I hope you all had a joyous holiday season.  Now that the holidays are behind us, it’s time to sit down and write thank you notes.  For some people it’s a daunting task because they don’t know what to say.  Thank you notes don’t have to be long and wordy.  They can be short and sweet.  Following are not only three easy steps on how to write a thank you note but also some suggestions on who to send thank you notes to besides gift givers.

Three Parts to a Thank You Note

1.  Greet the recipient.

It can be very simple.  Let them know it was nice to see them, spend time with them, or how thoughtful it was of them to think of you.

Dear Nana

It was nice to spend the holidays with you.

or

Dear Uncle George

It was so thoughtful of you to think of me during the holidays.

2.  Reference the gift.

Thank you for the generous gift of money.  I will put it to good use towards my new computer for school.  

or

Thank you for the ski sweater.  I can’t wait to wear it on the slopes.

3.  End the note with well wishes.

Happy new year to you and the family.  

I hope to be able to visit you during the summer.

or

Thanks again for the hockey tickets.   I will cheer them on for you.

You can end your note in many ways depending on the relationship.

Love

Love you

Love and miss you

Fondly

My best

Hugs

Warmest regards

Thanks again

With sincere appreciation

Sample Thank You Note

Dear Nana

We missed seeing you at Christmas.  I hope you had a nice holiday with Aunt Barb and the family.

I wanted to thank you for the gift of money.  It was so generous of you.  It will be put to good use towards my new computer for school.  

I am planning on a trip to Florida for spring break.  I would love to take you to lunch one day while I am there.

Love you,

Olivia

Writing Supplies

1.  Use a pen that you like to write with!  There are pens that glide on the paper and others that aren’t as nice.  Pick a nice one!  It makes writing so much more enjoyable.

2.  Make a list of who you need to thank.  Check the names off as you write your notes.

3.  Keep your address “book” handy whether it be addresses off your iPhone, computer or an actual address book.

4.  Note cards are ideal for short, hand written thank you notes.  You can stock up on them at discount stores such as TJ Max, Marshalls or Target.  You can also order custom monogrammed cards for an elegant touch such as these beautiful ones from Swoon Designs.

5. For convenience, you can use return address labels, a return stamp or hand write the return address.  Just make sure you put your return address on the envelope.  I cannot tell you how many times I have received an envelope sent back to me from the post office saying “Return to Sender”.

Alternative Ways to Say Thank You

If you were a house guest or party guest, send flowers, a specialty food item or other thoughtful gift with a card of thanks to your host/hostess.

If you prefer not to send a hand written note, then dress up an email with a picture of the item in use.  My mom gave an adorable outfit to a neighbor’s grandchild.  The neighbor sent a picture of the toddler in the outfit in an email.  Very personal and fun to see the outfit on the adorable little girl!

You can also call and say thanks.   A phone call is just as nice as a written thank you note, especially for those that may find it difficult to write notes.

Other Reasons to Write Thank You Notes

Think outside of the “gift box” when making out your list of whom to thank.  Some gifts aren’t delivered in a box!  Who else deserves a special thanks?  Read on for some examples.

A few years ago my friend Peggy wrote a note to all her friends thanking them for their friendship.  I so enjoyed being the recipient of that note!

Did you attend any group holiday parties such as one in the neighborhood or through a service organization such as Junior League?  Send a note of thanks to the organizer.  So much work goes into the planning, they deserve to be thanked.

You may have someone in your life that has been a great mentor to you.  Let them know how much they mean to you.

Have you received exceptional care from your doctor, accountant, hair dresser, etc.?  Write them a note of thanks.  My hand surgeon’s hallway has a wall dedicated to notes of thanks from their patients.  Perhaps it’s because we are all so thrilled to be able to write again after recovering from our hand injuries!

Besides the gift givers in your life, who can you send a note of thanks to?