Why not keep it simple and give each of them a Christmas ornament to hang on their tree. They will then be reminded year after year that at least one patient really appreciated them.

A card is more than enough and I'd say include what you're saying and feeling. A sincere compliment is worth FAR more than any trinket you can buy, no matter the cost of the trinket. They are likely to have everything they need or want and more so all you'd be doing is giving them clutter. When I saw my surgeon I mentioned what a great job he did and how I understood it was not a run-of-the-mill case and I appreciated how he gave the extra effort. You wouldn't believe the smile that came over his face. We've become friends.

I firmly believe that a gift out of obligation is worthless, while a sincere compliment is priceless. Send the card, but one suggestion, is there an assistant or someone else you see frequently during your appointments? You might want to include their name on the card. If not, omit.

Cynic said it well. And yes, remember any staff people who stand out. Your doctor will appreciate a heart-felt handwritten note more than anything you (or anyone else) could buy.

I agree too! A really beautiful and thoughtful card. Are you near a Papyrus card shop? They are more expensive but are nicely made.

The most important thing will be the sentiment that you write inside.

My most memorable gift of all times was from my girls scouts. They each filled out a page in a book about what their scouting experience meant to them. Parents would of course get together and give a gift certificate or token gifts as well. Truthfully, I don't remember what they were.

I'm in the card-with-heartfelt-note camp, too. It is more meaningful than a gift you can buy.

Just a card with a note.

I used to work for a specialist. I can assure you that a card with a note is plenty and will be appreciated as much, and I would say more, than any gift.

A card with a nice note is appropriate.

Trust me when I say that no one needs (or wants) another mug.

I agree with the others, a card and a heartfelt note would be more appreciated. I have friends who work in Doctor's offices and most of the gifts given to the Doctors are passed on to the staff.

I agree with the card and handwritten note. If you do any baking and it doesn't have to be for Christmas, take a plate of cookies, brownies or fudge for the doctor and staff along with a note of thanks. That is appreciated any time.

I'm in the card with note camp too. I had a well patient check in scheduled with my doctor right before Thanksgiving one year. He was running behind, had a hospital emergency earlier, we had a productive but quick visit. As he was dashing for the door to his next patient, I wished him a happy Thanksgiving and still remember the startled and pleased look on his face. Just that small gesture indicating we know they are human too ;0) and he paused a moment to smile and return the good wishes.

A card with a heart felt note is the best thing you can do. As the wife of a physician I can honestly say that he has been touched when a patient or a patient's family member takes the time to write. He always brings them home to share and over the years I've saved all of them in a folder.

If you bake, maybe include a plate of cookies as well.

Very thoughtful of you Pawprint!

I used to bring my GP a couple of good bottles of wine and I promise you they weren't given to the staff. He's retired now.

Cookies - mugs- tree ornaments - are the kind of things that get moved along to others without making much of an impact.

I think a card with a short note is more than adequate. The shorter the message the more impactful it will be.

Since I've never believed in sending sympathy cards with the thoughts of someone else expressing my feelings, I would agree with a simple holiday greeting card plus your very own warm words of appreciation which would surely seem like a gift to your doctors. You are a thoughtful being, and I hope karma works for you.

Are you creative enough to use card stock to print your own cards with a picture of yourself in a Santa hat? :) Or artistic enough to draw a simple scene to make a card more personal? That, with the above mentioned note, should brighten the season.

OT, but my mother's oncologist has pics of himself dressed as Santa, with his staff as elves, kept out in the waiting room all year long. He is a funny, kind, and considerate man, and the pics always make me smile.

A card with a note is wonderful and will be greatly appreciated, believe me. Sometimes an office can get too many goodies like cookies and candies.

It sounds like you want gift suggestions...? So here are mine: 1) Ferrero Rocher chocolate nut candy 2) Godiva chocolate bar(JCP carries this brand) 3) Dove bar

AND a card. The old saying...sweets for the sweet person...

