Thank-You Note Etiquette
When was the last time you received a “Thank-You” card? Remember those? You know, actual handwritten notes on paper and snail-mailed to you?
I was raised to address adults as Mrs., Mr., Aunt, Uncle, etc., and to say thank you, which included thank-you notes. In fact, at a job I had several years ago where they often kidded me about me explaining “manners” to them (it was all in fun).
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I tried to pass this along to my children and it worked until they were on their own 🙁 We also have several nieces and nephews that have graduated, married, or had babies and we gave them gifts. Not one of them sent a thank you. Not even an electronic thank you, which by the way is not good enough!
Do You Remember Thank-You Notes? #Manners #ThankYou #Etiquette Share on X
Thank you notes may seem old-fashioned, but they build personal and professional relationships. Plus, when you take the time to hand write a note, it shows how much you appreciate the gift. Honestly, when I don’t receive a note or card after sending a gift, I am not as happy to gift for their next “occasion”. Gifts may be expected by the recipient, but in my opinion, sending a gift is not a given.
The notes don’t need to be elaborate. There are many formal and informal thank you card sets available, or personal stationery is just fine. If a child is doing the note, I think even school notebook paper is OK 😊 Nice and informal cards can even be found at dollar stores.
Pointers
Here’s some other thank you note pointers:
- Send as soon as possible. I understand many times the recipient has a lot of notes to do, like from a shower or graduation, but the longer you wait, the less chance it will be done.
- They don’t have to be an essay. A simple paragraph will do.
- Mention the gift and how you plan to use it. Don’t use vague phrases like “the gift”.
- If you received cash, no need to mention the amount, but do say how you plan to use the money.
- Your wording and style should fit the person you are sending the card to. If it is a close friend or relative, you can be more casual. However, sending a job interview thank you note should be more formal and on professional-quality paper.
- There are many occasions that warrant a thank you card, but if you are not sure, it is always in good taste to write a note. I would rather send a card and it not be necessary than to not send one when it should be.
- Don’t wait until you have the perfect wording. Just do it. Simple is best.
- Many people will say that a text or email is enough, but I still think a handwritten note is the way to go.
- If you did not like the gift, please don’t say that in the thank-you note. Simply say you appreciate the gift and will think of them when using it.
We live in a society that is often very uncivilized. Let’s bring back good manners such as holding a door for someone or sending thank-you notes. It shows gratitude from the receiver. Plus it will just make you feel better!
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