How to Write a Thank-You Card They Won't Forget

Holidays and special occasions are all about gift giving...and receiving. So, that means it is only proper and polite to send thank-you notes from the heart.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Date the Card: Be certain to insert the date in the top right corner of the card. Cards with no dates are the ones that people usually discard first.
2. The Salutation: If the gift-giver was a close friend or family member, address the gift-giver by first name. Using Ms., Mrs, Miss, or Mr. are too formal. The thank-you card should be informal and fun. If the gift-giver was a close family friend or neighbor, use the proper prefix or their first and last name. For example, the Nelson's next door dropped off a fantastic friutcake. Your letter should open: "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Nelson," or "Dear Paul and Paula Nelson."
3. The Body: Of course, the body will include the words "thank you" somewhere in the text. You should also mention the actual gift and how you used the gift or plan to use the gift. For example: "Thank you so much for the delicious fruitcake. Jack and I feasted on the dessert while watching our favorite holiday movie last week."
4. Additional Body: Insert a little reference to a possible visit with the gift-giver in the future. For example: "Jack and I would love to have you over for dinner sometime soon. It's always fun when we get together."
5. The Closing: Depending on the gift-giver's relationship to you, be certain the closing is appropriate. For family members and close friends use "Love," or "Always," or "With love." For acquaintances, use "Sincerely," or "Your friend," or "Your neighbor."
6. Sign Your Name: Do not forget to sign your name!
7. December 2007
   
   Dear Mr. and Mrs. Nelson,
   
   Thank you so much for the delicious fruitcake. Jack and I feasted on the dessert while watching our favorite holiday movie last week.
   
   Jack and I would love to have you over for dinner sometime soon. It's always fun when we get together.
   
   Your neighbors,
   
   
   Jack and Diane Mellencamp

Tips & Warnings

• Use festive stamps depending on the occasion. The small details make a huge difference.
• Use easy to read penmanship. If your spouse or significant other has neater handwriting, ask your spouse or significant other to write the notes. No one likes trying to decipher chicken-scratch.