Eight gifts to pair with a specific word of thanks

Choose a thank-you gift around the recipient’s routine: a mug or pouch for a colleague, stationery or tea for a teacher, a desk accessory for a mentor, or homeware for a host. These eight ideas from DORS give you different ways to acknowledge someone’s help. Add a short note explaining what they did and why it mattered to you.

Keep the Gesture Comfortable

Before buying for someone through work or school, check the organisation’s gift policy. Where gifts are discouraged, a written thank-you may be the appropriate gesture. Set a comfortable budget; for a shared gift, agree on contributions first. Choose food or fragrance only when you know the recipient’s preferences.

A Mug for a Colleague’s Daily Break

THE ANIMAL PROJECT

The Milk Mug (S$19) is made from white bone china with a milk-can shape. The Animal Exodus design pictured brings several animal illustrations together around the mug. DORS lists it as dishwasher and microwave safe. It is an option for a colleague who keeps a drink at their desk or takes a regular pantry break; add a note naming the task or project they helped you with.

Milk Mug in the Animal Exodus design. Image: DORS product gallery.

A Pouch for a Colleague’s Small Essentials

SINGLAPA

The Singapore Snacks Pouch (S$27.90) has a pink background, illustrations of local snacks and a zip closure. It can hold stationery or other small essentials, making it an alternative for someone who already has enough mugs. Choose it for a colleague who enjoys illustrated accessories, and leave them to decide how to use it. The design supplies the colour; your message explains the thanks.

Singapore Snacks Pouch. Image: DORS product gallery.

A Notebook Set for a Teacher Who Enjoys Plants

PURPLE AND PURE

The Plantable Notebook Gift Set - Tropical Blur (S$16.35) pairs a notebook with a pen and pencil. The brand lists 40 notebook pages and describes seed paper containing wildflower seeds; DORS identifies the cover as plantable. This suits a teacher who enjoys writing and has an interest in plants. Keep the supplied planting directions with the set, and make the accompanying card specific about something they helped you understand.

Plantable Notebook Gift Set - Tropical Blur. Image: DORS product gallery.

Tea for a Teacher’s Break

RWAH CONFECTIONS

The Tea Osmanthus Dong Ding Oolong (S$24) combines Dong Ding oolong with osmanthus blossoms. DORS lists ten tea bags in individual sachets, so the recipient can make a cup at a time. Choose it when you know the teacher enjoys tea, and check the pack’s ingredients and date for their dietary needs. Keep the gift sealed and attach a short message about the support you appreciated.

Tea Osmanthus Dong Ding Oolong, ten tea bags. Image: DORS product gallery.

A Desk Notebook for a Mentor

STRAIT LIGHTS

The Coordinates Notebook (S$29) has 100 perforated A5 pages, a textured black binding, brass hardware and Singapore coordinates pressed in gold. The removable pages give it a practical role for notes and lists. It is a possible thank-you for a mentor who works through ideas on paper. Pair it with a message about one piece of advice you have put into practice.

Coordinates Notebook. Styling props are not included. Image: DORS product gallery.

A Candle for a Mentor Who Enjoys Home Fragrance

TEMPLE CANDLES

The Chinoiserie Ceramic Candle (S$69) comes in a ceramic vessel, with DORS listing coconut wax and a choice of scents. Consider it for a mentor who already uses scented candles at home. Choose a fragrance they enjoy and keep the candle’s use instructions with the gift. A notebook or another unscented item is easier to choose when you do not know their fragrance preferences.

Chinoiserie Ceramic Candle. Choose the scent separately. Image: DORS product gallery.

A Floral Tray to Thank a Host

KELLY SER ATELIER

The Bamboo Tray: City in Bloom (S$24.90) is made from bamboo fibre and features a floral illustration. DORS describes uses for serving and organising a workspace. It offers a host an object they can use after the visit, without needing to open or arrange it during the gathering. Choose it with their preferred colours in mind and keep the care information with it.

Bamboo Tray: City in Bloom. Styling props are not included. Image: DORS product gallery.

A Patterned Tray for a Host’s Home

PHOTO PHACTORY

The Peranakan Tiles Tray - Emerald Green (S$136) is a 12 × 12 inch MDF tray with a colourful tile-pattern design. Its square format can hold cups or organise objects on a table. It is an option when you know the host has room for a tray and enjoys patterned homeware. Consider their existing space and colours before choosing a decorative piece, particularly for a shared thank-you from several guests.

Peranakan Tiles Tray - Emerald Green. Styling props are not included. Image: DORS product gallery.

Make the Message Specific

Name the help you are thanking them for: explaining a difficult idea, giving useful feedback or welcoming you into their home. A sentence such as “Thank you for helping me work through the presentation; your comments made the structure much clearer” gives the gift its context. Keep the presentation easy to carry and let the recipient enjoy it in their own time.

Prices are in Singapore dollars. Confirm the selected design or scent, current product details and availability before ordering.