I am always surprised when we hear grown people shrug off thank you notes. No, it doesn’t matter if grandma was sitting with you as you opened the gift from her; you still owe her a formal thank you note. An email won’t do either. And yes, even if you have horrible handwriting, you must still sit down and hand-write a card to each person who was kind enough to give you a gift this season.

With all of that said, I do understand that the thought of writing thank you cards can be daunting, especially if received a lot of gifts. But there’s really no reason to become paralyzed. Here are four simple tips that will help you organize yourself so that you get yours done before the week is out, and without breaking a sweat.

1. Keep a List.

It sounds simple, but it’s amazing how often this little thing is overlooked. Keep a pad and pencil handy as you and your family open gifts. Document who got what from whom and then when it comes time to write your thank you notes, there won’t be any confusion about who gave what to whom.

2. Set Up a Stationery Stash.

You must have a stash of thank you stationery and some stamps on hand before you can get to writing. Shopping for stationery is the fun part. We recommend going with a classic design you like rather than something funky because the funky option might not be appropriate for everyone, and you don’t want to have to buy multiple sets. Stay away from full sheets of paper, as you don’t want your thoughtful note overshadowed by lots of blank space. Note cards are ideal, and if you prefer postcards, there is nothing wrong with using them either.

3. Use the rule of 3.

There are generally three components to a well-written thank you note. The first is a simple statement of thanks, such as “Thank you for the lovely flowers.” Don’t worry if it sounds too simple, that’s the point of a note like this – it’s supposed to be a simple expression of your gratitude. Second, note how you have used or will use the gift. Again, keep this statement brief; it’s nice for the giver to know how you intent to use their gift, but they don’t need a whole paragraph about it. In addition, avoid the temptation to lie here. Even if you received a gift you truly dislike, like a pair of wool socks, there is always something to appreciate, like the color or the fact that the wool keeps cold toes warm. Finally, wrap up the note with a final statement of thanks, and if appropriate, a nod to when you will see them again. For example, “Thanks again for such a thoughtful gift – I can’t wait to see you at Johnny’s graduation.”

4. Write three notes a day.

While sitting down to write twenty notes may seem overwhelming, if you set aside twenty minutes every evening for the next week, and dash off three notes in each sitting – you’ll have crossed this to-do off of your list in good time and without suffering. Don’t turn on the TV or go to bed without having at least written three notes a day until you are done.

{feature photo credit: Paper Source}

Do you believe in thank you notes like we do? How do you organize yourself to get them done in a timely fashion?

Text, Email or Write: Decoding a Modern Day Thank You

By Lisa Gaché, Founder & CEO of Beverly Hills Manners, Inc.
In today’s world of electronic communication, the ritual and art of writing a thank you note by hand has become almost extinct. After all, who has the time when we’re just struggling to keep our head above water and complete the umpteen tasks already scheduled before day’s end? Yet, if we think about it, it is the thoughtful handwritten note that we tend to keep in a special drawer to refer back to year after year, not the generic looking thank you email that is sitting in the in-box of our computers or PDA’s.

Determining what method to use to say “thanks” should involve a certain level of kindness and compassion, as well as some investigative work. There are many variables to consider when making a decision as to whether it will be acceptable to send a text, email or handwritten note. The main issue, no matter which form you choose, is to always convey respect and appreciation to the recipient. Second, it is important to think about the person you are thanking. Are they formal or casual in their behavior? Are they older, in which case they may tend to be more traditional or are they younger and more technologically savvy? The standards and practices of the recipient will often dictate the sender’s type of thank you. Following is a list of tips and scenarios for decoding a modern day thank you.

Anatomy of a Thank You Note.

Make it Personal.

Act Immediately.

No Excuses.

Texting is Better than Nothing.

Emailing is Still Second Best.

Handwritten Thank You’s Mean the Most.

For more tips on manners, visit Beverly Hills Manners, Inc.

About the Author
Lisa Gaché is the foremost etiquette, manners and life skills expert for children from a parenting perspective. The Los Angeles Times named her company, Beverly Hills Manners, the etiquette school to “teach your kids to be polite.” This educational and entertainment company, founded in 2006, is recognized for its new school approach to etiquette and manners. Gaché’s relatable persona and style makes learning manners relevant, entertaining, fun, interactive and informative. Gaché is currently writing her debut book—the first fun and humorous parenting guide on manners for kids and teens that will include quizzes, takeaways, celebrity quotes, and useful information that is presented in a fresh way for modern families. Gaché resides in Beverly Hills with her husband and two children, Sydney and Dylan.