How To Write A Thank You Note

We are taught to say “thank you” as soon as we have learned how to form words as toddlers. As we get older, we find that there are many different ways of saying thank you - and now it is easier than ever to say thanks with a quick shout out on social media or a speedy text message. These quick and easy “thank yous” may get the job done, but nothing says thank you quite like a handwritten note. At one time in society, it was expected that a handwritten note was sent as a thank you, and depending on your friends and family, (it certainly is in mine) it still may be expected. But this is not the case for everyone - and I think that this is partially due to the fact that it is more time consuming and it can be hard for many to know where to even start. I have written so many thank you notes in my life, that I have come up with an easy formula for you to follow the next time you need to write a thank you note.

 WHY [Why Should I Write A Thank You Note?]

No matter the circumstances, a handwritten thank you is almost always the best form of thanks. This isn’t just because it has been a tradition for many years, but because it tells our friends, family, colleagues, etc. that we took time out of our day to sit down and write just to them because they are worth it. If you think about it, you are likely thanking someone because they did or got something for you - so this is the least you can do to show them that you are grateful. 

A few other more practical reasons to sit down and write thank you notes (other than the fact that it is the right thing to do) are that it sets you apart and that gratitude is good for the brain. If you have a job interview or had a networking opportunity, sending a handwritten note of thanks not only shows that person that you took time out of your busy schedule to make an effort with them, but so few people actually write handwritten notes now, that it would set you apart from other candidates and people in your field. Also, when we express gratitude, our brain actually releases dopamine, a “feel good” chemical, in our brain. The more grateful we are, the more we will find to be grateful for. If we take the time to sit down and write out our thanks, it can actually help us see many more blessings in our lives and will perhaps change our perspective and better our mental health. 

WHO [Who Should I Write Thank You Notes To?] 

The easiest way to keep track of who to write thank you notes to is by making a list of anyone who got you a gift (even via mail) and write down their name and the gift that they gave you. If you had a party or are writing wedding thank yous, be sure to write down the names of people who helped out with the event and what they did. There are many more occasions to write thank you notes for as well, including to job interviews, hospitality, coaching, friendship, pet-sitting, act of kindness, etc. 

What [The Formula]

This is where many get stuck, but don’t let that stop you! Here is my 7 step formula for writing your thank you note:

1. Begin with a greeting. Dear ______________. Be sure you are spelling their name(s) right and are using the proper form. 
   1. Dear Uncle Tom,
2. Express your thanks. To make it easy, you can start with these two words: Thank you.
   1. Thank you so much for
   2. I am so grateful for
   3. I really appreciate 
3. Add in the details. What did this person get you or do for you? State that along with how much it meant to you or how you will use it. 
   1. I can’t wait to read my new book. It will be a perfect read for my upcoming beach trip.
   2. The vase you got me is absolutely beautiful. I already have the perfect spot for it and can’t wait to fill it with flowers.
   3. The shower was so much fun. It meant a lot to have all my friends and family together and it is something I will never forget. 
   4. We are so excited to put your financial gift toward our honeymoon. It will allow us to go on a fun snorkeling excursion together. 
4. Mention the future. Say something about the next time you will see them or just that you are thinking of them. 
   1. I am really looking forward to seeing you again at…
   2. We miss you dearly and hope to see you again very soon.
5. Restate your thanks. Say it a little differently this time.
   1. Thank you again for all your help.
   2. Thank you again for the special gift.
   3. Thank you again for thinking of me in this way.
6. End with regards. “Sincerely” is always acceptable, but if you are closer, you might want to go with something more personal.
   1. All my best,
   2. With Love,
   3. Yours,
   4. Many Thanks,
7. Sign off. Sign your name(s), nickname, or whatever they call you.

WHEN [When Do I Write My Thank You Notes?]

Timing does matter when writing thank you notes. You should try to get them out as quickly as possible. Give yourself within 1 week to 1 month (at the longest) to send out these notes. If it has been longer than a month, be sure to start the note with a brief apology. 

Because everyone has a birthday, Christmas comes once a year, and people do things for us all the time, it is always good to have thank you notes, envelopes, and stamps on hand. You can find many different styles of thank you stationery and thank you cards at our shop, including some fun “fill in the blank” thank you notes for kids who are just learning to write, professional thank you notes, elegant thank yous, personalized newlywed cards, and beyond. 

Personalized thank you cards are a great gift, as they are personal, practical, and fun - and they are a fun thing to purchase for yourself as well. You can put your personality into your notes and have all different styles and colors, or you can have classic simple stationery for all occasions. Whichever you prefer, you are sure to find something that fits your desires at our shop. If you don’t see exactly what you are looking for - feel free to reach out! I do custom designs as well. 

I hope you now feel empowered to think with a grateful heart and mind and are confident in your thank you note skills. Enjoy - and happy writing!

Peace and Blessings,

Liesel Anne

P.S. Do you have any questions or tips on writing thank you notes? Feel free to put your thoughts or questions in the comments below!