We all want to show gratitude when someone goes the extra mile, supports us, or simply shows kindness. The phrase “token of appreciation” is a common way to describe a small gift or gesture of thanks—but let’s be honest, it’s been used so often that it can feel a bit formal, stiff, or repetitive.
If you’re looking for fresh, meaningful, and more personal ways to express appreciation, you’re in the right place.
In this post, I’ll share 25 unique and thoughtful alternatives to “token of appreciation” that sound more human, heartfelt, and natural. Whether you’re writing a thank-you note, giving a gift, or making a small gesture, these phrases will help you sound more sincere—and more you.
Let’s explore how to add warmth, style, and originality to your words of gratitude, without sounding like a template.
Ways to Say Token of Appreciation
1. Small gesture of thanks
A warm and simple phrase that shows your gift isn’t about size—it’s about meaning.
Usage Examples:
- Please accept this small gesture of thanks for your support.
- It’s just a small gesture of thanks, but it comes from the heart.
- We wanted to give you a small gesture of thanks for your hard work.
- Here’s a small gesture of thanks for all you’ve done.
- Consider this a small gesture of thanks for your time and effort.
Why it works:
It feels genuine and modest, and it’s perfect for any casual or professional setting.
2. A heartfelt gift
Use this when your gift or gesture is filled with emotion and sincerity.
Usage Examples:
- We’re sending you a heartfelt gift to show how much we care.
- This is a heartfelt gift to express our deepest gratitude.
- Please accept a heartfelt gift as a sign of appreciation.
- It may be small, but it’s a heartfelt gift from all of us.
- Just a heartfelt gift for someone who truly deserves it.
Why it works:
It adds emotion and depth to your message, showing the human connection behind the gesture.
3. A little something to say thanks
Casual, warm, and down-to-earth—great for close friends, coworkers, or casual gifts.
Usage Examples:
- Here’s a little something to say thanks for your help.
- I brought you a little something to say thanks.
- Just a little something to say thanks for all your kindness.
- We made this a little something to say thanks for your support.
- Hope you enjoy a little something to say thanks.
Why it works:
This phrase is friendly and approachable, perfect for gifts that are simple but heartfelt.
4. Sign of gratitude
A formal yet warm way to say, “This gift is meaningful.”
Usage Examples:
- Please accept this as a sign of gratitude.
- We offer this small gift as a sign of gratitude.
- It’s just a sign of gratitude, but we hope it brings a smile.
- This award is a sign of gratitude for your service.
- Consider this gift a sign of gratitude for all you do.
Why it works:
It combines respect and thankfulness, perfect for ceremonies, emails, or formal settings.
5. Expression of appreciation
This phrase sounds professional and polished, great for the workplace.
Usage Examples:
- This gift is an expression of appreciation for your efforts.
- We’re giving this as an expression of appreciation.
- Here’s a small expression of appreciation from our team.
- It’s just an expression of appreciation, but it’s sincere.
- As an expression of appreciation, please enjoy this treat.
Why it works:
It’s perfect when you need to sound professional, clear, and respectful.
6. A thoughtful gift
Highlights the intention behind the gesture rather than its material value.
Usage Examples:
- This is just a thoughtful gift to say thank you.
- We wanted to give you a thoughtful gift for your efforts.
- Enjoy a thoughtful gift from all of us.
- Here’s a thoughtful gift for being amazing.
- A small but thoughtful gift to brighten your day.
Why it works:
It emphasizes care, kindness, and effort, which makes your gratitude feel more real.
7. Gratitude in action
A creative, poetic phrase that shows your appreciation through a deed, not just words.
Usage Examples:
- This is our gratitude in action.
- We hope this small gift shows our gratitude in action.
- Here’s a little gratitude in action for you.
- Consider this gratitude in action, not just words.
- A moment of gratitude in action—thank you!
Why it works:
It’s unique, emotional, and implies that your thanks is backed up by action, not just talk.
8. A thank-you treat
This one adds a friendly and playful vibe—especially great for gifts like food or small surprises.
Usage Examples:
- Here’s a thank-you treat just for you.
