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Writing thank you notes may seem like a chore, but the friends and relatives who receive them will think highly of your manners and consider doing more favors for you in the future. How to Write a Thank You Note covers emails, letters, or notes of appreciation to a friend, relative, or personal acquaintance. For business thank yous, visit our guide to writing formal thank you letters.
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Thank You Note Tips
- Send a thank you note to acknowledge gifts, hospitality, or favors.
- Write your note on small stationery or a postcard.
- Be specific and gracious in your message.
- Mail thank you notes within 2-3 weeks.
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Tips for Writing a Thank You Letter
This video walks you through the process of writing a thank you letter, highlighting the key steps you should take along the way. You will need a pen and either a store bought thank you card or good quality paper to write one on. First, you should determine the length your letter will be, and make sure your paper matches the length. This prevents you from having to write in large letters to fill up the page. Decide if it will be hand written, which is reserved for more personal letters, or typed, which is usually used for business letters. Always remember to address the person you are writing appropriately. Make sure you thank them for what they gave you or whatever gesture they did that you are thankful for, and then acknowledge why you are appreciative. Finally, refer to the past and presence in association with the letter and end it with a personalized thanks. The last touch is to proofreed the letter.
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Introduction
- Have you ever gone out of your way for someone and felt unappreciated? Bet they didn't write you a thank you note. Writing a thank you note shows that you recognize the thoughtful gifts and deeds of others. Besides, it's good manners! This guide will walk you through how to write a thank you note.
Step 1: Appreciate a Kindness
- Send a thank you note when you recognize that someone has gone out of their way for you, particularly if you have not yet had occasion to say thank you in person.
- Gifts. Send a thank you note for any gift you received by mail or otherwise in the absence of the giver.About.com: The Do's and Don'ts of Thank You Notes If you thanked the giver in person when you received and opened the gift, the thank you note is optional.
- Hospitality. Send a note if someone let you stay at or visit their home, or hosted an event in your honor.About.com: The Do's and Don'ts of Thank You Notes
- Favors. For significant personal or professional favors, send a thank you note to acknowledge the favor-doer's efforts.
Step 2: Create an Appealing Presentation
- A thank you note need not be a work of art, but it shouldn't be an eyesore. Put away the looseleaf and try a more attractive medium.
- Greeting cards. Pre-inscribed thank-you cards are a popular choice for thank you notes, but some writers find store-bought greeting cards dullPriceless Writers Blog: How to Write a Great Thank You Letter or aesthetically unsuited to your message.The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003)
- Postcards. The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003) A less common choice, postcards are acceptable for short notes. Choose an attractive design to complement your message.
- Handmade cards. Show your gratitude by drawing, painting, or collaging a card. This method is perfect for artists and for children, who may not readily express themselves in writing.Advice with Dr. Dave and Dr. Dee: Thank You Note Guidelines for Kids
- Stationery. Small pages are best, as your small message will look awkward on a big sheet of paper.The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003)
Step 3: Compose Your Note
- Thank you notes should not sound formulaic, but most follow the same basic structure.
- Address the Recipient
- If the thank you is for a gift, address the note to the person or persons whose names were on the gift card.About.com: The Do's and Don'ts of Thank You Notes - Addressing the Notes
- Call the recipient the same name you would use in person.About.com: The Do's and Don'ts of Thank You Notes - Addressing the Notes Grandma is still Grandma, and a first-name basis acquaintance may be addressed by first name.
- Give Specific Thanks
- Say thank you. Thank you for the helpful gardening book.
- Identify gift or gesture. A generic "thank you for the gift" will make your recipient wonder whether you remember the gift at all, but a specific one reminds the recipient of their own kindness.Lifehack.org: Send Thank-You Notes; Real Ones (July 12, 2006)
- Describe intangible items in appealing terms.The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003) You can often sum up actions in a single word, such as kindness, hospitality,The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003) or support.
- Refer to monetary gifts discreetly. Ettiquette forbids discussing money frankly. Mention to the giver's generosityPriceless Writers Blog: How to Write a Great Thank You Letter instead.
- Show Value of Gift or Kindness
- Be gracious. Even if you do not like a gift, you can find something complimentary to say about it.The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003) A gift that is not to your taste may still be striking or, at the very least, thoughtful.
- Indicate use.The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003) If it's a gift, discuss how you'll use it. If it's a favor, discuss how it will benefit you or has done so already. This book will come in handy when I'm planting next year's tomatoes or I could never have moved all those boxes without your help.
- Discuss money indirectly.Priceless Writers Blog: How to Write a Great Thank You Letter Let the recipient know to what purpose you will use a monetary gift, but a detailed account of your spending is both tacky and boring.
- Acknowledge Your Relationship with the Recipient
- Mention prior contact.The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003) It was great to see you at Kate's birthday party.
- Briefly comment on your personal life. A quick, positive line about your health or circumstances is appropriate, but save lengthy updates for another time.The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003) This note is about the recipient, not about you!
- Suggest future involvement.The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003) I look forward to speaking with you soon or I hope you can make it to Thanksgiving this year.
- Wish recipient well.The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003) Even if you do not plan to keep in touch regularly, let the recipient know you care. I think of you fondly and wish you the best.
- Sign Your Note
- Write a closing line. Sincerely or Your loving granddaughter or even Thanks again.
- Sign your name. Even if the note is typed, add your signature by hand.
Conclusion
- Send your thank you notes in a timely fashion. Experts recommend sending notes within 2-3 weeksPriceless Writers Blog: How to Write a Great Thank You Letter of receiving the gift or favor. Get in the habit of thanking those who are kind to you, and it just might work in your favor. People who send thank you notes get better presents!The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Note by Leslie Harpold (October 1, 2003) Wouldn't you be more generous to someone you made it clear how much your gifts meant?
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