While we don't expect to receive a hand written thank you card every time we give a gift, it sure is nice to get one delivered in the mail. And if you're like us, you really enjoy the art of writing thank you cards for the presents you receive. We've rounded up a few ways to make the handwritten card easy and doable after the jump.
AT On... Writing Thank You Cards
- Stock your favorite cards. Shops like Etsy or independent paper goods stores make it easy to stay stocked with your favorite cards. We really like Amanda (of Twee Card's) spin on the traditional thank you card.
- Make the cards accessible. We tend to write thank you cards year round (so they need to be on hand so we'll make sure to use them). A decorative box works great for storing various card categories--just make sure to stow it within reach.
- Have a place for addresses. Whether it's a physical address book or important information stored on your computer, make sure to keep everyone's info up to date. Otherwise, you'll run the risk of the thank you cards sitting in your outbox.
- Have stamps on hand. Invest in fun stamps from the postal store and keep them with your cards. That way, when you're ready to write and send, all you'll have to do is leave them outside for the postman to pick up.
- Make writing fun. We love fancy writing utensils and have invested in a few pens over the years. The art of writing with a calligraphy pen goes a long way (especially if you have a stack of thank you cards to write).
- Get creative. Make each hand written note personal and unique. Go a step further and take a picture of you displaying the item in your home and include in the card. We love this idea for friends that live out of town and will never see the gift put to use.
Related Etiquette Posts
- Etiquette: Writing a Thank You Card For Dinner
- Handmade Cards for Impromptu Occasions
- A Thank You Note With The Rent Check
[Images from Twee Cards]
Comments (7)
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I wish I was better about sending cards... cause those TweeCards are seriously awesome!
view sparkle's profile
I hate thank you cards that say Thanks You preprinted on the card. Because, then, what is left to write inside? Get cute cards, not dedicated Thank You cards, and write a nice message, that includes your message of Thanks. Done.
view SanDiegoAT's profile
Oh, yeah... re: including a picture of the item. One friend sent me the cutest Thank You card from her baby shower, including a picture of the baby wearing one of the outfits I gave her.
view SanDiegoAT's profile
I'd never win an award from Miss Manners. I hate sending Thank You notes and I hate receiving them. I don't see the point, particularly if I have already thanked the giver in person, or been thanked myself. If someone wants to thank me or let me know a gift I sent was received, I'd rather have a phone call.
Although awhile back I did see cards that said on the front, "I fully expect a thank you card for this thank you card," and I loved them and wanted them. I think I'd actually send those. :)
view BambiJo's profile
BambiJo, I now fully understand the mantra "to each his own." Writing and sending cards (thank-yous or any thing real in the mail) is one of my absolute favorite simple things to do. Keeping up on correspondence is such a lovely way to slow down, relax, and yet still be doing something productive...the perfect evening activity (can you tell we don't have a tv?). I understand that it's not for everyone - but if I send a wedding gift, I want a thank-you note and not a phone call! It's too much of a burden on me to make small talk when all I want is some recognition. My, I'm picky.
view TannerAdair's profile
Isn't it greener to send an email? I don't see why this is even a post. "Doable"? Get paper, write on it, put in envelope, mail.
view FantasticMrFaux's profile
as far as stamps go...I forgoe (sp?) the "cute stamps" for the lifetime first class stamps, that way if I ever misplace them (which I do fairly often) I can use them whenever they pop back up again!
view avajames's profile