How to Write a Thank You Note

A hand-written thank you note is the ideal way to show your appreciation and trumps an immediate e-mail or simply saying thanks in person. Here are some do's and don'ts to guide you through the thank you note writing process.

Thank You Note Do's

~ Handwrite the thank you note. Many think that you must write in cursive but honestly, just writing by hand shows that you care and is more meaningful to the recipient than you may realize.

~ Buy stationery or a card. Sure, it may be easier to type a thank you on your computer but it looks impersonal. Purchase a thank you card or personalized stationery with corresponding envelopes which look better than a piece of paper folded up and stuffed into a plain envelope.

~ Personalize your message. If the person gave you a gave you a silk scarf, don't simply thank them for it, but add, "I plan on wearing it to my sister's wedding." If you are going to see that person in the future, tell the that you are looking forward to that particur event. Also, don't be afraid to show your feelings or enthusiasm toward that person.

~ Send the note, even if it's late. Don't feel embarrassed. Better late than never!

~ Take your time. You might want to write a first draft on a piece of paper to ensure that you are saying exactly what you want. It can be frustrating to have to throw away a card or piece of stationery due to a grammatical error. Use a nice fine point pen so that the ink won't smudge or bleed. Take your time to write as legibly as you can.

~ Send thanks for trivial things. You might be thankful that someone gave you good advice or that the neighbor brought in your mail while you were away. A thank you note can strenghten relationships and sometimes ensure that you will get the help of that person in the future.

Thank You Note Don'ts

~ Don't be stiff. Show your personality and write the way you speak. It's okay to be humorous or even sarcastic as long as you aren't insulting the gift.

~ Don't refer to specifica amounts of money. Instead, mention how you might use the money, especially if you know that the giver will approve of your money plans.

~ Don't assume that an in-person thank you is enough. Remeber that when you thank someone, you are attempting to do it in the most personable way as possible. Thanking the hostess at the time of the party is fine but just remember that your gratitude gets lost in the excitement. Taking the time to write shows respect for the giver and shows how much you truly care.