How to Word Baby Gift Thank You Notes

You'll have more time to write thank you notes before the baby's born, rather than after.

If you've been recently showered with gifts for an upcoming or newborn baby, you may have some anxiety about writing all of those thank you notes. Don't let this minor activity stress you out. Writing baby gift thank you notes can be a nice way to count your blessings.

Things You'll Need

• Thank you note cards
• A list of baby gifts you've received
• Your address book

Instructions

1. Purchase -- or make, if you have the time and inclination -- thank you cards. While many people are resorting to emails, etiquette still says a handwritten note is a much more personal way to thank someone for taking the time to select a gift for your baby.

2. If the thank you note recipient attended a baby shower or similar function held in your honor, start by thanking them for attending. If you remember having a specific conversation about something, you could mention it: "I really enjoyed seeing you at my recent baby shower and visiting about the joys of labor. Thank you for coming!"

3. Specifically mention the gift the person gave you. A note saying, "Thank you for the baby gift" is too generic and suggests you don't remember what you received. Start the sentence instead with, "We really like . . ." or "We look forward to using the . . ." followed by a description of the item.

4. If appropriate, tell how you plan to use the gift or how you have already used it. If the gift was a gift card or cash, mention what you hope to buy. For example, "We can't wait to put the baby's photo in the beautiful picture frame" or "Baby _________ looks adorable in the lovely outfit you gave us," or "We look forward to spending your gift card on a stroller for walks in the park."

5. If you haven't already said "Thank you" explicitly, be sure to do this in the closing. Other closings might be an invitation to see the baby after it is born, or a happy message about your family. For example, "Be sure to visit us after the baby is born," or "We are looking forward to welcoming our new addition."

Tips & Warnings

• Write your thank you notes as soon as possible after receiving the gifts. If you put it off too long, your embarrassment may prevent you from ever getting it done. Etiquette standards recommend sending thank you notes no later than two months after the baby's birth.

• If you are writing thank you notes after the birth of the baby, consider taking pictures of the baby with the gift, if appropriate, to include with your thank you note.

• Don't be too generic in your message or people will think you forgot what they gave you. However, if you have honestly forgotten, don't let that prevent you from writing a thank you note. It is more embarrassing to not acknowledge the gift.

References

• Baby Shower Thank You Note Writing and Etiquette
• Proper Baby Shower Etiquette
• Baby shower thank you notes