Small Authentic Gestures
Simple acts of care, when genuine, build trust, boost morale, and help people feel seen.
What kind of care do you want to show?
Choose what resonates: appreciation, celebration, or support through a challenge.
Select a care option above to see gesture suggestions
All gestures
Every gesture in the library, 77 in all, by occasion.
Appreciation 28
Ask their opinion on important decisions
Value their input and include them in meaningful discussions
Behind-the-scenes acknowledgment for usually unseen work
Recognize and appreciate work that often goes unnoticed
Bring them their favorite coffee or tea
Remember preferences and provide favorite beverages
Car detailing service voucher
Provide car care service as appreciation gesture
Coffee chat outside the office
Connect in relaxed environment to address concerns
Concert, theater, or sports event tickets
Provide entertainment experiences as appreciation
Desk plants or fresh flower delivery
Brighten workspace with plants or flowers
Email to upper management recognizing hard work or a work win, copied to employee
Advocate for employee recognition at higher levels
Express confidence in their abilities during difficult projects
Provide encouragement and confidence building
Handwritten thank-you note on quality stationery
Personal, thoughtful note expressing specific appreciation
Hobby supply surprise based on observed interests: art materials, running gear, cooking tools
Personalized gifts based on their personal interests
Home office optimization: better webcam, lighting, ergonomic accessories
Improve work-from-home setup and comfort
Parent date night funding: dinner and babysitting
Support parents by funding couple time
Personalized card for small wins or just because
Thoughtful card acknowledging achievements or showing care
Premium coffee or tea collections with personal mug
High-quality beverages with personalized accessories
Public recognition and appreciation for work wins
Acknowledge achievements publicly to celebrate success
Quick video message acknowledging hard work
Personal video highlighting contributions and impact
Random Text of Appreciation
For example, "Just wanted to say I appreciate what you bring to this team. It matters more than you know."
Seek their advice on challenges you're facing
Value their perspective on problems you're working through
Send an appreciation text message
Example: "Just wanted to say I appreciate what you bring to this team. It matters more than you know."
Send an Email highlighting exactly what they did well
Specific recognition of achievements via email
Share an article or resource related to their interests
Send them something you think they'd find valuable
Share credit publicly for successes
Always acknowledge their contributions in public forums
Sticky note of encouragement on their desk
Small note left where they'll find it to brighten their day
Subscription boxes related to their interests
Ongoing gifts based on personal interests and hobbies
Tell them specifically what strengths you see in them
Point out their unique talents and capabilities
Verbal praise in front of peers
Acknowledge their work publicly in team settings
Voice recording of appreciation
Audio message expressing gratitude instead of written feedback
Birth of a Child 5
Coffee sets, meal delivery gift cards, humorous parenting books, or massage vouchers offer support and self-care for new parents
Coffee sets, meal delivery gift cards, humorous parenting books, or massage vouchers offer support and self-care for new parents
Create a "welcome to parenthood" video message from teammates
Team video celebrating new parenthood
Meal delivery service
Meal support for new parents, grieving families, or caregivers
Personalized storybooks, name puzzles, monogrammed robes or blankets
Thoughtful personalized gifts for new baby
Team gifts such as baby time capsules and branded onesies make fun and memorable collective gifts from coworkers
Collaborative team gifts for new parents
Burnout or Stress 10
Extend deadline buffer when sensing struggle
Provide timeline flexibility during challenging periods
Grant surprise half-day off without using PTO
Unexpected time off as appreciation or support
Late start or early finish permissions
Schedule flexibility for various life circumstances
Mental health app subscriptions (premium meditation, wellness apps)
Digital wellness support and resources
Mental health day off
Dedicated time off for mental health and wellness
Personal or Text message checking in
Simple text to show you're thinking of them during difficult times
Simply listen without trying to fix when they need to vent
Be present and hear them out without offering solutions
Walk-and-talk meeting
Hold meeting while walking in outdoor setting for stress relief
Wellness activity inclusion: walking groups, meditation sessions
Include in workplace wellness activities for stress management
Workload redistribution
Redistribute tasks when they're struggling without making them ask
Celebrate a Work Win 1
Temporary Premium parking spot
Special parking privilege as celebration or appreciation
Childcare Issues 5
After-school program funding
Support families with childcare needs through program funding
Childcare support during work travel
Provide childcare assistance when travel is required
Emergency childcare funds
Financial support for unexpected childcare needs
School schedule accommodation for pickup/dropoff
Flexible scheduling for parental responsibilities
Work-from-home flexibility
Provide remote work options during challenging circumstances
Family or Caretaking 2
Caregiver support group connections
Connect caregivers with support networks and resources
Eldercare resource connections
Connect with eldercare support and resources
Just Because 3
Access to a financial advisor or budgeting workshop
Provide financial planning resources and support
Cozy office items: throws, slippers, personal heaters
Provide comfort items to make workspace more welcoming
Financial stress relief: salary advances, grocery gift cards
Provide immediate financial support during stress
Loss of a Family Member 4
Grief counseling coverage beyond standard benefits
Extended mental health support during grief
Management condolence call
Prompt CEO or upper management to make a personal condolence call to the employee
Plant a tree or donate to a cause in the name of the deceased
Memorial gesture to honor lost loved one
Send flowers/gift basket
Send a thoughtful floral arrangement or gift basket to express sympathy
Loss of a Pet 2
Handwritten note from the team acknowledging loss
Team support and acknowledgment of pet loss
Pet memorial donation to animal charity in pet's name
Memorial gesture honoring beloved pet
Marriage 9
"Love notes" jar from colleagues
Jar filled with supportive notes from coworkers
Couples massage or spa day package
Provide relaxing couple's experience for wedding celebration
Curated team-made Spotify "Love List" playlist
Collaborative playlist created by team for the couple
Decorated "Just Married" welcome-back desk setup
Decorated workspace welcome for return from honeymoon
Marriage milestone subscription (date night box, meal kits, etc.)
Ongoing subscription supporting the new marriage
Pre-paid "Dinner on Us" reservation
Pre-arranged dinner experience as wedding gift
Surprise mini wedding shower
Small workplace celebration for upcoming wedding
Team video montage of wedding wishes
Collaborative video with wedding congratulations from team
Wedding day courier delivery from the team or CEO
Special delivery on wedding day from workplace
Personal/Family Health Crisis 3
Medical appointment transportation via company car service/rideshare credits
Transportation support for medical needs
Offer "emotional buffer" half-days, no questions asked
Provide flexible time off during difficult personal situations
Send a personalized care package with comfort items (e.g., soup, warm socks, puzzle book)
Thoughtful care package for health recovery
Repair Trust 2
Mistake normalization: share similar mistake you made and lessons learned
Normalize mistakes by sharing experience and lessons
Quick check-in over coffee
Casual conversation to address concerns and conflicts
Transportation Issues 3
Bike repair and maintenance service
Support transportation needs through bike maintenance
Company-sponsored ridesharing
Provide transportation support through rideshare credits
Public transportation monthly pass
Transportation support through transit passes