celebrate your big success! I hope you enjoy it!

Nice work! I'd like to give you this special present that I hope will motivate you on new achievements!

Congrats, you deserved this great promotion! And definitely deserved this exceptional gift on this remarkable occasion!

Your promotion will bring you new challenges and opportunities, and my gift will bring you pure pleasure and joy! Enjoy!

Best Phrases To Say When Giving A Graduation Gift

Congrats on your successful graduation. Here's a little gift to celebrate your outstanding achievement! I hope you enjoy it!

Congratulations on your graduation! I want to give you this gift that will be a wonderful reminder of this important milestone for years to come!

Congratulations on your graduation day! I hope this great gift will perfectly emphasize the importance of this occasion!

Best wishes, grad! I have a useful gift for you that will undoubtedly come in handy at a new stage of your adult life!

Congrats, grad! I got you something great to celebrate your brilliant success! I hope you like my gift!

Touching Phrases To Say When Giving A “Just Because” Gift

I know life has been a little challenging lately, but I thought this small gift would be able to brighten up your day!

For no special occasion, and nothing special to say, but I hope this little something makes you smile today!

You’re in my thoughts today. Here's a small gift just to remind you that you're in my heart forever!

Look what I have for you on this beautiful day! When I saw this, it made me think of you, and I couldn't resist! I hope you like this lovely gift!

I was thinking of you all day and understood that I just want to remind you how special you are. I hope this cute present will make you feel that way.

Funny Gift-Giving Phrases On Christmas

I know you're on Santa's naughty list, but you're on my nice list! So here's a gift for you! Merry Christmas!

Ho-ho-ho! Ok, I'm not a Santa. But I also have a gift for you! I'm sure this present will cause you a childlike delight!

Santa told me in secret that you’d been very good this year! So you deserved this fantastic gift! Enjoy!

Santa came to me today and asked me to give you this gift. I don't know what's inside, but I hope you like it!

I secretly stole in Santa your wish list for this Christmas to make you this wonderful gift. I risked my life for this, so you better say you liked it!

Cute Gift-Giving Phrases On Baby Shower

Warmest wishes to you and your baby! I hope this modest gift will come in handy in your new parenting life!

So happy to share with you this special day! Here's a little something to help you gear up for your baby.

Best wishes to your beautiful family! Are you ready to be ‘shower’ with a few lovely things for a baby?

Welcome to parenthood! Here's a useful gift that hopefully will make your day-to-day a little easier and calmer.

A baby is a gift from heaven above! My gift for you is more down-to-earth, but I think you’re going to like it!

Now that you know all these phrases, I hope you will never again feel stuck when you give a gift. I'm sure, thanks to these great phrases, your present will always be well-received! 

About the Author

Hi! I'm Yasia, founder of giftideaspace.com . I’m passionate about gift-giving, and I’m here to help you choose perfect gifts for your loved ones. I will always provide you with the best possible gift ideas and explain, based on statistics, scientific studies, and my own experience, why one or another gift is the best option to surprise your recipient.

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What To Say When Giving A Gift? [11 Good Phrases]

You do care for others and do gift a lot to your friends, family, and close ones but you are stuck or confused about what to say when giving a gift .

I gotcha ya!

You are in a perfect place. In this, we will be going through some beautiful and relateable phrases and saying that you can probably use when you are giving a gift.

So, without any further ado let’s dive in.

Use these links to jump ahead:

A gift that will surely leave behind beautiful memories

A special present that you were eagerly waiting for, i cannot be with you all the time but this gift will definitely be, this gift will surely give you an amazing experience, i never disappoint anyone and you are special to me, please take this, this will surely bring a smile to your face, not big enough as others but a sweet and small gift, your efforts and performance should be rewarded, please accept this gift, your knowledge and expertise brought us here, a good-matched gift for you, a motivating gift for the most honest & punctual employee, this gift will let you know how important you are to a business, talk about the gift, talk about a special moment/event, talk about the reason, talk about the experience, talk about your own situation, final words, what to say when giving a gift (friendly phrases).

One of the most decent and attachable statements you can say.

And such sayings are perfect when you know the gift is really special and the receiver will surely connect it to past events.

When you know your friends, family, or colleagues very closely and you knew about one specific thing which keeps an important position in their life and presenting it in a beautiful gift manner is truly an adorable and kind gesture.

Once again, do keep an eye on the intentions of every statement, like this one – ‘A special present that you….. ‘

Now, when you notice, you are already creating an excitement level for the receiver and you are connecting to the past talks and events.

By this kind of saying, one thing which the receiver will definitely like is that you knew about him/her deeply on exactly what thing can actually make them happy or what they need currently.

What an amazing and beautiful gift phrase that you can surely and should pass on.

A sweet way to make the receiver realize how much you care for him/her and you know that your slight even presence will definitely puts a positive impact on their life.

Remember, by saying such a statement you need to be well aware that what you are gifting to others.

Gifts like a wristwatch and or a necklace all these wearable items do tend to be with a person for long hours in the day.

Be thoughtful in selecting a gift and then do surely pass this good gift saying.

Related article:

45 Phrases Ideas To Say When You Like a Gift

Now, you can definitely talk about the gift a bit while giving but in one or two feature words like we used in this statement- ‘Experience’.

We all know and we can surely agree on to this gift can be anything but giving a gift which brings upon an additional value and impact onto’s other life is always a good fit option.

Telling something like – ‘It will give you an experience’ you are on a straight point indicating that will give the receiver some good moments to remember in his or her life period.

Now, experience gifts can be anything like giving tickets for skydiving, go-karting, and other stuff.

All such activities will leave behind a joyful memory.

This short sentence exactly tells the receiver that you know about their expectations.

Also, you are stating that you are very much well aware of which things the receiver does require on the priority list and this will definitely make their day.

The next thing you probably consider is what to say when giving a gift to someone.

Do have a small attention over this sentence and just have a look at how small phrases can be said that play a positive role.

Now, this phrase is surely talking about time and overall care that you have for a person.

When you are starting such statements like -‘It will bring a smile on your face.

Make sure that your gift will do the job.

One short tip over here, gifting should always be done what others would like and not what we like to give.

When you think that you are in an awkward situation or in a situation where you don’t know how to react where the party or event is big (on a large scale).

Where all other guests are already coming up with a box wrapped in a huge size.

And you are shy to present your gift to your friend,

Do remember, there are no such things of size whether it should look big or small.

Anything which is given by heart will surely make a place in the receiver’s life.

But anyhow, if you still feel the same, you can definitely pass on this sentence.

What To Say When Giving A Gift (For Corporate Boss & Colleagues)

In this informal gift phrase, you are trying to appreciate your employee’s hard work and all the efforts they have been putting into the organization’s success. For optimal growth, it is as important to reward your employees and appreciate their performance.

Employee gifts and appraisals will be a good idea to match this situation.

Giving a gift by recognizing someone’s efforts and complete dedication toward work is the perfect way to present gifts to corporate employees.

If you notice well, in this statement we do try to acknowledge employees’ overall ability and their skill sets.

Employees’ knowledge, skills, and expertise can bring new heights in organizational success.

In almost every organization, employees primarily need recognization and praise for their good performance.

Presenting gifts with such praising and recognizing phrases is one more good fit criterion.

Attributing employees with their personal corporate characteristics in front of the whole team is the best gesture you can probably consider.

In this, we are mentioning – ‘A motivating gift….’

Do make sure that the gift has some element that will drive motivation onto’s employee side.

Sometimes a gift will not make a big impact but what you are saying while giving a gift will definitely be remembered by the employees.

What a solid way to catch and probably win your employee’s heart.

Find the exact match gift for this sentence to use which will surely make your employee have that deep realization that they are vital and key players in the organization.

Businesses do evolve around their internal employees and timely events where you can recognize, and appraise them with such beautiful gifts and phrases is really important for any organization cycle.

Things To Talk About When Giving A Gift

In many situations, you can no doubt and straight forward in a sentence or two can mention the gift in an indirect manner,

So, that the actual suspense and excitement level still remains the same for the receiver.

Mentioning things like how important the gift will be, how attached they will feel to this gift and other memorable stuff.

We do surely give a gift to make others happy and which probably will bring a cute smile on their face.

But you can also talk about some special incidents that happened in your life where the receiver of the gift played an important role.

You can shortly state about the sweet memories and time that you have together.

All such things with a matchable gift are a perfect way to present your gifts.

Sometimes the purpose of giving a gift can be slightly serious and worth mentioning the reason.

Hence, hands down and especially when you know the other person is closely attached to you and is very important to you.

And you consider them as your lifeline,

Therefore, a short describing of the reason and for which reason specifically you are giving them will make them realize that you truly value them and care for them.

You can also mention the things which they can get from the things and how this particular gift will be worth remembering for life long.

List no.4 in this post I had mentioned earlier before also talks about the experience.

Similarly, when you are confident enough that are passing such experience gifts then talking about such a small joy journey will intentionally increase excitement levels in the receiver of this gift.

Now, this is not a silly reason or escapism. But sometimes, people are in a rush.

With all the hectic work schedules, business meetings, or school/college timings,

People are lethargic to shop for a beautiful gift.

In such a case, you surely mention your situation and let the receiver know that due to lack of timing, you didn’t manage to get a proper gift but still somehow you did manage to bring something that will make their day.

That’s it from the post and I hope this gives you a detailed idea of what to say when giving a gift.

Different situations do require different phrases and from the listed ideas you can pretty much be well-informed for such situations.

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10 Heartfelt Gift Messages to Inspire Your Gift-Giving

Posted on February 9th, 2024.

When it comes to expressing love and appreciation, a heartfelt gift message can make all the difference. Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary, or just to brighten someone's day, finding the perfect words can sometimes be a challenge.

We understand the importance of meaningful gestures, which is why we've curated this list of 10 heartfelt gift messages to inspire your gift-giving journey.

Heartfelt Gift Messages to Inspire Your Gift-Giving

1. warm wishes for every occasion.

No matter the occasion, a warm and heartfelt message can turn an ordinary gift into something extraordinary. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday or simply want to show someone you care, a thoughtful message can convey your feelings in a way that words alone cannot.

"May this gift bring as much joy to your life as you bring to mine every day. Here's to celebrating you and all that you are."

2. Messages of Appreciation and Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is a timeless gesture that never goes out of style. Whether you're thanking a friend for their unwavering support or showing appreciation to a loved one for their kindness, a heartfelt message can convey your gratitude in a meaningful way.

"Thank you for being the light in my life. Your kindness and generosity never go unnoticed. This gift is just a small token of my appreciation for all that you do."

3. Words of Encouragement and Support

In times of need, a few words of encouragement can make all the difference. Whether it's a difficult time or just a challenging day, a thoughtful message can provide the strength and support needed to persevere through life's obstacles.

"In the midst of challenges, know that you are never alone. You are stronger than you realize, and I believe in you wholeheartedly. This gift is a reminder of your resilience and the bright future that lies ahead."

4. Celebrating Love and Romance

There's nothing quite like the feeling of being in love, and a heartfelt message can help capture that sentiment perfectly. Whether you're celebrating a new relationship or reaffirming your love for a long-term partner, a romantic message can set the mood for a memorable occasion.

"To my dearest [partner's name], with every beat of my heart, I love you more. May this gift serve as a symbol of my eternal love and devotion to you."

5. Messages of Friendship and Camaraderie

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves, and a heartfelt message can strengthen those bonds even further. Whether you're reminiscing about old memories or looking forward to creating new ones, a thoughtful message can convey the depth of your friendship in a meaningful way.

"Friendship like ours is rare and precious. Thank you for always being there through thick and thin. Here's to many more laughs, adventures, and unforgettable moments together."

6. Inspiring Messages of Hope and Resilience

In challenging times, a message of hope can provide the strength needed to keep going. Whether you're facing adversity or simply need a reminder to stay positive, an inspiring message can uplift your spirits and renew your determination to overcome any obstacle.

"Even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope. Keep your head held high, for better days are ahead. This gift is a reminder that brighter days are on the horizon."

7. Messages of Celebration and Joy

Life is full of moments worth celebrating, and a heartfelt message can make those occasions even more special. Whether you're toasting to a new job, a new home, or simply another year of friendship, a joyful message can set the tone for a memorable celebration.

"Cheers to you and all that you've accomplished! Your hard work and dedication deserve to be celebrated. Here's to your success and many more milestones to come."

8. Expressing Sympathy and Comfort

During difficult times, a message of sympathy can provide much-needed comfort and solace. Whether you're offering condolences for a loss or simply want to let someone know you're thinking of them, a heartfelt message can convey your support in a meaningful way.

"During this difficult time, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May this gift offer you some comfort and solace during this challenging period."

9. Messages of Inspiration and Motivation

When faced with challenges, a message of inspiration can provide the motivation needed to keep going. Whether you're pursuing a personal goal or striving for professional success, an uplifting message can remind you of your strength and resilience.

"Never underestimate the power within you to achieve your dreams. You are capable of greatness, and I have no doubt that you will succeed. This gift is a token of my unwavering belief in you."

10. Customizing Your Gift Messages

While these gift messages serve as inspiration, don't hesitate to personalize them to suit the recipient and the occasion. Adding a personal touch can make your gift even more meaningful and memorable, showing the recipient just how much they mean to you.

"While these gift messages serve as inspiration, feel free to personalize them to suit the recipient and the occasion. Adding your personal touch can make your gift even more meaningful and memorable, showing the recipient just how much they mean to you."

In conclusion, a heartfelt gift message can transform an ordinary gift into a cherished keepsake that will be treasured for years to come. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to brighten someone's day, the right words can make all the difference.

At Tom's Chocolates , we believe in the power of meaningful gestures, and we're here to help you find the perfect gift for any occasion. Reach out to us at 310-463-2140 or via email at [email protected] to learn more about our exquisite chocolate offerings .

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Speech on Joy Of Giving

Imagine a world where kindness is a currency. You, too, could contribute by embracing the joy of giving.

The act of giving doesn’t merely involve physical gifts. It’s about sharing love, time, and care with others. Let’s explore this beautiful concept together.

1-minute Speech on Joy Of Giving

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let’s think about a time we gave someone a gift. Remember the smile on their face? That’s the joy of giving. It feels amazing to make someone else happy. And guess what? This joy doesn’t cost much. Often, it’s free.

The joy of giving is also about sharing our time, love, and care. Have you ever helped a friend with homework? Or spent time with a lonely person? If yes, then you have felt this joy. It’s a warm, fuzzy feeling inside your heart.

In the end, the joy of giving is not just about sharing things. It’s about sharing happiness. It’s about making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. So, let’s embrace this joy. Let’s be kind, generous, and loving. Let’s make someone’s day brighter. Because when we give, we receive much more in return.

2-minute Speech on Joy Of Giving

Hello everyone!

Today, I’d like to talk about a topic that is close to my heart, “The Joy of Giving”. Giving doesn’t only mean gifts or money, it can be time, kindness, or even a smile. When we give, we share a piece of ourselves with others, and this can bring us great happiness.

Firstly, let’s imagine a world where everyone gives. A world where no one is too busy to help someone in need. A world where we all share our time, our talents, and our resources to make the world a better place. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful place to live? That is the power of giving. It has the ability to transform not only the receiver’s life but also the giver’s.

Thirdly, giving teaches us valuable lessons. It shows us that we can make a difference in the world, no matter how small our actions may seem. It teaches us to be kind, to be generous, and to care for others. These lessons are not taught in textbooks, but they are some of the most important lessons we can learn in life.

Lastly, let’s remember that giving is not about how much we give, but how much love we put into giving. It’s not about giving away everything we have, but about sharing what we can, with love and kindness. The joy of giving is not measured by the size of our gift, but by the warmth it brings to someone’s life.

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25 Tithe & Offering Message Ideas For Your Next Giving Talk

Hello and welcome to this list of 25 tithes and offering message ideas .

Let me first congratulate you for taking the time to plan your next giving talk!

Unlike others who kind of make it up on the spot, you’re preparing beforehand and will present way better as a result.

It’s your 2-minute window to teach God’s way of thinking about money, the blessing there is in giving and encourage people to tithe .

We must prepare well.

Because an offering message from the Bible will inspire your people to trust God with their finances and grow your church budget , meaning more money for ministry.

So in this post, we’re going to get your creative juices flowing with 25 tithe and offering message ideas you can use before handing out the offering basket next Sunday.

I’ll also give you the completely free “Make Space” 4-week sermon series so you can talk about money with your church without it being awkward.

Sound good?

Let’s do this!

25 Tithe & Offering Message Ideas

When you’re sharing about giving in your church, you can talk on topics like:

• Trust/Faith
• Stewardship

To name a few…

To help you figure out what to say during tithes and offerings, here are 25 quick outlines based on 25 different offering scriptures .

Feel free to add your own twist and add in any personal stories or illustrations you think will help get your message across.

1. Giving Grows Into Lives Changed

Did you know you are alive and well today because of the seeds someone else has sown?

What did you eat this morning? Where did it come from?

The food we eat that gives us energy, that helps us to grow and stay strong starts with a farmer and a bag of seeds.

In faith, he plants those small seeds into the ground and they grow into a huge harvest and hundreds of people can eat as a result.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (The Message) says this:

“This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.”

Our wallet is like that bag of seeds. When we plant the seed in good soil we will see a harvest.

Our harvest is not wheat or corn – it’s people encountering God for the first time.

Its hearts changed and lives transformed – all glory to God!

2. Love Gives

John 3:16 is a verse most of us know well, but have you ever thought about it in terms of giving?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God gave His only son. Why? Because He loves us and that love meant he had to do something. Love requires action.

In the same way, you give someone a gift, not because they expect it or you feel obligated to give it, but because you love them. It’s the natural response.

In a moment an offering basket is going to pass by but before they do I just want to say, don’t give out of a feeling of obligation or routine, but give because you love the vision of this church, give because you love this city and want to see them reached for Christ.

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3. Give Because You Want To

Jesus is our awesome example – He had it all in heaven and yet he gave it all up for us.

He made himself poor so that we would be rich. He gave His everything so that we could be called sons and daughters of the Most-High God.

Did he have to? No.

Did someone have to twist his arm to make him do it?

No, the opposite.

Jesus purposed in His heart to become a sacrifice for us, He was determined to restore us back to God. There was no stopping Him.

As Christ-followers here today, let’s follow his example. No one’s telling you you have to give. There’s not going to be someone waiting for you at the door on the way out telling you to empty your pockets.

But if you want to give, we’re going to give an opportunity for that this morning.

I like what  2 Cor 9: 6-7  says:

“He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Don’t give today because you feel you have to, but do give if that’s something you’ve decided you’re going to do.

4. Give God The Corners

Today I want to take a quick look at Leviticus 23:22 because I think there’s a great principle here that we can apply to our tithes and offerings.

“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field when you reap, nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am the Lord your God.”

Why did God tell the Israeli farmers they couldn’t harvest the whole field?

It didn’t make much business sense – it was like leaving money on the ground!

(They still planted seed right to the edges but then didn’t harvest it.)

Though it may seem counterintuitive, God was teaching them a valuable lesson – always leave room for Him.

Similarly, our tithes and offerings are opportunities to make space for God’s provision and blessing.

When we give, we demonstrate trust in His faithfulness and invite His abundant work in our lives. The blessings we receive go far beyond what we could hold onto tightly on our own.

So let’s like the Israeli farmers and give God the corners. This is where the real blessing is!

5. $0.02 More Than $1 Million?

“Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, “The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all.” ” Luke 21:1-4

However much you’re giving today, know this:

God is not looking at what’s in your hands but what’s in your heart.

Whether our giving is a small or large sum, what truly matters is our willingness to give wholeheartedly and sacrificially.

6. Give Like An Angel Investor

Angel investors invest in businesses because they believe in the owner and the potential for success.

In the same way, our giving should reflect our love for God and His kingdom, desiring to see His purposes fulfilled.

Today, let’s give with the same enthusiasm and belief as angel investors, knowing that our contributions fuel the advancement of God’s kingdom and make an eternal impact.

7. Generous People Live It Large

Proverbs 11:24-25 beautifully illustrates how the world of the generous expands while the world of the stingy shrinks:

“The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.”

Have you ever noticed that?

If you’ve watched The Christmas Carol you’ll see what happened when Scrooge turns from a miserable self-centred banker sitting alone to count his money to the exact opposite; a grateful and generous giver starts seeing the needs of those around him. 

He went from living a small stingy life to living a wide-open generous one overnight.

Generosity is the key to a wide open spacious life – it gets you thinking outside yourself and brings real freedom and joy.

So whether it be with your finances, your time or your energy – start saying yes to being generous and endless possibilities will open up and your world will indeed get bigger.

8. Tithing = God 1st

Deuteronomy 14:23 (TLB) reminds us tithing is not solely about money:

“The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.”

Wow – you don’t get much clearer than that!

Tithing isn’t about giving God money because He needs it, it’s about acknowledging that God deserves the first place in our lives.

By giving our tithes and offerings, we actively prioritise God above all else.

So let’s remember our giving is an act of worship, a tangible expression of our love and devotion to God and a way to align our priorities with His purposes.

9. You Give For A Reason

In 1 Corinthians 15:58 Paul says this:

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.”

