What to Say When Someone Is Thanking You for a Gift

A friend of mine recently sent me a birthday gift. We hadn’t met for a while since we work in different states but we keep in touch. So, last week, he and his wife called to say they were in town and they would be meeting me in a few days. I was elated at the meet-up, I never thought of any details about it. So when she pulled out the gift during dinner and I thanked her for what was inside, she was dumbfounded. there was about half a minute of silence. She couldn’t think of what to say and I guess neither could her husband.

When someone thanks you for a gift, take that opportunity to extend more love. Acknowledge their appreciation and remind them how deserving they are of the gift. This is a grand opportunity to let them know what you had in mind when choosing the gift and how they can best utilize it. It’s fulfilling to give especially when the receiver appreciates the gift.

Back to my story, this was not the first time it was happening to me, gifts especially surprises have a way of dumbfounding both the giver and the receiver and leaving them lost for expression. The giver is left tongue-tied in many instances. If it ever someone is thanking you for a gift, try to use these thoughtful words.

It’s my pleasure
You deserve it
Thank you too
It suits you
I hope it brightens your day
Let it be a reminder that you are cherished
You are special
Did you like it?
You are welcome
There is nothing I can’t get you
There is more where that came from
Money is not enough to buy the gift you deserve

Let’s dive in and look at each of these responses to learn when, why, to whom and what to say in various situations when giving gifts.

1. It’s my pleasure

This sounds old school, right? These are powerful words used over the years to humbly acknowledge appreciation. This response is best suited for when the recipient opens up on what the gift made them feel. It says to the recipient ‘you are special and I hoped my gift would make you feel that way’.

2. You deserve it

I have been observing a few of my friends when they are surprised with a gift. The first reaction is to act as if they don’t want the gift. On most occasions they say “no, are you serious?” It is natural for the recipient to feel undeserving of something special. The role of this response is to affirm that they really deserve the gift. You can also use this response if the gift was meant to recognize effort, for instance, a graduation gift. You can also say ‘you deserve much more’ or ‘you deserve better’.

3. Thank you too

Apart from instances where the recipient also gave you a gift, you can use this simple response to appreciate them for service rendered or the connection you have. The beneficiary could be a friend, a spouse, an employee, or anyone you closely associate with. ‘Thank you too’ serves better alongside other words, for example, thank you too for your friendship or thank you too for being there when I needed you most.

4. It suits you

This expression is more appropriate as opposed to ‘you deserve it’ but to someone that you don’t have close ties with. This could be a colleague you don’t interact with much or an acquaintance. It’s a simple message that does not put you in an awkward place to add further comments. It’s the kind of response a boss can give a junior.

5. I hope it brightens your day

You better use this response when you have time to chat. It mostly triggers a conversation on how the gift will help the beneficiary. If they have used it already, they will take time to prove to you that it has already made an impact. It’s one of those responses that express pure genuineness.

6. Let it be a reminder that you are cherished

This response works magic especially if the recipient is going through a tough time. It’s sincere, precise and does not need further explanation.

7. You are special

Using these words can win you a relationship if you had gifted a person you are looking to have a relationship with. They express what you are feeling without betraying you as someone who is taking advantage. If you want them to be effective, avoid too many explanations, be precise.

8. Did you like it?

Using this question makes the beneficiary feel your concern and at the same time get an opportunity to raise concerns. Concerns could range from fitting, expiry, choice of color, or preference depending on the gift type. This question reflects you as a compassionate giver so it a great way of showing the recipient they matter.

9. You are welcome

This is a simple and precise response; you don’t need to add more words and the beautiful part of this statement is you can use it on anyone, at any time.

10. There is nothing I can’t get you

Do not entangle yourself by using these words to a one-time beneficiary like your crush. These words have a great impact and are a deep expression of your inner feelings. Use them on your best friend, spouse, or child.

11. There is more where that came from

This is a playful statement that could either free you or set you up for bigger challenges. If the beneficiary highly adores gifts, you better be ready to shop because they might use every opportunity to milk a gift out of you. On the contrary, it’s a great response to give a staff or a child you are motivating to perform better.

12. Money is not enough to buy the gift you deserve

The truth is, money can limit us, and there are people we would go round the universe for, climb every mountain for and still feel it’s not enough. This response suits them. They could be your parents, spouse, childhood friend, or siblings. This response brings out immeasurable appreciation of who they are to you, and the willingness to do much more for them.

Final thoughts

Did you know silence is also a response? By simply nodding and smiling, you have already communicated. You don’t have to feel the pressure to respond. Besides, it’s not a must you respond. In case you have to, these are some of the responses that can help ease the awkward moments that may occur.

What if you are the one giving a gift? find out What to Say When Giving a Gift