When I was a child, my mother instilled in me the importance of writing a thank you note. It is important to teach your children at a young age that a gift is just that, a gift. It is not a requirement, it is someone taking their time (and typically money also), and spending them on you. When you receive a gift, it is important to thank the person for taking that opportunity to do something for you. Now depending on the age of the child, it’s not likely you are to get a real long heartfelt paragraph on how much that skateboard means to them. However, a quick: “Aunt Mary, Thank you so much for the awesome skateboard! I’ve always wanted one and can’t wait to use it! Love, Mikey” should suffice.
Keep in mind your child’s age and writing abilities before settling them down for a pile of thank you notes. Also, make sure they have some input on what they write. The recipient wants the note to sound like it came from the child. Otherwise you might as well have written it yourself. This is fine if they’re still a toddler. But, a kindergartner is capable of at least a simple “Thanks so much for my Teddy Bear. Love, Sally”
The most difficult part of having your child write a thank you not is likely to be the desire. Kids don’t want to sit still for anything. And they definitely do not want to sit still to write thank you’s which to them can seem like schoolwork and a chore all in one.
So help motivate your young writer by purchasing some stationery suited for them. At American Stationery, we offer a wide variety of stationery, and we do not leave children, and their tastes out.
First look for something age appropriate. For the very young note giver, take a peek at the kids critter notes. These notes are the ideal stationery set for ages around three to nine.
The colorful notes allow you to choose a critter design and ink color. Then you can personalize the front with a first name. The paper color is white and is sold in a folded note size of 5: x 3 1/2″. The typestyle is as shown The set includes 50 notes with 50 plain envelopes. You may opt to personalize the envelopes for an additional fee of $18.00. Also available and sold separately are the round critter seals for the back of the envelope. These are sold in a set of 70 and you can choose your critter and seal color. They really help tie the look together. And you can use the extras for many different things. Inside a lunch box, back pack or jacket to name a few.
For the young child who still has trouble keeping lines straight, we would suggest Your Child’s Fun Penmanship Stationery. This fun lined stationery has your child’s name personalized at the top. The rest is full of dotted lines to help guide your young writer. Sold in sets of 25 sheets with envelopes it makes a wonderful first stationery set. It is available in only the typestyle as shown but allows for your choice of three different ink colors. The size is perfect for a quick message at 5 7/8″ x 7 7/8″.For the young tween and or teen the neon correspondence set is a terrific choice! The Neon Correspondence Card Set is offered in the brightest and latest trendy neon borders. You receive 32 cards total. Eight of each of the following colors: Bright Blue, Orange, Green and Hot Pink. They are all personalized in your choice of ink and typestyle. The flat cards are made up of white cardstock and the size is 6 1/4″ x 4 1/2″. Plain white envelopes are included, you may purchase printed envelopes for an additional $18.00 lined envelopes are available for an additional $24.00.Be sure to take the time to select the right stationery for the right child. Then sit down with them and teach them the importance of a handwritten note. Remind them that the recipient is likely to remember their thoughtful words and it will bring joy to them to know how happy their gift made them.