Thank You Note Protocol: Your Most Pressing Questions Answered

It’s your birthday. And just like clockwork you receive a gift from your Aunt Erma. Surprise…its hot pink socks. Not exactly what you wanted, but you decide to send a thank you anyway. 

But time passes and you get busy. The hot pink socks start collecting dust. And before you know it, the dog turns the socks into a chew toy, and they end up in the trash. Oh, no. Guess you should have sent that thank you note sooner.

If you’ve ever wondered about sending thank you notes, we’ve uncovered the answers to your most pressing questions, like can you send an email instead of a handwritten note? Find out.

Why a Note Means More…

Turn off your computer, grab a pen and sit down for this. Email can’t compete with a warm, personal handwritten note. It simply can’t.

According to Emily Post, the American author famous for writing on etiquette, you should always send a handwritten thank you  note when you receive a gift, and the gift giver wasn’t present to thank in person.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Here’s a quick guide to eliminate the guess work:

• Shower gifts. Even if the gift giver attended your shower, you should still send a thank you note.

• Wedding gifts. Like shower gifts, you should always send a handwritten thank you note – even if you already thanked the giver in person. Send the note within 3 months. 

• Holiday gifts. Write these notes as soon as possible, preferably within a few days. But, worst case scenario, seal, stamp and deliver before the New Year. 

• Congratulations cards or gifts. Anyone who sends a gift or card to congratulate you should receive a handwritten thank you note.

• Gifts received while sick. You have a little leeway on this one since after all - you are sick. But, a note should be sent whenever the patient is feeling well enough to write it – or a family member is able to assist with writing it. 

• Condolence gifts or cards. Send a thank you note to anyone who sends a card, gift, flowers or donation. For this one, a friend or relative can write the notes on the recipient’s behalf.

Plus, there’s one more important thing to remember – and it’s about receiving money. Say how you’ll use the money in your handwritten thank you note. For example, you might be using the money to furnish your new apartment, or purchase a membership to the local aquarium.

This tiny piece of information means more to the giver, because now they know how you’ll be enjoying their gift.

Have you written a thank you note recently? If so, please share your ideas for making your note fun and original. Also, have you signed up for our blog yet? Simply sign up for weekly discounts and great blog posts conveniently delivered to your inbox!