How to Write a Thank You Note

If you are wondering how to write a thank you note, focus on the timing. People generally expect a thank-you note after giving a gift, and, if a thank-you note is not received, the recipient is considered rude.

How do you write a thank-you note that is gracious, and how can you find thank-you note ideas that don't feel trite? Here are some tips:

Whatever you do, do not use e-mail. A gracious thank-you note should arrive via snail mail. It shows effort to address and stamp an envelope. E-mail takes two seconds, and it seems as if you barely gave the gift-giver a thought.

Handwrite the note. Typing is impersonal. Handwriting shows that you took the time to write directly to the recipient of the letter. Write as neatly as possible.

The Basic Formula

The following is the bare minimum of what should go into the thank-you note. If you use each part of the formula, you've done an acceptable job. Additional sentences in between the structured ones will only make the note better and more personal.

Salutation: All letters start with a salutation. Thank-you notes should start with "Dear" rather than "Hi" or "Hello."

Thank You: The first sentence should start with the words "Thank you" because that is the main important message of the thank-you note. "Thank you for the ______" is the bare minimum first sentence. (Fill in the blank with whatever you are thanking the person for.) Adjectives are advised, particularly complementary ones. An example would be "Thank you for the soft cashmere sweater."

One or more sentences specifically about the gift should follow. If you received a sweater, write, "It kept me warm when I was ice skating, and everyone commented on what a nice color it was." Even if you don't like it, try to say something nice about it.

One sentence about the giver comes next. Example, "It was so thoughtful of you to choose this for me," "I was so glad you could come to my birthday celebration" or "Seeing you really made my graduation day special." It's a nice touch to make the person feel important with a compliment.

The End: A closing sentence or wish should follow, such as "I hope you have a great summer!" or "Take good care of yourself."

As far as the conclusion is concerned, choose or write your own: "Love," "Many thanks," "Yours" or "Sincerely," followed by your name.