Thank You Notes are often one's first foray into learning manners. Frankly, they're a pain in the ass. Writing a "heartfelt" letter of appreciation is hard enough as is, but after big events, the massive list of notes to write turns the polite gesture into drudgery. After surviving my graduation party, I have a MOUNTAIN of Thank You Notes to write! I'm a bit of an expert on them, so I am imparting my knowledge to you, dear readers. Now, when you next get married/have a large birthday celebration/celebrate an anniversary/get a promotion/whatever big thing happens that requires thanksgiving, you are so ready!
Step 1- Stationary:
When writing your note, it is important to select the right stationary. It has to:
- Be appropriate for the occasion
- Suit your handwriting
- Have the amount of space you wish to commit
With #1, you wouldn't want a whimsical print card to thank wedding guests or a formal, elegant note to thank somebody for bringing a hostess gift to your informal brunch. Choose your card for the occasion! In regards to #2, you want to find a card that will give you the proper amount of space to suit your penmanship style. I personally, have large handwriting, so I enjoy using smaller cards so that it looks like I am writing more than I actually am since I use all the space. For #3, this is more about saving yourself effort and coincides well with #2. If you have a smaller card, you fill it up more quickly so it does not take as much time to plow through the list of recipients.
Step 2- Introduction:
Start off with something like "Thank you very much for the gift!" I prefer to say gift unless given a specific item. This keeps it simple, yet does not draw too much attention to the specific amount they gave. Nobody really wants to hear you say "Thanks for the cash!" in a card that is supposed to be thoughtful.
Step 3- Make it Relevant:
Every gift is given with a purpose, so make a comment about how useful it will be to you! For example, with the money I've gotten for graduation, I make a remark about how helpful it will be when I am in Chicago and crack a joke about how expensive it is to live there. Or if you get, say, a collection of whisks from your wedding, you can comment on how useful they'll be in the kitchen and thank the giver for their thoughtful present yet again! People love knowing that they made a difference for you, even if it was small!
Step 4- Make it Personal:
This is the most crucial step with the note. Here, you mention some sort of favorite memory (or any memory at all, if you don't know the person too well), which is what makes the recipient of the note feel all warm and fuzzy inside and say to themselves, "Wow, who knew (insert your name here) was such a sweetheart!" If you reeeeally know nothing about the person you are writing to, comment on how kind it was for them to be there for you at a very special time in your life. Those little touches create great depth in notes for any occasion!
Step 5- Close:
Thank them again, and then BAM you are done with your perfect thank you note!
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