9 Meaningful Ways to Appreciate That Colleague Who Impacted Your Life This Year
For those who have been searching for how to appreciate a colleague, creative ways to say thank you to a coworker, or end-of-year appreciation ideas
Every team has that one colleague who makes the tough days easier, the workload lighter, and the year more memorable. Whether they mentored you, supported your growth, helped you navigate a new role, or just consistently showed up with kindness, appreciating them is one of the best ways to strengthen workplace relationships and culture.
If you’ve been searching for how to appreciate a colleague, creative ways to say thank you to a coworker, or end-of-year appreciation ideas, here are 9 meaningful ways to show genuine gratitude and make it unforgettable.
Share Public Recognition on Your Company Slack
Public recognition boosts morale and encourages a culture of gratitude at work. Call out what they did specifically: mentorship, support, teamwork, or leadership. Be specific with your compliments, tell them exactly what they did to make your work easier this year.
It’s one of the best ways to appreciate a coworker and highlight their impact.
Treat Them to a Small But Meaningful Gift
Appreciation does not need to be expensive. Some thoughtful workplace-friendly gifts include:
- A customized mug
- A desk plant
- A gratitude journal
- A premium pen
- Lunch on you
- A favourite snack or drink
Send a Thoughtful Digital Appreciation Card (Group or Personal)
One of the easiest and most heartfelt ways to express gratitude is with a digital group appreciation card. With platforms like WishWeaver, you can collect messages, photos, and voice notes from the entire team and send them as a single, beautifully curated card.
It works perfectly for:
- End-of-year appreciation
- Team recognition
- Mentor thank-you messages
- Celebrating workplace impact
A group card lets your colleague see how many people they’ve positively influenced this year.
See how Mia's Colleagues created a memorable digital experience for her as a token of appreciation for closing an important deal
Give Them a Social Media Shout-Out (With Permission)
Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or X have become strong spaces for celebrating professional relationships.
A thoughtful LinkedIn appreciation post can:
- Boost their professional visibility
- Highlight their achievements
- Show your gratitude publicly
- Encourage others to celebrate them too
Always ask permission first; some people prefer private recognition, while others appreciate the public acknowledgment.
Nominate Them for an Internal Award
If your company celebrates Employee of the Month, Best Team Player or End-of-Year awards, take the opportunity to nominate them. Recognition tied to career growth can mean even more than a physical gift.
Take Them Out for Coffee or Lunch
Simple, personal gestures create space for deeper connection. Use this time to tell them exactly how they impacted your year. This is especially meaningful in Nigerian and African workplaces where relationship-building is valued.
Create a Team Appreciation Moment
Get a few colleagues to come together and celebrate them — either in person or virtually. It could be:
- A quick shout-out during a stand-up meeting
- A surprise appreciation call
- A team-created WishWeaver card delivered during the moment
These small acts build emotional connection and workplace loyalty.
Share a Memory That Meant Something to You
People rarely forget the stories of how they made a difference. Share a short moment that stood out to you:
- A time they helped you troubleshoot a project
- A conversation that encouraged you
- A gesture that made work feel easier
You can weave this story into a WishWeaver appreciation card so it becomes part of a lasting memory.
Write a Heartfelt Appreciation Message
A simple but sincere note goes a long way. Use keywords like:
- “Thank you for supporting my growth this year.”
- “Your mentorship changed my work experience.”
- “You made this year easier.”
People often save these messages forever because they carry emotional value.
If writing isn’t your strong suit, you can curate short notes and turn them into a WishWeaver personal appreciation card.