Everything we do, the time, money and effort we give to serve is for a reason. We’re all here today for a purpose.

The greeters standing by the door when you came in, the Kids Church volunteers working downstairs, the worship team who spent time practising and who were here before anyone else didn’t do all that because they had nothing else better to do…

No, they do it because they believe in the vision of the church in making the name of Jesus famous in this city.

When you give and financially support this church, it’s not out of guilt or trying to get God to like us more – it’s to impact this community for Christ.

When you give money to this church, you are helping to reach the unreached, love the unloved and give hope to the hopeless.

You’re playing a part in helping teenagers, retirees and whole families come to the amazing love of God.

Every dollar you give plays a part in transforming lives and making a difference in people’s eternal destinies.

10. Rich People, Be Generous

Did you know in 1 Timothy 6:17-18 the Bible talks directly to rich people?

“Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them.”

Now obviously this is only talking to millionaire billionaires flying out in private jets right?

The truth is, whether you feel like it or not if you live in the US you’re richer than 95% of people on the planet.

So don’t put your trust in your annual salary or investments but rather put your trust in God who is generous and faithful.

11. Food In God’s House = Food In Your House

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10

In this verse, God gives us 2 reasons to give:

• So there’s food in God’s house
• And food in yours

As you bring your tithe today, think about how it supports the ministries that make a difference in your community and church family.

Know that every act of generosity, no matter the amount, makes a difference.

Your generosity supports ministries that bring hope, help those in need, and spread the love of Christ.

Your giving allows others to encounter God. Lives will be forever changed as a direct consequence of your generosity.

That’s the first part of the verse, now let’s move on to the second…

Imagine a farmer diligently planting seeds, eagerly anticipating the harvest.

Your giving positions you to receive the overflowing blessings God has in store for you. It’s like planting seeds of faith and watching God’s provision grow.

It’s a chance to put God’s promise to the test – to see if He truly pours out blessings beyond measure.

So, trust in God’s faithfulness as you give and you’ll experience the joy of giving and receiving.

12. The God Of More Than Enough

Today, I want to share a powerful reminder from Philippians 4:19 :

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

In this verse, the Apostle Paul reassures the believers in Philippi that God is a faithful provider. He assures them that whatever needs they have—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—God will meet them all.

As we sit here today, we may carry various needs and concerns in our hearts.

Some of us may be facing financial challenges, seeking wisdom for important decisions, or longing for healing and restoration in our lives.

But let me remind you that our God is not limited by our circumstances. He is the God of limitless resources and abundant provision.

When we bring our tithes and offerings before God, we demonstrate our trust in His provision.

It’s an act of faith, acknowledging that He is the ultimate source of all blessings in our lives and we align ourselves with His promise to meet our needs according to His glorious riches.

So, as we prepare to give today, let’s do it with a heart of gratitude and trust.

Trust that God sees our needs, hears our prayers and will provide for us in His perfect timing. Trust that as we sow into His Kingdom, He will multiply our offerings and use them for His purpose.

13. Greater Than Ourselves

Today, I want to share a beautiful truth from Acts 20:35 . These are the words of the Apostle Paul as he reminds us that Jesus said:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

When I reflect on my own life, I can’t help but recall countless moments when I experienced the blessing of giving…

It’s those instances when I’ve extended a helping hand, offered a listening ear, or shared my resources with someone facing difficult circumstances.

It’s in those moments, something beautiful happens—my heart is filled with a deep sense of gratitude and joy.

You see, giving is not just about money or material possessions. It’s about giving of ourselves—our time, our talents and our love. It’s about being present for others, offering a shoulder to lean on, and sharing the blessings that God has entrusted to us.

We work hard, not just for our own gain but so we can help others and become more like Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

It may be a simple act of kindness, a small donation or a moment of encouragement. Whatever it is, remember that every act of giving, no matter how small, has the power to transform lives.

As we prepare to give, let’s do it with a grateful heart, knowing that our giving connects us to something far greater than ourselves, that it connects us with the heartbeat of God.

Let’s pray together.

14. The Extravagant Grace of Giving

Hello, my dear church family!

Today, I want to share a heartfelt reminder from 2 Corinthians 8:9 :

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

Let’s take a moment to truly absorb the depth of these words…

Our Lord Jesus, the one who possessed all the riches of heaven, willingly embraced poverty for our sake. He humbled Himself, walked in our shoes, and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we might experience true richness in Him.

When I reflect on this extravagant grace, it reminds me of the immeasurable love that God has poured out upon us and stirs my heart to respond with the same spirit of generosity and selflessness.

Today, as we give our tithes and offerings, let’s not give out of obligation or a sense of duty, but out of a deep desire to emulate His love and bring glory to His name.

Our giving has the power to impact lives – lives that are longing for hope, restoration, and the touch of God’s grace.

As we extend our hands in generosity, we become vessels of His love, agents of His provision, and conduits of His blessings.

Now let’s give with open hearts, knowing that our gifts are making a difference in the lives of others and bringing glory to our Saviour.

15. Deposit Into Your Heavenly Account

Today, I want to draw your attention to an inspiring passage found in Philippians 4:15-17 .

The Apostle Paul, in expressing his gratitude to the Philippians for their generous support, says these powerful words:

“Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”

In these few words, Paul unveils a profound truth about the act of giving.

It’s not merely about the physical gift or the amount given, but it’s about the impact it has on our spiritual account—the eternal rewards that await us.

As we give our tithes and offerings, we are not just contributing to the work of the church or supporting ministries; we are making an investment in something much greater—our heavenly account.

Paul understood this concept well. He knew that the true value of giving lay in the eternal profit it brought to the givers themselves. Every act of generosity, done with a willing heart, increases our heavenly treasure, storing up rewards that will never fade away.

So, as we prepare to give today, let’s shift our perspective. Let’s see our giving as an opportunity to invest in something eternal—a treasure that no earthly wealth can compare to.

16. A Heart-Moved Contribution

In Exodus 25:2 , God instructs Moses to speak to the people of Israel, inviting them to bring a contribution for Him.

However, there’s a beautiful and significant condition attached to this act of giving:

“From every man whose heart moves him, you shall receive the contribution for me.”

This verse captures the essence of true giving—a giving that is motivated by a heart stirred with love and devotion.

It’s not about compulsion or obligation, but about a genuine response to God’s leading.

When we give with a heart that is moved, something extraordinary happens:

Our giving becomes an expression of our love for God, a tangible way to worship and honour Him. It becomes an opportunity to align our desires with His and to participate in His purpose.

God doesn’t need our contributions; He desires our hearts. He longs for our willingness to respond to His leading, to generously give from the depths of our being.

So, as we prepare to give today, let’s examine our hearts. Let’s ask God to move us, to stir within us a genuine desire to contribute in response to His leading and surrender our resources to His purposes.

17. Grateful Hearts, Generous Hands

Dear brothers and sisters, in 1 Chronicles 29:14 , King David humbly acknowledges the extraordinary blessings bestowed upon him and his people.

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

These words encapsulate a profound truth about our giving:

We are mere recipients of God’s abundant grace and provision and every blessing we enjoy, every resource at our disposal originates from His loving hand.

When we grasp this truth, it humbles us and shifts our perspective on giving. We realize that our generosity is not a result of our own achievements or abilities.

Instead, it is a response to the goodness and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

Like King David, we marvel at the privilege of being able to give generously. We recognize that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God.

Our giving is an act of stewardship – a heartfelt acknowledgement that we are entrusted with resources to be used for His purposes.

So, as we gather here today, let’s approach our giving with grateful hearts and generous hands.

Let’s remember that our offerings are not simply transactions; they are acts of worship. They are opportunities to express our gratitude for God’s provision and to invest in His Kingdom.

18. Radical Generosity Unlocks The Floodgates

Today, I want to share a powerful truth found in Proverbs 3:9-10 .

Are you ready to experience an overflowing abundance in your life?

Listen closely:

“Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

These words echo the wisdom of honouring the Lord with our wealth and the firstfruits of our produce.

It’s an invitation to step into a realm of divine provision and blessings beyond measure.

Imagine a life where your barns are filled with plenty and your vats are bursting with abundance.

It’s not a mere fantasy; it’s a promise from God Himself. When we prioritise honouring the Lord with our finances, incredible things begin to happen.

You see, radical generosity unlocks the floodgates of Heaven. It’s a declaration that we trust God more than our material possessions.

By giving the first and best of what we have, we demonstrate our faith and dependence on His provision.

But here’s the exciting part:

God’s blessings go far beyond what we can comprehend.

When we unleash abundance through radical generosity, we tap into His limitless resources. He pours out blessings that exceed our wildest imaginations.

So today, I invite you to join me on this incredible journey of faith. Let’s embrace radical generosity as a way of life. As we prioritise honouring the Lord with our wealth, we position ourselves for a life filled with His abundant provision.

19. Two Contrasting Attitudes

Proverbs 11:24 says this:

Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.

In this simple yet profound verse, we find a powerful message about faithful giving and trusting in God’s provision.

When we offer our tithes and offerings with a heart aligned with God’s will, we demonstrate our trust in Him. We recognise that He is the ultimate provider and sustainer of our lives.

Moreover, this verse sheds light on two contrasting attitudes towards giving:

On one hand, there are those who scatter generously, sharing their blessings with others. Interestingly, as they give, they experience an increase, not only in material blessings but also in spiritual fulfilment and joy.

On the other hand, there are those who hold back and cling tightly to what they possess. However, this attitude leads to a state of lack and want, preventing the blessings of God from flowing freely in their lives.

So, let us be a congregation that offer right sacrifices, not out of obligation, but out of a deep trust in our Heavenly Father. Let us give generously, knowing that our faithful giving unleashes the abundance of His provision.

As we give with open hearts and hands, may we experience the joy of seeing God’s blessings multiplied in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Let us trust in His unfailing faithfulness to meet our every need.

Thank you for your faithful and generous giving. Let us pray as the ushers pass the offering baskets around.

20. Robbing God

This morning, let’s reflect on a sobering passage from Malachi 3:8-9 :

“Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.”

These words confront us with a powerful truth—we have a responsibility to honour God with our tithes and offerings.

Unfortunately, there are times when we fall short and unknowingly withhold what rightfully belongs to Him.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the significance of our financial stewardship. We may question how our actions can possibly impact our relationship with God.

But let me assure you, dear friends, that our faithfulness in tithes and contributions holds great importance.

Because when we withhold our tithes and offerings, we deny God the opportunity to bless us abundantly.

We place ourselves under a self-imposed curse, missing out on the blessings that come from aligning our finances with God’s purposes.

So, today, let’s take a moment for introspection…

Let’s examine our hearts and ask ourselves if we have been faithful in honouring God with our tithes and if we find that we have fallen short, it’s not too late to make things right.

Let’s rediscover the joy and privilege of giving back to God. Let’s embrace the blessings that flow from obedient stewardship.

As we trust God with our finances, we open the door for His provision, protection, and favour to abound in our lives.

21. Seek Ye First The Kingdom

Let’s turn our attention to a powerful verse from Matthew 6:33 :

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

In this simple yet profound statement, Jesus provides us with a key to abundant living.

He reminds us of the importance of prioritizing the kingdom of God above all else.

When we seek God’s kingdom first, when we place Him at the forefront of our lives, everything else falls into place. Our worries, needs, and desires are all encompassed within His loving care.

Today, as we give our tithes and offerings, let’s remember the profound truth contained in this verse. Let’s make a conscious choice to seek God’s kingdom first, both in our hearts and in our giving.

As we do so, we can trust in God’s promise to provide for our needs. He knows our circumstances, our challenges, and our desires. When we align our giving with His purposes, He faithfully adds blessings upon blessings in our lives.

So, let’s give with hearts filled with faith and gratitude.

22. Running Over

Let’s listen to the words of Jesus found in Luke 6:38 :

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you in return.”

In this verse, Jesus reveals a divine principle of abundance in our giving.

When we give generously, with open hearts and hands, God promises to pour blessings into our lives in overflowing measure.

Imagine a measure so abundant that it cannot be contained – a measure pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

It’s a vivid picture of the immeasurable blessings that await those who embrace the joy of giving.

So, dear friends, let’s adopt a mindset of generosity and embrace the invitation to give. As we extend a helping hand, sow seeds of kindness and contribute to God’s work, we position ourselves to receive an abundance of blessings.

Remember, the measure we use in our giving impacts the measure of blessings we receive:

When we give with generosity, compassion, and selflessness, God responds with overflowing abundance in our lives.

Today, let’s challenge ourselves to give without hesitation, to pour out blessings upon others and to trust in God’s faithfulness to multiply what we sow.

In doing so, we align our lives with His kingdom principles and experience the joy of giving and receiving.

May our hearts overflow with the desire to give, knowing that as we do, God will pour into our lives a measure of blessings that exceeds our expectations.

Let’s embrace the promise of an abundant harvest, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

23. God Will Supply & Increase

Let’s reflect on the powerful words of 2 Corinthians 9:10 :

“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”

In this short verse, we are reminded of the abundant provision of our Heavenly Father. He not only provides the seed for sowing but also multiplies it, enabling us to experience a bountiful harvest.

As we engage in acts of generosity, whether through our giving or serving others, God faithfully supplies and multiplies the resources we need.

He blesses our efforts and increases the harvest of righteousness in our lives.

Today, let’s have confidence in God’s provision as we sow seeds of kindness, love, and financial support.

Let’s trust that He will multiply our offerings and bring about a fruitful harvest of righteousness in our lives and the lives of those we impact.

May this verse serve as a reminder that our generous actions have far-reaching effects. As we sow into God’s kingdom, He blesses us abundantly, both spiritually and materially.

So, let’s sow with joy, knowing that God’s provision is limitless and may God’s abundant provision and multiplied blessings accompany you as you continue to sow generously and impact lives for His glory.

24. A Vow Of Gratitude

Let’s dive into the story of Jacob found in Genesis 28:20-22 .

In this passage, Jacob makes a heartfelt vow to God, expressing his gratitude and commitment.

Jacob says:

“If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”

Jacob’s words reveal his response of gratitude and a profound understanding of God’s provision. He knows everything he has, including his food, clothing and protection comes from God.

In response to God’s faithfulness, Jacob makes a vow to give a full tenth, a tithe, back to God.

It is an act of worship, an expression of gratitude, and a declaration that God is the ultimate provider and sustainer of his life.

Today, we can learn from Jacob’s example. We, too, have experienced God’s faithfulness, provision and blessings in our lives.

So as we give our tithes and offerings today, let’s respond with a heart of gratitude and generosity.

Let it be an act of worship, a demonstration of our trust in God’s faithfulness.

Let’s remember that our giving is not a burden but a privilege—an opportunity to partner with God in His work and to support His kingdom purposes.

May Jacob’s vow inspire us to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us and let us honour Him with our tithes, offerings and every aspect of our lives, knowing that He is the source of our provision and the One who blesses us abundantly.

25. Faithfulness Amplified

Let us turn our attention to Luke 16:10 , where Jesus imparts a powerful principle of faithfulness:

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”

These words remind us of the importance of faithfulness in every aspect of our lives, including our stewardship of resources, time and talents.

When we exhibit faithfulness in small matters, it reflects the condition of our hearts and our commitment to honouring God.

It demonstrates our integrity and trustworthiness, qualities that carry over into greater responsibilities.

As we consider our financial stewardship, let us remember that faithfulness is not determined solely by the amount we give, but by the attitude and intention behind our giving.

Whether we have a little or a lot, may we be faithful in using our resources for God’s purposes.

Let us give generously, with a heart of gratitude and a desire to honour Him.

Our faithfulness in managing the “very little” entrusted to us will bear witness to our faithfulness in handling greater blessings.

Today, let’s examine our hearts and ask ourselves if we are faithfully stewarding the resources God has placed in our care.

Let’s be honest in our assessment and make any necessary adjustments to align with God’s principles.

Remember, dear friends, that faithfulness in stewardship extends beyond financial giving. It encompasses how we use our time, talents, and treasures to make a positive impact in the lives of others and advance God’s kingdom.

May our lives be marked by faithfulness, not only in the big moments but also in the seemingly small and ordinary ones. And may God, who sees our hearts, reward our faithfulness and entrust us with even greater blessings.

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Over To You

I do hope these tithes and offering message ideas have helped ignite inspiration and creative ideas you can use next Sunday.

Take them, use them and make your next giving talk the best one yet!

Do you have a good tithe and offering messages you’ve used?

Scroll down and share with us in the comments! 🙌

26 thoughts on “25 Tithe & Offering Message Ideas For Your Next Giving Talk”

Thank you very much for your time, your message really touched my heart, thank you once again

Good morning and God bless. I believe in #19, the scripture reading should be Proverbs 11:24, not Prov 4:5. Thank you for sharing these giving messages and providing a starting point in sharing the blessings of giving.

Morning from Bangkok Roger!

Ah yes, you’re right. Very well spotted and I’ve just corrected it. Thank you 🙏

And you’re absolutely welcome, at least you’ve got something to bounce off and get the creative juices flowing.

You got this! 😎💪

Nice this is one so good to share

These are a great help! It is always a blessing to get fresh ideas on using God Word, especially when talking to teenagers! Thank you.

Thanks these are been so helpful and amazong

Thank you Simon, what a great HELP! :)…..I’m on standby for offering message tomorrow and had nothing really prepared! You have saved my day with these already prepared messages! Thank you! …..most likely I won’t b talk tomorrow because the speaker on duty is usually quite realible but in the event he can’t make it then at least now with yr help I am prepared! 🙂 Thank you and God Bless You!

Thank you for your short messages on giving. Easy and quick to read, inspiring. May God’s blessing rest upon you always

Thanks for a helpful information pst. Be blessed

i have tried several times to download the giving talks with no success. it says that the information is incomplete, it sure is frustrating. thanks, Delton

Thank you so much. These were so helpful.

Thank you.. It will help me to encourage our fellow Christian to be generous.. Godbless!..

Thank you kindly my Pastor am researching this message on behalf of my daughter who is preaching about giving tomorrow at youth..she is one of our youth Leaders in Church..am a Minister of the word also.Its very inspirational.

Thank you for sharing these ten messages. They are insightful and inspiring. I pray that God continues to bless you and your ministry richly!

Very insightful and helpful…helped me have new ideas to use to encourage church members to tithe. Thank you for being a blessing!

These articles were very helpful. Thank you very much Ptr. God bless you more.

Thanks for sharing, very inspiring and helpful

Sure thing, take them and use them in your own church setting. Happy to help 🙂

These are wonderful! Thank you for sharing these!

Of course! 🙂

These have been extremely helpful. Stay blessed

Thanks Alex, same to you!

Very helpful pastor. Thank you so much

You are more than welcome 🙂

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How to Write a Meaningful Appreciation Speech

Updated 09/9/2022

Published 06/15/2020

Kate Wight, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

There are many ways to show someone that you appreciate them. You can buy them a gift. You can write them a thank-you note. And in some cases, you can give a speech in their honor. There are plenty of occasions when you may find yourself in a position to give an appreciation speech.

Jump ahead to these sections: 

• Steps for Writing an Appreciation Speech

Sample Appreciation Speeches

If you’re graduating from high school or college, you might give a speech thanking friends and family members for their support.

If you own a business, you might tell your employees “ thank you for your support ” as part of a speech. Speeches can also be a great way to say “ I appreciate you ” to the people in your life who support you.

Here, we break down the steps that go into crafting an excellent appreciation speech. We also include excerpts of speeches from an assortment of occasions and audiences to draw inspiration from. 

Step 1: Know Your Audience — And Your Place

Your speech will depend on a variety of factors. But the most important ones to consider are the setting and the crowd. If your speech is a casual toast between friends over a bottle of wine, it will be a lot more casual.

You can rely on personal anecdotes and the language you use will be more personal. If you’re giving a formal speech in front of colleagues though, your tone will be very different. Your speech will be a lot more structured and concise. 

Step 2: Create an Outline

Whether your appreciation speech is long or short, it’s always a good idea to craft an outline ahead of time. This will help you make sure you don’t forget to mention anything you want to cover. Overall, most speeches will break down like the following:

• Introduction: In an introduction, you will let the audience know who you are and give a preface of what you plan to say. For instance, if you’re recognizing a specific person in an appreciation speech, give a quick rundown of why they’re worthy of appreciation.
• Body: Here, you’ll flesh out the points you made in your introduction. You can give more specific examples of things the subject of your speech has done, and you’ll expand on why those actions deserve gratitude. 
• Conclusion: In this final section, you can reiterate the points you made earlier in the speech. 

Step 3: Grab People’s Attention with Gratitude

Start with a strong opening line. In a more formal speech, a quote about gratitude can be an excellent way to set the tone. In a more casual speech, you can avoid a quote. However, you should still stick with the theme of gratitude.   

Step 4: Be Personal and Specific

In casual and formal speeches alike, you should feel free to be specific. If you’re giving a speech in honor of one person, you can list all of the things they do that deserve appreciation. If you’re thanking other people for their support, you can list the ways they helped you.

