Meaningful Ways to Celebrate the People You Love
Something I’ve realized this past year as I approach my thirties is how precious friendships are—and how easily time slips away without intentional effort. I’m so thankful for the people who make my days sweeter, and lately, I’ve been finding extra ways (when motherhood, business ownership, and marriage allow) to show friends and family that they are seen and loved.
Here are five simple ways that have fit naturally into my life (not without effort, of course!) to invest more deeply in the relationships that matter most:
1. Write a letter or postcard.
I’ve been on a snail-mail kick for a while now because there’s nothing like opening the mailbox and seeing a handwritten note tucked among the bills and ads.
I could (and will, soon!) write a whole separate post with letter-writing prompts and creative ideas. For now, try including a favorite recipe, a poem or quote you love, or simply some heartfelt words about how much the recipient means to you.
P.S. If you want to start your own letter-writing habit, I’ll link our custom stationery here!
2. Don’t dismiss a generous thought.
A friend once shared this advice over coffee, and it stuck with me: if you think of doing something generous, don’t dismiss the thought.
See a candle that reminds you of someone you love? Pick it up and gift it “just because.” Feel like treating someone to coffee or a meal? Go for it when you can. Every once in a while, do the thing that your budget might normally hold you back from doing.
3. Celebrate life’s little milestones.
Recently engaged? Expecting a baby? Bought a new house?
These are perfect opportunities to surprise someone with a thoughtful gift.
Wedding gifts and baby showers will eventually come, but celebrating smaller milestones with an unexpected gift is often even more meaningful.
My heart behind The Painted Press has always been to make gift-giving affordable, personal, and beautiful. I’ll link one of our favorite engagement gifts here!
4. Ask how they’re really doing.
Go beyond the quick “How are you?” and make space for honest conversation.
Ask, “What’s been the hardest part of this season for you?” or “What’s brought you joy lately?”
A few deeper questions can turn a quick chat into a conversation that nourishes a friendship.
5. Meet people where they are.
Instead of waiting for perfectly aligned schedules, think creatively about how to meet friends in their current season.
Young motherhood? Offer to hang out and fold laundry, or meet at the park.
Working a 9–5? Drop by with food and sit outside during their lunch break.
Small, flexible gestures go a long way in keeping friendships thriving through busy seasons.
I hope these ideas help you find simple ways to love your people more intentionally.
At the end of the day, what we do with our time matters—and in this busy season of life, I want to make it all count.