Hi everyone! Today on the blog we’d like to introduce our guest writer, the lovely Mary Kermer. Since we only post about three times a week we don’t normally have too many guest bloggers on our site but we simply loved Mary’s article on writing thank you notes. I personally believe that showing thanks and gratitude towards those I love and those who help me remind me of the abundant amount of blessing I have in my life. It also humbles me as I know my life would never be what it is without those who love, support, and help me along.  

By: Mary Kremer

As a child, I was always slightly annoyed at the seemingly endless amount of thank you notes my mom made me write. It felt like I had to write one for every occasion. And though she tried hard to instill in me the value of a handwritten thank you note, it wasn’t until I grew older that I really began to appreciate their importance. And I’m not alone. Here are some unique reasons the handwritten note will never go out of style, as well as some tips to help you create a meaningful one of your own.

A Handwritten Note…

Makes You Feel Better

Literally. Writing thank you notes is good for your health. Recent scientific finds have linked gratitude to increased optimism. So, while sitting down to write that thank you note may take time, it also decreases your stress in the long run.

Helps You Develop a Support System

People like being appreciated. Expressing your gratitude regularly helps build relationships, which in turn helps create a better support system. Close relationships and a strong support system are key to decreasing stress and also to preventing depression.

Is More Meaningful

There’s just something about a handwritten note. It means more than an email or text message. Maybe it’s having a physical reminder of gratitude that makes a note more effective, but it also must be knowing that a person had to take the time and effort to gather the materials and write down their feelings. Taking the extra time and effort to express your feelings really makes your message come through.

Helps You Stand Out

Interviewing for a job soon? Hoping to make a good impression on your boss or professor? A handwritten note of thanks will help you stand out. Creating professional relationships is an important part of every career. Develop a polished and professional image by sending handwritten notes to express appreciation for a referral, letter of reference, interview, or any other professional relationship. It will help you stand out in the long run.

To Create One…

Pick Your Materials Carefully

The materials you pick say a lot about how much you value what you’ve received. A nice, heavy or textured paper with an embossed message on the front says a lot. Always use a nice pen, one with dark ink that flows evenly. My mom would never let us use blue ink or a bad pen, simply because it takes away from the aesthetics and therefore the message.

It might be worth it to invest in your own personalized stationery. Many printing companies will let you design your own thank you notes. To learn more about the printing process and materials available, click here.

Start with a Personal Address

This step might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how often people leave it out. Start with a simple address to the person you’re writing (Dear…). If it’s a personal letter, use first names. If you’re writing to a professor or creating a professional thank you note, use their correct title or start with Ms./Mr. This sort of greeting isn’t impersonal, it’s respectful.

There, that’s half the battle.

Be Specific

If you’re expressing thanks for a gift, be specific! A standard thank you note you sent out to everyone after your wedding may make your life easier, but it’s not much more meaningful than a group text or email. Mention the gift or favor you received specifically and mention what you’re planning to do with the gift or how you’re using it. The trick here is to not overdo it. If you didn’t love the gift, express thanks for the intention behind it.

Come Back to Your Relationship

Why are you thanking this person? Though it’s the gift you’re sending the card for, what you’re really giving thanks for is your relationship. Always come back to that. If you can, mention the next time you hope to see that person. Express your gratitude for the relationship. You don’t have to go over the top here. Just be honest.

Sign Off

After that, it’s as simple as signing your name after a “Regards” or “Yours Truly.” If you’re worried about what to say, start with a small card. It’ll be easier to fill up the space and a short note won’t look like too little. Then, send the card on its way.

Keep Writing

Writing is like any other skill. It takes time and practice to really develop it. If you’re worried your thank you notes fall short, just keep practicing. You can’t really go wrong with a heartfelt expression of gratitude. The recipient will appreciate it, and you’ll benefit from it as well. Just keep writing! It’ll never go out of style.

 Now that you feel inspired to write a few thank you notes, we created a FREE PRINTABLE for you to get you started. Use them to adorn as card, as a gift tag, or as a postcard!  Click the link below to download and print these cute “Thank You” tags.

Thank You Notes by Stripes and Polka Dots