How to Write A Thank You Note

I don’t know when I fell in love with stationery, but I think it was when I was forced to write what seemed like hundreds of thank you notes after my high school graduation. Ever since, I’ve been hooked on beautiful paper products. I love sending snail mail and I try my best to be punctual when sending thank you letters to show how much I appreciate something. I know a lot of people struggle with writing thank you’s or think that written cards are a waste with the internet and text messaging, but there is something about finding an adorable little card in your mailbox instead of a bill.

Let’s be honest though, if you’re writing more than one, it can seem repetitive, monotonous and boring. But to the person who receives it, it doesn’t, trust me. Today I am excited to team up with my good friend Maggie from Lettered and offer some guidance on how to write a thank you note.

Do:

1. Think like a journalist– who, what, when, why? This is the basis for writing a great thank you. Make a list of all those who you would like to write thank you’s for and get cracking asking yourself those questions as you write.
2. Say thank you. I know this one seems like a no-brainer, but don’t forget to say thank you for whatever it is you’re writing for (examples below):
   1. I just wanted to send a small note to let you know how much I appreciated…
   2. Thank you so much for taking the time…
3. Personalize it. Not just by stating their name, but by telling them why you are writing or even what you’re going to do/did with the items/kind gesture that you’re writing about (examples below):
   1. The bath towels are amazing, they will go perfectly in our powder room.
   2. Bringing us dinner was so much appreciated and was delicious- your kindness meant so much.
4. Send a note. Even if it’s something small, send a note. It may not be a big deal to you, but it might mean the world to the person who you are thanking. They took time to gift you something or go out of their way, repaying them with a small note is appreciated.
5. Be punctual. Try sending the note in a reasonable time frame, but even if you’re late, a card sent is better than a card forgotten.

Don’t:

1. Be sloppy in your writing. A card difficult to read defeats the purpose of sending.
2. Discuss numbers. If someone gifted you money, simply say something along the lines of “the money was very much appreciated. We plan to use it for…”
3. Compare the gift to the thank you. Sometimes people think a small gesture doesn’t require a thank you, or a big gift requires a big thank you. It’s more important to just say thank you regardless. You don’t have to write a book, keep is succinct but show your personality.
4. Overthank. Try not to be overzealous or over exaggerate.
5. Be passive aggressive. Even if you didn’t love the gift or gesture, be kind. Some people tend to let rudeness shine through their notes and this is unacceptable. And never, tell someone if you plan to return a gift, even if you have good intentions about doing so.

One last thing you need for a great thank you- beautiful stationery of course! Maggie is an incredibly talented calligrapher and to help you write the perfect thank you note, today she is giving a reader a set of her adorable “Merci” notecards designed by herself! She made me some a few months ago and they are some of my absolute favorite cards! All you have to do is follow us both on Instagram (@amy_cbandbp and @letteredstudio) and tag two friends in the comments! We will run the giveaway for a week!

Thanks for reading and remember, the world won’t end if you don’t send a card, but acknowledging kindness shown to you can never hurt and it might just make someone’s day.

Good luck!