| Show your gratitude for gift givers by sending out | | | | baby showers - mention purchases related to the |
| thank you cards. It's a great way to show your | | | | baby, not just for the parents. |
| appreciation for the gift they gave as well as the | | | | If you receive a "group gift" from less than 10 |
| thoughtfulness of their generosity. Whether you | | | | people, send a card to each of them. However if the |
| receive gifts for a wedding, shower, or birthday, all | | | | group is much larger, such as an office or book club |
| gifts and acts of kindness should be reciprocated | | | | contribution, post a thank you card in a visible |
| with a thank you card. Below are some pointers to | | | | location, and remember to thank the contributors |
| keep in mind. | | | | individually when you get the chance. |
| Thank you cards should be handwritten. While this | | | | Send thank you cards earlier than later - within a |
| may require extra time, it is more polite to | | | | week after the event is appropriate. For a wedding, |
| personalize your note with your own handwriting | | | | two weeks after you return from your honeymoon |
| rather than having it printed. Your recipients will | | | | is a good time. If you receive a gift in the mail prior |
| appreciate the time you took to write them out. | | | | to the event, send a thank you card immediately so |
| Don't forget to send thank you cards to the people | | | | as not to increase the gap between the time the gift |
| who helped you plan your event. For weddings, this | | | | was sent to the time the gift-giver receives the |
| can include your bridesmaids or groomsmen, your | | | | note. |
| parents and your pastor. For birthday parties, send | | | | If someone sends you multiple gifts for different |
| them to those who cooked the food, helped set up | | | | events, regardless of how close in time those events |
| the tables, cleaned out the backyard, and anyone | | | | may be, send that person a card for each gift. For |
| who was instrumental in helping your event run | | | | instance, a friend may give you a gift for your |
| smoothly. | | | | wedding shower as well as another gift for your |
| Send thank you cards for all gifts, even if the gift is | | | | wedding a month later. Send a separate card |
| something you don't particularly care for or don't | | | | addressing each gift, even if they're both addressed |
| know what to do with. Remember, you are thanking | | | | to her. |
| them for their thoughtfulness, not just the gift. | | | | Remember to send thank you cards for the gifts |
| Treat monetary gifts the same you would your | | | | received at a children's party. Encourage your child to |
| other gifts by sending thank you cards for them as | | | | write a note to the gift givers. Try to make it a fun |
| well. Don't mention the amount in your note, but you | | | | activity where they can personalize the card with |
| can say what you intend to use it for. Your intentions | | | | their own handwriting, stickers, crayons, etc. If your |
| should relate to the event. For weddings, mention | | | | child is too young, write the cards on their behalf. |
| something that both the bride and groom will share | | | | The gift-giver will be grateful for the card especially |
| and benefit from ("This will help us purchase the new | | | | coming from the children themselves. |
| computer we plan to use in our house!"), not | | | | Bottom line: send thank you cards for your gifts and |
| something for just one person (This will help me | | | | in a timely manner. Your gift givers will surely |
| purchase a new wardrobe!"). The same applies to | | | | appreciate you taking note of their generosity. |