While there are some occasions where a quick text or phone call is the appropriate or acceptable way to thank someone for a good deed, there are other occasions where a handwritten thank you note is the best option. While they may seem to be a little old-schoolish, many people really appreciate receiving a thank you note in the mail.
What to Say in a Thank You Note
Be specific in your thank you cards by mentioning the specific gift or kind act. For example, instead of saying, "thank you for the birthday gift" say, "thank you for the blue sweater."
When to Send a Thank You Note
Sending thank you notes after receiving a birthday, wedding, or holiday gift is the norm. Why not send a thank you note after having lunch with a friend you have not seen in a long time? Or, why not send one to a professional who has consistently given you great service?
While it is not always possible it is best to send out a thank you note card right after the kind act. However, it is better to send out the thank you note late than to not send one at all. I must confess that I do not always sent out thank you note cards right away. And I do not always make sure that Isaiah sends out thank you note cards right away. In fact, he did not send his thank you notes for his Christmas gifts until early February!
Neatness Counts
Even if you are in a hurry to get the thank you note written and to the Post Office, do not make that evident through poor penmanship. Remember that you want the recipient to be able to read the note!
Making Your Thank You Note Extra Special
Add a little something extra to your thank you note to make it more personal and more special. Include a photo. The photo could show where or how you have used the gift. Or, it could be picture of you or your family. Another way to make the thank you note a little different is to say thank you in a different language such as merci (French), gracias (Spanish), or Asante (Swahili). This added touch would be particularly nice coming from a child who is just learning a new language.
Corresponding with Grandparents
While everyone including grandparents and great-grandparents seems to be tech savvy, grandparents absolutely love to receive any type of written correspondence from grandkids! I know this from personal experience with Isaiah and his grandparents. I know this also because I have had several grandmoms purchase note cards and stationery from me for their grandkids, commenting that they hope the grandkids will use the stationery to write to them.
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