Thank You Notes

Posted by Janice Benoit Oct 9, 2006

I'm the first to admit that I'm a horrible writer of thank you notes. Whenever possible, I have avoided sending the obligatory thank you card, since (a) I'm forgetful, (b) my handwriting is mediocre at best, (c) email is so much faster and easier. However, I just read a terrific book, The Art of Thank You by Connie Leas. She points out a tremendous number of benefits of writing thank you notes, and my mid-Autumn resolution is to follow her suggestions. I encourage you to read this little gem.

In the meantime, I will outline her guidelines of when to send thank you notes after receiving a gift:

Wedding gifts (must send card)

Other gifts, if opened in front of giver (nice to send card, but must send card if gift is serious)

Other gifts, if not opened in front of giver (must send card, unless thank you is phoned)

Kid's birthday day (nice to send card; must send card if giver is absent)

As I continue my new practice, I'll give you some additional pearls regarding Thank You cards.