Finding a note when you don't expect it, can be a fun surprise.

• A simple "Thank You" attached to the fridge for a family member to see or attached to a co-workers' computer screen can express your thanks and give the other person a smile.

Did your teacher recommend you for a special award?

• Say "Thanks" with a note attached to their coffee mug. 
• Did your teacher encourage you to succeed? Explain the specifics of your appreciation to the teacher with a short note such as "Thanks for giving me confidence in myself."

An unexpected banner or sign that expresses your gratitude is a fun way to say "Thanks."

• The sign can be any size and can be hand lettered or professionally printed. You can choose to put up a banner written with chalk on their garage door or have a sign maker create a printed banner or sign to be placed in the front of their house. Either way, you will surprise them and they will feel your gratitude.

What you say on the sign is up to you:

• You don't have to specify exactly what they did. 
• The key is to surprise them with seeing your gratitude expressed in a public way.

Your "Thank You" doesn't have to be given in English.

Consider adding to the fun by expressing your thanks in a foreign language. For example:

• French - merci
• Spanish - gracias
• Hawaiian - mahalo
• German - danke
• Norwegian - takk
• Finnish - kiitos
• Italian - grazie
• Japanese - arigato
• Tagalog (Philippines) - salamat po
• Russian - spasibo
• Portuguese - obrigado

Sometimes your "Thank You" begs for a little more explanation than you could give on a brief note or banner. This is when you need to write a letter or card.

• Be sure to customize the card by mentioning what they gave you and how you will use it. 
• If someone was particularly thoughtful or kind, be sure to mention specifically what it is they did or gave you. If you enjoyed spending time with them, recap a particularly fun part of the trip.

Regardless of whether you say "Thanks" with a gift, a card, or a banner, the important thing to remember is to give your thanks quickly and with sincerity.