A thank you note represents a formality that many people have lost with today’s technology of emails and Facebook status updates; it represents the timeless need that people have to feel appreciated. A thank you note takes minutes to write but can give someone hours, days or even years of fulfillment.
My mother loves it when she receives a written thank you note; it makes her feel as though she did something well and you know what?... she did! Everyone who gives a gift even that horrible “what am I supposed to do with this!” gift giver did something well. They took time out of their day to think of you and that time always deserves a written thank you note.
So let’s take a moment to go over the basics of a thank you note.
Thank you notes should be received within three months of receiving the gift and preferably they should be written as soon as the gift has been received.
First, find appropriate stationary for the thank you note occasion. Whether you’re using Letterpress Monogrammed stationary from Crane or something simple and appropriate from Target, it should fit the occasion. Secondly, please find a black or blue (preferably black) pen. No, you may not use red or purple or green unless you’re under the age of 10 and your stationary has a picture of Dora on the front.
Thirdly, a thank you note is a representation of yourself so make sure it sounds like you and not as though it was copied from a generic source. You should include personalized comments aside from just the gift reference such as “It was so good to see you and your son, I can’t believe he is already 15!” or “We are sorry you weren’t able to be at the birthday party but we hope to see you soon.” Make sure that the recipient realizes you wrote this for them otherwise your time writing the note was wasted.
The gift giver should read your note and a smile should come across their face because in that moment you have made them feel special with such a simple and maybe even old-fashioned gesture.
~Laura
