While people who volunteer genuinely believe in the mission, that doesn't mean they want an armful of branded items from the storage closet. Does it help make room for new inventory? Yes. Does it feel like the best way to say thank you? Maybe not.
The work of volunteers is priceless. A thank you should not be.
Gift Ideas Worth Giving
A tote and a tee that say something true. The Board Work. Not for the Weak. tote and t-shirt are built for people who understand the assignment. Practical enough for meeting days, honest enough to mean something.
A card with real words. Not congratulations on your service. Something that names what they did. This one does that without trying too hard.
Something for their time off. The Bucket List Cards are for the volunteer who gave their evenings to the work and deserves something that gives a little back.
Something indulgent. Shower Steamers for the person who sat through three budget discussions in one month and deserves at least one thing that is purely for them.
Something to play with. The Laurence King Genius Playing Cards are smart, well-designed and nothing like anything they got at the last appreciation event.
Something to grow. The Avocado Vase Growing Kit is for the volunteer with a windowsill and a little patience left over.
Something to read. Kindle Unlimited gives them access to books, magazines and more. A gift that keeps going after the meeting adjourns.
Something to puzzle over. The Banned Books Puzzle is for the volunteer who appreciates a little irony with their free time.
Something for the road. World Traveler: An Irreverent Guide is for the board member who has been dreaming about what comes after the last meeting.
Something to build. Lego Botanicals for anyone who needs something to do with their hands that has nothing to do with an agenda.
A note on budget
Several items on this list start under $10. Volunteer gifts don't need to be expensive to feel thoughtful. A well-chosen $20 item lands harder than a $75 gift basket that could have been ordered for anyone. The thought is the point. The price is secondary.
One last thing
No gift replaces a heartfelt thank you and a genuine expression of what someone's contribution meant. Volunteers chose to be there, every meeting, every event, every late night getting something across the finish line. A gift acknowledges the choice. The words are what they remember.
