How to Write Thank-you Notes for Holiday Gifts and Parties

We are coming in to the holiday season, when gifts and parties are frequently given. Each gift and party requires a follow-up thank-you note. A good thank-you letter is a responsibility that shows respect. Young people 9 years or older, should learn the etiquette of writing and posting a thank-you note. A sloppy note or no note shows ingratitude on your part. Within a few days of receiving your gift or attending a party, write your thank-you notes. Computer generated thank-you notes are acceptable if the friend is online frequently. A computer generated thank-you note is a casual way to thank someone. However, it must be a real letter or note. A sentence that you just dashed off in a few seconds is not acceptable. With people that you do not know well or do not have a good relationship with, then it is better to write a note and send it through the mail. A traditional hand-written Thank-you carries more influence than an electronic message. Writing a nice thank you is easy and fun.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nice Stationary or Note Cards
• A good writing pen
• Good handwriting skills

1. Start with a fresh piece of paper, stationary or note card. A young person should always have a box of nice stationary paper or blank note cards. Blank note cards are great for just a little note, and invitation, or a Thank-you note.

2. Talk about the gift or event. If you are thanking someone that had invited you to a party, then follow up with a thank-note. If you received a gift, then follow up with a thank-you note. Tell the person that you liked the gift or party and why.

3. Ask a question about the person who sent the gift or invited you to the party. Asking a question or two in your note, show that you care about the person and what is going on in their life.

4. Report what is new in your life or home. Once you have asked about how they are doing, tell them a little about your life. Do not give a life history; just bring them up to speed on a few of the major highlights.

5. Write carefully, neatly, and accurately. Read your note over a few times, to make sure you have covered everything. Sloppy handwriting and misspelled words shows a poor image.

6. Say thanks again as you conclude your note. Mention the gift or party again as well.

Tips & Warnings

• For holiday gifts and parties, try holiday stationery to match the occasion.
• Stationary and note cards make great gifts for young people. It encourages them to write.
• Do not use the fill-in-the-blank cards for invitations or thank-you notes. It only leaves the receiving person feeling like a fill-in-the-blank friend. This does not show any sign of respect or courtesy, only that you were in a hurry to get the thank you writing over quickly.

[eims4gsds]

on 10/31/2009 Hand written thank you notes are always appreciated!

[eims4gsds]

on 10/31/2009 Hand written thank you notes are always appreciated!

[40skydiver]

on 9/18/2009 Long live the hand written thank you notes. Thanks for writing.

[sallyemaycreate]

on 9/16/2009 Thanks for a great article. Hand written thank you notes are definitely much more personal and always appreciated! 5*****

[bailey4]

on 9/16/2009 Good specific tips. 5*