I'd say don't buy them expensive cards. Just purchase a box of 10 Hallmark Christmas notes and write personal notes with details of why you appreciate them. They get plenty of expensive things from their rich friends, but they don't always get the heartfelt thanks that would warm their hearts.

nicole-love the idea of a Ferrero Rocher box!

We tell our students a gift from the heart means more than ANYTHING--write a note tell the what they mean to you. They have all the STUFF they want. Chances are edible items will be cast off or set in the break room to share. Don't burden them with it. Your letter will mean more.

I think a note is more meaningful and much more appreciated than a gift in this situation. Ditto Paperweights above.

But if you think they're the sort of people who will "snub their noses" at a $1 gift, you might want to rethink the whole thing.

A beautiful, heartfelt note would be the best gift. I've read all the comments above and so anything else I would say about a note as the gift would be superfluous. It doesn't have to be a "holiday" card. A note in your own handwriting and your own words will be the BEST gift. And I can guarantee you that it won't be discarded after the holidays, it will be saved and the doctor's heirs will be thrilled to read it someday down the line.

I'm a nurse and the cards we get from our patients are the best.

A card with a note and if you bake a little Xmas can of homemade cookies.

Well, I'm not blessed with the ability to bake or do calligraphy. A store bought card & chocolates sounds good!

I've always sent a holiday card to my doctors office & staff in the past, along with my veterinarian.

But this year I've seen so many new doctors because of disability that my list has grown extensively.

I really have been blessed that all my doctors care about me & I've developed personal relationships with each them. They've all helped me through some difficult times in 2016 & they deserve a thank you.

As others have said, you could forget the chocolates unless you completely feel the need. See your last paragraph? Don't be afraid to write something like that, straight from the heart. Sometimes we think people know we appreciate them because we say "thank you," but nothing beats the real words of appreciation with a bit of detail.

I vote for just sending a note expressing your appreciation. I worked for a professional for 40 years. Goodies are not a good idea. So many have the same idea and offices end up with mountains of treats. It gets to the point between TDay and Christmas, that it is OH NO, not more. Most folks try to eat healthy most of the time. It is tough having new treats waiting in the break room. And many were super star bakers.

The fact that you want to do this is heart warming. You are a kind, caring person. I think a plate of cookies with a handwritten note is perfect!

A heartfelt thank you for all they have done for you is sufficient.

A card is fine. Do you do any cooking or baking? I have seen some really great food ideas for gifts. Here is one anyone can make!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup roughly chopped dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped pistachios
• 12 oz white chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.
2. Microwave chips for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until smooth.
3. Once melted stir in all but 1 tbsp each of the dried cranberries and pistachios.
4. Spread it out in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet, and then sprinkle the remaining cranberries and pistachios.
5. Refrigerate until firm then cut to desired size.

There are many more on pinterest, quick and easy!

Here is another one I just found. I love pretzels with Chocolate.

Easy Toffee Pretzel bark

Wow, JoAnn! That looks amazing!

That looks so beautiful.

Unfortunatly I'm not blessed with the baking skill. My cakes look more like this.

LOL, Pawprint!

I always wonder if anyone actually eats goodies from people's homes. I know a lot of people who will throw stuff like that away. I'd stick with a pretty card with heartfelt note.

its not baking at all, you melt the chocolate over the fruit and nuts then you can just cut or break them apart. Easy as can be. Try it!

I really think it doesn't have to be a store bought card either- -- I agree with the others that taking the time to write a nice note or letter will have more meaning and be more appreciated. Really. No need to spend $ even on cards.

FWIW, I'm NOT talking about an expensive card either. If you have stationery (can even print out your own and use, there's Christmas/Holiday templates all over the internet) or stop at the dollar store. The card isn't any value to them, it's the sentiment. And again, avoid food. They can all afford to eat. Holiday time most offices are bringing in food, food exchanges and the like. Keep it simple, keep it meaningful. This idea of mandatory gifts of useless trinkets and food that they may well not eat has got to stop. It's such a waste. Keep in mind that doctors can have allergies and dietary restrictions, even self-imposed. My one surgeon would not touch a cookie or a brownie. Nor chips, nor chocolates... Something written will be appreciated far more.