Personal anecdotes are a lot more engaging for listeners. They will also help you feel more connected to your material. The more connected you feel, the more confident you’ll be in speaking. These personal anecdotes can be funny, poignant, or a blend of the two. Again, this will largely be dictated by your audience and the setting of your speech.    

Step 5: Practice Makes Perfect

For a casual speech like an appreciation toast, you can probably get away with speaking off the cuff. But any kind of pre-planned appreciation speech definitely benefits from repeated practice.

The more comfortable you are with the speech, the easier it will be for you to deliver it. If you don’t know your speech inside and out, there’s a good chance that you can be tripped up by certain words or turns of phrase. 

Step 6: Time Yourself

When you’re practicing your speech, you should also be timing yourself. This means you should have a stopwatch going while you read your speech aloud. Speeches can be deceptive.

A few pages don’t seem like they should take that long to read. If you only read them over in your head, that can reinforce the notion that your speech isn’t that long. But it takes a lot longer to read something aloud than it does reading it to yourself.

If you don’t practice it out loud ahead of time, you may panic in the middle of your actual delivery. If you fear your speech is taking too long, you might start to read faster and faster, which could make the speech incomprehensible. Practicing it out loud can help you hit your ideal time target without having to rush.   

Step 7: Keep Your Notes Handy

Even if you’ve practiced your speech until it’s practically etched into your brain, you always want to keep notes or an outline with you. No matter how much you practice, you may find yourself freezing up in the moment. If you don’t have notes handy, you might flounder. On the other hand though, you also shouldn’t keep your whole speech with you.

If you do, you might find yourself relying on it like a security blanket. You may end up just reading the whole speech straight from the paper without engaging with your audience at all. Both ends of the spectrum are too extreme, so it’s best to find a happy medium. Some people just keep their outline with them.

Other people write out the first sentence of each paragraph to jog their memory and help them orient themselves. As you practice, you’ll find the method that works best for you.

Step 8: Do a Test Run in Front of an Audience

Practicing for a speech on your own is important. But once you feel more comfortable with the speech, you should practice in front of someone. Ideally, you’ll rehearse it in front of people several times until you can keep your nervous responses in check.

This means delivering the speech without your heart racing and your speech speeding up to match.   

Step 9: Weed Out Any Trouble Spots

Every time you practice your speech, you should be refining it until you can’t improve it any further. One of the big things you should be looking out for is your usage of filler words or speech disfluencies.

Speech disfluencies encompass those little noises like “um”, “er”, and “uh” that we tend to use when we aren’t confident. These can make people tune out because your discomfort makes them feel awkward in turn.

As you practice, pay attention to places where you’re inserting those disfluencies. Keep practicing them until you become comfortable enough to leave them out. Or, rewrite those sections so they come to you more naturally.  

Step 10: End On a Good Note

Above all else, remember that this speech is intended to be a positive thing. An appreciation speech should make someone’s day .

Remember to end the speech by reaffirming specifically why you are showing appreciation.    

Now that we’ve gone into what makes a good appreciation speech, let’s see some examples. These are just excerpts from longer speeches, but they may help demonstrate the sort of content you might be looking for. 

Example of appreciation speech for graduation

“As I look around at all my classmates, I realize how much I appreciate you all. Many of us have relied on each other to make it through school and to our graduation day. We supported each other during tough times. We used each other’s examples to fuel us towards getting better grades. When someone was in danger of not graduating, we pulled together to get everyone to the finish line. We all owe a lot to our families for their support. But we should also be sure to appreciate ourselves.” 

Example of appreciation speech for friends

“I’d like to take a moment to raise a glass in appreciation for Bethany. Everyone here has one thing in common — Bethany’s friendship. She has always had an uncanny knack for finding people in need of a community and bringing us together. From there, we’ve been able to find the other things that connect us. But if it weren’t for Bethany, most of us would have missed out on enriching, life-changing friendships. Bethany — here’s to you!”

Example of appreciation speech for employees or a boss

“As the year draws to an end, I’m proud to announce that it’s the company’s strongest year yet. We have grown by leaps and bounds and still managed to maintain profitability. Our client satisfaction scores have never been higher. And each and every one of you has played a role in our success.

"I want to thank our sales division for going above and beyond in meeting our clients’ needs. I want to thank our marketing department for creating materials that are very transparent about our mission. I want to thank the managers for leading their divisions by example. I could stand up here and tell you a half dozen things I appreciate about every person in this room, but I’m sure you’re all ready to hit the buffet line. So I’ll conclude by saying that I appreciate all of your contributions, and am so proud to be on a team with each and every one of you.”

Example of appreciation speech for mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa

“Hello everyone! I’d like to thank all of you for coming here today in celebration of Grandma Joy and Grandpa Bill’s 50th wedding anniversary. As most of you know, I’ve never had a relationship last more than a year. Fifty years is an absolutely mind-boggling level of commitment to someone like me. 

"There are so many reasons to love and appreciate Joy and Bill. There’s all the basic grandparent stuff. Joy taught me how to make amazing cookies and Bill taught me how to change a tire. But they also took me in when my home life was less than ideal. And when they realized some of my friends also had difficult lives at home, they opened up their den as a safe space. On any given day, you could find at least two or three misfit teenagers sleeping on their fold-out couch. 

"Grandma and Grandpa, I’ll never be able to let you know how much I appreciate you. I know you probably don’t think you even did anything special. But you have made so many lives worth living thanks to your compassion and generosity. Thank you for always being there for others, just like you’ve been there for each other for five decades.”

Show People You Appreciate Them Through Meaningful Speeches

There are many ways to show gratitude . An appreciation speech is just one of them. Whether you’re giving a short toast or a lengthy speech, you can communicate your gratitude for someone.

These steps and examples should help you craft an excellent speech. Ultimately though, just remember to be sincere and personal. That’s the real key to successfully showing appreciation. 

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How to Say Thank You for an Unexpected Gift

Last Updated: July 31, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was written by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau . Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 483,511 times.

Saying “thank you” when you get an unexpected gift is all well and good, but how can you get a little creative with your appreciation? As it turns out, there are lots of ways to express gratitude to others while remaining gracious and sincere. Whether you received a surprise gift from a friend, coworker, family member, or partner, we’ll show you how to say thank you in an exciting and meaningful way! This article is based on an interview with our professional etiquette coach, Tami Claytor, owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting. Check out the full interview here.

Sample Texts and Letter to Say Thank You for a Gift

“I appreciate this.”

• “I appreciate that you went out of your way to surprise me with these tickets! I can’t wait to go to the concert.”
• “I really appreciate you sending an Amazon gift card for my birthday. I’ve had my eye on this one video game, and now I can’t wait to play it!”

“You’ve made my day!”

• “Your surprise brought me so much joy. I love it!”
• “You’ve made an ordinary day extraordinary. Thank you!”

“I’m so grateful!”

• “I’m grateful to have a friend like you. Not just anyone would surprise me like this!”
• “I’m thankful to have you as a partner every day—and surprise gifts are just the cherry on top!”

“It’s like you read my mind! Thank you.”

• “I love it! How did you know?”
• “Oh, wow, I had been wanting this! You know me so well, thank you.”

“This is incredible! My jaw is on the floor.”

• “You should’ve seen me; my eyes almost popped out of my head! Thank you for the lovely surprise.”
• “Not gonna lie, you definitely surprised me! And I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks!”

“Thank you for taking the time to get this.”

• “You did all this? Thank you for taking the time to make it happen!”
• “I appreciate you taking the time to surprise me with dinner!”

“You do so much for me.”

• “I want you to know that I see and appreciate everything you do for me. This was so thoughtful!”
• “You always go out of your way to make me smile. Thank you!”

“You’re too kind!”

• “You’re such a lovely person. Thank you!”
• “I knew you were considerate, but this is above and beyond! I appreciate the surprise.”

“Thanks for thinking of me during this difficult time.”

• “This is a hard time for me, and I really appreciate you making it easier.”
• “I’ll probably be a little quiet for the moment, but I want you to know that your gift was truly appreciated. Thank you.”

“I’ll treasure this gift!”

• You made this necklace by hand? It’s incredible! This has to be one of the nicest gifts I’ve ever gotten.”
• “I’ll treasure every minute of our weekend getaway. Thank you again for these tickets—I’m in awe of your generosity!”

“I’ll think of you every time I see it.”

• “This blanket is so soft—every time I use it, it feels like I’m cuddling up with you.”
• “Every time I look at this bracelet, I think about you and how much I love you!”

“Your friendship is so important to me!”

• “I’m so grateful for your support and friendship over the years!”
• “We’ve been through so much together, and you’ve supported me at every turn. Thank you!”

“I can’t thank you enough.”

• “I’m speechless! This is so thoughtful of you.”
• “‘Thank you’ doesn’t feel like enough, but I’m truly so thankful! You’re the best.”

“This means the world to me!”

• “Just knowing that you did this for me means everything. Thank you!”
• “This is the sweetest gift I’ve ever gotten. It means so much to me, knowing it came from you!”

“Thank you, my love!”

• “Thank you for being such a thoughtful partner. I love you!”
• “I love you too. This is an awesome surprise!”

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• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-you-and-me/202106/3-ways-improve-how-you-say-thank-you-your-partner
• ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

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Learn What to Say in English When You Give or Receive a Gift

ThoughtCo / Hilary Allison

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Every culture has its own customs for gift-giving, and there are special words and phrases for such occasions in every language, including in English. Whether you're new to the language or are fairly proficient, you can learn what to say when you're giving or receiving a gift in just about any situation.

Formal and Informal Situations

In much of the English-speaking world, it is customary to use the right tone when giving and receiving gifts. In informal situations, such as when you're with friends or family, gift-givers and their lucky recipients can both be casual or clever. Some people like to make a big fuss when they give and receive presents; others are very modest. The important thing is to be sincere. Speech tends to be more conservative in formal situations such as a wedding or a workplace or when giving or receiving a gift from someone you don't know well.

Phrases for Giving Gifts

Informal situations.

Here are some common informal phrases you can use when giving a gift to a close friend, a family member, or a loved one:

• I got you something. I hope you like the gift ( or , I hope you like it).
• Look what I have for you!
• I thought you might like this for...
• Happy Birthday! [Happy Anniversary!] Here's a little gift/present for you.
• [Handing present to someone] Enjoy!
• It's only something small, but I hope you like it.
• Here's a little present for you.
• Guess what I bought you!

Formal Situations

These are a few common phrases for gift-giving in formal settings, such as a wedding or a business dinner:

• [Name], I'd like to give you this present/gift.
• [Name], This is a present that I/we/staff got you. 
• I'd like to present you with this...(very formal, used when giving an award or special present)
• In the name of [xyz], I'd like to give you this present. (also very formal)
• Here is a token of our appreciation.

Phrases for Receiving Presents

A sincere "thank you" spoken with a smile is the only English phrase you really need when someone gives you a gift. But if you want to expand your vocabulary , you'll want to know some other phrases to use in different situations:

• Thank you so much!
• That's so kind!
• You shouldn't have!
• Thank you! It's beautiful.
• I love it! I'll put it on/hang it up/... immediately.
• That is so thoughtful of you. It matches my...perfectly!
• How did you know I've always wanted a...to go with my...?
• Thank you. I really needed a...
• Fantastic! I've been thinking about getting a...
• This is exactly what I needed. Now, I can...
• How kind of you! I've always wanted to see...in concert/at the movies/at an exhibition.
• Wow! This is a dream come true! Tickets for...
• Thank you so much! I've hoped/wanted to travel to...for a long time.

Practice Dialogues

Now that you know more about what to say when you give or receive a present, practice the statements to keep your skills sharp. The following two dialogues are a good place to start. The first one is an informal setting between two people who know each other. The second dialogue is what you'd hear in a formal setting like an office. 

Friend 2: Anna, hi! It's good to see you.

Friend 1: Hi Tammy! I got you something. I hope you it.

Friend 2: I'm sure I will. Let me open it!

Friend 1: It's only something small.

Friend 2: Come on, thank you so much!

Friend 1: Well, what do you think?

Friend 2: I love it! It matches my sweater!

Friend 1: I know. That's why I bought it.

Friend 2: How did you know I've always wanted a broach to go with this sweater?

Friend 1: I'm glad you like it.

Friend 2: Like it? I love it!

Colleague 1: Your attention, your attention! Tom, could you come over here?

Colleague 2: What's this?

Colleague 1: Tom, in the name of everybody here, I'd like to give you this token of our appreciation.

Colleague 2: Thank you, Bob. I'm so honored.

Colleague 1: We thought you might be able to use this at home.

Colleague 2: Let's see...let me open it.

Colleague 1: The suspense is killing us.

Colleague 2: You've wrapped it up so tightly! Oh, it's beautiful.

Colleague 1: What do you think?

Colleague 2: Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed. Now I can get to work building that birdhouse.

Colleague 1: We had a little help from your wife. She told us about your love of woodworking.

Colleague 2: What a thoughtful gift. I'll put it to good use immediately.

Colleague 1: Thank you, Tom, for all you've done for this company.

Colleague 2: My pleasure, indeed.

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How to write a thank you speech

With a short thank you speech sample and a printable planner

By:  Susan Dugdale  

A thank you speech or appreciation speech prepared and given with sincerity means a lot to those you acknowledge.

Dive right in. There's all the assistance you need on this page to write an excellent speech of thanks.

What you'll find on this page

• the types of occasions it could be good to have a thank you speech ready to give
• best practice and content suggestions to guide you step by step through writing a short thank you speech
• a short  sample thank you speech for an award (and a link to an example thank you speech for a 18th birthday party)
• a printable thank you speech planner to download
• links to thank you quotations you may like to use
• notes covering rehearsal and delivery   

'No man is an island'

When we achieve, we usually do so because others have helped. Your speech of appreciation is the gift or acknowledgment you give in return for what was given you.

When is a thank you speech appropriate?

Any time is good to say thank you! However, a more formal speech of thanks could fit any of these occasions.

• for coming to my graduation, farewell, birthday, or retirement party
• for the promotion
• for the award
• for coming to our wedding and your gifts, our engagement party, our 50th wedding anniversary
• for coming to the opening of my new business...

Be prepared! Best practice guidelines

Generally the decision to leap to your feet and give a thank you speech is not spontaneous. You will likely have some forewarning and time to consider exactly what you want to say and who you want to mention.

Deciding on the content

Cover these three content areas and you'll be fine.

• WHO are you thanking? Note their names in ranking order- the most important first.
• WHAT are you thanking them for? Be specific rather than general. Naming what you are grateful for gives your thanks more meaning.
• WHAT did their gift of time, expertise, encouragement, money... mean to you? Again, be specific. This is your chance to publicly give credit where it's due, to compliment, to praise. Take it.

Writing your speech

When you've sorted out who you wish to mention and what for, you are ready to begin writing.

Like any other form of speech you need 3 parts:- an opening, the body or middle where you put all your acknowledgments, and a conclusion.

1. Introduction/opening

In your introduction or opening give the reason for the occasion and why it is you're going to thank everyone. What you say, and how you say it, will set the tone for the remainder of the speech.

Depending on the number of people on your 'thank you/appreciation' list and the amount of time you have, consider including a small story about the lead-up making this event possible. A well-chosen personal anecdote will always go down well because it lets those listening share your experience more deeply.

Check out this page on story telling in speeches for more information.

In the body of your speech, start at the top of your list of people to thank and work your way through it. Take care to give the most important people the most time.

For those whom you want to mention but don't have enough time to make individual acknowledgments consider grouping them according to function.

Example: "To Alex, Mary, Judy and Sam, thank you for making me remember to laugh. You helped me keep my sanity and perspective when the going was tough."

3. Conclusion

In the conclusion, summarize your main points and finish.

Return to Top

A short thank you speech sample 

Here's a short example thank you speech for you to see how it could be done. There are many ways covering the required content. This is just one.

The person giving this speech is thanking an organization for giving him an award. 

It is 374 words long. When spoken it will take approximately 2 minutes + to deliver. That's about the right length. It's brief and covers everything needed.

As you read it through imagine hearing it out loud. 

Speech text

"Who's considered the incredible power and range of meaning in 'thank you'?  Those two words express gratitude, humility, understanding, as well as acknowledgement.

I am here with you: my family, many of my friends and colleagues because I need to say all of that, and then some more.

Thank you for coming to share my being given the Fred Smith Award for Community Service. It's very humbling.

There's a phrase I'm sure you know: it takes a village to raise a child. In this case it's not a child that's been raised but awareness and a long-needed community resource - the  Parksville Community Literacy Center.  The village behind it and me, is you.

In particular, thank you to my wife Marlene who has always understood and shared my conviction that communities are healthiest when its resources are equally shared, and that the ability to read underpins long term social and economic wellbeing.

I know the hours I spent after work helping to establish our new Center tested her, especially when I was home late, again.

Remarkably she continues to support, and love me.  For that I will always be grateful.

Mary Hill, Catherine Beech and Matthew Fall from the Fred Smith Foundation – thank you for sharing the vision of an integrated community and for being so incredibly supportive. You understood what we were trying to achieve and helped make it possible. Your generous gifts of time, expertise and funds are deeply appreciated.

This award may have my name on it, but in truth it belongs to everybody who has worked to make the center a reality. Have you got a spare day or two? If I called out all those people we'd be here for quite some time! Instead, I'll simply say thank you. You know who you are.

The time and effort you've given ensures that the Parksville people who want it will have access to effective literacy programs and resources. That is a priceless gift.  As Nobel Peace Prize winner former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan said “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.”

Thank you for the award and thank you on behalf of all those who will cross that bridge to a brighter future." 

Here's another example. This one is a thank you speech for a birthday . The speaker is thanking their parents and guests for the celebration in honor of their 18th birthday. 

Thanks but NO thanks!

What I really need is a Thanksgiving Speech!

And it's here. Choose a theme. Complete the template. And give your Thanksgiving Speech with confidence.

Get a printable thank you speech planner

Regardless of whether you are preparing a thank you speech for the guests who came to your wedding, engagement, retirement, farewell, graduation or birthday party, the steps are the same.

This printable planner will guide you through the four needed. Each one is fully explained with an example.

Completing it will make writing your speech so much easier.

Either click the link or the image below to: download a printable thank you speech planner .

Use a quotation to help show your gratitude

Before you finalize the content, check out these 'thank you quotations' .

They offer different ways of expressing your gratitude. You could find just what you need to spark your creativity and provide the thread/theme to unite your speech. It can be so much more than a long string of thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you ...

Tips to help you get your thank you speech right

Rehearsal, practice and feedback.

Many people make the assumption that once they've got the words of their speech sorted, they're set to go.

That's not true! Practice completes the process.

Giving yourself several  rehearsals, firstly by yourself and then in front of  friends or family, will help enormously. Click the link for detailed information about  how to rehearse effectively .

For the condensed and shortened version covering good rehearsal practice follow the points below.

1. Content check

Before investing too much time and energy into rehearsing your speech say it through in front of a few trusted friends or colleagues.  It is much, much easier to change text prior to practicing it than after you've begun working with it. Ask them to listen:

• to make sure you've included everyone you should, in the right order and thanked them for the right things.
• for tone. Does the vocabulary fit the occasion? Are the stories right? Is the speech positive? Is it inclusive?

Edit as needed, and then have your test audience listen again. 

Getting the timing right is an essential part of making it a success. Go on too long and people stop listening. Be too brief and there's a danger you've missed things out.

The only way to find out how long your speech is, is to time yourself as you say it out loud at a normal speaking rate. If it's too long, look for areas you can cut. Maybe you need to group a few  more people together or perhaps you need to shorten some of the specific examples about why it is you're thanking someone.  If it's too short, add more detail.  Repeat until you get the length right.

If you'd like to check the number of words you have in your speech against how many minutes it will take to say them go to: how many words per minute are there in a speech .

3. Use cue cards

If you're at all worried about forgetting things, losing your place or muddling what you want to say, use cue cards. They'll take the anxiety away.

Write the main points of your thank you speech on cue cards. Good notes will keep you on track while ensuring you cover everything you want to like, for instance, the name of every person you want to thank and why.

(Click the link if you don't know about using or how to make cue cards . Cue cards are preferable to reading your speech.

However sometimes you just have to read because...for all sorts of reasons. If that's you, do it well. Find out how to read a speech effectively .)

Are you sweating over a business thank you speech?

One thanking your colleagues for a job well done?

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Gift Giving Etiquette: 23 Rules Every Gift Giver Should Know

Giving gifts is a wonderful opportunity to show your love, gratitude, or appreciation for a person. If done in the right way of course. And for that, you need to know the proper gifting rules (AKA the gifting etiquette). We don’t get a course on gift-giving etiquette in school and unlike dinner etiquette, our parents don’t teach us all there is to know about the art of giving.

And that’s exactly why this post with the 23 rules of gift giving came into existence. The aim is to help you navigate through the rules of holiday seasons and other gifting expectations and to help you master the art of giving.

For more tips on how to give better gifts, check out these science-based gifting tips too.

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Side note on these gifting rules

Keep in mind that the gifting etiquette we’re talking about today relates to the non-business gifting etiquette. Business gifts are something completely different because the intention of the gift and the relationship between the giver and receiver is different.

So please, if you are looking for the etiquette of gifting for work, you came to the wrong place.

