When it comes to issuing a thank you, there is nothing quite like constructing the perfect thank-you note.  Sure, it is probably easier to just verbally thank someone in person or on the phone, but it doesn’t quite have the same appeal of a handwritten note.  Neither does the easier alternative of a quick text, message, or email. With a handwritten thank-you note, you have the option of writing something unique and from the heart.  It requires you to think about what you want to say, and then put your feelings into words on paper.  To make sure you deliver the perfect thank-you note, consider the five dos and don’ts of writing a thank you. Thank-You Dos Stationery The first thank-you “do” has to do with choosing and purchasing the perfect stationery for any occasion.  Stationery can be personalized to provide that extra touch so that people know you put some effort into the thank you, while conveying a little bit of your personality, too. Obviously you may have a plain envelope and paper in your home or office, but it sure cannot compete with the look of an embossed card and matching envelope.  If you have just a quick...Read More
Sometimes saying thank you isn’t about a gift that you have received. Sometimes we need to say thank you for other reasons. Maybe you stayed at a friend’s home while vacationing this summer? It’s important to express your gratitude for their hospitality. Whether they were there or they let you and your family stay in their beach home without them it’s proper to give them a thanks worthy of their deed. Consider purchasing a set of Hibiscus Slender Notes (number 5946) and sending one their way. These colorful slender notes are sold in sets of 24 for $28.95. The thin 7.25″ by 3.75″ size makes them stylish without taking away room for your sentiments. With plain envelopes included it will be a snap to send this out as soon as you return home. Write to tell them and tell them how much you appreciated them opening their home to you. How lovely it was to relax and spend time with nature and family. If you’re feeling especially generous offer to take them to dinner next time they are in town or a show. Let them know that you are grateful and are willing to return the favor. Whether they take you...Read More
This time of year, many of us are still making last minute attempts to get those thank you notes sent out from all the holiday gifts we received. In my house this year, that is especially true. We had a baby in November, Christmas in December and celebrated two birthdays in January. So in between feedings and sleeping, I have been writing thank you notes. It’s something I won’t allow myself to slack on much. Saying thank you to those who have taken the time to send a gift, a card, or a warm meal is very important. I was taught at a young age that you always send a note and as quickly as you can. I’m a little slow this year but, I think playing the new baby card will help.  Having said that let me tell you about some of the thank you notes here at American Stationery. A new one that is bound to be a big seller is item number 3124. This note is called the Celestial Thank You Note Set. The set contains 20 note cards and 20 envelopes with four each of five different vibrant colors. When folded the note measures to 5.75”...Read More
Typically, thank you cards are just that, a folded note card or other stationery item with “Thank You” printed on the front. Although, often you can simply write thank you cards from your existing stationery stash if the names are correctly formatted. For instance, “Travis and Jennifer” could be used for an informal thank you card to a close friend or relative, while “Mr. and Mrs. Travis Smith” or something similar would be appropriate for more formal occasions or acquaintances. Monograms are another great way to stay informal, yet display your elegant initials. For thank you cards addressed from one person, the first name initial is placed on the left side. Your last name initial is typically larger and placed in the center. The initial that represents your middle name is placed on the right hand side. A married couple’s monogram consists of the husband’s first initial, the last name initial and the bride’s first name initial, respectively. For example, “Travis and Jennifer Smith” would appear as “T”, “S”, “J”. Photo thank you cards are being sold just about everywhere right now. Adding a photo to your thank you card makes your expression of gratitude even more personal. You can...Read More
Thank you notes seem to be becoming a thing of the past. We at American Stationery believe that it is not only proper etiquette, but appropriate to write thank you notes for certain things. Thank you notes can be formal or informal, simple or complex, but should always be heartfelt and genuine. Here are just a few of the occasions where thank you notes would be appropriate: Wedding Gifts Baby or Bridal Shower Gifts Gifts and Visits Received While in the Hospital Sympathy Letters or Flowers Gifts Received Through the Mail You can use formal stationery or the preprinted thank you notes from the grocery store. The situation will help decide how formal you should be. For wedding gifts, a formal thank you note should be used, usually one that matches your wedding invitation or theme. Baby shower or bridal shower thank you notes can be informal, although you can typically get thank you notes that match the shower invitations as well. You can substitute personalized stationery instead of an actual note with “Thank You” printed on it, but we would not recommend getting too informal and using a memo sheet or notebook paper. The card should reflect the occasion...Read More
