Though last year was particularly challenging, we made it to 2021 and there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel as we enter spring, a time of rebirth and renewal. While many are still struggling, practicing gratitude is a great way to improve your own spirits or show someone else that they are cherished. According to Harvard Health, research suggests that gratitude can actually help with the blues and lift the spirits.

Harvard Health shares, “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

Psychology Today also points out these benefits, explaining that a regular practice of gratitude has scientifically-proven perks, including opening the door to more relationships, improving physical and psychological health, enhancing empathy, reducing aggression, improving sleep, and increasing self-esteem. 

Whether you want to be more active about practicing thankfulness in your own life or want to show someone special how much they are appreciated, these gratitude-themed gifts and tools are a great place to start. 

Cardthartic Cards - Gratitude Collection ($3.50+)

Let someone special know you are grateful for them with a thoughtful card from Cardthartic’s gratitude collection. From boxed sets to unique cards, Cardthartic has the perfect designs to express your message of thanks (they also have a range of great cards for every other occasion too!)

With every purchase of boxed sets of Bless the Helpers note cards—to gratefully send to all the helpers among us—half the proceeds will be donated to Mental Health America, a not-for-profit helping frontline healthcare workers cope with stress and anxiety.

Tribute Collaborative Video Montage ($25+)

Tribute makes it easy to create a collaborative video montage that you can give as a gift on any important occasion. The company provides a suite of tools to make emailing friends, collecting videos and editing your Tribute a breeze. You can deliver your Tribute in an 4" or 7" LCD card or on a personal keepsake sustainably made from Bamboo.

Farmgirl Flowers ($43+)

A beautiful bouquet of spring flowers is a great way to make someone feel appreciated, and we love the eco-conscious options at Farmgirl Flowers. Farmgirl offers a sustainable approach to e-comm floral delivery, not only by eliminating unnecessary waste but by wrapping their bouquets in upcycled burlap.

My Pocket Gratitude ($14.99)

My Pocket Gratitude by Courtney E. Ackerman is packed with 150 activities to help you cultivate positivity and develop habits that make you feel more fulfilled every day. Some of the simple exercises include thanking yourself for thinking ahead, expressing “old” gratitude to a loved one, making a list of reasons to be proud of past you, and many more!

Gratitude and Pasta: The Secret Sauce to Human Connection

The pandemic has exacerbated the epidemic of loneliness, but Chris Schembra, author of Gratitude and Pasta: The Secret Sauce to Human Connection and founder of 7:47 Club aims to change this. Schembra's own disillusionment with success and his increasing sense of isolation led him on a journey to human connection. This book shares the story of 7:47 Club dinners and how he used them to foster gratitude, empathy, and connection in his life and in the lives of thousands of friends and colleagues.

In addition to sparking over 500,000 relationships around the dining table, Chris Schembra has given a TEDx Talk on the empathy that comes in the wake of life and destruction. Forbes has recently ranked his book as the number two book of 2020 for creating human connection.

My Inspiration Savor the Moment Box ($35)

Growing research shows that the act of writing down what you are thankful for is highly beneficial. This beautifully packaged Savor the Moment Box from My Inspiration Studio is designed to inspire a journaling ritual, so it’s the perfect gift to help you get started with that. The box includes a 4" x 6" journal, a matching refillable pen, set of mini colored pencils, a 100% pure beeswax aromatherapy candle, matches, an inspirational bookmark, and a tote so you can take everything with you.

Chai Tea Assortment from Vahdam Teas ($49.99)

Looking for a thoughtful gift to show your appreciation for someone you care about? This delicious tea collection features 12 of Vahdam’s best-selling chai teas with bold black tea blended with wholesome spices. Sharing gratitude with someone you love over a cup of tea sounds delightful—even if this year it’s over Zoom.

Gratitude: Personal Growth & Affirmations Journal App (free with additional paid features)

One great thing about practicing gratitude is that it doesn’t have to cost anything. If you’re looking for a free tool to help you with your daily practice, Gratitude: Personal Growth and Affirmations, has received high ratings on Google Play (4.6) and the Apple App Store (4.9). Some of its features include a user-friendly gratitude journal app, gratitude reminders, and daily motivation and inspirational quotes.

As we move into 2021, now is the perfect time to get a fresh start on practicing gratitude!

All featured products are independently selected by our editors and all opinions remain our own. We may receive an affiliate commission on retail links that contain affiliates.

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy