Writing a Thank You Letter - Tips to Help You Communicate Your Gratitude with Style!

When people give you a gift or do something extra for you, writing a thank you letter is a nice (and appropriate) way to show your gratitude.  There are, however, a few simple things to keep in mind when you do.

Hand-write your note.  You can use plain paper, but wouldn't a cute note card with your message inside make more of an impact? 

Blank cards are not too expensive, especially if you find some in your local “dollar” store.  If you have a digital camera and printer, you can even make your own!

You don’t need to be a novelist when writing a thank you letter!  Your note should be straightforward and heartfelt.                               

Start with “Dear ____________,” thank the person for the gift or whatever he or she did for you, say something nice about it, express your appreciation again, sign off with a suitable phrase (such as “Love,” or “Gratefully yours”), and sign your name!

Mail your thank you as soon as you can after receiving a gift or favor.  If you think you’ve waited too long, think again—a late thank you is better than none!

Thank You Note Examples

Dear Mary,

Thank you for looking after my kids after soccer practice this week.  We were able to meet the deadline at work because of the extra hours we all put in. 

I couldn’t have done it if you hadn’t agreed to take the girls home with you.  I sure appreciate it! 

Please let me know if I can ever return the favor.

Gratefully yours,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Stephen,

Thanks for the pizza club membership!  Wow—three gourmet pizzas to enjoy each month for the next year! 

You’ll have to come over to try them with me; I’ll let you know when the initial package arrives. 

Thank you for thinking of me on my birthday.  You know I’ll be thinking of you each month as I bite into that first delicious slice!

Thanks, buddy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Uncle Al,

I appreciate you helping me out when my car broke down this weekend.  I’m so lucky you were home when I called and you sure went out of your way to drop everything to pick me up. 

The mechanic at the garage thinks it’s just the alternator, so it looks like I’ll be back on the road soon.  Thanks again!

Love,

Interested in more thank you notes for personal use? If so, check out our free thank you letter samples page.

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