- Enjoy this thank-you treat as a small token of our appreciation.
- We baked this as a thank-you treat—hope you love it!
- A little thank-you treat for being so thoughtful.
- This is a thank-you treat to brighten your day.
Why it works:
It’s sweet, lighthearted, and works perfectly for small, personal gestures of gratitude.
9. A kind gesture
A warm and compassionate phrase that emphasizes the spirit of kindness behind your action.
Usage Examples:
- Please accept this as a kind gesture.
- It’s just a kind gesture, but it comes with sincere thanks.
- We hope this kind gesture shows our appreciation.
- Just a kind gesture to say thank you.
- A simple yet meaningful kind gesture from all of us.
Why it works:
It highlights empathy, making your thank-you feel soft and thoughtful.
10. A simple gift of thanks
A minimalist yet heartfelt way to appreciate someone—great for handwritten notes or handmade gifts.
Usage Examples:
- Consider this a simple gift of thanks.
- We offer a simple gift of thanks for your dedication.
- Here’s a simple gift of thanks to show we care.
- It’s just a simple gift of thanks, but it’s heartfelt.
- A small box, but a simple gift of thanks inside.
Why it works:
The simplicity underscores sincerity, making your gratitude more personal and relatable.
11. A sincere token
This is a short and respectful phrase that carries emotional weight.
Usage Examples:
- This is a sincere token of our appreciation.
- We offer you a sincere token of thanks.
- Please accept a sincere token from the team.
- Here’s a sincere token for your dedication.
- Our way of showing gratitude—a sincere token.
Why it works:
By using the word “sincere,” it assures the receiver your gesture is genuine and meaningful.
12. A meaningful gesture
Adds depth and intention to your act of appreciation.
Usage Examples:
- This is a meaningful gesture to show our thanks.
- We hope you find this meaningful gesture touching.
- A small but meaningful gesture for all you’ve done.
- It’s a meaningful gesture to recognize your impact.
- Accept this meaningful gesture as a token of our respect.
Why it works:
The phrase enhances your gift’s emotional value, making it more than just a routine thank-you.
13. A warm thank-you
Ideal when you want your message to feel friendly and comforting.
Usage Examples:
- Sending you a warm thank-you for your kindness.
- Here’s a warm thank-you wrapped in gratitude.
- We offer a warm thank-you for all your help.
- Accept this gift as a warm thank-you.
- Just a warm thank-you from us to you.
Why it works:
“Warm” implies closeness, comfort, and sincerity, making your message feel human.
14. A humble gift
Perfect for moments when you want to stay modest and respectful.
Usage Examples:
- This is a humble gift to say thanks.
- We offer a humble gift as a sign of appreciation.
- Accept a humble gift from our team.
- It may be small, but it’s a humble gift from the heart.
- A quiet but humble gift of thanks.
Why it works:
It communicates modesty and respect, especially in professional or formal situations.
15. A gratitude gift
A direct and emotion-rich phrase that’s both simple and powerful.
Usage Examples:
- Here’s a gratitude gift to express our thanks.
- Enjoy this gratitude gift from our hearts.
- This small gratitude gift means a lot.
- We created this gratitude gift just for you.
- A thoughtful gratitude gift for a thoughtful person.
Why it works:
The word “gratitude” is emotionally charged and makes your intent very clear.
Explore alternatives: Other Ways to Say “Kindly Request”
16. A sign of our respect
A dignified phrase that combines appreciation with honor.
Usage Examples:
- Accept this as a sign of our respect.
- We offer this token as a sign of our respect.
- This gesture is a sign of our respect for your hard work.
- It’s more than thanks—it’s a sign of our respect.
- Our team sends this gift as a sign of our respect.
Why it works:
It adds a level of formality and admiration, perfect for workplace recognition.
17. Our appreciation wrapped up
A creative and warm way to describe a thank-you gift.
Usage Examples:
- Here’s our appreciation wrapped up in a small gift.
- This is simply our appreciation wrapped up.
- Consider this our appreciation wrapped up in kindness.
- A box of treats—our appreciation wrapped up.