Gifting etiquette: the 10 gifting rules everyone should know

#1 gifting etiquette is culturally dependent.

Alright, the first rule of today is also a confusing one. Because basically, it says: that the rules of gift giving vary around the world.

So why on earth did I say everyone needs to know these gifting etiquette rules if it’s different around the world?

Well, because even though some rules are culturally dependent, there are also rules that should be universally known. And one of them is, that you should respect the gifting etiquette of each country.

So before you buy a gift, make sure you’ve done your research about the receiver’s cultural background. In some countries you can’t give anything with the color red, in other countries it’s inappropriate to give a clock. So look up the rules for the receiver’s country to avoid any awkward and inappropriate gifting situations.

#2 Gifting is about the receiver

Now, this is one of the gifting rules everyone should understand.

It is not about you. It’s not about showing off any of the following

• how rich you are
• how much effort you put into the gift
• how thoughtful you are
• how well you know the recipient.

I know, it’s very tempting to find gifts that show the above statements. But if you’ve checked my guide on how to give great gifts , you may remember that all these things do not influence how the receiver evaluates the gift.

Multiple studies have shown that givers’ and receivers’ perspectives on gifts vary immensely, which is why so many gifts are returned or remain unused.

So if you want to really master the art of giving, no matter where you are in the world, put yourself in the recipient’s shoes.

Don’t picture their reaction upon opening it, but instead, try to picture them a year after having received your gift. How often will they use it or look at it? Will they still be happy with it, or has it become a burden or will it still be in the box stored somewhere in a corner? In the case of the latter, you’ve picked the wrong gift.

Do you need some help with identifying bad gifts from great ones? Check out this post in which 15 travel bloggers spill the beans about the worst gifts they ever received and why.

#3 It’s the thought that counts

It’s a cliché to say that it’s the thought that counts and if you ask the receivers it’s not even entirely true.

Wait, what?

Studies show that the actual gift is at least equally (and in some cases even more) as important as the thought that was put into it. (Source)

So why did I include this as a gifting rule everyone should know?

Well, two reasons.

First, I want to urge every receiver of gifts (which is basically anyone) to always appreciate the simple fact that someone cared enough for you to get you a gift. So make this cliché your own and check my guide on how to accept gift gracefully to learn more about why you should.

Second, I want to tell every giver that they should not misinterpret this cliché. It doesn’t give you a free pass to give inconsiderate and shitty gifts, just because the receiver should appreciate the fact that you are giving them something.

It is the thought that counts, but the thoughts you should have are “Why am I giving this gift and how can I make this a great gift for the receiver”. Again, think about the receiver, not yourself.

#4 Don’t expect anything in return

If you’re giving something only because you are expecting something in return, are you actually giving?

I know, it’s a philosophical question. But I think it’s an important one to think about when we’re talking about the rules of gift giving.

Because remember, true giving is not about you but about the receiver.

So don’t expect a return gift, a favor, and not even a thank you or a smile when you are giving a gift.

Because I think this is what makes gifting so awkward and painful at times. The givers expect the receivers to be extremely grateful and happy with their gift and are disappointed when they’re not. The receiver feels this pressure and lies about liking the gift and never using the gift. Or tell the giver honestly they don’t like it, which hurts the giver’s feelings.

And that’s all because givers always expect something in return. So let us all remember this rule; do not expect anything, not even a smile, in return. This is not about you, so don’t take the receiver’s response personally.

#5 Keep gifts within a reasonable budget

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you what that reasonable budget is. This depends on so many variables such as the occasion, your relationship with the receiver, and your financial situation.

But I’m pretty sure you can make an estimation of when you’re splurging.

And here is the general rule, don’t splurge.

It can make receivers feel uncomfortable. Especially in cultures where it’s expected to give something of equal value in return.

Plus, studies also showed that spending more doesn’t mean more appreciation of the gift. (Source)

#6 Always honor your host

I think most of us have been brought up with the idea that you never arrive empty-handed. And honestly, I think it’s a great gifting rule that we should all abide by. Now, this does not mean you should always bring physical gifts. I believe you can honor your host in many different ways, and you can always find the one that is best suited for your situation.

For instance, when your host explicitly tells you not to bring gifts, you can still honor them with words by thanking them and expressing what you appreciate about them. Alternatively, you can invite them to your place in return, offer to cook dinner (if you’re staying over or visit more often) or offer to do the groceries, clean up, or anything else.

Trust me, there is always a way to honor your host!

#7 Always show appreciation (even if you don’t like the gift)

Now, this is a gifting rule that applies to all receivers, and it’s something I have discussed in-depth in my guide on receiving gifts gracefully . So for now, I will keep it short and simple.

ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS, thank someone for their gift, and for the time, effort, and thought they put into getting the gift. Even if you don’t like the gift. Even if you intend to refuse the gift. (Yes, you absolutely can refuse gifts, we will talk more about this later.) But even then, you show appreciation for the effort and thought.

#8 Stick to registries; they are made for a reason

Alright, now this is a very short and simple rule that some of you may not like. But it’s really simple. Giving is not about you. And if the receiver has made a registry list and written down exactly what they want, you should stick to it!

I know it might be tempting to buy something unique because you think you’ve got the perfect idea. But trust me, the recipient knows themselves better than you do. So just stick with the registry (if there is something on there you can afford, of course).

Now, I think the only exception here is if you are close to the recipient and you are 100% sure that they will like your gift more; you can go for something else. But if you’re only 99% sure, just go with the registry gift.

#9 Workplace-giving etiquette

Alright, so this is not about corporate giving because that is something completely different that comes with its own set of rules. What I am referring to here is gift-giving rules for co-workers and bosses.

Now, be sure to check the company policies before you give your boss anything because it may be against the rules.

And when giving gifts to your co-workers, be mindful. Don’t give anything embarrassing or something they don’t want to share in the workplace. And if you don’t give gifts to all your co-workers, but just a few, do it in private outside office hours. That way you won’t make other co-workers feel excluded or feel bad about not buying a present.

#10 Send thank you notes within a week

If you received gifts through the mail, or for a party where you did not open them immediately and did not thank the giver right away, you should always send thank you notes within a week. But even if a week has already passed, it’s better to be late than never.

Now, in the current digital age, you no longer have to write each note by hand. For many, a simple text message will do.

Not sure what to write in such a note? Check out our list of funny thank you notes for inspiration!

Gifting etiquette: 8 taboos we should break

#11 it’s okay to not give something unique.

We all want to give amazing gifts and many of us think that we can only achieve this by giving something unique. Don’t worry if you are one of those many (so am I). It’s just that research has shown that receivers often prefer generic and more useful gifts over super unique ones. (Source)

So this is one of the gifting rules we should all remember if we want to step up our giving game; it’s okay to not be unique.

#12 It’s okay to ask what someone wants

I know it’s still taboo to ask a receiver what they would like to have. It takes away the surprise and it makes it seem as if you don’t want to put in any thought and effort to pick a gift yourself.

But receivers actually don’t care about that, they prefer solicited gifts over thoughtful ones. (Source)

And you know what? The fact that you asked, actually shows that you put in a lot of thought and the right kind of thought. The thought of “How can I give person X the best gift?”.

I know I said gifting etiquette is culturally dependent and you should respect them. But if you live in a country where asking what the receiver wants is inappropriate, it may be time to break with traditions and finally give great gifts. However, I would advise you to only do this with receivers you know very well, so you’re not risking your relationship with this question.

If you really can’t ask them what they want, check out the guide to giving better gifts for tips on how you can discover what they want without asking.

#13 Money and gift cards are acceptable gifts

Here is another taboo I want you to break. Gift cards and money don’t necessarily mean that you haven’t put any thought into this gift. Again, just as with asking the receiver, it shows that you put in the right kind of thought: “How can I really make person X happy?”

Plus, this is another example where givers’ and receivers’ perspectives vary.

From the giver’s perspective, it seems like a generic and unthoughtful gift, but from the receiver’s perspective, it’s a great gift. Did you know that in 2021 more than half of the respondents actually wished for a gift card over the holidays? (Source)

And there are plenty of ways in which you can still create that “wow” factor when gifting money or gift cards. For example by adding personal notes , making money origami, or using a puzzle box to open the gift.

Check out these 29 unique gift card-wrapping ideas for more options.

#14 It’s okay to regift a gift

You know, sometimes you just receive a gift that’s not your style or you might already have it. And some people don’t want to hurt the giver’s feelings and won’t say anything. (One could argue whether this is the right approach or not, but that’s a discussion for another day).

The point is, now you’re stuck with an unwanted gift.

So let’s be practical. Instead of letting this gift collect dust in your garage, why not give it to someone who will actually use this?

There are a few things I would advise you to keep into account when re-gifting a gift.

• Don’t regift it to the person who gave it to you (duh, you will still hurt their feelings, and the whole point of you lying that you liked it was for nothing)
• Don’t regift it to someone the original giver knows as well (see the first point)
• Regift it to someone who will actually like it (but you want to give awesome gifts, so I’m sure you thought about this point)
• Repack it and make it look like you bought the gift (nobody likes to receive something that looks used)

#15 It’s okay to give the receiver the option to return the gift

Here is another gifting etiquette rule that I think we should break. Giving the receipt or asking for the receipt should be acceptable.

If you are not sure whether the recipient will love the gift, and you stayed within an acceptable range of budget, it is totally fine to add the receipt to the gift. Or offer the recipient the option to change it.

It’s not an insult to you and you should never take it personally (remember, gifting is not about you). It’s just practical. They might need a different size, prefer a different color, or they may already have something similar. And if followed gifting rule #5 and you didn’t splurge, there is nothing crazy to be seen on the receipt.

#16 It is totally acceptable to refuse gifts

Now, I know I said earlier to be appreciative, but that doesn’t mean you can never say no. If for whatever reason it does not feel right to accept a gift, you always (and I mean ALWAYS) have the freedom to decline politely.

Whether it’s because it’s an expensive gift, a romantic gesture you can’t reciprocate, or a bribe, if it doesn’t feel right, simply thank them for their thought, but decline the gift.

I know that refusing gifts is quite a difficult thing to do, and it’s highly personal and cultural, so I wrote a full guide on refusing gifts to help you navigate this debate and give you tools on how to handle each situation.

#17 You don’t have to spend as much on someone as they spend on you

This is a gifting rule that comes with a few nuances, but in general terms, I want you to understand that it is perfectly fine if you buy someone a gift that is not as expensive as the one they bought for you. Gifts don’t necessarily need to be of equal value.

First of all, value can be measured in many different ways. So who says that if your gift was cheaper, it’s not as valuable? Second, we are all in different phases of life, and if the giver or recipient is someone you know, they will understand that and will love you for who you are, not for the amount of money you have.

So my point of view is that it should not matter too much. However, if you do feel uncomfortable because of your friends or relatives’ expensive gifts, you can always talk to them about it. I’m pretty sure they will tell you that for them it is just a way of showing that they love you and that they do not expect anything in return, but simply have a chat and figure it out together.

#18 It is okay if you don’t have anything in return

I talked about this in my guide on how to accept gifts with style . But rule number one when it comes to not having a return gift is to not make a big deal out of it. The more you focus on it by apologizing or lying that you have something for them, the more awkward it gets.

Simply thank them for their kind gesture, and perhaps remember to do something nice for them later as a return of favor in a different way. Gift giving is not an eye for an eye. It’s about sharing love, and love can be shared in a million different ways.

Gifting etiquette: 5 things you should avoid

#19 don’t make gifting awkward for the receiver.

Unless you know each other really well and your relationship is based on pranking each other, you should try to avoid embarrassing the receiver.

So don’t give a whole speech to someone who hates being in the middle of attention. Don’t say it was a really expensive gift. Don’t gift something awkward in front of other people. It might be funny for you, but remember, this is about the receiver, not you.

Basically, try to make giving as comfortable for the receiver as possible.

#20 Don’t make giving awkward for the people around

For proper gift-giving etiquette, there are two things you want to avoid when there are other people around the receiver.

First, you don’t want to make people feel left out because you brought a gift for one person and not for them. And second, you don’t want to make people feel bad about themselves because they didn’t bring a gift for the recipient.

So if there are other people around the receiver, wait until you have a private moment together to give your gift.

#21 Don’t gift things that can be a burden unless you’re 100% certain

Put yourself in the receiver’s shoes and ask yourself this question: “ Will they enjoy using this gift or will it be a burden? “.

For example, don’t gift your grandmother who doesn’t understand technology a high-tech alarm clock. Instead, give her a simple one she can use right away. And don’t gift a coffee machine that only uses expensive cups (unless you know they want it). You are literally forcing the receiver to buy these expensive cups just to use your gift.

#22 Don’t give pets unless specifically asked for

Yes, everybody loves a cute puppy.

But that doesn’t mean everybody should have a puppy.

Never, ever give pets to someone unless they’ve specifically requested one.

Animals are living things that require love and care. They are basically like kids and probably one of the highest-burden gifts out there.

So please, if there is one gifting rule you are willing to take from today, let it be this one and treat animals with the love they deserve.

#23 Don’t gift something that insinuates the receiver is not good enough

I guess this is one of the most obvious gift-giving etiquettes on this list, but I still felt like I had to include it.

Don’t gift something that insinuates that the receiver is not good enough right now.

So don’t give exercise equipment, self-help books, plastic surgery (honestly, I didn’t even know people did this), or personal development training.

Of course, there is an exception here. And that is, it’s okay to give any of these things if and only if the receiver specifically requests it. Though you could add a personal note saying you gave them this because they asked for it, in your opinion, they are perfect the way they are.

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Final note on gift-giving etiquette

Alright, these were the 15 gift giving rules that I think everyone should know. I hope we can break some useless gifting etiquettes and taboos here and all learn the true art of giving

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What to Say When Giving a Gift?

You just purchased a gift for your loved one and can’t wait to see her delighted face while giving the gift.

Will you just handover the gift to the person or want to make the gift-giving moment memorable? 

What if you can’t decide what to say when giving a gift?

Though we have no written rules for gift-giving, each culture has its own customs. 

So, following some etiquettes, you can give a gift as well as a great memory to the person you care about.

Table of Contents

Think Before Selecting Gifts 

Giving gifts to your favorite person is not difficult, but it turns into great pleasure when you pre-plan everything. Moreover, you have to consider a few things before buying a fabulous present.

Giving some novels to a three-year-old baby is not wise at all. Age is an essential factor while choosing gifts. Carefully choose a suitable present for your loved ones.

Chocolates or flowers are such gifts that it doesn’t matter to whom you are giving these. Choose gifts according to the gender as well as what they like most. You can present a lovely dress or jewelry for the female whereas watch or wallet for the male.

Culture and Custom

Every culture maintains certain traditions to express feelings or give a gift to someone on occasion. Try to know about the norms of the culture before presenting a nicely wrapped box to them.

The relation with the person is also important while surprising someone on his/her birthday or any other occasion. You can’t give the same gifts to your friends and parents.

In case of formal situations, you should be conservative while presenting a gift. On the other hand, you can casually present something to your friends or family members.

Budget 

Selecting gifts according to your budget is another essential thing. If you want to cope with a low budget, you have to be trickier while choosing gifts. In that case, you have to buy small gifts for all instead of some costly gifts for two or three persons.

Probably you are willing to give a presentation on an occasion or a particular day. So, you must know the suitable and relatable gift which may represent your effort for them. If it’s her birthday, you can give her flowers, chocolates or anything she loves most.

So, you have to be aware of the occasion and the impact of giving the gift on that event to make it memorable.

How do you feel when your birthday is over, and your friend gives you a nice present? Well, it doesn’t matter how unique the gift is; you may not receive it anyways. That’s why proper timing is essential. 

Wish your beloved ones before the occasion or the special day. Your thoughtfulness and responsibility depend much on it.

Some Exceptional Gift Ideas

Gifts are always unique, but they can be more remarkable when you give them in some extraordinary ways.

Handmade gifts are always exceptional as these require efforts to make. It can be a box with pictures and memories, notebooks with some poems, or some letters remembering some great memories and wishes.

Selecting a suitable place to present a gift is also essential. You can arrange a candlelight dinner near a beach, or anywhere they like and thus give your favorite ones great surprises.

Initiate your speech with the origin or history behind the gift you are giving. It attracts people as well as makes the gifts memorable.

Creative things are always appreciated. So, leave the traditional things, and try to make something creative with your own effort.

Lastly, a gift becomes most impressive when it is a surprise. So, try to keep it a secret, and act like you are not going to give any presents. Thus, you can really amuse someone by giving them a present.

So, What to Say When Giving a Gift?

Giving a gift is not a big deal.

Yeah! But you can make that moment never to be forgotten by presenting the gift in a unique way. Of course, you have to know if it’s formal or informal and have to act like that.

Plus, you can make your way of giving gifts much better if you choose your words like this.

• I have something special for you. I hope you would like it!
• I got this little present for you on this occasion. Don’t forget to tell me what you think about it!
• Guess what is in this wrap! If you can, it will be yours!
• This is just a gift, but it means a lot. I hope that you will keep it!
• We would like to give you this token of our appreciation.
• I just thought of you when I saw this incredible piece in the store.
• I will be so pleased if you wear this.

Some Social Etiquettes for Gift Giving

Following some social norms at the time of giving presents to people is a must. Don’t forget these etiquettes though they vary depending on countries and cultures.

Try to practice some good manners and traditions of the culture you have.

Cut the Price Tag off

In the case of gifts, it’s not necessary to know or show the price. Prices never determine the value of a gift. Gifts are expressions of love and affection for someone you genuinely care about.

Your gift may be cheap or costly, but it means a lot to you. So, never give the gift with the price tag. Permanently remove the tag while giving a present.

Wrap the Present with Colorful Papers

We all love to get surprises, aren’t we? And so, when you hand over the present without wrapping, it’s no more a surprise. So, cover it with a colorful paper or packet, and adorn it with some ribbons or something else.

It would be great fun when you wrap a gift and ask them to guess it!

Add a Card with the Present

Presenting a good speech while giving someone a gift is not easy for all. In that case, handmade cards help a lot! You can write whatever you feel on the card even if you feel shy to express them while giving gifts.

If you can’t make cards, you can buy a nice one and write what you want to convey.

Be Positive and Confident

Think and act positively when you want to make something surprising for your beloved ones. Approach confidently and present your gift with a heart-touching speech or something memorable.

Don’t say things like “you may not like it,” “I could not afford much,” such things.

What about Return Gifts?

Suppose yesterday was your birthday but your friend didn’t even wish you, whereas you gave a great surprise on his birthday. Sounds horrible?

Though no law says that you have to give a return gift to someone who gave you something, but it’s up to you if you want to give them a surprise on special days or occasions.

Exchanging gifts is not a must as people don’t always expect return gifts. But it makes them happy to get return gifts and improves the relation between gift-givers and takers.

If you have a tight budget, purchase small gifts, and make them understand your situation, and try to give good things the next time.

Finally, try to make an effort for those who once did it for you.

Receive Gifts with Gratitude

Whatever the gift is, appreciate the giver for the gift with a smiling face. You may not like it, but don’t express it to them. Don’t forget to thank them. Even if you don’t give any return gift, write a hand note with thankfulness if possible.

And if the gift comes from a distant place, call him/her whenever you receive the gift.

Some Psychological Facts about Gift Giving

  Researchers found some interesting psychological facts about gift-giving.

• If you want to give a present on your friend’s birthday, ask him/her what he/she would like to have. Most people want gifts according to their needs or choices. So, you can ask your loved ones what will be suitable for them.
• Secondly, recipient focus gifts are more preferable to people. If you give your favorite book to your friend, that’s the way to share your thoughts and feelings with them.
• Return-gift is not a big deal as we think of it as a gift receiver. People don’t expect much of a return gift. It doesn’t hurt their feelings as we presume to be.

Final Verdict

Giving as well as receiving gifts define ourselves as individuals. So, try to exchange traditional gifts which says a lot about the cultures. And I hope that you have no more confusion about what to say when giving a gift.

Gifts are not mandatory to give or receive. But we rebuild our relations and nourish them through gift-giving. We make our loved ones feel special and remember that we truly care for them.

So, gifts are always special, and all of us certainly cherish a nicely wrapped token on the special moments.

More Gift Ideas:

• 12 Best Return Gifts For Birthday Party
• What To Say When Someone Gives You An Expensive Gift
• 15 Practical Gifts for 75th birthday Platinum Jubilee Celebration
• What To Actually Do When Someone Doesn’t Appreciate Your Gift
• What Are Some Of The Famous Return Gifts For Housewarming
• How To Send A Gift Anonymously And Still get some Appreciation

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Speeches > Arthur C. Brooks > Why Giving Matters

Why Giving Matters

Arthur c. brooks.

President of the American Enterprise Institute

February 24, 2009

It’s an honor for me to be here at Brigham Young University, and it’s a delight for me to be here in beautiful Provo. The last time I was here was in the fall of 2007. I have happy memories of my last visit, and I have great anticipation of my next. I’m always delighted to be here, and I can see why statistics show that Utahns are some of the happiest people in the United States. It’s quite clear, just by looking around, why that would be so.

