When should I send a thank you card?
Written thank you notes are appropriate for any gift received or personal favor. Favors would include if someone hosted you overnight or over a period of time, if
he or she threw a party in your honor- like a baby or bridal shower, or if he or she came over to help you personally- like with yard work, moving, or watching your
kids for a few hours so you could get out and do some grocery shopping. Any major act of kindness should be acknowledged with a thank you card.
Is a personal note required?
Yes! Yes! Yes! Preprinted thank-you cards without a personal note are not acceptable, and a phone call, email, virtual greeting card or hug in person do not
substitute for a formal thank-you note in response to a major gift, party in your honor, or personal favor.
What should I write in my thank you note?
The expression of thanks is the entire reason that we write thank you cards, and this can range from one to multiple paragraphs. Below is a breakdown of
three important elements to any hand written thank you:
1. Expression of thanks- write one or two sentences detailing appreciation for the specific item or event- and be specific!. For example, “Thank you for the
beautiful bouquet of flowers” or “Thank you for sharing your home with us last weekend.” This way the recipient knows that you put time and consideration into
your correspondence with them.
2. Next elaborate on the first portion of the message. Explain how you plan to use the gift, where you plan to put it, or something meaningful about the
gift or event. For example, “The tulips were my favorite flower in the bunch, and we have the arrangement sitting in the front window sill. It compliments the
room very well.” or “We most enjoyed getting to sit and chat with you all on Saturday night. It was great to reminisce old times!” It may be one line, it may be
many, but use this space to give your card additional meaning.
3. Lastly, include a closing statement. Usually this consists of reiterating your appreciation for the thoughtfulness of the recipient or a brief note about future
meetings- e.g. “Thank you again for the thoughtful gift. We can’t wait to see you again this fall!”
When is the latest that I can send a thank you note?
It’s never too late to send a thank you note! The trick is, though, that if you have waited too long, you should make it a clever note. Late is better than never!
Make a brief apology for your tardiness, but don't get hung up on the point. It's more important to emphasize your appreciation for each person's gift and how
much it will be enjoyed.
At what age should a child start writing thank you notes?
Children should write their own thank you notes or have someone write them for them from birth.
Prior to age 4, a short hand written note by the parent acknowledging the gift and how it will be put to use or how much the child enjoyed it are sufficient. I
always like to include both of my kids in the process, though, so I let them draw pictures to fold and include in and/or decorate the inside of the card itself..
Around age 4, help your child guide the pen to write their own thank you, but also let them decorate the card as well if they feel like it.
By the time he or she is around 7 or 8, you can handwrite out the message on another piece of paper and have them copy it in their own handwriting.
By age 9, their handwriting should be better, and they should be able to write the note on their own with guidance. Finally, by age 14, they should have a well
established routine of sitting down to write their own thank yous the day of or the day after the occasion.
Why does giving a thank you mean so much?
People appreciate the effort that the sender puts into writing the card, as well as, people enjoy getting mail that is not a bill. It also makes the person you are
saying “thank you” to feel that their time and/or money is well invested with you. A note is always appreciated and never inappropriate.
