Thank You
A Note of Gratitude
Thank you notes are a
wonderful way to let someone know how much you appreciate a kind gesture or a
thoughtful gift.
Thank you notes should be
sent for the following occasions:
v
someone sends you
a gift
this
includes monetary gifts
v
someone
entertains you at their home
or
invites you to go elsewhere at their expense
v
someone does you
a kindness
especially
if they go out of their way to assist you
v
someone offers
you an opportunity
even
if you do not accept it
It can be a very pleasant
task if you are prepared for it.
Preparation
It is important to have a
designated writing area. A writing desk
that is organized and free of clutter should be stocked with pretty and
essential supplies. An up to date address
book is a must. Stock pretty stationary,
thank you cards, blank note cards, envelopes, stamps and pens in blue or black
ink. Roller ball pens write smoothly and
are less likely to create ink blobs on the beautiful papers. Ensure that the desk is properly lit and in a
good location, preferably near the kitchen and a bathroom. A radio for listening to music is also a
pleasant addition to the space.
If there is to be a momentous
occasion where invitations will be sent out there will also be a guest list. An organized list will be very helpful when
it comes time to write the thank you cards.
Keep the list in a folder and make sure that it is present when the
gifts are opened and that someone is designated to write down the gift
information next to the corresponding name.
The sample list below is a great guide.
Name
|
Address
|
Inivitation
Mailed
|
Gift
Received
|
Thank You
Card Sent
|
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
|
(place a check in this box when invitation is placed
in the mailbox)
|
(jot down a detailed description of the gift as soon
as it is received)
|
(place a check in this box when the thank you card
is placed in the mailbox)
|
Begin the task promptly. It is best to mail thank you notes or cards
within two weeks, one month at the latest.
Writing the Note
When constructing the note be
thoughtful and genuine. Open with a warm
greeting. Thank the individual and
mention the gift. Be specific. Describe a feature of the gift that is
pleasing. State a plan for the
gift. If it is a monetary gift, state
what the money will be used for. Add a
personal note. Thank the individual
again and finish with a sincere closing.
*if the gift is monetary, do
not mention the amount
Sample Note:
Dear ------,
Thank you for the beautiful silver heart earrings. I already have several outfits planned that I
can wear them with. I am so appreciative
of your thoughtfulness. Thank you so
much!
Sincerely,
------------
Additional Tips
If someone sends a gift as a
way to express thanks, a thank you note for the gift is not necessary. However, a verbal acknowledgment is. Be sure to let the individual know the gift
was received and appreciated.
A verbal thank you is
appropriate for a gift exchange, such as at Christmas time. If the gift is received through the mail,
however, a note should be sent.
If there is ever any doubt
about whether a note needs to be sent, go ahead and send one. It is much nicer to receive an unexpected
note than never receive an expected one.
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