10 Tips for Your Next Thank You Card
Several decades ago, cards were much simpler; they didn’t sing or have artwork popping up into three dimensions. Greeting cards were originally used to pen something from the heart – this is what made a card truly special. Words may have been either eloquent or simply put; however, you never saw a simple signature below pre-written text! Times certainly have changed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the potential a well-written thank you card can have.
Lost for Words?
Pre-designed cards are the norm and, honestly, they save time. Unfortunately, this time savings has also led to the degradation of a greeting card’s potential. Most people will pick up a card that speaks to them and sign their name. Dare to be different – wouldn’t a greeting card mean much more to you if the sender takes the time to write something just for you? It may be difficult to come up with the words to make your card special; don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Great Thank You Cards Tips
- Consider Your Audience
You would write very different things to your best friend than you would to your interviewer or boss. Use words like heartfelt and thoughtful when speaking to people who are close to you. Reserve stronger, more rigid words for professional thank you cards. Your relationship to the person you are writing for will give you a clear direction to take your thank you note.
2. Stationery Speaks
Depending on your audience, you may want a colorful, catchy card or a neutral, professional look. What kind of stationery you choose has a massive impact on the sincerity of your thank you card, so choose wisely.
3. Be Punctual
While this isn’t necessarily something you will physically write, the sooner your recipient reads your note, the more it will mean to them. A poorly timed, month-late thank you will mean very little in their eyes. Make sure to write up your card and send it out as soon as you can.
4. Address Your Recipient
Speak directly to your friend, coworker, or boss; never say something in a card that you wouldn’t say to someone in person. Consider how you normally speak and discuss your personal life with this person. To create an instant connection to the reader, use the recipient’s name in the first line.
5. Identify What You Are Thankful For
The best way to begin a thank you note is with a phrase that shows your appreciation for what was done for you! Feel free to be elaborate with your official thank you. Use words that express your true feelings about the situation or gift. If you need to use a thesaurus, go for it!
6. Explain Why
Write a short section on why this gift means so much to you. What will you use this gift for? What need did it fulfill? Did the time they spent on you have a certain impact on your day? People love to hear how their thoughtfulness changed your life, regardless of the size of its impact.
7. Catch Them Up
For personal thank you cards, include some information about what you have been up to. This gesture includes them in your life, especially if you don’t see them that often. Social media has decreased our desire to share experiences with individual people; we assume that everyone knows everything that happens to us just because we posted about it.
8. Tie the Past to the Future
Mention a time you saw each other last, even if it was the event you are sending the thank you for. Talk about what you enjoyed about it, then suggest a plan to get together again. People feel appreciated when they know you want to spend time with them; this makes them feel valued and like they are a part of your life.
9. Say thank you Again
This is a thank you card, after all. It’s always best to close out any note or conversation by summarizing the contents. A reiteration will bring the focus back to the original intent of the note. For example, you could write “thank you again for an amazing birthday lunch. It meant so much to spend time with you”.
10. Salutations!
Don’t forget to sign your card with a closing word and your name. This rounds out your message and finalizes the note’s contents. Play around with the different words that are available to you. Be sure to select one that matches your intended audience.
And remember, sending out a thank you card every time someone goes out of their way to make your life better is a thoughtful detail that doesn’t take much time and will be greatly appreciated.
