With Thanksgiving time upon us and Christmas right around the corner, what better way to prepare for the holidays than to refresh yourself on the art of writing the perfect thank you note (yes, the art of thank you note writing is a thing.). Thank you notes aren’t just for when you receive gifts. They can be used to express gratefulness for a favor someone did for your or to show your appreciation for a teacher or a friend. Let’s be honest. People like getting handwritten notes and everyone likes to be appreciated. So without further ado, let me tell you some of my key tips for writing the perfect thank you note.
1. Use blank cards or nice stationery. This does not mean college ruled notebook paper. Put some time and care into making your note look nice. Whoever did you a favor or gave you a gift put some thought and care into what they were doing so you should do the same. You can purchase a box of blank note cards to keep on hand to write a quick thank you note at any time. You can even decorate your own if you are the DIY, creative type. Needless to say, I am definitely not that person, so I chose to buy my cards. You can always find some very nice ones at Target for a good price. The Target dollar spot always has packs of cute cards that I like to stock up on and carry with me.
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2. Thank them for the specific gift or favor. It’s always very personal when you actually mention the gift they gave you instead of saying, “Hey, thanks for that gift. It’s great.” My mom taught me to always make a list of gifts I receive and the person who gave them to me, especially at parties, so I never leave anyone out and I can keep track of the gifts that need thank you cards. Another thing on this subject. Don’t say “Thanks for the money.” It just sounds blunt. You can thank them for their generosity or kindness. That sounds more pleasant.
3. Tell them how you are have used/are going to use the gift or tell them something you like about it. Doing this shows your appreciation for the gift. Be honest and be sincere. If someone gave you a new blender, tell them how you are going to have a lot of fun making smoothies with it. Also on that note, if you didn’t particularly like the gift you received you don’t have to tell them how you are going to use it. You can say something you like about the gift. For example, it’s probably not the best idea to tell your Uncle Jack that you are going to totally re-gift that 700 page book on the Civil War, and you don’t have to let your Aunt Lucy that you are going to be using that ugly sweater she gave you as a rag to clean the kitchen counter. Instead, you can say that you think the book will be very educational (for someone else), and the sweater is a very lovely color of chartreuse. People like to know that their gift to you was something you appreciated.
4. Mention something from the past or look forward to the future. Let them know you’re thinking of them. Remind your cousin of the time you went on vacation to New York City for Christmas. Tell your grandma that you are looking forward to seeing her in a few weeks. It’s just that little personal touch that makes the other person smile. Also, if you’re not really close with the person to whom you are writing, it’s just fine to thank them for the gift and leave it at that. You don’t have to make up an exciting past experience with them or make plans for a future date if you aren’t going to keep them. It’s better to just say “thank you” than to make an awkward ending to the note.
5. Sign the card. I shouldn’t have to mention this, but I will. I have personally received thank you cards from some people who don’t sign the card, and I usually forget who it’s from. It’s sometimes hard to remember this key element, especially when you have to write one-hundred of them from gifts you got for your birthday or your graduation party. I like to sign my letters and notes with a Bible verse, too. Sign your card however you want, just make sure it’s sincere and heartfelt.
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” So often I am prone to complain about the smallest things. But it’s difficult to complain when I am praising God for His goodness or writing someone a thank you note. Now that I have totally convicted myself about being grateful, I am going to go write some thank you notes right now!