I’m going to talk to you today about something that you’ve probably given a lot of thought to: charity. But I want to talk about it in a way you maybe haven’t thought about it: about how you can use it in your lives and in the lives of others. I want to talk to you about how charity can and should prominently figure in the lives of Christian people—but in a way that maybe hasn’t quite occurred to you before. I want to start with a quote from the famous industrialist John D. Rockefeller from 1905.

Rockefeller was famously quoted in that year as saying, “God gave me my money” (in Reo Bennett, “How the Richest Man in the World Observes Christmas,”  Woman’s Home Companion,  December 1905, 14). Now, that’s sort of troubling to Christian people. God  gave  him his money? Some have used the quote as evidence that John D. Rockefeller was a bad man—that he believed he deserved to be rich when other people were poor. But that’s not actually what he meant.

In 1906 Rockefeller went on to tell a newspaper reporter for the  New York American:  “I believe the power to make money is a gift from God . . . to be developed and used to the best of our ability for the good of mankind” (to William Hoster, quoted in Jules Abels,  The Rockefeller Billions: The Story of the World’s Most Stupendous Fortune  [New York: Macmillan, 1965], 279–80).

What Rockefeller meant was this: He believed that he made money because he was charged with helping others with his money, and he honestly believed (as he wrote at other times) that if he stopped giving his money and giving it in the right way, then God would take his money away.

Now, that still might trouble you theologically that God would intervene in the direct finances of John D. Rockefeller, but you have to admit that it doesn’t sound so weird at that point. John D. Rockefeller believed that he was rich because he gave so much, and throughout his life, before he was a rich man, he gave a lot. He was a charitable person.

A lot of entrepreneurs believe that one of the reasons that they’re rich is because they give. Entrepreneurs in this country are some of its most charitable citizens. And I’ve always heard this, because for years I taught in a department of entrepreneurship, so I got to know the modern John D. Rockefellers who thought that they were rich partly because they gave. But, you know, I never believed it—never believed a word of it—because I was trained as an economist.

A lot of you have taken classes in economics. When you walk into your first class in economics, here’s what the professor doesn’t say: “You want to get rich? Give all your money away.” That’s not the advice you hear. It doesn’t make sense. No, you have to have money first, and then you can give it away. That’s what economists like me think. So I set out to test John D. Rockefeller’s view that he was rich because he—and all the other entrepreneurs I talked to—gave. That way, the next time I heard somebody say that you could get rich by giving your money away, I was going to respond, “No, you’re wrong. I have the data that say you have to have it before you can give it away.”

Well, I’m going to tell you what I found, and in a nutshell what I found was that Rockefeller was right and I was wrong. I’m going to show you the evidence that proves how wrong I was and tell you how you can use this information in your life and how I’m using it in mine.

But first a little background on charitable giving in America: Americans give. Americans give a lot. In 2006 American citizens privately gave about $300 billion away to charity. Now, $300 billion—is that a lot, or is that a little? Who even knows these days? The president with the stroke of a pen could give away three times that to people who cannot pay their mortgages, for all we know. It’s a crazy time out there, but to put it into perspective, $300 billion is more than the entire national income of Sweden. We give away to charity more than the whole country of Swedes makes in income. That’s a lot of money. Seventy-five percent of America’s families give every year. Fifty percent volunteer their time, and many Americans give in myriad other ways that are not captured in data.

At one point when I was teaching about this subject, I decided to figure out who in America is the most charitable. I compared states, and you are not going to be very surprised at what I found. The most charitable state in the United States, of course, is Utah, where people give approximately twice as much as the second leading state in charitable giving. So congratulations to you. I’m tempted to say that that should make Utahns proud. But I suppose that’s not the right word. You should be pleased—and determined to keep it up.

Now, given this, one often asks, How do Americans compare in charitable giving with people around the world? There’s a perception out there, if you listen to politicians, that we’re stingy. Jimmy Carter, the former president of the United States, said in a relatively recent speech that Americans are indifferent to the suffering of the poor around the world: “The problem lies among the people of the U.S. It’s a different world from ours. And we don’t really care about what happens to them” (16th Annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum, 21 February 2004, St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota).

The data say that President Carter is wrong. If we look at how much money Americans give per capita compared to citizens in other countries of the world, we will find that the average American citizen gives away three-and-a-half times as much money each year as the average French citizen, seven times as much as the average German, and 14 times as much as the average Italian.

Now, as an economist I want to know whether or not that’s because we are richer. However, when you correct for income differences and tax differences and all the things that make the United States a different country, you find that the gap doesn’t close. This is an authentic difference in culture—once again something I do believe we can be quite pleased with. The questions, then, are why does it matter and which is pushing and which is pulling? Is the fact that we’re, generally speaking, a richer country the reason that we give so much, as I’d always thought? Or is what John D. Rockefeller would have said true: that the fact that we give so much is one of the secrets to our success?

That’s what I set out to show. I set out to show that Rockefeller was wrong: that you have to have the money before you give it away, that we all need to go to work, and that we need tax policy that puts plenty of money in our pockets—then we’ll help each other. That’s what I intended to show.

The way I set out to show that was by gathering data on 30,000 American families from all over the country. Actually, colleagues at Harvard University collected the data in the year 2000. Working from coast to coast, they collected the data from 41 communities big and small and towns north and south. Salt Lake City was one of the communities we looked at. We also looked at Washington, D.C., and Seattle, Washington (my hometown)—lots of places were in there. Thirty thousand families were asked questions about how much they gave, what they gave to, how much money they made, their education, their family life, and everything in between. It was the most comprehensive look at people’s service behavior and their charitable giving that we’ve ever had before, and I eagerly anticipated these data because I was going to show what I’d always thought. This was going to give me a statistical way to show that you have to have the money first.

So I charted it up and did the statistical analysis. I worked for months with my computer in my darkened office to get my conclusion. The conclusion was, sure enough, that when people get richer, they tend to give more money away. But I also came up with the following counterintuitive finding: When people give more money away, they tend to prosper.

Specifically, here’s what I found. If you have two families that are exactly identical—in other words, same religion, same race, same number of kids, same town, same level of education, and everything’s the same—except that one family gives a hundred dollars more to charity than the second family, then the giving family will earn on average $375 more in income than the nongiving family—and that’s statistically attributable to the gift.

Now, when I got this I was perplexed. I was really confused because it didn’t go with my theory. In psychology this is what we call cognitive dissonance—two competing ideas in conflict with each other. On the one hand I had the theory that I’d always worked under. On the other hand I had data that completely contradicted the theory. So I did what college professors always do in this case: I got rid of the data. I said, “That can’t be right. I’ve obviously messed something up.” I got new software. I looked for new data. I recrunched the numbers. I kept coming up with the same thing.

I ran the numbers again, and I looked at volunteering. I found the same thing: People who volunteer do better financially. I ran the numbers on blood contributions and blood donations. Think about that—giving blood. You’re not going to get richer if you give blood, are you? Well, yes, you are.

I figured it couldn’t be right, so I ignored the findings. I didn’t publish them. I let them roll around in my head for a long time. And I thought, you know, I’ve got a better way to test this—I’m going to look at the whole United States. I wanted to see how charitable giving had changed over a 50-year period and compare it to how income had changed. Then I could see which was statistically pushing and which was pulling.

I examined the average family between 1954 and 2004 and found (adjusted for inflation) a 150-percent increase in real purchasing power. This is great news. This is actually an amazing thing worldwide. You simply don’t see growth like this in real purchasing power in already rich countries. It’s an incredible achievement that the United States has undertaken. This is a testament to prosperity that comes from productivity and hard work and dedication. This is a good thing.

Charitable giving also increased over the same period per family on average by 190 percent. And this is an even better story because what this says is that we’re getting more prosperous in this country, but we’re getting even more generous over time. I’m pleased with this result. It tells me once again that what Jimmy Carter said about this country is not right. We’re not a stingy country. Could we be more generous? Of course we could. But we’re not getting stingier.

Here’s the real question: Which is pushing and which is pulling? Is income driving up donations or are donations driving up income or what? And the answer, once again, is both. You find that when our country gets richer, people do give more away. And as we give more away, that translates into better economic growth for this country.

Statistically what we find is that if we were to increase our private charitable donations by just 1 percent, which is about $2 billion a year—$2 billion a year from people like you and me writing checks for our favorite causes: our churches and our favorite charities—if we just did that, that would translate into a gross domestic product of about 39 billion new dollars. That’s a great multiplier.

Now, $39 billion by today’s stakes is nothing. The president pulls $39 billion from behind the cushions of the couch at the White House. It’s laundry money. It’s three months in Iraq. It’s 5 percent of the stimulus package. It’s nothing. But it’s a great multiplier. If I can take your $2 billion in charity and turn it into $39 billion, then suddenly charitable giving is not just a great investment for you. It’s also a patriotic act for our country because it translates into jobs and growth and opportunity and tax revenues and all the stuff that we really like.

The more I ran the numbers, the more I kept getting this crazy result. I kept getting the same thing over and over and over. Rockefeller was right, but I still refused to believe it. So in desperation I finally went to a colleague who specialized in the psychology of charitable giving, and I said, “I’m getting this result I can’t understand. It doesn’t make sense. It’s like the hand of God or something on the economy, and I can’t believe it’s true.”

And the first thing he asked was, “Why don’t you believe it’s true? You’re a Christian, aren’t you?”

This shook me a bit, but just for a second. “Yeah, but I’m a social scientist,” I shot back. “We’re not supposed to believe those things. I need a more earthbound explanation.”

“Well, I’ll give you one,” he said. “We’ve known this for 30 years in the psychology profession.”

And I said, “Well, tell me, tell me.”

He said, “We haven’t just been talking about money. You economists—you worry about money all the time, and money is boring. We worry about something that people really care about—the currency by which we really spend our days—and that’s happiness. We’ve known for 30 years that people who give get happier as a result. Can you use that?”

And I said, “Oh, yeah.” Because I know from teaching at a business school that the best way to run a successful business is to hire happy people. That’s really where the action is. Some of you know that too. If you want to have a productive business and if you want to be a productive person, work on your happiness. Happy people show up for work more, they work longer hours, they work more joyfully, and they’re happier with every aspect of their productive lives. Happiness is the secret to success, and if that’s true, I’ve got the answer. Charity brings happiness, happiness brings success, and now I’m onto something.

It turns out that the data on happiness and charitable giving are beyond dispute. People who give to charity are 43 percent more likely than people who don’t give to say they’re very happy people. People who give blood are twice as likely to say they’re very happy people as people who don’t give blood. People who volunteer are happier. The list goes on. You simply can’t find any kind of service that won’t make you happier.

Laboratory experiments using human subjects find that when people are asked to give to other people, it elevates their mood. Furthermore, if you increase your level of charitable giving, you can permanently alter your level of what psychologists call positive effect—which is to say, being in a good mood. You can be a happier person that way. It’s the secret, basically. The real question is not whether that’s true; the question is why that’s true.

There’s a very interesting set of studies that tell us why it is that giving will make you into a happy person. The first has to do with how it changes your brain. I’m going to explain that in a minute. The second is what it does to how other people treat you. Let me explain. The first is that the wiring of our brains is conducive to charitable giving, and it works something like this. In the late 1980s there was a famous study of charitable giving that looked at how people reacted with respect to the endorphins that they experienced. Endorphins are neurochemicals that make you feel a sort of euphoria. If you like to run marathons, it’s probably because afterward you feel really good—you feel sort of high in a way. Psychologists came forth with studies that showed that when people volunteer to help other people, they get what they call “the helper’s high.” Volunteering actually gives people a mild sense of euphoria.

I think that’s an interesting study, but it doesn’t help me explain prosperity. The helper’s high doesn’t get me there, and the reason is this. When I was in high school I went to school with a lot of kids who specialized in getting high. And it turns out that that was not a secret to success. Now that I’m 44 years old and keeping in touch with a couple of people from high school, I can assure you that the pathway they took was not the one to great prosperity. So it’s interesting that you get this helper’s high, but it doesn’t help us explain all this worldly prosperity that I keep finding in my data.

Later studies of the brain came up with a more compelling explanation. These studies showed that when people give, it lowers their levels of stress. This is really important to understand in prosperity because one thing that we know is that people who do their jobs with less stress tend to be more productive and more successful than those who perform it with more stress. You’ll find throughout your lives that if you can find ways to relax, you will profit from this level of relaxation. Studies have shown that charitable giving will objectively lower the stress levels that people feel in their everyday lives.

There is one famous study from the Duke Medical School in 1996. It’s a study that I love because it’s so strange. Senior citizens were asked in an experiment to give massages to infants, to little babies—which is a funny thing. It just goes to show you that in the university community you can get tenure for doing anything. Of these senior citizens, half of them gave massages to infants and the other half didn’t. The researchers monitored the stress hormones in the senior citizens’ brains to see what happened.

There are three stress hormones, for your information. (This is the kind of thing that, when you’re like me and write books for a living, you find out about.) What are the three stress hormones? They’re called cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. When somebody cuts you off in traffic or insults you or you get a D on an exam or something like that, those chemicals are lighting up your brain like a Christmas tree, and you’re unhappy as a result because you’re stressed out. What you want to do is go through life with less cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine in your day-to-day life. And what they found in the study of the senior citizens was that those who gave the massages to the babies cut their stress hormones in half. Big finding! Their interpretation was that this is great advice for people who want to be more effective, and this tells us something about why people who give a lot as part of their regular lifestyles are going to be more successful.

The second set of studies has to do not with what happens in your brain when you give but with what happens in other people’s brains when you give. A study from the University of Kent in southern England was dedicated to figuring out how people see others who are givers. There is an experiment called a cooperation game in which people are gathered in a large room, given a little bit of money, and asked to contribute to a common fund. Then the researchers look in the common fund, double it, and pass it out equally among the participants. If you think about that game, the best thing for everybody to do is to put in all of their money and have it doubled. But if you’re crafty, what you want to do is hold back all your money when everybody else puts in theirs and don’t cooperate. That way you get your own money  and  a chunk of everybody else’s. That’s the idea. And, as the experiment showed, there is always a proportion of people who opt to do so.

Now, researchers have been studying this kind of thing for years. What made it interesting when the University of Kent studied it was this. There was a second phase in which people in the game who had witnessed each other cooperating in giving to each other were asked to break up into teams and elect leaders. What they found was that in 82 percent of the cases, the leaders who were elected were the biggest givers from the first phase.

Their conclusion, a conclusion that has been verified in subsequent experiments, is that when people see strangers giving charitably, they recognize a leadership quality in those strangers. If people witness you as a giver, they will see a leader. Servant leadership is no joke, and it’s a secret to success, whether you’re looking for success or not. When people see you giving and cooperating and serving others, they will see in you a leader, or a future leader, and they cannot help but help you.

There are many other studies that show that givers have better health and that givers are better citizens. It goes on and on. The bottom line is this: Givers are healthier, happier, and richer in this country—and probably around the world. It gives us stronger communities; indeed, it gives us a more prosperous nation.

The question for me now is this: Who gives the most? And who’s getting all this benefit—wonderful benefit—for themselves and for their communities? Well, I told you before: people from Utah. But that doesn’t get me far enough, because if you move across the border from Idaho you are not suddenly going to start coughing up to charity. You’re just not going to do it.

There is something else going on, and you know what it is. It’s practicing faith. The number-one characteristic of those who give in this country is that they practice a faith. Of people who practice their faith regularly—which is to say, they attend worship services every week—91 percent give to charity each year. Of people who don’t attend every week, 66 percent do. This translates into millions and millions of people who are healthier, happier, and more prosperous than their neighbors, and it charts back to a lot of their religious experiences.

There are two ways to explain this link between God and giving. Explanation number one: You’re better people. That’s not a very Christian explanation. Explanation number two: You’ve been given a special gift—the gift of giving. Now I’m going to ask you to take a pretty sophisticated understanding here of charitable giving. As Christian people we are taught that giving is important to help others. I’m telling you that the data say giving helps you, so if you want to help others, don’t just give to them—think about what you can do today to help somebody else to give. The main beneficiary of a charitable gift is the giver him- or herself.

Let me summarize that. What do the data tell me as a Christian man? They tell me that I am the big beneficiary of my own giving, that people similar to me who take their faith seriously are the beneficiaries because we tend to give a lot. We’ve been taught to do what is right, and we are reaping the reward. So how can we, given this fact, reinterpret the scriptures about charitable giving? How can we take it to the next level?

Consider Mosiah 4:21 :

And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.

The traditional interpretation of this passage, which is similar to passages in any sacred text, is basically this: “Give more to other people. You have so much; give more.” Take it to the next level. Take it to the source of the prosperity. You have been given the gift of giving. Help others by giving them the gift of giving.

How are you going to do that? How are you going to help somebody to give more today? There are a lot of ways to do it. Let me tell you how you’ve done it for me.

Let me tell you a quick story about a briefcase. I know it’s a weird subject for a story, but it’s actually a magic briefcase. It’s my magic Brigham Young University briefcase. I visited here in the fall of 2007 for the first time—I’d never been here before. My friend Gary Cornia, who is the dean of the business school, gave me a beautiful briefcase that said “Brigham Young University” on it. I took it home and put it away because I already had a briefcase, and I didn’t think about it.

About a month later my briefcase broke, and I was complaining to my wife, and I said, “The handle’s broken. It’s very inconvenient.”

And she said, “What about that BYU briefcase you brought home? Why don’t you carry that?”

And I said, “Oh. Okay. That’s a good idea.”

So I took all my stuff and put it in the BYU briefcase, and I started carrying it around.

At the time, my research assistant at Syracuse University, Nick Bailey (he’s here—he actually works at BYU now), noticed, and he said, “You’re carrying a BYU briefcase.”

I said, “Yeah, it’s great. It’s an Italian briefcase. It’s very nice.”

I travel a lot, and one of the funny things I noticed is that when you are out in public carrying a briefcase that says something on it, the first thing people you don’t know do is read the briefcase and then look at you. It occurred to me that people were thinking, “He’s a Mormon guy.” And that’s actually sort of false religious advertising because I’m a Roman Catholic. I take my faith seriously, but no matter how seriously I take my faith, technically that still doesn’t make me a Mormon.

So I was walking around saying, basically, “I’m a Mormon,” and the funny thing is that it was changing my personality. And the reason it was changing my personality was because I was mortified by the idea that somebody would say, “You know, I was in the airport, and I saw this Mormon guy, and he was being a real jerk.” I wanted to live up to someone else’s reputation, and it was making me into a better person. It was a magic briefcase.

So what’s the implication of this story? Well, obviously it might just be that I’m trying to get a new briefcase right now. (Maybe the greatest kind of evangelization that the LDS Church could undertake would be to buy 300 million briefcases and give them out to all Americans.) But the bigger point here is that carrying the briefcase was actually making my life better. I was happier; things were going really well for me as I was carrying that briefcase. And the reason is that the service for which Mormons have become justifiably famous was infecting my life. It was making me better as a person. It was helping  me.  And I thank you for that.

So how else (besides accidentally buying somebody a briefcase) can you help other people give more today? First, you can help to dispel some myths about charitable giving.

Myth number one: Giving makes us poorer. You hear this all the time. This is what the economist like me thinks. It’s wrong; you have to fight thinking that way. And there are arguments that say the way it works is not just the hand of God—at least not directly the hand of God. Instead, maybe it’s the hand of God through our neurochemistry, having to do with the structure of our brains. But there are good explanations for why this is not true.

Myth number two: People are naturally selfish. I hear this constantly: “They are not going to give. People are just selfish.” People are selfish, it’s true, but they’re not naturally selfish; people are unnaturally selfish. When we are our best selves, when we are in equilibrium, when we are where we’re supposed to be cognitively, neurochemically, and spiritually, then we are giving people.

Myth number three: Giving is a luxury. It’s not. It’s a necessity—the first 10 percent, not the last 10 percent. And the reason is that if we want to be better, we have to give.

Myth number four: This is not a public policy lecture, but I’m a public policy professional, so I’m going to make one public policy point here today. You will hear in the coming days and weeks and months that if our country were doing what it should be doing for people in need, then we wouldn’t need private giving, that the government would be taking care of people who need it, and that we would not need you to step in to provide needs. Having looked at the data, I am here to tell you today that the day the government takes over for you in your private charity is the day we get poorer, unhappier, and unhealthier. The process starts right now on the day the government crowds us out. We must demand to take our place as givers and to support our communities of need and people who need the services that we can provide.

Second, how else can we help others give more? Well, by teaching. We’re teachers. I’m a teacher. You’re a teacher. We’re leaders in our communities. Everything we do demonstrates what we believe. People mimic those who are successful, happy, and well adjusted. You’ve heard many times throughout your training in church and in school that you’re never really alone. Somebody is always watching you. You’re always creating an example, and, as such, you’re a teacher. What you do today people will see. Make sure that it’s clear that you’re a charitable giver—and they will emulate you.

And third, how can we bring our creativity to bear more in our families, in our churches? How can we create a curriculum where giving is a core competency? We’re very good at teaching reading and writing—well, we’re not that good at that either, but in theory we’re pretty good at teaching reading and writing. We’re not very good at taking teaching giving seriously, yet this is a core competency for successful citizenship and a happy life. We need to be better about teaching this.

