Thank-You Cards for Graduation Gifts

Thank you cards are thoughtful and gracious.

If you are the recipient of numerous graduation gifts, congratulations. Perhaps you received treasured keepsakes, supplies for college, or even cash. But with those gifts comes responsibility -- your responsibility to thank the giver. Thank-you cards provide a more time-honored approach than e-mail, and take more effort than a phone call. But they matter to the people who gave the gifts, because they show you are a mature person deserving of their kindness.

Promptness

Although you probably have a lot going on in your life right now (finishing school, preparing for college, or trying to find a job), it's important that you send thank-you notes promptly. Not only is it polite, but it saves givers the trouble (especially if they mailed the gift) of worrying whether or not you received it. Ideally, thank-you cards should be mailed out no more than two weeks after you receive a gift. Send one even if you already thanked the giver in person -- it's a nice extra touch that shows you are especially grateful.

Personalized

Although it's tempting to have someone else write the thank-you card (like your parents), it's really something you need to do yourself. You are almost an adult now, and must fulfill adult responsibilities. Writing thank-you cards is part of that. Also, the gift was given to you -- not your parents. The recipient of the gift should be the only person writing the thank-yous.

Options

There are a great many options when it comes to choosing your thank-you cards. Visit a stationery store and select an appropriate one, but you are limited to whatever message is already printed within -- unless you write your own. You can also use a computer program to make store-quality cards and print your own message. Avoid sending e-cards: many givers may not understand how to access them.

Wording

There are many different ways to word a thank-you card, and you must choose your words carefully. First, always spell the giver's name correctly. Then, mention the gift specifically (don't say something generic, such as "thanks for the present"). Second, if they sent cash, a check, or a gift card, be discrete in your thanks. Say "I appreciate your generous gift," not "thanks for the dough." Lastly, let them know how you plan to use the item ("the mini coffee maker will come in very handy in my dorm room").

References

• 101 Ways to Say Thank You: Notes of Gratitude for All Occasions; Kelly Browne and Dorothea Johnson; 2008