How to Write a Great Thank You Note
There are times when an email will suffice, but for some occasions, a handwritten thank you note is more appropriate. Although thank you notes are something that most people do not write everyday, there is a simple art to writing a thoughtful message that will be appreciated by the recipient. Get started with these tips from Herb Gordon Subaru.
When to Send a Thank You Note
In general, you should send a thank you note whenever you receive a gift. This includes gifts for weddings, showers, graduations and birthdays, as well as get-well gifts or other presents you receive. Thank you notes should also be sent to anyone who sends condolence cards, flowers or donations.
It is also appropriate to send a thank you note whenever someone offers a service or kindness. When you stay with friends during a vacation, sending a thank you note after the visit is a nice way to show your appreciation for their hospitality.
How to Write a Great Thank You Note
Great thank you notes convey your appreciation in a simple, straight-forward manner. A thank you note is not the place to discuss any news other than giving thanks for the gift (or service) you received. If you clutter the note with other news, your thanks is likely to get lost in the other information.
A thank you note should contain the following:
1. Greeting — Start with the recipient’s name, not an anonymous “Hi” or casual “Hey”. Example: “Dear Sarah,”
2. Expression of Thanks — Keep it simple, such as, “Thank you for the lovely serving dish.” If the gift was money, do not mention the amount. Instead, write “Thank you for your generous gift.” When writing to express thanks for a service, such as staying in someone’s home, you can use, “Thank you for your hospitality.”
3. Clarify the Use — This line (or lines) says something about how you will use the gift. If the gift was a serving dish, you might write, “It is sure to grace my table for years to come.” If the gift was monetary, you can specify how you plan to spend it. For example, “Your gift will help us furnish our new home.”
4. Reference the Past, Mention the Future — Here is where you will likely mention the reason for the gift, as well as a hope to get together again in the future. You might write something like, “It meant so much to have you at my wedding, and I hope we will get together again soon.”
5. Repeat Thanks — Repeating your appreciations underscores the purposes of your thank you note. You can simply write, “Thank you again for the gift.”
6. Closing — Sign off with whatever phrase best fits your relationship with the recipient. A few suggestions include: Sincerely, With love, or Yours truly.
You appreciate the gifts and kindnesses you receive, but it is not always easy to know how to express thanks. By following this simple format, you will see how easy it is to write great thank you notes for any occasion.