Go back twenty-five years, and a handwritten thank-you note was often sent for most kindnesses and gifts. From job interviews, helping others move, being a part of a project and even between couples, plus several instances in between, a hand written thank you card had a high chance of making an appearance.

Thanks to modern technology, it’s become quicker and convenient to do it digitally opposed to putting pen to paper, addressing the envelope, getting a stamp, and mailing the card.

Should the lost art of a handwritten thank you note make a resurrection? Absolutely.
If you’re not sure how to write a succinct, appreciated, and effective one, that will leave a lasting impression, I’m here to help.

Make it about them
When someone does something nice for you, make it about them and their act of kindness.
Commonly, a thank you will go something like this:

Thank you for the sweater. I like the colour you choose.

Compare that with:

Thank you so much for taking the time to choose such a cozy sweater in a colour I adore.

The second line speaks to them “taking the time.”
It tells that you feel it is cozy and that the giver selected your preferred colour.

Compare these two lines:

Thank you for having a dinner party for my birthday.

It’s perfectly polite, but it lacks any real emotion or connection to the person who threw the party.
This line says so much more:

I was so surprised and delighted that you were able to carve the time out of your hectic schedule to host such an elegant dinner party.

The second line tells how busy you know they are, how you feel the party was (elegant) and that they were able to surprise and delight you.

Include at least one personal detail
Including personal details helps make the message as heartfelt as the gift.
If the gift is in your favourite colour, mention that.
If the item you received was in your favourite flavour, say so.
If the gift or kindness makes your life better in some way, tell them so.
Generally people aim to please so noting that they got it right will mean a lot.

I cannot thank you enough for the pajamas you so kindly gifted to me. I absolutely love the soft, satiny feel against my skin and the colour is simply striking! I am so touched that you went out of your way to get these for me.

Here’s a sample of a thank you for a teacher:

Thank you for all the kindness and patience you have shown [child’s name]. She has blossomed during her time in your class, thanks to all of your encouragement.

That’s so much nicer than just saying thank you for being a great teacher.

Emotions count
When you have had something charming done for or given to you, and you have a deep appreciation for it, say so.
Or include your excitement, surprise or love in the note.

For example, here’s one for the newspaper delivery person:

Thank you for always having my paper right on my step before I go to get it every morning. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that you walk it right up to my door and lay it out of the snow or rain. And you always have it there before my breakfast. Your actions are very thoughtful, and I want you to know I appreciate them every day.

That thank you will encourage the delivery person to keep providing the superior service long after receiving this note.

Show appreciation regardless
If you’re feeling at a loss for words, or you know a thank you is required, but you didn’t really like the gift or service, stick to the facts. A simple thank you is better than none.
When you receive a gift, a service, or an experience that will stick in your memory, take the time to create a thank you that will do the same for whoever receives your note.