Thank you notes seem to be something we use during every stage of our lives.  They start with bridal shower, then baby shower.  After that, there are birthdays, graduation, weddings or just everyday occurrences.  Writing a thank you note not only shows good manners, but it also makes the giver feel appreciated. Thank you notes aren’t necessary for every kind gesture, like when your husband picks up some groceries, but there are certain circumstances that require a written acknowledgement.  If you received a gift from someone out of the blue, were a guest of honor at a dinner party, or stayed overnight in someone’s home, then you should definitely send a thank you note.  The best thing to remember about thank you notes is if you’re not sure whether to send one or not, it’s a good idea to go ahead and send it.  Here are few simple tips to help you when you write your next thank you note. Time Etiquette It doesn’t matter how you choose to say thank you, be sure to do it in a timely fashion.  Thank you notes for showers, weddings, birthdays or other special occasions should be sent out within two to three weeks,...Read More
Here is an example of an entire thank you note for your reference: Dear Aunt Katrina, Thank you so much for letting me stay with you during my visit to New York.  Seeing the city was such a wonderful experience for me, and it wouldn’t have been possible without your generous hospitality.  Above all, it was so wonderful to spend some quality time with you and my sweet cousins.  Let’s not let so much time pass before we get together again…how about a summer vacation my way?  My home is always open to you and yours.  Thanks again. Love Kelly Read:  Tips for a Professional Thank You  |  Tips for a General Thank You
We’ve given you a guide for writing the perfect thank you note, now here are a few tips on what not to do when writing a thank you note. Don’t send a thank you email.  This is really too impersonal.  It shows that you didn’t want to take the time or effort to write an actual thank you. Don’t write, “Thanks for the gift.  It was great!”  You should always mention the gift when writing a thank you.  That way the giver knows that you know which gift was from them. Don’t use pencil.  Pencil is temporary and often times messy.  Use black or blue ink. Don’t type your thank you.  Again, this is too impersonal.  You should hand write the thank you using ink. Don’t mention dollar amounts.  It is tacky to thank she person for the $40 they sent.  Instead say, “Thank you for your generous gifts.  It was really appreciated.” Read:  Tips for a Professional Thank You  |  Tips for a General Thank You  |  Thank You Note Example
Everyone Enjoys getting gifts, right?  The person giving the gift needs to know how much you enjoyed it.  An easy way to let them know this is by writing a thank you note.  Here are a few general tips to help you write the perfect thank you note. Greet the Gift Giver How formal you want to be here will depend on your relationship with the person as well as the message you want to convey.  You don’t have to start addressing your sister as “To My Dear Ms. Emily Kate Witherspoon” just because you are thanking her for a lavish birthday gift.  On the other hand, if you want to show respect to your great Aunt Beatrice by following traditional etiquette, you might not want to scribble “Hey Aunt Bea.”  Follow the path that feels right to you…just make sure to mention the gift giver by name. Say Thanks This seems like it would be the easy part, but for some reason it’s usually not that simple.  Don’t get stuck…just say it!  If “thank you for the pretty bouquet of flowers” sounds like an overly simple sentence to you, it’s because it is…and that’s what makes it so perfect. ...Read More
Here are a few tips to help you write the perfect professional thank you note. Write it ASAP It’s never too early to thank someone for his or her professional help, or for loyal and continued business.  If you are thanking someone for a job interview, you should mail the letter within 24 hours. Address the recipient by name Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person, and refer to him or her again by name and/or title within the body of the letter.  If you can, refer to specific experiences or instances the person will remember.  You don’t want the letter to sound like a generic form you send to anybody and everybody. Use quality stationery E-mail has become increasingly acceptable in our society, but if you want to stand out from the crown, a hand-written note is the way to go.  Customized stationery or letterhead lends itself to the professional and memorable image you want to portray. Get to the point. Thank the person for their time, advice, or business.  Do not be overly dramatic or make grand gestures or promises you can’t keep.  You want to be sincere and succinct. Proofread! There are few things more...Read More
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