Thoughtful Thanksgiving Host Gifts
November 21, 2023
Here are 9 unique and meaningful ways to express your gratitude.
Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness, gratitude and delicious feasts shared with loved ones. If you're attending a Thanksgiving gathering as a guest, it's customary to express your appreciation to the host with a thoughtful gift. While traditional offerings like a bouquet of flowers are always appreciated, check out these unique and meaningful alternatives that go the extra mile in conveying your thanks.
Homemade Treats
Nothing says "thank you" like a homemade treat. Consider baking a pie, a batch of cookies or preparing a jar of homemade jam. These delightful offerings not only showcase your culinary skills but also add a personal touch to the celebration.
Scented Candles or Diffusers
Enhance the ambiance of your host's home with scented candles or essential oil diffusers. Opt for warm and cozy scents like cinnamon, vanilla or pumpkin spice to create a welcoming atmosphere that complements the Thanksgiving spirit.
Gourmet Goodies Basket
Put together a basket of gourmet goodies such as artisanal chocolates, exotic nuts and high-quality cheeses. This thoughtful gesture provides the host with a variety of treats to enjoy after the Thanksgiving feast.
Tip: Don’t have time to make your own gift basket? Consider a gift basket with a variety of options such as candy, dried or fresh fruit, nuts, popcorn, cookies and more from a wholesaler like Costco Wholesale.
Customized Kitchen Tools
For hosts who love to cook, consider gifting customized kitchen tools. Personalized, engraved cutting boards, utensils or a set of high-quality kitchen knives are practical and thoughtful gifts that can be cherished for other hosting events to come.
Potted Plants or Fresh Flowers
Brighten up your host's home with a beautiful potted plant. Choose seasonal blooms or a low-maintenance plant, like a succulent, which can add a touch of nature to the Thanksgiving table.
Thanksgiving Themed Decor
Bring a touch of festive decor to your host's home with Thanksgiving-themed items. Consider decorative candles shaped like pumpkins or autumn leaves, festive table runners or elegant napkin rings that can be used to enhance the holiday atmosphere.
Board Games or Puzzles
Encourage post-dinner bonding with board games or puzzles that the host can enjoy with family and friends. Choose games that are suitable for all ages and can provide hours of entertainment during (or after) the holiday gathering.
Artisanal Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars
Infuse culinary creativity into your host's kitchen by gifting a set of high-quality, artisanal olive oils and balsamic vinegars. These gourmet condiments can add a burst of flavor to salads, vegetables and other Thanksgiving dishes.
Personalized Thank-you Note
Sometimes a heartfelt thank-you note can be the most meaningful gift. Express your gratitude in writing, sharing specific moments or aspects of the gathering that you truly appreciated.
When selecting a gift for your Thanksgiving host, aim for something that reflects your appreciation and adds to the joy of the celebration. Whether it's a homemade treat, a thoughtful piece of décor or a practical kitchen accessory, your gesture will undoubtedly contribute to the warmth and gratitude of the holiday season.
As we move into the second quarter of another exciting year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and share some of the new initiatives we are implementing in the realms of sales, marketing and community engagement. Over the past year, GBU Life has reached significant milestones thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team and the trust and support of our members. Our sales department has exceeded targets, and we have expanded our reach to more communities than ever before. We have launched several successful marketing campaigns that have not only increased our visibility but have also strengthened our brand's presence in the industry. For this year, our focus will be educating potential new members on the importance of securing their financial futures through life insurance and annuity products while serving their communities as part of our great Society. Looking ahead, we are committed to enhancing our sales strategies to better serve you. We are introducing some tools for our agents to enhance our products. One new tool is our Defined Benefit Annuity program which combines the Future Flex Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) with a software tool that can help determine retirement savings needs and break them down into contributions over time to help you meet your retirement goals. Be sure to keep in touch with your GBU agent to review your plans and products to see how adding an FIA to your retirement planning can help boost your savings efforts
GBU members between the ages of three and nine years old can enter their colored page in this year's contest, which is themed Pawprints on My Heart. Three age categories will be judged as follows: Category I: Ages three and four Category II: Ages five and six Category III: Ages seven, eight and nine Entrants may use crayons, colored pencils, markers or watercolor paints. Entries will be accepted through Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The picture on the next page can be reproduced, or copies can be obtained by calling the Community Engagement Team at the GBU Home Office (800-765-4428) or by printing the image above. Cash Prizes for Each Category First prize: $75 Second prize: $50 Third prize: $30 How to Enter Send the three- to nine-year-old GBU member's coloring contest entry with their name and address on the colored page to: GBU Life ATTN: Member Benefits 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394. Or email contest@gbu.org with "Coloring Contest Entry” as the subject line. General Information Judges reserve the right to accept or reject any or all entries. Their decisions will be final. Artwork will be handled at the GBU Home Office with the utmost care. GBU reserves the right to reproduce entries for whatever use it wishes, provided proper credit is given. Permission does not include the sale of such work.
GBU has designated four Community Pillars - Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support - which are a concentrated list of causes that resonate with our values.
Looking for new spots to explore this winter? Check out these three must-visit places for your next adventure.
Details and deadlines surrounding the GBU Foundation scholarship and grants for 2025.
Looking to try some new recipes this winter?
We've found some tips to keep up your sleeve this winter.
The Defined Benefit Annuity from GBU Life can help you to create a plan for a guaranteed income in retirement by making regular contributions based on your retirement income targets.
Graduating from college is an exciting milestone, but it’s also the perfect time to focus on your financial future. Building on the foundation you’ve already laid the groundwork for with smart money choices will set you up for long-term success. Here are a few key financial products to consider as you take the next step.
Kick-start your child’s journey to financial success with a whole life policy from GBU Life.