How to Write a Thank You Note

After this holiday season and receiving gifts from friends and loved ones, you may be struggling with thank you notes. Often times it is difficult to determine the exact style and nature of thank you notes, but luckily eHow.com has outlined the art of the friendly, personal thank you note.

eHow.com suggests filling even the shortest of notes with appreciation, sincerity, and meaning. All thank you notes should be handwritten; this shows the receiver that you are sincere about your gratitude. Send thank you notes for gifts received, in appreciation of a service or favor, or following a job interview. Always send thank you notes via regular mail, not email. Try to promptly send thank you notes, but “better late than never” is applicable to the notes because recipients will always enjoy reading about your gratitude.

eHow.com offers these steps for writing thank you notes:

1.   Start with a fresh sheet of note paper and a smooth pen. Thank you notes, traditionally written in cursive, should be headed by the date and a salutation: “Dear Aunt Ruth,” don’t forget the comma.
2. Thank the recipient of the note for the gift, favor, or entertainment they gave.
3. Write about the appropriateness of the subject of the note: “Your babysitting for my children has truly been a lifesaver in these difficult times.” If the particular gift didn’t quite suit your taste, describe it as “a conversation piece” or “unique.”  
4. Make a connection between the appropriateness of the gift to the person who gave it to you: “You’ve always understood my taste in clothes.”
5. Tell the recipient how you plan to use the gift (or you can swap this step for step 3): “I have a picture of my parents that will look perfect in your frame.” Or, if you received money, mention how you plan to spend it.
6. Update the giver about your life by including a brief line like, “I have completely recovered from my cold and plan to hit the slopes as soon as I can.”
7. Sign your thank you note: “With thanks, _____________.”

By following these simple steps, those who gave you gifts or provided you with a favor or service will understand and appreciate your gratitude.