January is National Thank You Month. Makes sense; it just happens to fall right after holidays where lots of gift giving happens all over the globe. Few things mean more than a hand written thank you note to convey real appreciation for a gift you received, making this a great skill to teach your kids early  in life! 

A written thank-you tells the giver that you appreciate the gift because through the time you take to say write, stamp and mail the hand-written note.

Writing a note takes little effort, and you consider the following items in any note you send.

1. Greeting –  “Dear Aunt Maeve,”
2. Express gratitude for the gift. –  “Thank you so much for the beautiful necklace.”
3. Discuss how you are going to use the gift. – “I have a wedding I am attending and the necklace you gave me will be perfect with the blue dress I am wearing!”
4. Mention the past and talk about the future. – “Thank you making the trip from CA to MI! I know it can be tough traveling so far and I appreciate you making the trip! I hope we can get together again very soon!”
5. Grace. – “Thanks again for such a thoughtful gift.”
6. Regards. –  “Love, Courtney”

Your thank you note doesn’t need to be long, but it does need sincerity.  

Take the time to say thank you (with a note) the next time you receive a meaningful gift and the giver will never forget it.