If you were a bride, you’ll remember your bridal shower. Everyone sits in a circle and your bridesmaid makes a “bouquet” out of a paper plate and all the ribbons. And another bridesmaid writes down everything you received with the name of who gifted the much-needed crystal vase from your non-essential item registry (seriously, who actually uses their china more than once a year?). And, please tell me you also had the more seasoned attendee who announced how many children you would have each time you snapped apart a ribbon.
The more you read about the life of Jim and Julie, you’ll learn that our marriage started out really rocky. So, while most are blissfully in love with stressors being which flowers to choose as centerpieces, our troubles were a bit more heightened. Nevertheless, I remember thinking that I had to get all of my thank you notes done after my shower. To be honest, I don’t even remember if I finished all of them. And I definitely didn’t do them within 3 months or any reasonable time frame. I also remember writing thank you notes after my wedding, but I also remember agonizing over 1) what to write and how much to write to fill up the entire card 2) when to send them and 3) the money to pay for stamps. I also remember thinking…what if I just don’t send them? Eek.
Ten years later, I can write an expertly crafted thank you note – handwritten, typed, and I could probably send it in smoke signals if I tried.
I’ll never forget my Nana (strong-willed Southern woman) telling me that if someone doesn’t send her a thank you note within two weeks of her giving a gift, then that person shouldn’t even bother sending one!
But, think about it! Think about the last gift you gave to another adult. You most likely gave the gift a good bit of thought. With minimalism and the idea of less is more hitting homes, the last gift you want to give if something that will end up in their junk drawer or at the local thrift shop faster than two-day Amazon shipping. I don’t go all crazy on gifts, but I do spend a little more time than when I say, in college, gave a friend some Lip Smackers and Walmart jewelry (sorry friends!). I spend time thinking about the recipient and choose something that fits their lifestyle and matches up with their interests.
I think of thank you notes as mini bridges for the overall relationship – anchors that connect you to this person throughout your life. If you want your relationships to grow, then give them anchor points or meaningful connections that take little time and effort, but really mean a lot to the recipient.
In my profession, I send a lot of thank you notes. And, I write them not only when my organization has received something of value, but I write when I feel I need to make a connection to show that this relationship is reciprocal. You can show your appreciation at work with co-workers and clients, with your family, close friends, and even acquaintances.
How to write a thank you note:
- The note: I tend to choose thank you notes that reflect my style. I love simple elegance and also the color combination of black and white. I tend to buy Hallmark thank you cards and notes because I just like seeing the word Hallmark on my card and envelope – to me it means that I spent time choosing my note wisely. Who knows if the recipient will even notice this!
- The format and writing: You learned how to write a letter at school – you know how to do this. You’ll need the date (always date your notes!), a salutation, a body, and a closing with signature. The hardest part is the body. But, the following are sure-fire ways I write winning and meaningful thank you notes:
- Start with something that ties you to this person. Did you see them recently? Are they experiencing a heat wave in the ‘neck of the woods? Start your note off with a connection right away.
- Thank them for precisely what they gave you – could be tangible or intangible
- Write a sentence about how you’re using or enjoying what they gave you.
- Close out your letter and sign it. Use your full name if you don’t know the person well and just your first name if you have a close relationship.
I’ve included some samples below.
Pro Tips:
- Get your thank yous out the door within two weeks. I have found that thank yous are best received while the person still remembers the feeling of giving you the gift.
- Choose a variety of note styles. I prefer blank notes with a Thank You on the front. I like to craft my messages and these aren’t anniversary cards to your significant other! I am a fan of these and these!
- Choose a few different sizes. If you are sending thank yous to people who you don’t know well, don’t panic about filling up ALL the space! Choose small note cards like these that encourage short, simple notes – these are perfect! If you know the person well, choose a larger format so that you can write more about your tie with them or expand on what this gift means to you.
- Not every gift needs a thank you note, in my opinion. Did your two-year-old receive the latest Power Ranger or a Dora coloring book? Great! Thank the giver in person at the party. I don’t think that children’s birthday gifts require a thank you note.
- Sometimes, a phone call is best. If you haven’t spoken to the giver for a while, maybe it’s time to pick up the phone and verbalize your thank you. And, in the case that you have waited a month or longer to send a note, a phone call may just get you out of that hot water with your Southern Nana!
- Don’t send a thank you note via email. A handwritten note is like magic! An email is commonplace and while it works for a lot of relationship exchanges, a thank you note is not one of them. You can write an email as a follow-up, but it speaks volumes when you also handwrite a note.
- Easy on the exclamations (!!!!!), especially in a business setting. Use them sparingly and only if you think the other person would appreciate a little excitement!
Examples: (all handwritten on cards like these)
In response to your husband’s Aunt giving you a housewarming gift (don’t forget the date and bonus points if you include a printed photo of the gift in use):
Mya,
I hope you are enjoying your summer so far – we hope to see you soon! Your package arrived in the mail today – what a beautiful tea kettle and matching teacups. They are perfect in our new kitchen and I’m enjoying a cup of tea with honey 
as I write this. You are so special to us and we thank you for thinking of us during our move.
Love you, Jim, Julie & Emily
In response to a client trusting you with their business (don’t forget the date):
Dear Patricia,
It was a pleasure to meet with you and Ken last week. Our team cannot wait to start working with you and exploring ways to grow your customer base. Will be in touch about our next steps, but I wanted to reach out to share my enthusiasm and sincere appreciation. Thank you again for sharing your business with XGN Business Group.
Sincerely, Julie
In response to your daughter’s grandparents who watched her for a week (pictured in the image for this blog):
Gigi and Papa,
You are such wonderful grandparents to Emily! Thank you so much for watching her last week. She really enjoyed her time with you – she will remember this forever. Love you both!
Love, Julie
In response to a co-worker who gave you a bottle of wine after you both just finished a major event…get that co-worker their own bottle of wine because they deserve it!
—Julie—
P.S. I’m currently using these as my thank you cards! They are so ME and are so classy!
