Gee, Thanks!

In this age of electronic everything, a hand-written thank you note is an absolute must for a kind gesture. There are few things that express gratitude better than a well-written note, especially one with a personal quality to it. It amazes me, however, how many nuances are associated with this little social necessity. A few items to remember below when writing proper thank you notes:

Never use a notecard decorated with "thank you's" or "thanks". If it already says it, what's the point of writing a personal note? A simple, plain card with your initials, or other decorative items, is more appropriate. Here are a few of my favorite correspondence cards:

Silver Bordered Pearl White Correspondence Cards, Crane & Co.

Initial and Name Personal Correspondence Cards, Crane & Co.


Fine Script Personalized Stationery, Suitor

Coral Reef Folded Notecard, Elum

Don't just say thanks, express it! Tell the person how much you appreciate their gesture and why. Make them feel as though their time, money, and other resources were well spent and that you're grateful for it! Nothing is worse than receiving something in the mail that barely acknowledges that a gift that was selected just for that specific person, drug through the airport, haggled over with security (no, Mr. TSA officer, it's not liquid, it's lip gloss!), delicately placed in an overhead bin, and then happily delivered to the intended recipient. BE GRATEFUL!

Pay attention to who gave the gift. If it was given by a couple, be sure both couples are addressed in the salutation line, and the envelope addressed to both as well. If you know someone gave you a gift, but you can't remember which gift it was (this happens quite often to brides...heaven help us if we don't write it down), NEVER GUESS! Just write something along the lines of, "I am so grateful for your kind gift and that you remembered me during this special time (on my birthday), etc." It much better to be vague than wrong.

If the gift was given to you along, just sign your name. If the gift was given to you as a couple, be sure to close the note with both names. Be sure that you correspond the "thank you" language to match from whom the note is written, i.e. if it's from a couple, use "we" and "our". If it's from just you, use "I" and "me".

Here's an example of a great thank you note:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Great Gift,

Words can't express our sincerest gratitude for the beautiful silver pitcher. What a lovely gift, one that we'll cherish for many years to come. We are so appreciative of your kindess during this special time, and thank you again for your support of our upcoming marriage.

Sincerely,

Jane and John Doe

What's your favorite thank you note language? Have a great week!