In everyday conversation, we can express our sincere gratitude by using a kind tone or by giving someone a big hug. However, this is unfortunately not possible when we text or chat online.
Thankfully, we have plenty of emoji to pick from to express appreciation in a written message!
Here we’ve gathered a list of emoji that can be used to thank someone in a variety of unique ways. We’d be very grateful if you’d take a look!
Folded Hands 🙏
When it comes to expressing thanks, the Folded Hands emoji 🙏 reigns supreme. It is the most commonly used emoji to express gratitude, and it’s likely used more frequently than many emoji on this list combined. If you want to thank somebody using just a single emoji, the Folded Hands emoji 🙏 gets the job done. Only one other emoji can compete for the thankful crown…
Raising Hands 🙌
The second most commonly used emoji to express thanks is the Raising Hands emoji 🙌. Like the Folded Hands emoji 🙏, this emoji can be used on its own to convey how thankful you are. The Raising Hands emoji 🙌 is a good alternative to the Folded Hands emoji 🙏 if you want to let someone know how appreciative you are of their kind words or deeds.
The Folded Hands emoji 🙏 and Raising Hands emoji 🙌 are far and away the champions of thanksgiving. However, there are plenty of other emoji out there that can be used to express thanks, too. Let’s look at more emoji and consider the possibilities of when we might want to use them.
Thumbs Up 👍 and OK Hand 👌
A pair of all-around friendly emoji, the Thumbs Up emoji 👍 and the OK Hand emoji 👌 are fine when you need to give somebody a quick, informal thanks. A good pick for the small favors.
Handshake 🤝
Pay it forward with the Handshake emoji 🤝. This emoji is a proper pick to let someone know you’ll return the favor or you look forward to collaborating with them again in the future.
Hearts ❤️🖤💚💙💛
If a loved one or cherished friend helped you out, hearts can passionately or lovingly express your gratitude. They come in a variety of colors, too, so they’ll add some flair to your thanks.
Our hearts are full because we get to tell you all about the meanings of the different heart emoji.
Heart Hands 🫶
If you want to be more playful when giving thanks, the Heart Hands emoji 🫶 is here for you. This emoji gives a friendly, casual vibe, so it’s the perfect choice for thanking your besties and BFFs.
Flexed biceps 💪
The Flexed Biceps emoji 💪 brings raw power to your thanks. This is a great emoji to use if you want to thank a teammate or thank the squad for coming together to accomplish something great.
Hugging Face 🤗
Bring it in! The Hugging Face emoji 🤗 is the lovable, huggable emoji to use when someone close to you really helped you out. It is a good emoji to use to sub in for those times when you can’t give a thankful real-life hug.
Saluting Face 🫡
Ten hut! The Saluting Face emoji 🫡 is a supportive emoji that lets someone know you have their back or can get the job done now that they helped you. Be careful with this one, though, as it can be viewed as a sarcastic emoji and may send a message you didn’t intend.
Victory Hand ✌️
Mission accomplished! The Victory Hand emoji ✌️ is a way to acknowledge someone who helped you accomplish a goal or taste sweet victory. Let them know you couldn’t have done it without them.
Oncoming Fist 👊 and Right Facing Fist paired with Left Facing Fist 🤜🤛
Can I get a fist bump? If you need to give props to your besties, your bros, or your homegirls, these are the emoji you want. The Oncoming Fist emoji 👊 and the combo of Right Facing Fist emoji and Left Facing Fist emoji 🤜🤛 signal how tight you are with someone while giving them the thanks they deserve.
Smiling Faces 🙂, 😀, 😊, 🥰, 😎…
If you really want to customize your thanks, the many smiling face emoji are all great choices. You could opt for the Smiling Face With Hearts emoji 🥰 if you’re feeling flirtatious, or go with the Face With Sunglasses emoji 😎 if you’re one cool customer. The possibilities are limitless!
Face Holding Back Tears 🥹
If somebody was unbelievably good to you, they probably deserve the Face Holding Back Tears emoji 🥹. This emoji leaves a lasting impression. It is the best emoji to use when you are nearly overwhelmed by someone’s act of kindness.
Goat 🐐
The Goat emoji 🐐 pairs well with informal occasions and/or animal lovers. If someone keeps helping you over and over again, the Goat emoji 🐐 lets them know that they are the one and only G.O.A.T. in your eyes.
Fire 🔥
If someone has been on a roll and killing it lately, you can let them know they are straight fire with the Fire emoji 🔥. This emoji delivers a passionate thanks burning with gratitude.
Clinking Beer Mugs 🍻 and Clinking Glasses 🥂
Cheers! The Clinking Beer Mugs emoji 🍻 is a perfect celebratory emoji to express how much you appreciate someone’s friendship while thanking them. The Clinking Glasses emoji 🥂 is a classy alternative to express the same feeling.
Person Bowing 🙇
This is one you want to save for those desperate times. The Person Bowing emoji 🙇 signals that someone really saved your skin and you really owe them one. Use this emoji if you feel like you are completely in someone’s debt and are looking for any opportunity to return the favor.