As I write this blog post, Thanksgiving is a mere two days away. The last-minute grocery shopping, cleaning, and prepping are all underway, and we’re paving the way for a day filled with love and laughter. Family is in town, and it’s feeling a bit more normal than last year. It is the start to the holiday season and paves the way for festive gatherings and making memories.  It’s a time to slow down and remember what we are thankful for and all that we are blessed with from the past year. These last couple years have been challenging, and it’s helped me be more cognizant of those around me and sharing what I can. Here are 10 practical ways to show gratitude to loved ones and strangers alike this season.

10 Ways to Give Back

1. Volunteer at a shelter

2. Host a ladies’ night in

3. Send a friend an encouraging text

4. Craft and give away homemade bath and body recipes

5. Put together care packages 

6. Email a coworker thanking them for their hard work

7. Donate unwanted items

8. Write old-fashioned letters and mail them

9. Tip generously 

10. Donate blood

Danielle Williams is the assistant senior managing editor for Stampington & Company. She lives in Orange County, California, with her husband, daughter, and opinionated cat, Holly Golighty.