How to Write Sympathy and Thank You Cards

A handwritten letter shows you care and provides support during difficult times.

Sympathy cards and thank you notes take only moments to write but are forever appreciated and treasured by their recipients. In 2010, communication has become impersonal---email, texts and computer-generated letters. Personalize sympathy and thank you cards by handwriting them. This simple gesture shows you have taken the time to show how much you care. There is no need to buy expensive, formal cards; in fact, a simple, heartfelt letter written on nice stationary is perfectly acceptable for either occasion.

Things You'll Need

• Stationary
• Greeting cards

Instructions

Sympathy

1. Address the person or persons to whom you are expressing your condolences. Personalize the card and list each person by name. Sympathy cards can be addressed to first names or nicknames. If you want to send condolences to an entire family, you can write the name of the family. For example, "Dear Wilson family."

2. Offer your condolences for the loss or pain the person or family has recently endured. For example, "Our sympathies are with you during this difficult time." Express that your thoughts and prayers are going out to the receiver of the card. Should you feel obliged, offer your help and support during this time.

3. Close with a simple message expressing your sympathy. Sign the card by hand. For example, "We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our hearts are with you. Love, Ann and Marie."

Thank You

1. Address the person or persons by name followed by a comma. For example, "Dear Aunt Ruth and Uncle Morty."

2. Thank the person for the specific gift or support you received. This need only be one sentence in length. For example, you might write, "Thank you so much for the new laptop computer." If you received many gifts at once, it is a good idea to keep a detailed list of who gave which gift so you can be sure to write accurate thank you cards.

3. Express in one sentence why you enjoyed the gift or how you intend to use it. Follow with a sentence that notes why this gift was so thoughtful and much appreciated. For example you could say, "I know the laptop will come in handy taking notes for class. You really went out of your way to pick just the right computer and I really appreciate it."

4. Close by thanking the person again for the gift and a friendly salutation. Be sure to sign the card by hand.

References

• How to Write a Sympathy Card: Sympathy Card Examples
• My Thank You Site: NEW! Free Thank You Note Examples