Are Thank You Notes As Extinct as Dinosaurs? We Say No!

Sending Thank you notes might seem as extinct as dinosaurs,
but at Kim & Ink we think it should be mandatory every time you receive a gift.

Are Dinosaurs Extinct?

There’s a lot of “evidence” around, especially on baby items, that cute dinosaurs still roam our world.  Contrary to what some children may believe, they’ve been gone a long time.

And they weren’t really all that cute. So maybe it’s good they’re extinct. (According to science, there is evidence that some DNA of modern birds is found in dinosaurs.  So, maybe, you will have to believe your children when they claim dinosaurs aren’t extinct.  🙂

Thankfully, there’s existing, solid evidence that people still care enough to send thank you notes. Gratitude is not extinct.

Just in the last while, we got a note for a casserole we made for someone; for loaning our barn/guest-room to friends, and one that will hang on my fridge for a long time: a coloring book picture from my grandson meant as a thank you for a birthday gift.

When Should You Send Thank-You Notes?

A thank you card is in place any time.  And on some occasions you might be considered socially challenged if you don’t send one.  Or, hand them out, as we often do on Sunday morning in our church family.

The most important time to send a thank you note is after receiving a gift.

If someone took the time to pick out a gift, specifically, perhaps, gone to the store you are registered with to get that gift…

Then wrapped it and attended your baby shower to bring it to you…

And sat through the whole gift opening session oohing and aahing over all the cute stuff…

Laughed with you and cried with you at the special moments…

Then you need to send mailed thank you cards. Besides, your heart is so full of gratitude that you likely can’t wait to sit down and write those notes.

How Do You Write Thank You Notes?

We’re not all blessed with a flowing pen when it comes time to sit down and write our thanks.  I can chew the pen tip for quite a while sometimes before finding the right words.

Here are a few ideas to help you out when you’re faced with the blank interiors of those beautiful thank you notes you picked out:

• The note does not have to be long or New York Times Bestseller List-worthy.  Three or four sentences are enough.
• Say what’s in your heart, after you think about what this person’s effort means to you.
• Write how much you appreciate the gift, and what you will do with the item.  If the gift was money, tell them what you’re thinking of buying with it.
• Thank them for attending the shower, if they did.
• Thank them for thinking of you and sharing in your special expected event.
• If the gift was sent in the mail, tell them when you hope to see them again.
• Go to this post to find more helpful ideas if you’re still nibbling the tip of your pen.

How Long Can You Wait To Send Thank You Notes?

Just don’t.

Don’t wait to express your thanks.

The day after the shower isn’t too soon.

The minutes after you open the gift from the mail is a good time.

Have your notes purchased and ready before the shower.  You can even have the stamp and your return address on the envelopes all ready to add a note and giver’s address.

A generic greeting could be written in the note ahead of time, along with your closing and signature at the bottom of the card.  It may need only one more sentence that is personal to the giver at this point.  (Be sure to keep the pen in the box with the notes so you will use the same one to finish them later.)

In today’s world, with texting, email and messaging, your close friends may accept that method of a thank you.  Surprising them with a handwritten note could make their day.  And yours!  There are health benefits that are scientifically proven to accompany heartfelt gratitude.

And remember that the older generation likely expects more, and they may not even have email or internet.  Quite rare, but it happens.  You’ll be glad you remembered the notes in that case.

Emily Post’s Rules of Etiquette Live On

Your parents and grandparents likely know a lot of the intricate rules of etiquette because of a woman named Emily Post.  She may have turned over in her grave a few times by now, due to the casual manners and social rules we have now.

Just be aware, even though Emily is gone and can’t tell you how to curtsy, her great-grandson’s wife, Peggy Post, now writes the rules.  She doesn’t make the rules, because they’re basic social graces. However, she still writes about them, and tries to make the world more aware.

Because the world works better when we express respect and gratitude in thoughtful ways.