The holidays always remind me how good it feels to give.
It’s one of the reasons this season can feel so joyful. We’re wired to light up when we brighten someone else’s day. Of course, there’s magic in receiving something thoughtful too. That warm sense that someone thought of you, just for you.
But the real wonder is that both giving and getting can create that same rush of joy, even when there’s never a cent spent on Amazon.
As we wrap up the year, I’ve been thinking about the gifts that don’t come wrapped at all, the ones that strengthen relationships, elevate others, and fill our own cups along the way.
Here are three of my favourites.
Believe Deeply in Someone
One of the greatest joys of my work has been “being someone else’s believer.”
Recently, I watched a long-time client step into a powerful executive role. She deserves it. She always has.
Years ago, she was a quiet but consistent force: a natural leader who took notes, followed through, and was fully present for others. When you spoke, she listened with her whole self.
I remember early on letting her know how in awe I was of her natural leadership. I encouraged her to speak up more, and raise her hand for each career opportunity. I made time for her whenever roadblocks crossed her path and when things got tough, I loved to remind her of the strengths she naturally possessed.
Over the years, I’ve felt such joy believing in her, sometimes before she believed in herself. Watching her rise feels like a small personal victory. Somehow, her success feels like a satisfying “I told you so!” moment—the thrill of seeing potential realized.
Believing in people is one of the purest forms of giving.
Sing Their Praises When They Aren’t in the Room
In my world, I often hear about people’s “areas for improvement.” And while that’s helpful for growth and leadership development, I’ve discovered something more energizing: amplifying strengths when someone isn’t there to hear it.
When we highlight someone’s brilliance, others start to see it more clearly.
We tend to speak what we see and then see what we speak.
So, when someone’s name comes up, I make a point to share what they do best—how they lead with empathy, solve problems under pressure, or lift others up.
It’s a small act that spreads positivity and builds reputations in the most authentic way. And it feels really good to do. And it’s free!
Recommend, Connect, and Refer
There’s a special kind of warmth in a referral, the quiet thrill of being believed in.
After years of building a business on referrals, I’m still touched every time it happens. It never stops feeling like a beautiful gift has landed at my doorstep. Someone didn’t just think kindly of me, they took action on that belief.
There’s also something magical about walking into a meeting with someone when your ears are burning. Knowing people were speaking kindly behind your back before you arrived. Now my only job is live into that referral and show up as the person they described.
That simple act, the transfer of trust, creates a ripple of gratitude. It’s generosity in motion.
Holiday Action List: How to Give the Best Gifts (No Wrapping Required)
- Write a surprise LinkedIn testimonial (better yet, write a few!)
Choose one person you admire who is a colleague, client, or mentor and write a heartfelt recommendation about what makes them great to work with. - Send a “You’ve Been Awesome This Year” message.
Text or email three people and tell them something specific you’ve appreciated about them in 2025. Keep it short, warm, and sincere. - Speak someone’s strengths in your next meeting.
When a name comes up, highlight something they do exceptionally well. Watch how others start to see them through your words. - Connect two people who should know each other.
Introduce a brilliant contact to someone who could benefit from their expertise. It’s an instant credibility gift for both. - Publicly celebrate someone’s win.
Post a shoutout on LinkedIn or Instagram about someone’s recent success. Tag them and explain why it inspired you. - Write a handwritten note.
Tell someone you believe in them. Simple, personal, and powerful. - Reflect on who believed in you.
Reach out to say thank you to the person who saw your potential early on. Let them know the difference they made. - Be the “believer” in your workplace.
Spot an up-and-comer and start investing in their confidence through encouragement, opportunities, or mentorship. - Schedule a “gratitude coffee.”
Invite someone who’s had a positive impact on your year for coffee (in person or virtual) just to tell them so. - Start a “referral ripple.”
Think of one person whose work you respect, and refer them to a client or opportunity. It costs nothing but leaves a lasting impression.