Hey Grad! Yes, you! …thank you notes. You DO need to send them!
(Yes grad - this message is for you...not Mom.). ;)
YES! You should send Graduation Thank You Notes. Here's why
Maybe you think writing a thank you note isn't "your thing". Maybe you feel like: "My handwriting isn't great and I never know what to say." ...or "What's the point? I just keep saying the same stuff over and over."
Yeah, you're not alone. I have heard all of those excuses and more. Guess what? All of those things - your insecurities - it's okay!
Remember: the people you are thanking really like you. Your grandma doesn't care if your writing is a bit messy. Your favorite aunt doesn't mind if you have said the same thing to a dozen other people. Remember - these are family members, friends and neighbors who KNOW YOU....and they thought enough of you to send you a gift. The very least you can do is send them a note.
The burning question seems to be, "Do people still mail thank you notes?" Yes. Yes they do....or at least, yes, they SHOULD BE mailing a HAND WRITTEN thank you note. If you are among the people who believes it's "outdated"...you probably owe some folks a thank you note! ;)
As a culture, it seems we have gotten away from personal, hand-written communication. The art of the letter – or the Thank You Note – is a dying art form. That is exactly what makes it so important, and even more special. Sure you could send a text message...but that isn't personal...at all. A short, personal note is perfect.
The process does not have to be complicated, difficult or over whelming. In fact, just stick to a few simple rules and you will be finished in no time. Once you get started you can knock out your thank you notes very quickly.
1. Write it down
As you open your graduation gifts, keep a list in a small note book of the name(s) of the gift-giver and a short description of what they gave you.
As you write out each thank you, specifically thank them for the gift they gave...so you don't get too generic. Check them off the list as you go.
Handwritten notes are the best when thanking someone for a gift. If you print thank you notes with your photo and your name- you can have a general greeting printed.
Even if you have personalized note cards printed you do still need to WRITE A FEW SENTENCES! It doesn't have to be a long note, but a few words thanking the sender will goes a long way.
2. Don't put it off - get it done!
Yes - we know. You are busy. You might have trips planned, work, moving, prepping for college -- BUT -- if you get this done FIRST, the rest will be easy.
Need an incentive?
Try this: do not deposit any graduation gifts of money until the thank you note has been mailed.
That should be all the motivation you need to get your graduation thank you notes in the mail! Think of it this way "It's not mine until I mail the thank you note."
If you have more than a dozen or two notes to write, you can allow yourself to complete them over the course of a week....just avoid the temptation to let it drag on.
3. Make your note personal - and specific.
Be sure to let the gift-giver how you intend to use the gift they gave. Your personal touch makes the gift giver feel appreciated.
Here are a few examples to get you started:
Dear Uncle Jerry & Aunt Tracie,
Thank you for the thoughtful card and check for graduation. I really appreciate your generosity. Your gift will certainly come in handy this fall when I purchase my books. Thank you for thinking of me, and I hope to see you when I am home on break.
Sincerely, Jordan
Another example:
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Miller,
Thank you very much for coming to my graduation party and for the generous check. Your gift will certainly come in handy with college expenses this fall. Thank you for thinking of me, and for your help and support through the years.
Sincerely, Jordan
Your note doesn't have to be long. Short and sweet does the trick. If your gift arrived via mail, acknowledging that the "check" or "gift card" arrived intact lets the giver know it arrives safely.
Do keep in mind: the amount of the gift shouldn't affect how much effort you put into the note. Each and every gift deserves the same effort on your part.
Use this handy printable for graduation thank you wording ideas.
Click here for: FREE Printable "thank you idea starter"!
4. Remember everyone who has helped you along the way.
Remember to send a thank you note to special teachers, coaches and advisors, and other friends and family members, who have helped you. Even if they didn't send a physical gift, be sure to acknowledge the support and care they have given you.
5. Cost saving option: consider a thank you postcard
Yes, it's true. The cost of printed cards and of postage does continue to rise. That's no excuse to avoid sending thank you notes. However, if you are looking to save a little, consider a personalized postcard thank you note.Using a postcard style note card saves in a few ways: no added cost of envelope AND it uses a 35¢ postage stamp (instead of 55¢!) Plus, the postcard style uses less paper stock and are less costly to print. It's a win-win option!
6. Order your thank you notes when you order your invitations
Okay - so you know this is one of "those things" you want to put off...so plan ahead! You can avoid procrastination if you order graduation thank you notes & graduation invitations at the SAME TIME! This will make it super easy to get started right away!
7. Get your thank you notes in the mail
...and now you can relax a bit. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment for a job well done! :)
Above all - enjoy this special time! The planning, the celebrating, even the thank you note writing!