Sending a note of thanks is a wonderful way to recognize someone and to let them know you care about them. Writing has become more informal over the years, and people are sending fewer hand-written messages of thank-you. In informal circumstances, it’s alright to send a message of thanks in an e-mail or text. Or, best, do both. Your message will mean much more to the recipient (and last longer!) if you write it on paper. In this post, you’ll find guidance on writing notes and thank-you letters recognizing loved ones.
Thank-you messages are an excellent way to stay in touch, develop a relationship, and build camaraderie. We offer “Occasions for Thank-Yous” and Templates on when and how you might send such a message.
The purpose of a note of thank-you is to recognize the recipient for some gift or action. A note can make your loved one, friend, neighbor, boss, co-worker, or reader feel appreciated and let her know you’re thinking of her and appreciating her efforts. It’s fine to send a pre-printed thank-you card, but be sure to personalize it with something more than just your signature. Take the time to brainstorm and make your message special.
Use our guide to get you started.
How to Personalize:
- What do you know about how hard the giver worked to give you the gift? Mention this in the card.
Thank you for going out of your way to pick me up at the airport, especially how early I arrived!
- What was special about the gift? How did you use it?
Thank you for the tickets to the ballet. The dancers were graceful, beautiful, and powerful.
- How did the gift make you feel?
I was felt so relaxed and rejuvenated after the massage. Thank you for gift certificate- what a luxury!
Occasions for Thank-Yous:
Take advantage of occasions like these to send a note of appreciation and show you care:
- Dinner party
- Tickets, gifts, etc.
- Everyday chores (walking the dog, dishwasher, laundry, etc.)
- Donations
- Gifts received when ill
- Gifts received when experiencing a loss
- Congratulatory gifts (graduation, baby shower, weddings, promotions, etc.)
DO
- Use the word “thank you” early in your note.
- Remember that “thanks” is appropriate for text messaging, but not for formal writing. Take the time to write out “thank you” in your letter.
- Mention the gift, event, act, or gesture early in your message.
- Be as personal as appropriate.
- Appreciate what when into the gift or action. People like to be recognized for their effort.
- Spell check! Use correct spelling, especially of the person’s name.
- Send early, ideally no later than 7 days.
DON’T
- Don’t wait too long to send it, ideally no later than 7 days. Send a note promptly, and you’ll create the feeling that you’re still remembering the event.
- Don’t buy a pre-printed card and just sign it. Be sure to personalize it. Even if you write just a few lines, make sure the card has a message that is specific to the reader and the gift.
- Don’t use sarcasm, inappropriate jokes, etc.
- Don’t give exact monetary amounts for the gift received. For Americans, talking dollar amounts isn’t considered tactful.
When to send?
The Emily Post Institute of etiquette suggests 2-3 days for holiday and birthday gifts and up to 3 months for wedding gifts.
2-3 days is admittedly a fast turnaround and wow, 3 months, too long. We go instead for the general rule of within the first 7 days.
TEMPLATES
Dear [Name of Giver]
Thank you so much for the __[give occasion and gift]______. You know how we love ____[add detail about the gift]_____. We’ll use the gift to __[describe how you’ll use it]____.We enjoy seeing you __________[how you know the person].
Sincerely/Love/Warmly/With gratitude [select based on relationship]
[Your name]
Template for a food gift:
Dear Lorraine,
Thank you so much for the Christmas gift of special chocolates! You know how we love dark chocolate and cocoa nibs! We enjoy seeing you everyday at the pool and sharing recipes.
With love,
Keri and Kelsi
Template for cash gifts:
Dear Julia,
Thank you for the graduation gift! Your support during our Linguistics studies means so much! The gift will go towards our move to Australia. Thanks again!
With gratitude,
Kelsi and Keri
Template for everyday:
Hi there Kelsi,
Thank you for vacuuming everyday. The house sparkles because of your attention to detail and consistent help in cleaning around the house! You’re the best sis ever!
Keri
Template for service:
Dear Emily,
Thanks for an incredible haircut! I feel so fabulous with an updated cut that highlights my blonde streaks! I am rest assured knowing that I finally can walk into a hair salon knowing that I am in expert hands.
Until next time!
Kelsi
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