What I charge you with today is what I charge myself with, which is to discover more creative solutions to working these concepts into our everyday lives. You can tell this has changed my life a lot. I hope you can tell that it really has. When I was working on this research four years ago, I came home with a chapter from a book that showed these data analyses, and my wife read it. She reads everything I write. She tells me pretty honestly when it’s not so good. She read the chapter and said, “I think this is really something. I think we can use this.”

“Yeah, we should give more,” I answered. “We should write bigger checks. We should take this seriously.”

She said, “No, no, no. I think we should do something bigger. I think we should adopt a baby.”

And I said, “Sweetheart, it’s only a book.

But I had no argument. We had to do it. And we did it. It was the best thing we ever did. And that changed our lives even more.

As for your money being cheerfully refunded, I can’t guarantee that, but I promise you that this stuff really works. It works—if you want—because of God in heaven, or it works—if you want—because of your neurochemistry, but it really works, and I leave you with that and one more thought.

As an American citizen and as a person with great delight to be here at BYU and living in this great country, one of the things that I’ve learned as a result of my research is that I’m a happy prosperous person because I live in a country with people who serve. Because you give to your churches and the causes that you care about here in Utah, I have a richer, happier, and healthier life even though I live in Washington, D.C. So for all that you do between your student life and your giving and your missions and everything else that characterizes your life of service that helps me so much, my last words to you are thank you.

© Arthur C. Brooks.

Arthur C. Brooks was president of the American Enterprise Institute when this BYU forum address was given on 24 February 2009.

Podcast: By Study and By Faith

Podcast: Classic Speeches

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Appreciation Speech

Appreciation speech generator.

In most events, there is always a speaker who delivers a message to the audience for a particular purpose. Such purpose may differ depending on the event the speech is delivered to. For example, a valedictorian speech  is delivered during a graduation ceremony by the class valedictorian who basically talks about the experiences and learning he/she or the class has undergone in school.

• Speech Templates and Examples
• How Do You Write a Speech?

The word speech can be used to mean either the ability to express ideas through speaking, or the act of delivering a message during an event, as mentioned above. In this article, speech is used to mean the latter.

Teacher Appreciation

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What Is an Appreciation Speech?

An appreciation speech, also known as thank you speech, is a speech which is usually prepared and given in order to express the gratitude of the speaker (usually on behalf of a group of people) to a certain individual or organization. In giving an appreciation speech outline , the speaker include the reason for giving thanks to the person or persons being thanked.

Although the reasons may differ depending on the occasion or the deed you are thankful of, the main point of an appreciation speech is to inform your audience that you appreciate such effort.

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Importance of an Appreciation Speech

An appreciation speech is primarily given to acknowledge the kind deed of an individual or a group of individuals in front of an audience. Basically, you are not just simply thanking them, but also letting everyone know how you appreciate the deed.

An appreciation speech in pdf , can be given even just for the simplest reasons.

For example, you might thank everyone (your audience) for coming to the event you are hosting. Aside from expressing thank you speech , an appreciation speech also informs the people being acknowledged that their effort is being well appreciated by the speaker and the party he/she is representing.

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How to Prepare and Deliver an Appreciation Speech

In preparing your appreciation speech, here are a few things you need to focus on.

• The individual or individuals you are thanking.
• The reason for thanking them.
• Why you appreciate the deed, and what it meant to you.
• A powerful conclude a speech  phrase (can be an inspiring message or a call to action).

In delivering your appreciation speech, you’ll need to keep the following things in mind.

1. Rehearse.

Take time to practice your delivery, diction, and pronunciation of words. This will also help you memorize your speech quickly. You may also see inspirational speech examples .

2. Do not bring a copy on stage.

Memorize, so you won’t be needing a copy on stage.

3. Minimize filler words.

A short pause would be better.

4. Be spontaneous.

In case you forget the next line, be quick to improvise something related instead, and don’t prolong the dead air.

5. Work on a natural tone.

Speaking in front of a crowd is nerve wracking. Still, speak as if you’re not nervous. And don’t make it too obvious that you’re memorizing. You may also like acceptance speech examples .

6. Make eye contact.

It’s the best way to reach your the audience.

This will keep you relaxed before and during start a speech .

8. Be confident.

And even if you’re not, look confident.

After all, you’re probably speaking to colleagues or close friends or relatives, so relax and enjoy. You may also check out welcome speech examples & samples .

Text prompt

• Instructive
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Write an Appreciation Speech for a retiring teacher.

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Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education

Five Ways Giving Is Good for You

Holiday shopping can be terrifying, yes. But research suggests it’s worth it: New studies attest to the benefits of giving—not just for the recipients but for the givers’ health and happiness, and for the strength of entire communities.

Of course, you don’t have to shop to reap the benefits of giving. Research suggests the same benefits come from donating to charities or volunteering your time, like at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. Here are some of the ways that giving is good for you and your community.

1. Giving makes us feel happy. A 2008 study by Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton and colleagues found that giving money to someone else lifted participants’ happiness more that spending it on themselves (despite participants’ prediction that spending on themselves would make them happier). Happiness expert Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, saw similar results when she asked people to perform five acts of kindness each week for six weeks.

These good feelings are reflected in our biology. In a 2006 study, Jorge Moll and colleagues at the National Institutes of Health found that when people give to charities, it activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a “warm glow” effect. Scientists also believe that altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, producing the positive feeling known as the “helper’s high.”

2. Giving is good for our health. A wide range of research has linked different forms of generosity to better health, even among the sick and elderly. In his book Why Good Things Happen to Good People , Stephen Post, a professor of preventative medicine at Stony Brook University, reports that giving to others has been shown to increase health benefits in people with chronic illness, including HIV and multiple sclerosis.

A 1999 study led by Doug Oman of the University of California, Berkeley, found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period than were non-volunteers, even after controlling for their age, exercise habits, general health, and negative health habits like smoking. Stephanie Brown of the University of Michigan saw similar results in a 2003 study on elderly couples. She and her colleagues found that those individuals who provided practical help to friends, relatives, or neighbors, or gave emotional support to their spouses, had a lower risk of dying over a five-year period than those who didn’t. Interestingly, receiving help wasn’t linked to a reduced death risk.

Researchers suggest that one reason giving may improve physical health and longevity is that it helps decrease stress, which is associated with a variety of health problems. In a 2006 study by Rachel Piferi of Johns Hopkins University and Kathleen Lawler of the University of Tennessee, people who provided social support to others had lower blood pressure than participants who didn’t, suggesting a direct physiological benefit to those who give of themselves.

3. Giving promotes cooperation and social connection. When you give, you’re more likely to get back: Several studies, including work by sociologists Brent Simpson and Robb Willer, have suggested that when you give to others, your generosity is likely to be rewarded by others down the line—sometimes by the person you gave to, sometimes by someone else.

These exchanges promote a sense of trust and cooperation that strengthens our ties to others—and research has shown that having positive social interactions is central to good mental and physical health. As researcher John Cacioppo writes in his book Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection , “The more extensive the reciprocal altruism born of social connection . . . the greater the advance toward health, wealth, and happiness.”

What’s more, when we give to others, we don’t only make them feel closer to us; we also feel closer to them. “Being kind and generous leads you to perceive others more positively and more charitably,” writes Lyubomirsky in her book The How of Happiness , and this “fosters a heightened sense of interdependence and cooperation in your social community.”

4. Giving evokes gratitude. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of a gift, that gift can elicit feelings of gratitude—it can be a way of expressing gratitude or instilling gratitude in the recipient. And research has found that gratitude is integral to happiness, health, and social bonds.

Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough, co-directors of the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness, found that teaching college students to “count their blessings” and cultivate gratitude caused them to exercise more, be more optimistic, and feel better about their lives overall. A recent study led by Nathaniel Lambert at Florida State University found that expressing gratitude to a close friend or romantic partner strengthens our sense of connection to that person.

Barbara Fredrickson, a pioneering happiness researcher, suggests that cultivating gratitude in everyday life is one of the keys to increasing personal happiness. “When you express your gratitude in words or actions, you not only boost your own positivity but [other people’s] as well,” she writes in her book Positivity . “And in the process you reinforce their kindness and strengthen your bond to one another.”

5. Giving is contagious. When we give, we don’t only help the immediate recipient of our gift. We also spur a ripple effect of generosity through our community.

A study by James Fowler of the University of California, San Diego, and Nicholas Christakis of Harvard, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science , shows that when one person behaves generously, it inspires observers to behave generously later, toward different people. In fact, the researchers found that altruism could spread by three degrees—from person to person to person to person. “As a result,” they write, “each person in a network can influence dozens or even hundreds of people, some of whom [they do] not know and [have] not met.” ] Giving has also been linked to the release of oxytocin, a hormone (also released during sex and breast feeding) that induces feelings of warmth, euphoria, and connection to others. In laboratory studies, Paul Zak, the director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University, has found that a dose of oxytocin will cause people to give more generously and to feel more empathy towards others, with “symptoms” lasting up to two hours. And those people on an “oxytocin high” can potentially jumpstart a “virtuous circle, where one person’s generous behavior triggers another’s,” says Zak.

So whether you buy gifts, volunteer your time, or donate money to charity this holiday season, your giving is much more than just a year-end chore. It may help you build stronger social connections and even jumpstart a cascade of generosity through your community. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself benefiting from a big dose of happiness in the process.

About the Authors

Jill Suttie

Jill Suttie, Psy.D. , is Greater Good ’s former book review editor and now serves as a staff writer and contributing editor for the magazine. She received her doctorate of psychology from the University of San Francisco in 1998 and was a psychologist in private practice before coming to Greater Good .

Jason Marsh

Jason Marsh is the executive director of the Greater Good Science Center and the editor in chief of Greater Good .

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This is a thoughtful entry. I’m used to hearing that giving makes you happy and that it is healthy, but there are many other benefits.

In fact, giving is so good for us that I can think of several other benefits right off the bat: Giving can actually alleviate minor mental illness. Certain forms of it, like formal volunteering, can help you create a winning resume or application for something. Giving can result in personal growth. Giving can help you be a good role model to the young people in your life. And most importantly, giving makes the world a better place for us all to live in. If everyone did their part, maybe we could all reduce the amount of crime, violence, prejudice, and suffering.

Amanda | 5:38 am, January 8, 2011 | Link

“Giving has also been linked to the release of oxytocin, a hormone (also released during sex and breast feeding) that induces feelings of warmth, euphoria, and connection to others. “

I love it! I am forwarding this article to my husby to answer his complains on not enough sex. He is not giving me enough!

Club Wear | 10:41 pm, January 10, 2011 | Link

Wow. I’m really glad I found this article and this site. I’ve been looking for some solid research on why we should give and encourage the act of giving and this site is excellent.

“A 1999 study led by Doug Oman of the University of California, Berkeley, found that elderly people who volunteered for two or more organizations were 44 percent less likely to die over a five-year period than were non-volunteers, even after controlling for their age, exercise habits, general health, and negative health habits like smoking.”

I would love to get this into the minds of general society. How often do we hear about driven people who work all their lives, but quickly die once they retire?

Perhaps engaging voluntary work would not only benefit others, but also prolong the life of the volunteer.

Darren | 12:09 am, August 7, 2011 | Link

I’m a millionaire and I often help my employees during financial hardship. I prefer to spend on others rather than myself.

Mike | 1:28 pm, January 16, 2013 | Link

More From Forbes

Four ways to turn a speech into a gift.

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Chiara Alzati: CEO and founder, Chiara Alzati Srl ; corporate effective communication and public speaking trainer, speaker, and author.

Addressing an audience comes with a profound responsibility, extending beyond mere knowledge transfer. It involves catalyzing a transformation in individuals, offering them a precious gift beyond words. For those outside the realm of professional communication, achieving this depth involves several key strategies.

1. Keep it simple.

First and foremost, simplicity in a speech is crucial. Ensuring that every word is accessible to all is a fundamental concept. Never presume that the audience shares familiarity with certain concepts. Similes become powerful tools, especially when tackling complex topics. For example, explaining cognitive neuroscience to a sophisticated audience might involve portraying it as deciphering the brain's neural code—a journey akin to exploring an intricate library where each neuron is a book, and synapses are pages rich with knowledge.

2. Share personal experiences.

Sharing personal experiences is the second pillar. Narrating your own story not only establishes a genuine connection with the audience but also serves as a powerful tool for inspiration. Your personal narrative is what sets you apart, making you unique and uncopyable. This authenticity reflects the richness of your journey and the valuable lessons learned throughout your life. Stories are powerful in creating connections, allowing the audience to empathize.

3. Maintain high energy.

Maintaining a high energy level in the room is the third element. It is crucial to keep the audience engaged and receptive to your message. The room should be conceived as a dynamic space where the energy you exude sets the tone for the entire interaction. Music can serve as a powerful mood enhancer, establishing an atmosphere that complements and reinforces the emotions you wish to convey. Whether it's an upbeat tune to invigorate or a melodic backdrop to evoke reflection, the right musical choice can significantly impact the audience's receptiveness.

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The audience senses your energy level. If it is low, attention in the room tends to diminish.

Energetic body language is a visual manifestation of your enthusiasm and passion. Movements that mirror the rhythm of your message, purposeful gestures that emphasize key points and a confident posture contribute to a captivating and dynamic stage presence. Your body becomes a conduit for the energy you aim to convey, creating a more immersive experience for your audience.

Vocal variety adds an auditory dimension to your presentation. Modulating your tone, pitch and pace prevents monotony, sustaining the audience's interest. A well-timed pause, an emphatic rise in volume or a deliberate change in pitch can emphasize critical points and infuse vitality into your message.

If you are compelled to speak behind a podium, leverage the power of gestures and vocal variety even more to compensate for the inability to move around the stage. Avoid leaning on the podium, staying rigid and speaking in a flat and monotonous tone.

4. Connect with the audience.

The fourth element involves creating genuine connections with individuals through authenticity. The pursuit of perfection can be a stumbling block. Approaching the audience with a light-hearted spirit of sharing enhances effectiveness. In contrast, when emphasis is placed on performance and meticulous control, a disconnection from the audience often ensues. Falling into the perfection trap as a speaker leads to focusing on oneself rather than the people in your audience. Remember, the audience is not interested in a perfect speaker; they want to grasp the value you can bring with your speech.

Bring it all together.

To seamlessly integrate these four elements, speakers should ask themselves: "What could I do in my next presentation to ensure that my audience has an experience akin to a 4D cinema?" The goal is to transport your audience into a captivating and immersive journey, ensuring they not only hear but also feel the essence of your message.

Expanding further on this concept, speakers can leverage cinematic dimensions: emotional, interactive, temporal and scenic.

• The emotional dimension involves establishing a deep connection with the audience, using vivid images and emotions to convey messages. For example, instead of declaring a decision was difficult, one can liken it to standing at a crossroads with multiple paths, each wrapped in uncertainty.

• The interactive dimension goes beyond the conventional one-way communication model, incorporating real-time polls, Q&A sessions and participatory activities. Actively engaging the audience transforms the presentation into a dynamic dialogue, ensuring active involvement.

• The temporal dimension leverages an awareness of time throughout the presentation, encompassing past, present and future. Physically embodying this temporal journey by strategically positioning oneself on the stage enhances visual engagement. When at the center of the stage, delve into the present; as you move toward one side, explore the past, and on the other, project into the future.

• The scenic dimension involves orchestrating the stage setting, ensuring seamless management of scenic elements and strategically incorporating props—tangible objects that serve as visual aids. A well-managed scenography captures the audience's attention and establishes a context that reinforces the core message. The judicious use of props adds a dynamic layer to the presentation, clarifying complex ideas.

If sharing a personal story, consider bringing on stage a personal item with special meaning related to the narrative, creating a more emotional connection with the audience.

My wish for you is always to ask yourself: "How can I truly make my next speech special, considering it as a genuine gift for my audience?" When you ask this question and give yourself time for answers, you are heading in the right direction. You are hitting play on your creativity and curiosity, both essential elements to turn your next speech into a true masterpiece, making you understood, admired and remembered. A speech should never be just a speech; it should always be considered as a gift. And as a speaker, you are always Santa Claus—remember that!

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Eulogy writing guide, funeral speeches for a work colleague, tribute speech to dad from daughter, funeral speech writing advice, celebration of life speech examples.

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Celebration Of Life Speech Example 1

Celebration of life speech example 2, celebration of life speech example 3, celebration of life speech example 4, celebration of life speech example 5, understanding the concept of a celebration of life event, shared memories, personal touches, a celebration of life speech, components of a celebration of life speech, fond memories and anecdotes, passions, hobbies, and life achievements, shared experiences and impact, acknowledgment of grief, step-by-step guide to writing a celebration of life speech, gathering thoughts and memories, structuring the speech, balancing emotion with celebration, reviewing and practicing the speech, sample celebration of life speeches, for a friend, for a parent, for a spouse, tips for delivering a celebration of life speech, emotional preparation, maintaining a positive, yet respectful tone, using notes or a written speech for reference, encouragement for seeking support if needed, eulogy assistant: nurturing memories into tributes, crafting eulogies with reverence for spiritual guides, collaborative crafting of a tribute that resonates, voices from the heart: client testimonials for eulogy assistant, celebration of life speech frequently asked questions.

Life, in all its facets, is a beautiful journey. One filled with moments of joy, sadness, triumph, and lessons that shape us into the people we become. As we gather to remember those who have completed this journey, it's often difficult to find the right words to pay tribute to their memory. This is where a Celebration of Life speech comes into play. It serves as a heartwarming tribute, focusing on the joy, love, and laughter that our loved ones brought into our lives, rather than dwelling on the sorrow of their passing.

Are you struggling to write a meaningful eulogy during this difficult time?  Our professional eulogy writing service can help you honour your loved one in less than 48 hours, with no additional stress. We help you preserve the legacy of a cherished life, in your time of grief. Find out more →

Good [morning/afternoon/evening] everyone,

Today, we gather not to mourn a loss but to celebrate a life extraordinarily lived, a life that was a beacon of joy, love, and inspiration. As we reminisce about the journey of [Name], it becomes evident that [his/her] existence was nothing short of a magnificent symphony, where each moment was a beautiful note contributing to a melodious and harmonious whole.

From the early days of [his/her] youth, [Name] exuded an aura of positivity and zest for life. [He/She] embraced the world with open arms, eager to explore its wonders and immerse [himself/herself] in the beauty that life had to offer. [He/She] was a person who believed in living life to the fullest, embracing each moment with a passion that was truly infectious.

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[Name] had an uncanny ability to connect with people, to reach into their souls and touch their hearts. [His/Her] warm smile, kind eyes, and gentle spirit were a refuge for many, a place where one could find comfort, love, and understanding. [He/She] had the gift of empathy, a rare quality that allowed [him/her] to understand and feel the emotions of others deeply.

Throughout [his/her] life, [Name] pursued [his/her] passions with fervor and determination. [His/Her] love for [mention a hobby or profession] was evident in the way [he/she] devoted [himself/herself] to it, constantly seeking to hone [his/her] skills and achieve excellence. [His/Her] dedication was an inspiration, a testament to what can be achieved when one pursues their dreams with heart and soul.

But what set [Name] apart was [his/her] boundless love for [his/her] family and friends. [He/She] was the glue that held everyone together, the rock upon which everyone could lean. [His/Her] love was a nurturing force, a protective shield that enveloped everyone in its warm embrace. [Name] was not just a family member or a friend; [he/she] was a guardian angel, a beacon of light in the lives of those [he/she] loved.

[Name] also had a deep connection with nature. [He/She] found solace in the beauty of the natural world, often retreating to [mention a favorite place or activity] to recharge [his/her] soul. [His/Her] love for nature was a reflection of [his/her] pure and untamed spirit, a spirit that soared freely like a bird in the sky.

As we celebrate [Name]'s life today, let us remember [his/her] lessons, the wisdom [he/she] imparted through [his/her] actions and words. Let us remember [his/her] courage, [his/her] resilience, and [his/her] unwavering faith in the goodness of humanity. Let us remember [his/her] laughter, [his/her] joy, and the countless moments of happiness [he/she] brought into our lives.

Let us also remember [Name]'s generosity, [his/her] willingness to give without expecting anything in return. [His/Her] kindness was a beacon, a light that guided us towards love and compassion. [Name] taught us the value of unity, of coming together as a community to support and uplift each other.

But most of all, let us remember [Name]'s love, a love that transcended boundaries and united us all in a bond that is unbreakable. A love that continues to resonate in our hearts, a living testament to [his/her] beautiful spirit.

As we bid farewell to [Name], let us carry [his/her] legacy forward. Let us strive to live our lives with the same passion, love, and zest for life that [he/she] exemplified. Let us honor [his/her] memory by being the best versions of ourselves, by spreading love and joy wherever we go.

Dear [Name], your journey on this earth may have come to an end, but your spirit lives on, vibrant and alive in the hearts of those who loved you. Your legacy is a beautiful tapestry of love, joy, and beautiful moments, a tapestry that we will cherish forever.

As we say goodbye, we do so with love in our hearts and smiles on our faces, for we know that you are now at peace, soaring high in the heavens, watching over us with love and grace. Rest well, dear [Name], until we meet again.

