Creative Home-made Thank You Cards for Kids

I have a bi family and it always seems we are writing a "Thank You" for this or that. (Well, of course I mean that I am insisting on my kids writing a "Thank You.") No, a thank you card may not be something kids think of on their own but it doesn't have to be an enormous chore either. In fact, there are some great ways to say thank you that will get your kids into the project and not only spur on a little excitement about saying "thanks" but teach manners and insight creative minds as well!

Thanks for Everything

This was one of the cutest cards I have ever seen a teenager send. A couple Christmas's ago, my sister had my nephew collect all items he got for Christmas form grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins (from both sides of the family.) In our family, that was a lot of gifts!

Once gathered, she had him put on or hold every single item. He looked like a total hobo with 3 hats on, things under his arm, shorts over jeans, electronics at his feet, balancing things in his hands - stuff just everywhere! In the set up she included "prop" presents all wrapped in the same paper with matching bows to balance the picture in composition. She took a photo of him with a big smile amidst all of his new things. Then, she printed it on the computer, folded the paper to create a card and titled the front, "Thanks for everything!"

Of course, my nephew penned a short personal note inside. But I guarantee there wasn't a person who got it that didn't smile.

"Say Thank You!"

Kids may be too young to write, but they may be plenty old enough to color...and learn manners. For this card, you will need a camera, a piece of poster board, paper and lots of markers! On the poster board, use a thick black marker to write the words THANK YOU in block letters as large as the board will support. Then, have your child color the letters in. (While they are doing this, it is a great time to explain gratefulness and the concept of thanking others.)

When finished, have your child hold the sign upside down (for extra fun.) Then, photograph the child holding the sign with them in an artsy setting (such as surrounded by markers, or by their easel.) Print and paste the picture on folded construction paper and since the child cannot write, jot down a brief note of thanks inside on their behalf.

A Collage of Thanks!

Often times, it is good to give a child a project that they can do on their own (for that sense of accomplishment and the bonus free time it gives you!) Set you child up at a table with scissors, glue and a stack of old magazines. Have them write their thank you using letters and words they cut out from magazines. You may want to suggest things like, "Let's put the words thank you on top." Or, "Why don't you write with a crayon, "Thank you for the...then find a picture of what they got you to glue on the end of that sentence, instead of using a word." Or "Find a heart to cut out so you can write I love - using the heart for love - the present!" Or invent your own twist.

Kids are pretty creative. This project can be pretty messy and worse when folded, so consider using a large envelope to mail without folding. On the outside of the envelope, write the words, "A Collage of Thanks!" These words offer the recipient a little foreshadowing and tie the whole thing together. The best part about this thank you card is that it shows time and effort, which really communicate a sincere "thanks."

Whatever you do to create a unique and personal "thanks," consider that it could be quality time, get creative and above all, teach your children fun ways to say a typical message so they can be thankful with happy hearts.