Thank You Notes: Tips for Meaningful Thanks

Writing thank you notes are important when someone has done something nice for you. With Christmas just ending, it is time to bust out the thank you's.

Some pointers for writing thank you notes:

• Write a thank you note with nice, clean paper and a pen. Use your own handwriting. Send it in the mail, stamp and all.
• Send it in a timely fashion. Do not procrastinate! It's best to send your note within a week of the event- but better late than never.
• Be specific in your expression of thanks. (See below)
• NEVER mention anything that was wrong with the gift, and/or never write anything that would hurt someone's feelings.

Being specific:

If you received a gift, mention the gift and say something nice about it. If you received money or a gift card, tell how you spent it or what you plan to do with it.

Good words to help express your thanks (taken from How to Say It from the Heart by Jack Griffin)

acknowledge

appreciate

commitment

contribution

grateful

gratitude

generous

generosity

heartfelt

invaluable

opportunity

pleasure

priceless

profound

sacrifice

sincere

thoughtful

tremendous

thanks

Words NOT to use (also taken from How to Say It from the Heart by Jack Griffin)

eternally indebted

greatest in the world

have to

how can I ever repay you?

made the effort

must

old college try

shocked

sorry I had to ask

surprised

thanks a bunch

thanks a million

tried your best

Imagine getting a thank you note that reads:

Dear Suzie,

Thanks for the gift you sent. I was surprised when I saw it was from you. I was also shocked to find out that it was broken when it arrived but we put some glue on it and it looks just like new. How can I ever repay you? Thanks a million.

Imagine getting a thank you note that reads:

Dear Suzie,

Thank you for the handmade Christmas gift. You know how much I love ornaments, especially ones from my dear friends. What a thoughtful gift! I love how it sparkles on my tree and I think of you every time I see it.

Which one would you like to receive?

Time to get those notes in the mail asap.