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There are endless reasons in life to offer congratulations to yourself and to others. However, isn't it true that most of the time we offer congratulations to everyone in much the same way? Regardless of the age, preferences or accomplishment of the person we are attempting to congratulate, we often do it in the same way: a boring card, a gift card to a general store that many people do not shop at, or, if they are lucky, a bouquet of fresh flowers. Congratulations is rarely if ever given in unique or creative ways.

When offering your congratulations to a person, the most important thing you can keep in mind is that person. It is amazing to me how many gifts are given or cards are written without one thought about the person receiving the gifts or cards. I am a firm believer that people are unique and hence that any kind of congratulations we give people should be unique to them as well. We need to learn to celebrate people and their special events in ways that show our love for their individuality and that reflect our unique relationship to them. So keep in mind your friend, family member or co-worker when you are thinking of a creative way to offer congratulations to them. Keep in mind their hobbies, tastes and favorite things when you are looking for a great way to say great job.

Another important thing to keep in mind when you are offering congratulations is the event or accomplishment that they have finished. Offering creative congratulations should look different for a teen graduating high school and for your dad who is retiring. That might sound obvious, but more people than you'd imagine are horrible when it comes to making a gift unique or to offering congratulations creatively. Think about ways to offer congratulations that are appropriate to the age as well.

I always try to keep the best gifts and the best ways that people have celebrated me in the back of my mind as I attempt to give gifts or congratulations to others. I remember some of the times and ways that I have felt most appreciated, and I attempt to help others feel appreciated as well.

So, the next time you can give congratulations to someone important in your life, do it well. Do it creatively and do it well. People are worth being celebrated and congratulated with the best we can give.