Hello everyone,

Today, as we assemble under this roof, we are united by memories, laughter, tears, and the love we shared with [Name]. Though the heavens have gained a star, we gather to revel in the light [he/she] shone upon each one of us during [his/her] time here. [Name] wasn't just a [relation or friend], [he/she] was a melody that played the sweetest notes in the symphony of our lives.

From the very beginning, [Name] exhibited a radiant energy that was impossible to ignore. [His/Her] spirit was a vibrant hue in a sometimes monochrome world, bringing color and vivacity wherever [he/she] went. [He/She] had the remarkable ability to find joy in the small things, teaching those around [him/her] to appreciate life in its fullest, most beautiful form.

A true connoisseur of life, [Name] held an unparalleled passion for [mention a hobby or interest]. It was a joy to witness [him/her] immersed in [his/her] craft, a dance of grace and finesse that left spectators in awe. [His/Her] dedication was a lesson in perseverance, a beacon encouraging us all to strive for excellence in our own pursuits.

But beyond [his/her] personal passions, [Name] had a heart that beat in harmony with the hearts of others. [He/She] fostered relationships with a nurturing and attentive spirit, forging bonds that were both deep and enduring. [His/Her] love was the kind that healed, that supported, that uplifted and that celebrated the joyous milestones of life with genuine happiness.

In [Name], we found a confidant, a pillar of strength, and a source of endless love and warmth. [His/Her] ability to listen, to really hear and understand the stories, fears, and dreams of others, was a gift that made [him/her] a cherished friend and loved family member. [He/She] navigated life with an open heart, offering love unconditionally and expecting nothing in return.

[Name] found peace and tranquility in the arms of nature, often seeking refuge in [mention a favorite place or activity]. [His/Her] connection with the earth was a beautiful dance of give and take, a testament to [his/her] gentle soul and respect for all living things. In nature, [he/she] found a mirror reflecting [his/her] own essence: wild, beautiful, and free.

As we stand here today, celebrating the beautiful journey [Name] embarked upon, let us remember the invaluable lessons [he/she] imparted upon us. [Name] was a beacon of wisdom, sharing insights that encouraged us to live with authenticity and courage. [His/Her] laughter, a melody that will echo in our hearts forever, taught us the importance of finding joy in the present moment.

Moreover, [Name] exemplified the true essence of generosity. [He/She] gave freely, not just material possessions, but love, time, and attention, enriching the lives of those fortunate enough to know [him/her]. In [his/her] presence, we learned the true meaning of community and unity, of coming together to create a tapestry of love and support.

Today, as we honor [his/her] memory, let us pledge to live our lives with the same fervor and love that [he/she] did. Let us keep [his/her] spirit alive by embodying the virtues [he/she] held dear: kindness, compassion, and a zest for life.

Dearest [Name], your physical presence will be missed, but your spirit remains immortal in our hearts. Your journey was a melody that resonated deeply within us, a song that will continue to play in our hearts, bringing comfort and solace.

As we bid you farewell, we do so with love and the knowledge that you are dancing in the heavens, spreading joy and love in the celestial realms. Your legacy is one of love, a love that transcends time and space, uniting us all in a bond that cannot be broken.

Farewell, dear [Name]. You were a melody that brought music to our lives, a tune that will play eternally in the garden of our hearts. Your song is not over, for you have become a part of us, a melody that will continue to play, bringing comfort, love, and beautiful memories.

Unlike traditional funeral speeches, which tend to center around grief and loss, a Celebration of Life speech leans more towards the life lived. It spotlights the personality, achievements, and lasting impact of the deceased, providing comfort and closure to those left behind. The emphasis here is on celebrating the unique journey of the deceased, allowing their memory to live on in the hearts of those who knew them.

In this article, we aim to guide you through the process of writing and delivering a Celebration of Life speech. From understanding its components to viewing examples and helpful tips, we hope to make this daunting task a little less overwhelming. More importantly, we wish to help you create a speech that truly honors and celebrates the life of your loved one, highlighting the beauty of their existence and the indelible marks they left in their wake. Through this celebration, we hope to encourage healing, remembrance, and a shared sense of peace.

You can use Eulogy Assistant to help you write a Celebration of Life Speech in just 5 simple steps.

Today, we gather not to mourn, but to celebrate the remarkable life of [Name]. It is a day to reflect on the joy, love, and unforgettable moments that [Name] brought into our lives. While it is natural to feel sorrow at the loss of someone so dear, let us also embrace the happiness that [Name] gave us, and remember the wonderful person they were.

I first met [Name] in [context or time], and from that moment, I knew they were someone special. Their infectious laughter, radiant smile, and boundless energy were impossible to ignore. [Name] had a way of brightening any room they entered, making everyone feel welcome and valued. Their positivity was contagious, and their zest for life was truly inspiring.

One of the things I will always remember about [Name] is their incredible generosity. They had a heart of gold and were always ready to help others, whether it was through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply being there when needed. [Name]'s selflessness was evident in everything they did, and their compassion touched the lives of so many.

I recall a particular instance that perfectly captures [Name]'s spirit. It was during [specific event or memory]. [Name] went out of their way to [describe the act of kindness or memorable event], and it left a lasting impression on everyone involved. This act of generosity was just one of many examples of how [Name] lived their life—always thinking of others and spreading joy wherever they went.

[Name] was not only generous but also incredibly adventurous. They had a passion for exploring new places, trying new things, and living life to the fullest. Whether it was traveling to distant lands, hiking in the mountains, or simply trying a new hobby, [Name] approached every adventure with enthusiasm and a sense of wonder. Their adventurous spirit was a testament to their love of life and their desire to experience all that the world had to offer.

But beyond their generosity and adventurous spirit, [Name] was a true friend to many. They had a way of making everyone feel special and appreciated. [Name] was always there to celebrate our successes, to support us in our struggles, and to offer a listening ear when we needed it most. Their friendship was a gift that we will all cherish forever.

As we celebrate [Name]'s life today, let us remember the many ways they touched our hearts. Their legacy is one of love, kindness, and an unyielding zest for life. [Name] taught us the importance of living each day to the fullest, of finding joy in the little things, and of always being there for one another.

To [Name]'s family, I offer my deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing [Name] with us and for allowing us to be a part of their incredible journey. Your love and support have been a cornerstone of [Name]'s life, and we are forever grateful for the beautiful moments we have shared together.

As we move forward, let us honor [Name]'s memory by continuing to live our lives with the same joy and enthusiasm that they did. Let us strive to be generous, adventurous, and kind, always ready to lend a helping hand and to spread happiness wherever we go. May we find comfort in the knowledge that [Name]'s spirit will live on through the memories we cherish and the love we hold in our hearts.

Rest in peace, dear [Name]. Your legacy will forever be a part of us, and your spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Thank you for the countless memories, the endless laughter, and the unwavering friendship. You are loved and cherished beyond measure.

Today, we come together to celebrate the life of someone who brought so much love and happiness into our world—our beloved [Name]. While it is natural to feel sadness at their passing, today is about honoring the beautiful life they lived and the many ways they touched our hearts. [Name] was a beacon of love, and their legacy is one that will continue to inspire us all.

I had the privilege of knowing [Name] for [number] years, and in that time, I witnessed firsthand the incredible person they were. [Name] had a unique ability to make everyone feel special and loved. Their warmth, kindness, and genuine care for others were evident in everything they did. Whether it was through a simple act of kindness or a grand gesture, [Name] always found a way to make a difference in the lives of those around them.

One of my fondest memories of [Name] is [specific memory]. It was a time when we [describe the memory in detail], and it perfectly encapsulates who [Name] was. Their [specific qualities, such as kindness, humor, or resilience] made that moment unforgettable, and it is a memory I will cherish forever. [Name] had a way of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, and their presence brought joy to everyone they met.

[Name] was not only a loving friend but also a dedicated [role, e.g., parent, spouse, sibling]. They approached their relationships with the same love and dedication that they brought to every aspect of their life. [Name] was always there to offer support, to celebrate our successes, and to provide a shoulder to lean on during difficult times. Their love was a constant source of strength and comfort, and their presence will be deeply missed.

One of the things I admired most about [Name] was their unwavering positivity. Even in the face of challenges, they always found a way to see the bright side and to lift the spirits of those around them. [Name]'s optimism was infectious, and their ability to find joy in the little things was truly inspiring. They taught us the importance of gratitude and the power of a positive attitude.

[Name] was also a person of great integrity and principle. They lived their life with honesty, humility, and a deep sense of purpose. [Name] was committed to making the world a better place, and their actions reflected their strong values and beliefs. Whether it was through their work, their volunteer efforts, or simply the way they treated others, [Name] made a lasting impact on everyone they met.

As we gather here today, let us take a moment to reflect on the many ways [Name] enriched our lives. Their legacy is one of love, kindness, and unwavering positivity. [Name] taught us the importance of living with purpose, of finding joy in every day, and of always being there for those we care about.

To [Name]'s family, we offer our deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing [Name] with us and for allowing us to be a part of their incredible journey. Your love and support have been a cornerstone of [Name]'s life, and we are forever grateful for the beautiful moments we have shared together.

As we move forward, let us honor [Name]'s memory by continuing to live our lives with the same love and positivity that they did. Let us strive to be kind, compassionate, and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. May we find comfort in the knowledge that [Name]'s spirit will live on through the memories we cherish and the love we hold in our hearts.

Rest in peace, dear [Name]. Your legacy will forever be etched in our hearts, and your spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Thank you for the countless memories, the endless love, and the unwavering friendship. You are loved and cherished beyond measure.

We are here today to celebrate the life of a truly extraordinary person, [Name]. As we gather to honor their memory, let us focus not on our sadness, but on the incredible impact [Name] had on all of us. Their life was one of love, laughter, and meaningful connections, and it is a privilege to share our memories and celebrate the beautiful legacy they have left behind.

I first met [Name] in [context or time], and from that day forward, they became an integral part of my life. [Name] had a rare gift for making everyone feel valued and appreciated. Their genuine care for others was evident in every interaction, and their ability to connect with people from all walks of life was truly remarkable. [Name]'s kindness and empathy created a ripple effect that touched countless lives.

One of my favorite memories of [Name] is [specific memory]. It was a moment that perfectly captured their essence—[describe the memory in detail]. Their [specific qualities, such as humor, resilience, or compassion] made that moment unforgettable, and it is a memory I will hold dear forever. [Name] had a way of making even the simplest moments special, and their presence brought joy to everyone around them.

[Name] was not only a dear friend but also a dedicated [role, e.g., colleague, mentor, family member]. They approached every aspect of their life with passion and purpose. Whether it was through their work, their volunteer efforts, or their relationships, [Name] gave their all and made a positive impact on everyone they encountered. Their dedication to making the world a better place was truly inspiring.

One of the things that stood out most about [Name] was their unwavering strength and resilience. No matter what challenges they faced, they always approached them with courage and determination. [Name]'s ability to overcome obstacles and to find hope in difficult times was a testament to their incredible spirit. They taught us the importance of perseverance and the power of a positive attitude.

[Name] was also a person of great integrity and principle. They lived their life with honesty, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. [Name] was committed to doing what was right, even when it was difficult, and their actions reflected their strong values and beliefs. Their integrity and character earned them the respect and admiration of everyone who knew them.

As we celebrate [Name]'s life today, let us reflect on the many ways they enriched our lives. Their legacy is one of love, kindness, and unwavering strength. [Name] taught us the importance of living with purpose, of finding joy in every day, and of always being there for those we care about. Their impact on our lives is immeasurable, and their memory will forever be a part of us.

As we move forward, let us honor [Name]'s memory by continuing to live our lives with the same love and integrity that they did. Let us strive to be kind, compassionate, and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. May we find comfort in the knowledge that [Name]'s spirit will live on through the memories we cherish and the love we hold in our hearts.

Rest in peace, dear [Name]. Your legacy will forever be etched in our hearts, and your spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Thank you for the countless memories, the endless impact, and the unwavering friendship. You are loved and cherished beyond measure.

A Celebration of Life event is exactly what its name suggests: a gathering designed to celebrate and honor the life of the deceased. It's a commemorative event that focuses on the joy, love, and unique qualities of the person who has passed away, rather than primarily focusing on their death.

Unlike traditional funeral or memorial services, a Celebration of Life event is less bound by rituals or customs. Instead, it offers flexibility in format, venue, and proceedings, often reflecting the personality, values, or wishes of the deceased. This event can be organized alongside a traditional funeral service or held separately, depending on the preferences of the family.

At the heart of a Celebration of Life event are the key elements that pay tribute to the person's life journey. These elements may include:

Loved ones gather to share heartwarming stories, anecdotes, or experiences that encapsulate the deceased's personality, life, and the impact they had on others.

The event often includes personal elements connected to the deceased, such as their favorite music, photos, or even themed decorations that reflect their passions or hobbies.

Perhaps the most poignant part of the event is the Celebration of Life speech. This speech is a heartfelt oration that highlights the positive aspects of the deceased's life, their accomplishments, and the legacy they leave behind.

Understanding these elements and the concept of a Celebration of Life event can provide a strong foundation for creating a speech that not only pays tribute to your loved one's life but also offers comfort, closure, and healing to those in attendance. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the components of a Celebration of Life speech, offer examples, and provide tips to guide you in this process.

Crafting a Celebration of Life speech demands a delicate balance. While it should openly acknowledge the pain of loss, it's equally important to remember that the primary focus is to celebrate the life lived, highlighting the positives, joys, and the individuality of the deceased.

Start by recollecting fond memories and anecdotes that best exemplify the life and character of your loved one. These could range from significant life events to simple everyday moments that brought out their personality or qualities. Maybe it was their infectious laughter at family dinners, their knack for giving sage advice, or perhaps their culinary experiments that filled the house with delightful aromas.

Every life is a rich tapestry woven with threads of passion, hobbies, and achievements. Be it their career, their love for gardening, their endless hours spent fishing, their community service, or their ability to run a marathon, these aspects of their life formed a part of their identity and gave them joy. Celebrate these passions and achievements in your speech.

Reflect on the shared experiences that highlight your loved one's impact on those around them. This could involve personal experiences or those shared by others. For instance, the time they stayed up all night to help a friend with a project, or when they went out of their way to bring in a stray animal, showing their compassionate nature.

While a Celebration of Life speech leans towards the positive, it's essential to acknowledge the grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one. However, this acknowledgment should still tie back into the celebration of their life. Yes, we are heartbroken, but we are also immensely grateful for the time we had with them and the memories we created.

Creating a Celebration of Life speech is not about glossing over the sadness of loss; it's about embracing the full spectrum of emotions that come with remembering a loved one. The key lies in painting a vivid, holistic picture of their life - one that brings a soft smile of remembrance to the faces of those gathered, even amidst their tears.

The process of writing a Celebration of Life speech can feel daunting, especially during a time of grief. But this journey can also be a cathartic experience, helping you channel your emotions into creating a fitting tribute. Here's a step-by-step guide to assist you through the process:

Begin by reflecting on the life of your loved one. Spend time recalling memories, stories, and shared experiences. You may find it helpful to jot down these memories as they come to you, forming a collection of moments, traits, and achievements that capture the essence of their life. Don't rush this process. Allow yourself the freedom to reminisce and connect with your feelings. These reflections will form the core of your speech.

Once you have your thoughts collected, start outlining your speech. While there's no rigid template to follow, a good Celebration of Life speech generally has three parts:

• Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and your relationship with the deceased. Acknowledge the occasion and express your gratitude for the gathering to celebrate the life of your loved one.
• Body: This is where you share your gathered thoughts, memories, and experiences. Speak about their passions, achievements, and impact. Use your shared experiences and stories to paint a vivid picture of the person they were. Be honest and heartfelt.
• Conclusion: Conclude your speech by acknowledging the mix of grief and celebration. Share your hopes for healing and express how the deceased's memory will live on in the hearts of those present.

A Celebration of Life speech is inherently emotional, but it's also a celebration. While you acknowledge the sadness of loss, strive to keep your tone uplifting, focusing on the joy, love, and laughter your loved one brought into the world. This balance can be tricky, but always aim to leave your audience with a sense of warmth and appreciation for the life lived.

Once your speech is written, take the time to review and practice it. Read it out loud, listening to the flow and rhythm of your words. This practice will not only help you deliver the speech more confidently but may also highlight areas for improvement that you might have missed in writing. If possible, consider seeking feedback from a trusted friend or family member.

Remember, a Celebration of Life speech is deeply personal, and there's no 'wrong' way to go about it. Trust your feelings and your understanding of your loved one, and you'll create a speech that genuinely celebrates their life and the impact they had on those around them.

"Good afternoon everyone. I'm John, and for those who don't know me, Michael and I were best friends for over thirty years. We're here today not just to mourn his passing but to celebrate his vibrant, unforgettable life, full of joy, humor, and remarkable friendships.

Michael was a beacon of laughter. I recall a camping trip we took many years ago. We had forgotten to pack our tent, and rather than seeing it as a disaster, Michael just laughed and said, 'Well, it looks like we’re sleeping under the stars tonight.' And we did, sharing stories and laughter until the early morning. That's the spirit of Michael - always finding a reason to laugh and enjoy the moment.

Michael was passionate about music. He wasn't just a fan; he lived and breathed every note and lyric. His taste was infectious, and he introduced us all to bands and artists we'd never heard of before. His passion for music was one of the many things that made him truly unique.

I know we all miss Michael dearly. His laughter, his enthusiasm for music, his unwavering friendship - these are qualities that made him special. But today, let's remember the joy he brought into our lives and celebrate the time we were lucky enough to share with him. Michael's melody will forever play in our hearts."

"Hello everyone, I'm Sarah, Linda's daughter. Today, I want to celebrate my mother's life, the beautiful moments we shared, and the profound impact she had on all of us.

My mother was a woman of incredible strength and boundless love. I remember how she would come home after long hours at the hospital, tired but still finding the energy to make us dinner, help with homework, or just listen to our day. Her dedication to her family was limitless, and it's that love and strength that we honor today.

She was also an avid gardener, her love for plants apparent in the vibrant flower beds that surrounded our home. Each bloom in her garden was a testament to her patience and nurturing nature. Just as she tended to those plants, she nurtured our family with that same love and dedication.

As we gather here today, let's remember her not with sadness but with the love and joy she embodied. Let's celebrate the strength that she passed on to us, the love she nurtured in our hearts, and the beautiful life she lived."

"Good evening, my name is Martha, and Robert was my partner in all things life for 40 years. Today, we're here to remember him, not with grief, but with gratitude for the life he lived and the love he shared.

Robert was an exceptional man, filled with kindness, integrity, and a sense of adventure. He loved fishing, a passion born from countless summer afternoons spent at his grandfather's lakeside cabin. Even in the heart of winter, he would throw on his thickest coat, grab his fishing gear, and head to the frozen lake, undeterred by the cold.

He had an infectious laugh and a wit that could light up any room. He was my steadfast partner, my confidant, and my best friend. His love was a beacon, guiding me through life's storms, and his memory will continue to guide me in the years to come.

Today, let's honor Robert's memory by celebrating his life - a life lived with joy, love, and an unfailing spirit of adventure. As we say goodbye, let's remember the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the man he was. In our hearts, he will forever be fishing on a golden lake, his laughter echoing in the wind."

Each of these speeches embraces the spirit of celebrating the deceased's life, focusing on their qualities, passions, and the joy they brought to others. This approach helps those in mourning remember their loved ones in a positive light, celebrating the life they lived rather than focusing solely on the grief of their passing.

Delivering a Celebration of Life speech is not just about honoring the deceased; it's also about offering comfort to others and acknowledging the joy and happiness the deceased brought into their lives. It can be an emotional experience, filled with a mix of grief, love, and fond memories. Here are some tips to assist you in preparing and delivering a heartfelt and uplifting speech:

First and foremost, it's essential to recognize that delivering a Celebration of Life speech can be emotionally challenging. Take time to acknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to feel the full range of emotions. Don’t rush your preparation. Instead, allow yourself the time and space to reflect and reminisce about the person you are honoring.

As you prepare your speech, remember the intent is to celebrate the life of your loved one. Emphasize the positive impact they had on your life and others, recount joyful memories, and express the love and respect you have for them. While it's natural to feel grief, try to focus on the happiness and joy that the deceased brought into the world.

Achieving the right tone for a Celebration of Life speech can be a delicate balancing act. The aim is to create a speech that is upbeat and positive, focusing on the joyous aspects of the deceased's life. However, it's equally important to maintain respect and acknowledge the sorrow that comes with loss.

One way to ensure a positive, yet respectful tone, is by sharing uplifting anecdotes or memories that encapsulate the person's life, their passions, and their personality. Celebrate their achievements, recount humorous episodes, or tell stories about the times they made a difference in someone’s life. While it's okay to touch upon the sadness of their passing, try to bring the focus back to their life and the positive influence they had.

Having a printed copy of your speech can be incredibly helpful, especially when emotions are running high. It can provide a structure to your speech, help you maintain your train of thought, and ensure you cover all the points you wanted to mention. Plus, if you become too overwhelmed, it can be a helpful tool to lean on.

