Finding the words to express your gratitude in a meaningful and genuine way is often challenging, but the perfect message can stick with someone as much as their act of kindness has stuck with you. Try these tips to best convey your sentiments and make the other person feel appreciated:
- Take the time to write a personal message. Depending on the circumstance, a custom thank-you card may be adequate, but in most cases, a personal note—short or long—just feels more special. Sometimes a store-bought message hits all the right notes, but handwriting something extra means more because it comes from you.
- Ask yourself what you’re thankful for. How will you use a gift? Why is it so awesome? How can I compliment the other person for their generosity? How has my life improved because of them?
- Often, saying thank you is not so much about the gift or the act of kindness but about the outstanding characteristics of the person giving.
- If you’re writing many cards for the whole family—or a swath of business thank-you cards to a team of people—spread it out over time. Writing the same phrase repeatedly or finding slight variations may eventually sound flat and disingenuous. Keep your heart and your brain fresh by taking breaks so you can return to thinking about each person you’re thanking.
- Be mindful of when you send your card. For gifts, aim for a shorter time frame, like a few days or a week tops. You have a bit more wiggle room for larger life events like weddings or celebrations. As long as you’re sincere, a late thank-you is still much appreciated.
