Our great country (or any country, for that matter) would not be a living, breathing, and growing civilization if not for the blood, sweat, and tears of our most esteemed masses of hard-working laborers. For those who industriously use their bodies and minds to build, assemble, fabricate, prepare, furnish, construct, and create, we have them to thank for the very things we need to live a decent and relatively comfortable life.
Why would we be thinking of the blue-collar heroes a month ahead of Labor Day? I say, why not? Are you not enjoying the fruits of their toil all year round? Don’t they deserve a little token of thanks now and then, above and beyond the national holiday in their honor? I would definitely think so, and so should you.
I put this little advisory piece in order to give you non-laboring younger-generation people an idea on what kind of thoughtful little (or even big) trinkets you should consider granting your father/mother/uncle/grandpa/etc. in recognition of their strong and unwavering service. I don’t have any particular makes, models, and brands for you, but do consider the “spirit” in which you give these gifts.
Something Relaxing
Since their lines of work require them to make good use of their body, a gift for the working man and woman could be something that will help them relax and soothe all the aches and pains associated with their profession.
Items like a personal electric massager (or an actual massage chair, if you’re feeling extra-generous) would be a godsend to someone who labors hard. You could also give them some high-quality liniment or massage oil for the same purpose. Speaking of massages, if you give them a gift cheque for a good spa, I am certain they will appreciate it just as much. Or, you could give them one yourself!
Something Warm
It takes a strong will as well as a strong body to continue doing a labor-intensive job, so aside from bodily comforts, a thoughtful and kind word, or a greeting card filled with some mushy sentiments can actually make their day.
You could also give something a little more tangible to spread good and warm feelings. While I think a hot and cold water bottle is sorta okay, go for something more usable and classy like a new electric-based room heater, comfortable leather winter gloves, and other items that offer warmth.
Something Useful
Now, I’m not telling you to spend inordinate amounts of cash just to make the working man or woman in your life feel loved. That’s all up to you, actually. There are a plethora of potential gifts one could give if the requirement is for it to be useful. Hand tools are more obvious choice for most, the kind and quality all dependent on budget considerations.
If you’d really want to make them feel like they’ve hit the jackpot, perhaps you should wait for your working man’s birthday or anniversary, and then hand them the keys to a shiny utility pickup truck (save on money by looking for great deals on trucks of all sorts at online sales and auction sites like NextTruck).
I hope you find these tips useful, and stay generous and thoughtful!
About the Author
Stacey Thompson is a professional writer, marketer, entrepreneur, and a lover of weird little animals. She is based in San Diego, California, and is seriously considering a truck for his very hard-working brother. Stacey and friends have a blog, Word Baristas.
