How to Write a Thank You Note

Being thankful is a wonderful virtue and one which we should cultivate in our kids whenever possible. Naturally, we will want to teach them how to express their thankfulness and when to do so. A thank you note can be brief as long as it touches on a few key points. Always remember to send a thank you note after receiving a gift, no matter what! Here's something to remember if you're ever unsure about whether a thank you note should be sent: were you enriched in a special way by something done or given by someone else? If the answer is 'yes', then send a thank you note.

Let's say that you are helping your child learn how to write a thank you note. Always sit down with your child as soon as you can after the gift was given so the memory is fresh, and talk about how he or she felt when the gift was received. Capture that moment. Then pull out a favorite thank you note from your stationery collection, preferably one which is blank on the inside, and begin as follows:

1. Begin with a greeting. "Dear Uncle Larry" or "Dear Aunt Suzy". Always try to let your child write the note in his or her handwriting, depending on the age of course.

2. State what the gift is and how thankful you are for receiving it. This is where the captured moment is translated to words. State something like: "Thank you for the ..." or "John and I had so much fun at .."

3. Tell the giver how you or your child plans on using the gift. If it was an event of sorts which the giver provided, state what your favorite part was that you enjoyed the most. If it is a gift, state something like: "My sister and I have been playing with it already and ..."

4. Close the note with another expression of thanks and write your name. First name will do just fine.

Writing a thank you note is a lot of fun and when you follow these basic steps it's quite enjoyable.

Remember that sitting down with your child to write a thank you note is a great teaching opportunity; hopefully one which her or she will pass on to the next generation. Browse our matching address labels and fun envelope seals for a finishing touch on your thank you note envelopes.

Kim Hummert