Contributed by Heather Vecchioni, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

When you go through a near-death experience, there’s a high chance it’s going to change your life. Whether you had an accident or illness that almost claimed your life, it’s an experience that will likely always stay with you. So what do you do for the person who saved your life? If you don’t think a simple “thank you” is enough, consider giving that hero a present that shows you appreciate the person who saved your life.

Here are some ideas for the top ten “saved your life” thank yous:

10. Make Dinner

Many consider food a special way to let someone know you care. Inviting the person who saved your life over to your home for dinner is a nice token of appreciation. Sharing a meal is quite intimate and a warm to show your “Saved Your Life” Thank Yous

9. Treat for Dinner Out

So you’re not a magician in the kitchen. No worries – invite the person who saved your life out to a meal. Although it’s not homemade, he or she will certainly appreciate the thought and effort. Choose his or her favorite restaurant and make sure you foot the bill.

8. Token That Honors the Profession

Did a firefighter save your life? A perfect present to give him or her is one that honors the profession. Presenting your hero with a firefighter gift – like a prayer afghan or a belt buckle that features a fire fighter insignia – is a perfect way to say thank you, and pay tribute to the profession. Find similar gifts for the other public service professions, like police, paramedics and ambulance drivers.

7. Treat to a Vacation

Presenting your hero with a vacation to a resort or other hot spot says “thank you” and gives him or her an experience that is well-earned. Pay for the travel accommodations, as well as the lodging and food, or whatever you can. The person who saved your life will surely appreciate the present. This is just a simple way to show your “Saved Your Life” Thank Yous.

6. Treat With a Cruise

There’s almost nothing that is more relaxing than a cruise. So why not give the person who saved your life a trip aboard a ship that will take him or her to an exotic location? Your hero will get to relax and see amazing sights.

5. Create a Plaque

Having your hero’s name inscribed in a personalized plaque is a special way to say “thank you.” You can have the date of the life-changing day placed in the plaque, as well as a picture of the person. This gift shows how appreciative you are and is something he or she can place on the wall.

4. Buy a Star

Let your hero know how special he or she is by purchasing a star in his or her honor. You can name the star yourself or have your hero choose the name. Every time you and your hero look up in the sky, you’ll remember that day.

3. Make a Donation

Ask your hero what his or her favorite charity is and make a donation there in his or her honor. Not only will you and your hero contribute to the charity, but you’ll show others just how caring and honorable that person is.

2. Write a Letter

Have your family members or those close to you write a letter to the person who saved your life. Have them thank your hero and tell him or her just how appreciative they are for saving you. This touching gift is thoughtful and gives your hero some well-earned praise.

1. Live Life to the Fullest

The best way to show thanks to the person who saved your life is by living it to the fullest. Your hero saved your life so you could keep on living it. Showing that person his or her efforts were not in vain is the best gift of all.