When writing your speech, try to keep your language simple and authentic. Write as you speak, and don't worry too much about adhering to formal speech-writing conventions. The most important thing is that your speech feels genuine and heartfelt.

Remember, it's okay to seek support when preparing or delivering a Celebration of Life speech. Talk to family members or close friends, and share your thoughts and feelings. They can provide comfort, help you collect your thoughts, or assist in recalling memories and anecdotes about the deceased. When delivering your speech, knowing you have the emotional support of others can provide comfort and strength.

Giving a Celebration of Life speech is a beautiful way to honor a loved one and a task filled with love and respect. Despite the emotions it may stir up, many find the process cathartic and healing. By focusing on the joy and love that the deceased brought into the world, you can provide comfort and solace to those in mourning while celebrating a life well-lived.

In conclusion, crafting and delivering a Celebration of Life speech is a poignant task that gives us the opportunity to express our feelings, share our cherished memories, and most importantly, to celebrate the life of someone who was dear to us. Although the process can be emotionally demanding, it is also an act of love that can bring a sense of healing and closure.

A Celebration of Life speech isn't just about marking the end of a person's journey; it's about paying tribute to their unique spirit, their passions, their achievements, and their impact on the lives of others. As we've seen in the sample speeches provided, each person's life story is uniquely their own, full of vivid colors, distinct flavors, and a myriad of experiences that helped shape them and those around them.

In the midst of our grief, a Celebration of Life event provides a space where tears and laughter coexist, where stories are shared, and where the life of our loved one is honored in the most beautiful way possible. In that space, we are reminded of the fragility and the preciousness of life, prompting us to live our own lives with more purpose, gratitude, and love.

As you prepare your speech, remember that it's okay to lean on others for support, to express your emotions openly, and to seek solace in the shared memories of your loved one. At the end of the day, your words, spoken from the heart, will serve as a touching homage to the life that was and the memories that will forever remain.

May this guide serve as a beacon during this challenging time, illuminating your path as you navigate through your emotions, gather your thoughts, and ultimately, craft a speech that truly celebrates the life of your beloved. Remember, your tribute will form part of the lasting legacy of your loved one’s life, a testament to their journey, and a celebration of the love they shared.

In the quietude that envelopes the journey to the final farewell, encapsulating profound emotions in words can feel as challenging as capturing the subtlety of a fleeting shadow. The act of composing a eulogy for a spiritual mentor is not merely about stringing words together; it's about creating a narrative that intertwines respect with heartfelt sincerity. Eulogy Assistant is your compassionate ally in this sensitive endeavor, blending tribute with grace, turning memories into enduring honors.

Our team, adept in empathy and the nuanced art of eulogy composition, is here to support you in crafting a eulogy that echoes with the dignified elegance characteristic of a spiritual leader's life. At Eulogy Assistant , we extend beyond mere service; we are your understanding companions on a journey of poignant remembrance and reflection.

Eulogy Assistant values the importance of partnership in crafting a eulogy that truly resonates with the soul. In collaborating with us, you embark on a process where your personal stories and heartfelt reflections are intricately woven with our expertise, culminating in a tribute that is both respectful and emotive.

Our methodology is an ensemble of interactive discussions and creative coalescence, where your insights and memories contribute to shaping the narrative of the spiritual leader's legacy. This collaborative venture goes beyond commemorating their spiritual and community roles; it celebrates the impactful connections they fostered throughout their life.

In this partnership, we serve as attentive architects of this legacy, constructing a narrative that captures the essence of the spiritual leader - a story that extends beyond the ordinary, into a realm that is respectful, intimate, and deeply moving. Our collaborative efforts seek to transform the eulogy into a heartfelt ensemble of words, mirroring the respect and admiration the spiritual leader inspired.

The true essence of our commitment and the quality of our expertise are vividly reflected in the sincere testimonials from those we've served. These expressions of gratitude and acknowledgment from individuals who found comfort and guidance in our service are the pillars of our pride.

"In my hour of need, Eulogy Assistant was a guiding beacon, assisting me in articulating a tribute that befit the grace and stature of my beloved spiritual guide," shares Johnathan, who found solace and support in our partnership.

Similarly, Emily recounts, "The compassionate proficiency of Eulogy Assistant was a soothing presence in my time of sorrow, steering me through with dignity. The final eulogy was not merely a speech but a profound homage resonating with the collective love and respect we held for our esteemed spiritual mentor."

These testimonials stand as a testament to our unwavering dedication, illuminating our path as we continue to offer a service that goes beyond the ordinary, transforming words into conduits of honor, respect, and timeless recollection. It is our honor to accompany you in this journey, celebrating the legacies left behind and crafting eulogies that stand as eternal tributes to lives that have profoundly impacted and been cherished.

Join us in creating narratives that shine with dignity and remembrance, honoring the spiritual mentors who have left an indelible mark on our lives with their wisdom and compassion.

What is a Celebration of Life Speech?

A Celebration of Life speech is a heartfelt tribute that honors the life and legacy of a deceased individual. It highlights the joyous moments, achievements, and the positive impact the person had on others. These speeches are often delivered at memorial services or commemorative events, providing an opportunity to celebrate the person’s life rather than focusing solely on their passing.

How Does a Celebration of Life Speech Differ from a Eulogy?

While both eulogies and Celebration of Life speeches serve to remember the deceased, a Celebration of Life speech often has a more uplifting tone, focusing on the joyous moments, accomplishments, and positive characteristics of the individual. It is more about celebrating the person's life journey and the wonderful memories they created, rather than mourning their loss.

What Should be the Tone of a Celebration of Life Speech?

The tone of a Celebration of Life speech should be a harmonious blend of empathy, warmth, and positivity. While it acknowledges the loss, it predominantly emphasizes the joy, love, and beautiful moments the person brought into the lives of others, fostering a comforting and hopeful atmosphere.

What are Some Tips for Writing a Celebration of Life Speech?

When writing a Celebration of Life speech, it is recommended to:

• Start with a personal anecdote or memory that encapsulates the person's spirit.
• Highlight the person's positive traits and accomplishments.
• Incorporate quotes or sayings that were meaningful to the person.
• Share stories that illustrate the person's impact on others.
• End on a hopeful note, emphasizing the person's lasting legacy.

How Long Should a Celebration of Life Speech Be?

Typically, a Celebration of Life speech lasts between 5 and 10 minutes. However, it can be adjusted based on the specific circumstances of the event. It is essential to convey heartfelt messages without it being too lengthy, retaining the audience's engagement throughout the speech.

Can I Incorporate Humor into a Celebration of Life Speech?

Yes, incorporating humor into a Celebration of Life speech can often bring a sense of comfort and lightness to the occasion. Sharing funny anecdotes or humorous traits of the individual can be a beautiful way to honor their memory, showcasing their ability to bring joy and laughter to others.

How Can I Make the Speech More Personal?

To make the speech more personal, you can include:

• Personal stories or memories shared with the individual.
• Mention of their hobbies, interests, or passions.
• Specific examples of the person's kindness, generosity, or other positive traits.
• Quotations or poems that remind you of the person.

Can I Include Multimedia Elements in the Speech?

Yes, incorporating multimedia elements such as photos, videos, or music can enhance the speech by providing a visual and auditory representation of the person's life. These elements can help to evoke emotions and offer a deeper connection to the individual being remembered.

How Should I Conclude a Celebration of Life Speech?

Concluding the speech with a heartfelt farewell, a hopeful message, or a moment of reflection can be very moving. It might also be fitting to end with a quote, a poem, or a personal sentiment that encapsulates the person's essence and the positive impact they had on others.

Can I Invite Others to Share Their Memories During the Speech?

Absolutely, inviting others to share their memories can be a beautiful way to involve the community in the celebration. It allows for a diverse range of stories and perspectives, painting a fuller picture of the person's life and the many lives they touched.

How Can I Prepare Myself to Deliver the Speech?

Preparing yourself emotionally is crucial. It might be helpful to rehearse the speech several times to become comfortable with the content. On the day, take deep breaths and give yourself the grace to be emotional if necessary. Remember, it is a celebration of the person's life, and it's okay to show vulnerability.

What Should I Do If I Become Too Emotional While Speaking?

If you find yourself becoming too emotional, take a moment to compose yourself. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed during such occasions. You can pause, take a deep breath, or have a backup speaker ready to step in if needed. The audience understands the emotional weight of the moment and will support you through it.

Looking For Examples? Here Are Some of The Best Eulogies

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Gift Guide For Speech Therapists

By Meredith Avren

Creative. Funny. Useful. Trendy. Comfy. The best gifts for SLPs!  

If you’re shopping for a speech-language pathologist (SLP), you’ve come to the right place. I’m an SLP with over a decade of experience and I’ve got a list of 10 amazing gifts for the special speech therapist in your life. Let’s get started! 

And there you have it. The best gifts for the special SLP in your life! Happy shopping!

Thanks for reading the Peachie Speechie blog! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page so we can keep in touch. 💌

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30 Perfect Gifts for Speech-Language Pathologists

If an SLP has touched your life this year, show them how you appreciate them with the perfect gift for the holidays.

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Speech-language pathologists, speech therapists, and audiologists help people better connect with their friends, family, and peers every single day. Verbal communication is one of the main building blocks of human relationships, and it’s something most of us take for granted. So, if an SLP has touched your life in some way this year, now’s the time to show them how much you appreciate it. Finding a thoughtful, personal gift for a speech therapist can be a time-consuming endeavor—who wants to spend hours scrolling through endless pages of “SLP shirt” results when they could be snacking on cookies and eggnog?

Luckily, we’ve already done the necessary work for you. Below, you’ll find a list of our favorite SLP gifts, organized by category. Consider these gift ideas for speech therapists our gift to you. Cheers!

Workplace Widgets

To begin, let’s check out some workplace upgrades guaranteed to relieve some of the daily stress and fatigue SLPs experience.

• Most outpatient clinics require their therapists not only to be mobile, but to also carry a laptop or tablet with them throughout the day. As such, the standard hospital tray tables just don’t cut it, so help them out with this mobile desk .
• For the coffee or tea drinker who is constantly on the move, nothing can be a better savior than an anti-spill drink holder or this clip-on variant.
• Help keep your SLP’s smartphone charged with this sleek mobile desk add-on .
• Does that special SLP you’re buying for spend an exorbitant amount of time on their feet? Opt for a memory foam mat to better support their knees, back, feet, and joints.
• For the SLP that works primarily in schools or in homecare, help organize their satellite office with a mobile desk .

Baubles and Bling

Is the SLP on your list an accessory aficionado? If so, then this is definitely the section for you. Any of these shiny doodads would be the perfect complement to any ensemble—formal or casual.

• Bangle bracelets are fun and funky, so if those words describe the SLP in your life, then they’ll love this charming option .
• Not that SLPs need any help in the inspiration department, but this message-focused necklace would make a fantastic wearable keepsake.
• Okay, so you can’t actually give the gift of time, but this decked-out watch will help any busy SLP stay on schedule in style.
• Lots of SLPs have to wear the same boring ID card to work every day, but this bejeweled badge holder will add some sparkle to their daily ensembles. 
• While this customizable speech therapist ornament isn’t meant to be worn by your favorite SLP, it can certainly help accentuate a holiday tree. 

Flair You Can Wear

While SLPs specialize in the spoken word, the written messages scrawled on these items of clothing have significant meaning to this special group of people. Plus, some of them are downright hilarious—and who doesn’t love a jolly good laugh this time of year? 

• Know an SLP with a funny bone? This comical cartoon shirt is sure to elicit a chuckle or two. (You can also find it as a crew neck sweatshirt here and as a baby onesie here .)
• Ahoy, matey! Whether your humor-loving SLP prefers land or sea, this pirate-themed shirt is a great gift option.
• If your favorite SLP just had a baby, consider sending this speech-therapy themed baby bodysuit or this bib (or this one ).
• Most SLPs could write pronunciation keys in their sleep, and this t-shirt takes that unique skill and turns it into a clever way for speech therapists to show everyone just how much they love their profession. To browse a whole page of smile-worthy speech-themed tees, click here (seriously, there are so many good SLP gifts here).
• This SLP-themed shirt from 3E Love is one of our all-time faves, and with good reason. Click here to check out the inspirational story behind the brand.
• As this custom applique tee suggests, that annoyingly catchy Bonnie Raitt tune could totally be the theme song for speech-language pathology.

The Art of Therapy

Creating a speech therapy program is a lot like creating art: It requires great passion, vision, and patience. These pieces embody the fusion of the visual and auditory senses, making them well-suited additions to any SLP clinic, office, or waiting room.

• Bright, light, and cheerful, this quartet of SLP-specific framed artwork is sure to perk up any SLP room or office.
• Give your favorite SLP a poster that’s as dynamic as their personality with this awareness-inspired sound wave wall art . Or try another piece inspired by soundwaves that incorporates the colors of the rainbow. 
• This delightfully colorful metal placard serves as an invitation (and reminder) for your favorite speech therapist’s clients of the importance of strength, kindness, and love for oneself and others. 
• Throw a gallery frame around this anatomy art , and you’ll have a conversation (pun intended) piece that any SLP will appreciate.
• Help your favorite SLP add a little personalized style at home or the office with these decorative nameplates . 

Fun and Functional

Many people write off practical gifts as a holiday no-no, but we know we’re not the only ones who would rather receive any of the items below in place of the ubiquitous holiday fruitcake. 

• It might not be feasible to give your SLP a beach vacation, but you can definitely give them this groovy beach towel .
• If you know an SLP who appreciates a little snark in the morning, this clever coffee mug might be just the gift you’re looking for. If your SLP is more of a hot cocoa person, check out this chocolate-themed cup . Or, if your therapist is always on the go, take a peek at this thoughtful travel tumbler !
• Know an SLP who appreciates a nice, cold after-work beverage? Then, they might like this vintage-logoed pint glass .
• Gift this sweet tote bag is perfect for the SLP in your life who is no longer practicing but hasn’t lost one bit of love for the profession.
• If your favorite speech therapist has a sweet tooth, then consider sending some adorable SLP-themed cookies on a stick . Who doesn’t love chocolate and sprinkles?
• We wouldn’t want to leave out your SLP’s significant other—we know they’re important, too. So, here’s a “My ♡ Belongs to a Speech Therapist” decal that’s perfect for that other half.
• Half the fun of owning a reusable water bottle is that you can customize it to your liking! These dishwasher-safe SLP sticker bundles are perfect for the environmentally conscious, decor-loving SLPs in your life. They can also be used to liven up a journal, laptop, or phone.
• Have a speech therapy teacher in your life? Consider gifting this picture book (which is loosely based on the classic story, “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly”) titled, “There Was a Speech Teacher Who Swallowed Some Dice.” 

Words of Appreciation

Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones written from the heart.

• Looking to express your appreciation in writing this year? Check out these thank you greeting cards , sure to give your SLP all the feels.

There you go: our top speech-language pathologist gift ideas for 2022. Now that you can check one more person off of your shopping list, you’ll have more time to start addressing all those family holiday cards. And, speaking of checking people off your list, if you have an occupational therapist or physical therapist you still need to shop for, we have gift ideas for them as well. 

Have a gift suggestion that isn’t included here? Leave a comment below to share it with the world.

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21 Gifts for Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs)

11/23/2016 by Jenna 4 Comments

Are you a generous elf looking for the perfect gift for your Speech Language Pathologist or Teacher friend? (Hi, MOM!!!!) Today I’m sharing a dozen gift ideas for speech therapists or SLPs.  Although we’re generous souls who work for the benefit of our clients, there are a few things we’d like to find under our tree this year. If you happen to be an elf who loves Amazon, like me, I included Amazon affiliate links for your convenience to some items below.

After this list, make sure you browse the 2019 Holiday Gift Guide ! 

Here are the gifts your SLP actually wants.

Kate Spade Watch: Got a lady who loves fashion? I wear a watch every day to work and it is usually a Kate Spade. Love this one!

Check out these speech bubble + BLAH notes  from Paper Thin Studio. I’ve never met an SLP without a to-do list.

Coffee Maker or Keurig Cups . It’s the little things that make life at a school better. Coffee is one of those little things so if your favorite school employee is a coffee drinker, go grab her some K cups! The Dunkin’ mix is my favorite!

Ulla: A co-worker of mine has this really cool water-bottle gadget . It is a small sensor that attaches to any water bottle. It tracks your drinking and blinks when you should drink water. SLPs know how important hydration is for our voices and this little tool might work for you!

Speaking of Hydration, you favorite SLP likely needs a bottle of wine. You can specialize it by ordering these wine bottle labels to add to any bottle and bring a smile to your SLP friends.

Speak Out Game : For a little adult humor with an SLP twist, Speak Out is funny! You put in a lip spreader like you’ve seen at the dentist and try to say sentences. I guarantee your SLP will be listening for bilabials and labiodentals.

Hair Tie Bracelets : I work with children with behavior and sensory needs so I often have to be ready to pull my hair up and out of reach at a moments notice. I use a hair tie bracelet to avoid that tight feeling on my wrist and always have one when I need it!

Peachie Speechie T-shirts : If your school has jeans and t-shirt Friday, pick from one of dozens of Peachie Speechie t-shirts.

The cord battle is real at my house. These super cute cord organizers from Dean Trout (retired SLP) are super cute but also super functional.

I use a bluetooth speaker for lots of reason in my therapy. I love the Bose version!

No Spill  Mighty Mug Biggie : I bought a Mighty Mug this year and this thing is awesome! When you set it down it airlocks to the table. If you lift straight up, it comes right off the table. If you knock it front the side, it won’t tip over. Life saver for a busy SLPs desk!

Fake Yeti: Yeti stainless steel tumblers are all the rage. They carry a hefty price tag but these Ozark ones work just as well at 1/3 of the price! I pack my water in one every day!

A solid work bag is essential for every SLP. I have this Stella and Dot bag and love that I can wear it on my shoulder or cross body.

Blue Tree Publishing still makes these really cute SLP sticky notes. They are stinking adorable.

Christmas Ornaments: This is always a favorite gift of mine!

Zazzle has this cute SLP words version.

This wooden  speech bubble one from Etsy could be personalized really easily!

Spectograph Card : How cute are these? Bring out your inner Speech Science nerd!

Or wear your sound wave with a cute bracelet from  FioreJewellery !

Organizing Bins : I usually start the year with a resolution to get organized and I love these metals ones that can be wall mounted.

Speaking of office supplies, Pentel Energel are my very favorite pens ever. Dear Santa, fill my stocking with these.

Last year I bought a binding machine and it has been great. I use it to bind my interactive vocabulary books.

And if your favorite SLP doesn’t have her very own laminator, I use a Scotch laminator at home. I’m going on 7 years strong with mine!

Time! The best things you can give an SLP is time. You can purchase a gift card to Teachers Pay Teachers  and  send them on a shopping spree in my TpT shop! 

In case your family happens to follow you on Pinterest, go ahead and pin this nifty image!

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11/23/2016 at 3:20 pm

Wow! These are great ideas!!! You are just do awesome with all your cool tips Thanks

11/27/2016 at 1:34 pm

11/28/2016 at 7:28 pm

If “Maggie” in comment #2 is Maggie Mae M……..YES! Your mom would be delighted with any of these gift ideas! I especially like the cord organizers! Sincerely, Mom 🙂

12/06/2016 at 10:53 pm

Thanks! Great post… Hope I get some of these gifts!

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12 Gifts for Speech Language Pathologists

by Anne Page | Nov 24, 2017 | SLP Like a Boss

SLP gift ideas can be tricky. Whether you’re a parent giving a gift to your child’s SLP or you want something special for your SLP bestie (or wife or CF supervisor). I’ve got you covered for all price ranges. Especially if you’re buying for yourself my SLP friend.

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JD Vance, an Unlikely Friendship and Why It Ended

His political views differed from a transgender classmate’s, but they forged a bond that lasted a decade — until Mr. Vance seemed to pivot, politically and personally.

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By Stephanie Saul

Stephanie Saul, who covers education, reviewed about 90 emails and text messages spanning between 2014 and 2017.

When his book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” was published in 2016, JD Vance sent an email apologizing to a close friend from his Yale Law School days. The friend identified as transgender, but Mr. Vance referred to them in the book as a lesbian.

Listen to this article with reporter commentary

“Hey Sofes, here’s an excerpt from my book,” Mr. Vance wrote to his friend, Sofia Nelson. “I send this to you not just to brag, but because I’m sure if you read it you’ll notice reference to ‘an extremely progressive lesbian.’”

“I recognize now that this may not accurately reflect how you think of yourself, and for that I am really sorry,” he wrote. “I hope you’re not offended, but if you are, I’m sorry! Love you, JD.”

Nelson wrote back the same day, calling Mr. Vance “buddy” and thanking him for “being sweet,” adding, “If you had written gender queer radical pragmatist, nobody would know what you mean.” Nelson asked for an autographed copy, then signed off with, “Love, Sofia.”

That exchange is from a series of emails between two friends, part of a close-knit group of 16 students who remained together throughout their first law school semester in the fall of 2010. As now-Senator Vance seeks the vice presidency, Nelson has shared about 90 of their emails and text messages, primarily from 2014 through 2017, with The New York Times.

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