Gestures to say thank you without spending a lot

[AugustSeptemberOctober]

My household has been through a tough time recently, and I've been staggered by how kind some of our friends and family have been. We don't have a lot of money but I really want to show them how much we appreciate them - more than just a card, I want to treat them to something. Does anyone have any ideas?

Honestly if I were the friend or family who had helped you just a thank you either verbally or in a card would be fine. I wouldn't want someone who didn't have cash to spare spending it on me. But if you really want to I think a nice homemade cake or biscuits would be nice, it shows effort and thought on your part rather than just something shop bought.

Seconding homemade cakes or brownies or similar.

Or, if you have a garden, could you pick some posies of flowers?

Also, the best thing is to wait until they need help and repay it that way. Favours carry far more weight. Can you babysit? Help in the garden?

I cooked a meal for my mum's 80th birthday, completely gluten and sugar free, including cake. That went down really well.

I agree with PP. A really thoughtfully written card is better than a gift. I had a friend to stay recently and she sent me a lovely thank you card afterwards. I was so touched at the kind words. Meant a lot more than a bottle of wine or food etc would have.

A card with a heartfelt message would be better received than any gift. It can make people feel awkward if someone feels indebted to them or makes a fuss over their kindness. Be kind in return when you can.

How about writing a letter ?

Could you invite them round for an afternoon tea. Scones and sandwiches don’t cost a lot.

We were given a box of chocolates and a bottle of wine recently as a thank-you. The gesture meant more than the content of the gift.

Some heartfelt words in a card or a phone call to show your appreciation are more than acceptable. As others have said, other options are something you're able to make/grow, ie cake, craft item or if you grow anything in the garden a flower or vegetable plant. If that doesn't work for you, offering your time to babysit, if any are elderly offering to clean windows, get dust off high level places or just making if clear to call in a favour if they need one.

You’re wrong to think you’d be giving ‘just a card’ OP.
A handwritten card saying a bit more than just ‘from #AugustSeptemberOctober’ is far more meaningful than any gift.

I had a few traditional afternoon teas in my garden last year. Some sandwiches sausage rolls and cakes, all my friends loved it.

I'm with the others. I keep my loveliest cards, use them as bookmarks and just seeing them reminds me of the lovely message inside. Much more personal and long lasting than a gift. If you are on a budget, this is absolutely enough.

Although as cheap gifts I have bought boxes of Friendly soaps opened them and given a soap each (was about £2.50 a soap). Or a small handcream handbag tube. How much is your "small amount"? Like £20 or £5?

anybody can go to a shop and buy something, but true heartfelt thanks is worth more to me, particularly if they generally have enough to be able to buy stuff anyway.

I would appreciate a handwritten card with your thanks
A cake would be a nice thought, but just the Thank you is enough