How to Write a Thank You Note

Everyone needs to know how to write a personalized thank you note. When a gift is received or a favor is done, writing a personalized thank you note is the proper way to express your appreciation and to honor the person who has given something to you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thank you note cards or thank you note stationary

1. Get some nice stationary or a thank you note card. If you buy stationary, you may not use all of it right away, but you will have some on hand for the next time you need to write a personalized thank you note. The note is to be written longhand- never printed with a computer printer or typewriter.

2. Write a greeting that starts with “Dear.” Even if the person is not someone that you know well, dear is the appropriate greeting. Follow this greeting with the person’s name and a comma.

3. Tell the person that you appreciate the gift. This can be done in any number of ways, such as saying how much you loved it, how great it is, how much it is appreciated or a simple “thank you for X.”

4. Mention how you are using the gift or how much the favor has helped you out. This should be specific and mention exactly what you plan to do with the item.

5. Include a personal statement about when you will see the person again, how much you enjoyed seeing them, or a plan to “get together.” If the person is someone that you don’t know well, a less specific statement can be used, such as wishing the person well.

6. Give a closing greeting, such as “sincerely,” “thanks again,” “love,” “regards” or whatever end greeting you feel is most appropriate for the specific person. Place a comma after the end greeting and sign your name under it.