Thank you to Tamy at 3 Sides of Crazy for hosting this new meme called The Revival of Common Courtesy! This topic of this edition is writing thank you notes.In our high-tech world, it seems as if using snail mail is taking a step back in time. However, there are times when a phone call or an email just won’t do. When is it appropriate to send an actual, handwritten thank you note?
Send notes in the following situations:
-Wedding gifts.
-For sympathy letters or flowers.
-To the hostess after a party that was hosted in your honor.
-For bridal or baby shower gifts.
-For gifts that were received by mail.
-After being hosted as a houseguest for one or more nights (unless it's a close relative or friend who is doing the hosting).
-For notes or gifts of congratulations.
-After a job interview (not required, but definitely a smart idea).
-For sympathy letters or flowers.
-To the hostess after a party that was hosted in your honor.
-For bridal or baby shower gifts.
-For gifts that were received by mail.
-After being hosted as a houseguest for one or more nights (unless it's a close relative or friend who is doing the hosting).
-For notes or gifts of congratulations.
-After a job interview (not required, but definitely a smart idea).
What if you don’t like a gift you have received?
"If something is not to your taste, you should still show appreciation for the thought that went into selecting it for you. (Donna Pilato, About.com - The Do's and Don'ts of Thank You Notes)"
Now that you know when to write a thank you note, what should you say?
1. Salutation – “Dear Mr. Jones,” “Dear Aunt Lisa”
2. First line to express gratitude – “Thank the donation you made in my grandfather’s name.” “Thank you for the red, silk scarf.”
3. How the gift will be used – “I plan to use the gift card (or money) to buy items for my dorm room.” “The crystal vase will look so nice on my dining room table.”
4. Refer to when you last saw the person or when you plan to see them again – “I’m so glad you were able to attend the party at grandma’s house.” “I am looking forward to seeing you at the wedding on August 23rd.”
5. Express gratitude once more – “Thank you for your kindness.” “Thanks, again.”
6. Sign the letter and send it!
Knowing what to say is the area that keeps many people from ever writing that thank you note. Now there are no excuses!
Here is a thank you note my daughter made for a recent birthday gift:
In it, she wrote a sweet, little note thanking her grandmother for a gift card and telling her how she planned to spend it. I'm so proud of her!
Great post Diana - I love how you included the job interview and what to include in the body of the thank you note. What a great card your daughter made. I think handmade cards denote an extra level of special. Thanks for participating!
ReplyDeleteI'm am the opposite of most. I write thank you notes for everything and anything. I think it is a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up I was never taught to write thank-you notes. When I became an adult I was embarrassed over not realizing how important this was. I've worked on it ever since.
ReplyDeleteI make my children write thank you notes. Although, I'm embarrassed to admit, depending on the recipient, I let them write it in an email. Beat me with a wet noodle, I'm sorry.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, yes, I'm in Houston. You read right, I was at the Kohl's on Fairmont in Pasadena! And, Bubba's Sis & I are best friends in real life.
Love this because people don't do it enough. I will still force my son to send thank you's on certain occasions. Plus, it's my excuse to scrap more!
ReplyDeletekris
I always make sure my girls write thank-you cards whenever they receive gifts or if anyone goes out of their way to do something nice for them. It's just good manners. :-)
ReplyDelete