For my entire life I remember my mom sitting me down at the kitchen table and forcing me to write Thank You notes for gifts that I received during Christmas, birthdays, etc. I hated having to make a list and write about how much a liked whatever gift I was given. It seemed like cruel and unusual punishment to have to write those little notes, and it wasn't until after college that I realized the importance of a handwritten thank you.
Because my day job requires me to ask for donations for fundraising events I am often on the phone with local businesses asking for financial support. After my first fundraiser I decided to write a note of thanks to each small company to let them know about the event and to thank them for their contribution. It didn't take too much time, I spent more time ordering the actual stationary from the printer, and everyone truly appreciated the gesture.
Now that I'm older, I have found that I almost feel guilty if I don't have my thank you notes written within the week of receiving a gift. Good job, Mom, you totally engrained the art of thank you note writing in me. If you haven't written a thank you note in a while and are unsure about how to capture your gratitude here's a simple example:
Dear Suzy, (I always opt for correct titling in anything I am snail mailing.)
I wanted to thank you for the beautiful (Add a descriptive word for the gift.) Bob's shoes you got me for my birthday. I can't wait to wear them to the game night! They'll also be convenient when I'm working at an event. (Say something about your intended use for the gift.) You know me so well to have picked out sparkly shoes. Thanks again!
Graciously,
Sparkly In The City (your name here)
So I realize that there also may come a time when you get a gift from a family member, spouse, wedding guest, etc that you may not really be excited about. The same rules apply, as in the above format. When I am faced with that dilemma, I use descriptive words like "Unique" or "Eclectic". I will then write about how no one has given me a gift like that before and I will have to save it for something special. Choose your words wisely when it comes to this kind of note, you never should seem ungrateful.
Side Note: If you don't have the address for someone to snail mail it, don't be afraid to ask. Most people won't expect a thank you card, but they love them!
If you have questions about fashion, etiquette or beauty, send me an email at sparklyinthecity@gmail.com
Because my day job requires me to ask for donations for fundraising events I am often on the phone with local businesses asking for financial support. After my first fundraiser I decided to write a note of thanks to each small company to let them know about the event and to thank them for their contribution. It didn't take too much time, I spent more time ordering the actual stationary from the printer, and everyone truly appreciated the gesture.
Now that I'm older, I have found that I almost feel guilty if I don't have my thank you notes written within the week of receiving a gift. Good job, Mom, you totally engrained the art of thank you note writing in me. If you haven't written a thank you note in a while and are unsure about how to capture your gratitude here's a simple example:
Dear Suzy, (I always opt for correct titling in anything I am snail mailing.)
I wanted to thank you for the beautiful (Add a descriptive word for the gift.) Bob's shoes you got me for my birthday. I can't wait to wear them to the game night! They'll also be convenient when I'm working at an event. (Say something about your intended use for the gift.) You know me so well to have picked out sparkly shoes. Thanks again!
Graciously,
Sparkly In The City (your name here)
So I realize that there also may come a time when you get a gift from a family member, spouse, wedding guest, etc that you may not really be excited about. The same rules apply, as in the above format. When I am faced with that dilemma, I use descriptive words like "Unique" or "Eclectic". I will then write about how no one has given me a gift like that before and I will have to save it for something special. Choose your words wisely when it comes to this kind of note, you never should seem ungrateful.
Side Note: If you don't have the address for someone to snail mail it, don't be afraid to ask. Most people won't expect a thank you card, but they love them!
If you have questions about fashion, etiquette or beauty, send me an email at sparklyinthecity@gmail.com
Thanks for the much needed guilt trip, now I suppose I have no excuse but to write thank you notes for my birthday- is it too late to bother sending Christmas thank yous?
ReplyDeleteAs long as you get your thank you's out before the end of the month I would say you're still golden on timing. Better late than never!
DeleteTo make writing thank you notes fun, make time to go to a paper specialty store and find a stationary that suites your personal style. You can even order some with your name on them.