- This is our appreciation wrapped up, just for you.
Why it works:
The imagery makes your message stand out while staying personal.
18. A personal thank-you
This phrase feels intimate and one-on-one, ideal for colleagues or close connections.
Usage Examples:
- Here’s a personal thank-you for your help.
- We wanted to send a personal thank-you your way.
- Just a personal thank-you to brighten your day.
- A note and treat—a personal thank-you.
- This is a personal thank-you, from me to you.
Why it works:
It brings individual attention and warmth to your gesture.
19. A sweet reminder of thanks
Charming and memorable—especially for small gifts with sentimental value.
Usage Examples:
- This is a sweet reminder of thanks.
- A keepsake that’s a sweet reminder of thanks.
- We made this sweet reminder of thanks just for you.
- Enjoy this little sweet reminder of thanks.
- A candle and card—a sweet reminder of thanks.
Why it works:
It adds a personal, emotional touch, ideal for creative or heartfelt gestures.
20. A symbol of our gratitude
A strong and respectful phrase that suits both personal and professional tone.
Usage Examples:
- Accept this as a symbol of our gratitude.
- A small award, a symbol of our gratitude.
- This medal is a symbol of our gratitude.
- A heartfelt letter as a symbol of our gratitude.
- We give this as a symbol of our gratitude.
Why it works:
Using “symbol” adds weight and dignity to your gesture.
21. A moment of appreciation
Use this when your gesture is tied to a special occasion or shared memory.
Usage Examples:
- Let this be a moment of appreciation for your efforts.
- This gift creates a moment of appreciation.
- We pause for a moment of appreciation—thank you.
- Sharing a moment of appreciation with you.
- A photo and gift—a moment of appreciation together.
Why it works:
It connects gratitude with presence and experience, making it heartfelt.
22. Just a little thank-you
Simple, casual, and very human—great for texts, emails, or cards.
Usage Examples:
- Here’s just a little thank-you from us.
- I got you just a little thank-you gift.
- Hope you enjoy just a little thank-you.
- Just a little thank-you for being amazing.
- Nothing fancy, just a little thank-you.
Why it works:
It’s friendly and conversational—like something you’d say to a friend.
23. A gift of gratitude
A direct and elegant phrase that suits many tones—warm, formal, or creative.
Usage Examples:
- Please accept a gift of gratitude.
- We offer this as a gift of gratitude.
- This is a gift of gratitude for your kindness.
- A handwritten letter—a gift of gratitude.
- This plant is a gift of gratitude that keeps growing.
Why it works:
It feels complete, elegant, and works well for both words and objects.
24. A tangible thank-you
For when your thank-you isn’t just spoken—it’s handed over.
Usage Examples:
- This gift is a tangible thank-you.
- Here’s a tangible thank-you from the team.
- A box of chocolates—a tangible thank-you.
- A handcrafted frame, a tangible thank-you.
- We give you this candle as a tangible thank-you.
Why it works:
It emphasizes physical presence and action, showing you went the extra step.
25. Our way of saying thanks
Simple and versatile—ideal for team messages, notes, or group gifts.
Usage Examples:
- This is our way of saying thanks.
- Please enjoy this meal—our way of saying thanks.
- Here’s our way of saying thanks for all you’ve done.
- A bouquet—our way of saying thanks.
- From all of us, our way of saying thanks.
Why it works:
It creates a collective, warm tone, showing the whole team or group feels grateful.
Conclusion
I truly hope this post gave you more creative, human-centered ways to express your appreciation. Words like “token of appreciation” are useful, but using alternatives can add so much more emotion, warmth, and clarity to your message.
Whether you’re writing a thank-you card, sending a team message, or giving a small gift, these alternatives will help you sound authentic, personal, and thoughtfully original.
If one of these phrases stood out to you, try it in your next note or conversation—and let your gratitude shine in a new way. 😊
I’m Leo Knox, the wordplay wizard behind WordsTwists.com where I turn everyday meanings into funny, clever, and creative twists. If you’re tired of saying things the boring way, I’ve got a better (and funnier) one for you!
