Before everyone disappears for the summer
It’s now that time of year when much of the usual daily routine starts to change, and many things come to an end, ready for fresh beginnings in September.
If you have children, you are probably still involved in the regular routines of school runs, training nights, lessons, matches, clubs, revision (possibly still), and childcare – whilst having to dash to work and sometimes catch up on tasks outside of working hours. Then suddenly exams are over, sports seasons are finishing, teachers are on the final stretch, coaches are collecting kit back in, and everyone is asking what is happening over the summer.
In the flurry and the busyness, it can be very last minute when people realise there are quite a few thank yous they forgot to sort out. Teachers are the obvious ones, but it’s much wider than that. There are teaching assistants who often interact on a more personal level with their charges. Nursery staff who have dealt with tears, tiredness, sticky hands and lost jumpers for months. Childminders who have been critical in allowing parents to work and operate whilst feeling secure that their kiddies are being safely cared for. Tutors who have got teenagers through exams, which deserves some sort of medal in itself.
Then there are all the sports people: The coaches who have stood in freezing rain, then in blazing sun (not so often!), somehow keeping a group of children and often adults, organised and motivated. The parent who ended up running the WhatsApp group. The person who sorted fixtures, lifts, subs, bibs, balls, trophies, drinks, score sheets and all the other things nobody notices unless they’re not done.
There are dance teachers, swimming instructors, tennis coaches, padel coaches, football managers, netball coaches, drama teachers, music teachers, riding instructors and club volunteers. All the people who give children, teenagers and adults something to belong to outside school, work and home.
And as summer comes in, childcare starts changing too.
Grandparents step in; friends help out; neighbours take in parcels, feed pets, water plants, let children stay for tea or do that invaluable thing of being available when a work call runs over and nobody can get back in time.
We sometimes don’t stop to think how many people help us throughout life and how reliant we are on their patience, kindness and flexibility.
That’s why this is such a great time to thank them and show them you do appreciate them.
We know people deserve a special show of thanks and we do think about it, but then we can get distracted by exams, leavers’ events, sports days, end of term chaos, work deadlines, travel plans, dog care, passports, and packing.
A good thank you gift doesn’t have to cost a fortune. What really matters is that it doesn’t look as if you remembered it at the till, or gave what you did last year or what everyone else is giving. It only truly has real meaning when it is relevant and thoughtful. It can be practical, funny, a treat, or a mix of all. But the most important thing is that it is specific to the individual.
For a teacher, that might be something relaxing, useful or personal, depending on what you know about them. For a sports coach, it might connect to the sport or to what they do after the whistle goes. For a tutor, it might be a thank you with some personalised item for getting someone through a difficult period. For a childminder or nursery team, it might be something to share, or something just for them, if one or two individuals stand out.
For work, there are plenty of summer thank yous too. The colleague covering holidays. the employee holding the fort when people are away, the client who has been patient if service was not up to the usual standard, the supplier who did you the favour of turning something around fast, the office organiser, someone who went above or beyond to you personally or for the team.
These are the gifts that often get forgotten because they are not tied to one big set date like Christmas. But that’s exactly why they can have even more impact – because they take someone by surprise.
At Top Hampers, we see this all the time. Timing is important and combined with the right mix of products and message, people are so touched and appreciative.
That might be a thank you hamper, a branded gift box, a build-your-own gift, a teacher gift, a sports-themed hamper, a small group gift, or something made around a person’s hobbies, tastes or role. We may know the reason but the person receiving the gift should determine the contents. That’s the difference between a gift that’s remembered and one that is quickly forgotten.
Who has helped you this year?
