The Dying Art of the Thank-You Note...

Last night, as I was snuggled up, watching the new NBC comedy, 'Bad Judge' (which is hilarious by the way), Kate Walsh's character delivered the following punchline: It's like getting a present and having to write a thank you note. It's just really not worth it".  While being a hilarious one-liner in a sit-com, it is an all too true reality in today's society. But writing the note and showing thanks IS ALWAYS WORTH IT.

In a world of instant gratification, the slow art of mailing a hand-written gesture of appreciation to friends and family is being pushed to the wayside.  While I do love a very public Facebook Thank You, social media is generally impersonal. Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, will replace the personalized hand-written, snail-mailed thank-you note. 

When one arrives in my mailbox, I get a wonderful fuzzy feeling (anything in the mail that isn't a bill or advertisement does it for me, but especially personalized notes).  Nothing says "I appreciate you/gift/help/friendship" more than taking a moment out of the daily hustle to send a note of gratitude (plus finding a stamp and mailbox to drop it in).

Here are some tips for making Thank-You note writing just as fun to give as to receive:

Oodles of Notes:

When you are expecting to receive many gifts (Birthday, Shower, Graduation, Wedding) bring a little notebook to keep a record of specifics; who gave you what.  That way you don't have to guess or even worse, send a note for the wrong present, eek! 

Be prepared, always keep stationary or note cards stocked (like you would do with toilet paper).  Don't worry, it doesn't need to be customized monogrammed stationary (it is a dream fantasy of mine, but not necessity).  Nowadays there are thousands of stylish, beautiful, whimsical and quirky stationary options that are very inexpensive.  Places like TJ Maxx, Home Goods, The Paper Source, Target, even CVS carry fun options.  Also, try to always keep a book of stamps stocked in your home. 

When you have a whole bunch of people to thank, don't avoid the pile because it's overwhelming, try writing them a few each day.  You'd be surprised at how fast you can get through them. Baby-steps!

Lastly, keep addresses organized.  Put the addresses of friends and family in a spreadsheet.  When they move, be sure to keep it up-to-date, so you're always ready to send! 

The Wordy-Stuff:

Now, just sending a note in the first place is thoughtful, but let's strive for more, shall we? Not everyone is a naturally eloquent writer, so here are some helpful guidelines:

~ a cheerful greeting

~ thank recipient for the gift/help - remember to be specific

~tell them how you will use it/what you love about it

~be fun - include a photo, little quote or colored pens to add that lil extra sumthin'

~ wrapping up - to end your note always be positive and uplifting - don't worry about sounding          sappy, friendly words are contagious and addictive

~ most importantly, speak from the heart!

It's all in the Details:

Here are some favorite stationary companies that I am completely obsessed with:

Rifle Paper Co

The Rifle Paper Company note is for those moments when only a beautiful will do and are perfect for the more formal occasion.  These cards (all of their products for that matter) are nothing short of gorgeous!

Julieannart on Etsy 

Julieannart is for your closest of friends. Those who can take the hilariously inappropriate messages written on these kick-ass cards. Needless to say, my potty mouth and I are OBSESSED and love following spunky JulieAnn on Instagram.

Kate Spade

Always a good idea to keep these standard styles stashed away for those unexpected Thank You's, and who better than Kate Spade to provide a witty, lady-like timeless card!

Lastly, if you're crafty, and have supplies laying around, don't be afraid to consider a hand-made hand-written thank-you card.....hello glitter and glue sticks! Here is a silly one that I made and sent to Tyler last year for sending me gorgeous birthday flowers!

Cheers & Happy Thanking!

Bee