How To Send The Perfect Handwritten Thank You Note

Thank you notes have long been part of standard etiquette, yet they are going out of style in our modern world. Make no mistake: it’s as important as ever to acknowledge someone’s kindness with a thank you note. Handwritten notes are still best, especially since they stand out in a time of digital communication.

The Importance of Handwritten Notes

A handwritten thank you note lets the recipient know that you took the time to focus on him or her. You went to the effort of finding stationery, sitting down and writing a note by hand, and then placing the note in the envelope and writing the address. It takes a lot more time and effort to do this by hand than to quickly send a text, voicemail or email. You also personalize the note by having it in your handwriting rather than sending impersonal typed fonts.

When to Send a Thank You Note

Certain occasions call for thank you notes. Handwritten thank you notes provide an ideal way to thank someone after he or she gives you a gift — whether it’s for your birthday, a holiday, a baby shower or any occasion. You can also send one after you attend an event, as a way to thank someone for contributing to your charitable cause or to acknowledge a professional for giving you a job interview. These are only examples, as you can give a thank you note as a response to any act of kindness or as a courtesy.

How to Write an Effective Thank You Note

Use these tips to create your personalized card:

• Start with the correct greeting. Make sure you spell the person’s name correctly. Determine whether you can write a casual or formal greeting depending on the person and reason you are addressing.
• Immediately thank the person and acknowledge why you’re sending a thank you note. For example, write, “Thank you so much for the birthday gift” or “I appreciate that you took the time to interview me for the position.” If it has been longer than a month since you received the gift or attended the event, include a simple apology for the lateness. A thank you for a job interview should be sent immediately.
• Include details in your note. Personalize the note by listing the gifts, explaining why you’re thankful and/or describing how you will use the gift. For example, you could write, “I really wanted that book and am so thankful you got it for me!” or “I’m excited to use your gift card to get the pair of earrings I was hoping for.”
• End the note politely, adjusting it to how formal or informal it can be. Add a closing line talking about the future, such as how you look forward to touching base with the person again. Thank the person a final time. Then, end the note with your favorite phrase of regards such as, “Sincerely” or “With much love.”

Follow the above tips to send the perfect handwritten thank you note. Anytime you want to acknowledge someone for his or her action or thoughtfulness, writing a note will add a personal touch to show your appreciation.

Discover our collection of personalized thank you notes.