How to Write a Nice Thank You Card

Always use a note card instead of blank paper, it is more to the point.

In today's society, it seems that the etiquette of the thank you card has gotten lost. Whether it is simply because you don't know the proper way to write a thank you card, or because you said thank you at the time and feel it was sufficient, proper etiquette, as well as your grandmother, dictates that you write thank you note cards anytime you receive a gift or someone does something nice for you. The form is quite simple, and can be used in any situation where a thank you is appropriate.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Note card

Instructions

1. Greet the person you are writing to. If you are writing to your dear Uncle Bill, then address the note as so. Make sure that the greeting is formal if it needs to be, such as writing to thank someone for a job interview.

2. Express your thanks, and be to the point about it. For example, "Thank you for the winter coat." Don't include things like, "I am writing you to say," or anything along those lines. Make it short but sweet.

3. Discuss why you are thankful for the item. Example: "Last year, it snowed 15 inches in three days, the winter coat will help keep the chill away." This lets someone know that you truly are appreciative of their gift and exactly why. Even if you have received something that you are not fond of, say thank you anyway. For instance, if your cousin Billy sent you a Backstreet Boys poster for your dorm room, tell him something like, "The poster will cover up the blank wall in front of my desk nicely."

4. Say thank you again. It never hurts to show you are gracious. A "Thank you again for the toaster/ coat/ poster/ money" is always welcomed.

5. Sign the card. Make sure that you put some kind of closing--such as sincerely, love, best regards. Let the formality of the thank you card dictate which kind of closing you will give.

Tips & Warnings

• If someone gives you cash, don't just say "Thanks for the hundred bucks." Instead just thank them for their generosity.

• It is a general rule of thumb that you do not need to give thank you cards to the people you live with.

• Don't ever tell someone that you didn't like their gift. Just say thank you and leave it at that.

References

• The Morning News: How to Write a Thank-You Card
• The Simple Dollar: How to Write an Effective Thank You Note for Any Occasion