- Categories:
- Appreciation
- Tags:
- AppreciationCultural
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Every January 11
- Holiday emoji:
- 🙏
International Thank-You Day arrives every January 11, serving as a global reminder to express sincere gratitude. Take this opportunity to acknowledge those who brighten your life, from family and friends to colleagues and community helpers. Send a thoughtful note, offer a genuine compliment, or simply say ‘thank you’ to make someone’s day.
Want to sponsor International Thank-You Day? Learn how
Expected International Thank-You Day Deals
As International Thank-You Day approaches, the focus shifts from traditional deals to opportunities for expressing appreciation. Expect retailers like Hallmark and Paper Source to highlight their extensive collections of thank-you cards and stationery. Gourmet gift basket companies such as Harry & David often promote curated selections perfect for showing gratitude to clients or mentors. Many florists, including 1-800-Flowers, will feature bouquets designed to convey thanks. Additionally, local businesses may offer special discounts for customers who mention the day, or encourage employees to share appreciation for one another. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 11 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Thank-You Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalThankYouDay. Share stories of professional gratitude or highlight colleagues who’ve made a difference.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalThankYouDay. Post photos of handwritten thank-you notes, thoughtful gifts, or moments of appreciation.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalThankYouDay. Create a community post asking people to share who they’re thankful for and why.
International Thank-You Day Hero
Robert A. Emmons
History of International Thank-You Day
During ancient times, societies were already busy communicating with each other. Egyptians would write on papyrus sheets and the Chinese would write on paper. They would send messages to friends such as greetings or wishing them luck for the new year. Must have been some thank you scrolls thrown in there as well. The word ‘thank’ is believed to have originated between c.450 and c.1100. The Old English noun meant “thought.” Its meaning progression was documented by the “Oxford English Dictionary,” and it became “favorable thought or feeling, goodwill.” It evolved further into “kindly thought or feeling entertained towards anyone for favor or services” by the Middle Ages.
The practice of sending messages to friends started to become popular in the 1400s when Europeans exchanged greeting cards with family members and friends. They embraced this new form of social expression which included delivering notes by hand. There were probably some hand-written thank you notes delivered here and there as well. Long after the Europeans began using greeting cards, German Louis Prang immigrated to the U.S. In the Christmas of 1873, he produced and sold greeting cards to the European market from his base in Boston, Massachusetts. Come 1874, he was making and selling Christmas cards in the U.S. as well. Since then, both the Christmas and thank you cards have been in demand as years went by.
Expressions of gratitude not only come from the written word. The habit of always saying “thank you” started during the commercial revolution of the 16th and 17th Centuries. It was popular among the middle classes who used it often as it was the type of language heard as well as used in offices and shops. For the last 500 years, its usage has spread across the world.
International Thank-You Day timeline
During the Han Dynasty, Chinese Imperial Court officer Ts’aiLun begins producing paper from old rags, fishing nets, and tree bark.
The first adhesive postage stamp is issued in the U.K., making it easier to keep in touch with people both near and far.
What was once an expensive means of personal communication becomes affordable due to advances in production and a reduction in postal rates.
Social Media Group founder Judith Donath invents electronic greeting cards that are sent online.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Thank-You Day
Local businesses can embrace International Thank-You Day by actively showing appreciation to their customers and employees. Restaurants might offer a small complimentary dessert with a meal as a ‘thank you’ to patrons, or give staff a bonus for their hard work. Retailers could host a ‘customer appreciation day’ with special discounts or small gifts. Service providers might send personalized thank-you emails or cards to their long-standing clients, reinforcing loyalty and goodwill.
International Thank-You Day FAQs
When is International Thank-You Day?
In 2027, International Thank-You Day will be observed on Monday, January 11. This annual observance encourages everyone to take a moment to acknowledge acts of kindness and support.
What are the benefits of expressing gratitude?
Studies consistently show that gratitude can boost overall well-being. Individuals who practice gratitude often report better sleep, higher self-esteem, and greater resilience in the face of adversity, creating a virtuous cycle of positivity.
How many people actively practice gratitude?
The active practice of gratitude varies culturally, but its universal appeal is undeniable. Many global initiatives and mindfulness programs now incorporate gratitude exercises, with millions worldwide finding personal benefits in regularly acknowledging what they are thankful for.
What is the origin of International Thank-You Day?
The exact historical origin of International Thank-You Day is somewhat obscure, but it emerged as a grassroots movement to emphasize the importance of civility and acknowledgment. It underscores the profound impact a simple ‘thank you’ can have.
International Thank-You Day Activities
Send thank you e-cards
Send a surprise to your friends’ inboxes! Imagine their delight to find a thank you card amidst work-related emails.
Say, “I’m grateful”
These are magical words. Saying I am grateful helps to strengthen relationships, and savoring positive experiences.
Fill a jar with thank you notes
Write little notes of gratitude for a special person and place them in a jar. They can pick a note to read to get an instant boost of positive energy for the day.
5 Ways To Say Thank You
I owe you one
This is a way to express that you owe someone a favor in return for something that they’ve done for you.
Ta
In the 18th Century, it was believed to be a shortened form of the Dutch word ‘tak,’ meaning ‘thanks.’
Cheers
An informal way of saying ‘thank you,’ for example when a stranger opens the door for you.
Shout-out
A public declaration of gratitude is frequently used online and in the music scene.
Hat tip
A way of saying thank you, especially on the internet after someone gives you information.
Why We Love International Thank-You Day
It’s good manners
It reminds us of basic decency. Treating and talking to others well is a sign of respect.
It warms the heart
Sincere words of thanks bring comfort to whoever hears them This is a practice that is not only great for today but every day.
It keeps us mindful
It’s easy to take people and acts of kindness for granted. This day helps us be more aware of those who help make life a little better for us every day.
International Thank-You Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 11 | Monday |
| 2028 | January 11 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | January 11 | Thursday |
| 2030 | January 11 | Friday |
| 2031 | January 11 | Saturday |
Social Media Tips for International Thank-You Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands