The Art of Writing Thank-You Notes

Completing thank-you notes can be a tedious task if you're not much of a writer -- and if you've just been through a huge event like a wedding -- but showing appreciation to gift-givers is imperative. Beyond the obvious common courtesy, friends and relatives need to know that you actually received presents they bought for you, even if they dropped them off at your house. If someone bought you an item from an on-line store, they especially need the reassurance that you not only received that item, but that it was the correct item and in good condition.

Thank-you notes are also necessary after parties where guests watched you open gifts. You need to show your appreciation for their thoughtfulness and for their attendance at the gathering. Even a few short lines dropped in the mail can make a gift-giver feel special.

Here are some tips for completing the task:

1. Purchase stationery that is appropriate for your event and shows your personality. Crane & Co., William Arthur and Caspari feature high-end notes and cards for in a wide variety of styles and colors, which can be personalized. Clothing designers Kate Spade and Vera Wang also have excellent selections. For less expensive choices, visit any Hallmark, or even drug and grocery stores. It's helpful to buy all of your materials, including stamps (which also come in fun designs), ahead of time so that you have everything in front of you when you sit down to write.

2. Make sure to have a complete list of gift-givers' addresses at hand. If someone hosts a party for you, ask for the invitation list. Write down return addresses from packages before throwing them away. Check on-line registries that save addresses for you. Compile all of the information in one place that is easily accessible.

3. As you open gifts, keep a running tally of the items and their givers. At parties, its customary to ask a reliable friend (preferably one with good handwriting) to log your gifts for you. If you're unwrapping gifts at home, create a checklist. For large events, use a spreadsheet in your computer to keep up with the giver, the gift, the giver's contact information, and the status of the thank-you notes. The more organized you are with this tally, the easier the process will be. This list will also help you if you decide to return items because you can inventory what you received and if you had duplicates. Double-check your list to make sure you haven't forgotten anyone.

4. Keep your notes short, simple and to the point, yet try to be personal. Thank the giver for the item, taking care to be very specific about what they gave you. Instead of offering a generic statement, such as "thank you for the lovely gift," or "thank you for the mixer," name the item's make and brand: "thank you for the generous, Professional Kitchen-Aid Bowl-Lift Mixer." Simple details like this show that you put a lot of thought into your note, even if it's only a few lines.

Add a statement about the giver. If you received the gift at a shower, tell the giver you enjoyed seeing them and possibly mention parts of a conversation you had. If the event is forthcoming, tell the giver you look forward to seeing them. You can also add a note about any other news you know -- congratulate them if they've just had a baby or gotten married, if they've taken a trip, anything that makes the note personal.

5. Don't procrastinate. The longer you wait, the harder the process will be. If you open gifts at home in private, especially for weddings, write the notes during the process. Set a limit for yourself, opening ten gifts, and then writing ten notes. This will break up the tediousness and give your wrist a break.

6. Most importantly, try to complete the whole process in one sitting. Write your thanks, stuff them in envelopes, address them, stamp them, and send them off as soon as you can, even if it's only a few notes from your list.