This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.
Every year around this time, I started to wax poetic about all the things I am thankful for throughout the month of November. The changing leaves remind me that while we all bring something different to the world, we offer a beautiful landscape when we come together to accomplish something. From the postman to my favorite barista to coworkers that always seem to give Extra throughout the year, I thought this month would be a great time to honor them and give a little Extra gum back to them. #ExtraGumMoments #CollectiveBias
Much like a newspaper, we don’t always see who’s behind the news. Whether it’s the writer, editor or the newspaper delivery boy, each of these people helps to make things happen to get the news out correctly and on time, but all too often their contribution is lost somewhere in the classifieds. This season, I want to take some time to honor those that may not necessarily always have the byline, but play just as important of a role in making sure things run. It’s time to take a look at the players behind the headlines in my life.
Government Service Men & Women
Often I find myself complaining about how slow the “snail mail” seems nowadays. Letters lost, bills misplaced and days of late mail usually exacerbate my frustration with the men and women in blue. This year, however, I decided to leave him a little Extra surprise when he came to drop off my letters today. He always smiles at Jack as he runs out to snatch up the mail and frequently walks all the way to my door to deliver even though our box lines the street like the others. He’s always pleasant and jovial and I thought this might be a nice surprise for him when he makes his rounds this afternoon. I really want to try and show him that when you Give Extra, Get Extra.
You might consider leaving something at your local USPS office this holiday season, drop by an Extra gift package to your local police station talking about how you “MINT” to tell them they were doing such a great job. You’d be surprised how these little acts of kindness can go a long way.
Retail for the Win
As the Black Friday ads start to swarm your inbox and you plan out your maps of stores and early bargain buys, consider putting together a few Extra Gum care packages for the cashiers you encounter. Chances are they are working on a holiday, overtime or during hours that most humans are normally sleeping. They are probably also encountering guests that are about as pleasant as an angler fish. Consider spreading some cheer this month as you thank them for your service during a time of year where you are lucky enough to be purchasing rather than ringing up your cart full of gifts and holiday fixings.
Extra special surprises to your favorite barista are also sure to brighten their day and who couldn’t use a little fresh breath help after all that coffee consumption? I love handing a surprise back through the drive-thru after receiving my favorite drink. You might even consider making a full care package complete with pampering items such as nail polish or body lotion and a reusable water bottle is always a great hit! Package together in a reusable lunch bag and they’ll be good to go!
Work “Family”
Lastly, I thought I’d create some sentiMINTal surprises for my coworkers. After working with them for over a year, I’ve really grown to love them as part of my own family and hope these little notes of affirmation and a job well done will help them to smile that day. They Give Extra and Get Extra in return. Consider sharing a little something with your coworkers to let them know how they brighten their day. One shared compliment could start a whole chain reaction and bring your kind deed to the front page.
Give Extra Gift Suggestions
As you start to prepare your little gifts, be sure to keep a few things in mind.
1. Keep it simple. These little acts of kindness are not designed to be a replacement for an expensive gift but rather a small token of your appreciation. Save the brand new iPhone 6 for your significant other or family member.
2. Use things around the house. For this project, I put together packages using newspaper and scrapbooking paper. The more you can recycle, the better!
And Jay Cutler makes a better wrapper than a quarterback…just sayin’
3. Consider the element of surprise. I love leaving my gifts in a space where I can “spy” them discovering the special treat. Those reactions are priceless!
How will you Give Extra this season to those who contribute to the behind the pages aspect of your life?
This is such a great idea! This time of the year can get really busy and insane, and it’s important to remember those who give “extra” at this time. Thanks for sharing! #client