Now that all of the Christmas gifts have been opened, it is time to express gratitude.  I am a firm believer in writing thank you notes after receiving a gift. When my daughter was old enough to string together her own words to write sentences a few years ago, I began to train her on how to write a proper thank you note. I added a list of what she needs to include in the note, along with the format and some examples. As an added incentive, I  presented her with her own stationery (bought from a dollar store) to be used for her correspondence.  After a couple of years of practice, she is now able to write the sweetest and most genuinely thankful letters to all the people who gave gifts to her. Give you child a gift today.  Teach him/her to write a thank you note! Here are some basic parts to include in a thank you card or letter.

• Date
  • in the top right corner (e.g. January 10, 2012)

{Skip a line.}

• Salutation
  • on the left, followed by a comma (e.g. Dear Aunt Emily,)

{Skip a line.}

• Body
  • A sentence that thanks the person for the specific gift (e.g. Thank you so much for the artist pad and paint palette.)
  • A sentence or two about what you like about the gift (e.g. I have always wanted something like this! I have already used it to paint a picture of the sunset from my bedroom window. I feel like a real artist now.)
  • A sentence or two of personal conversation (e.g. I can’t wait to see you at spring break next month. I really love playing at the beach with you. You make the best sand castles!)
  • A final sentence (e.g. I love you!)

{Skip a line.}

• Closing
  • a word or phrase with important words beginning with a capital letter and a comma (e.g. With Love,)
• Signature
  • Sign your name in a personal, yet legible way. (e.g. Madeleine)
• Additions
  • I encourage my children to send a little part of themselves in the card or letter (e.g. a drawing, a recent photo, etc)

Check out ListPlanIt‘s new template for simple thank you card labels. Print this page on a sheet of adhesive backed paper and give it to your child as a guide for writing thank you notes for birthday or Christmas gifts received. Then cut, peel, and stick on the inside of any blank 4″x5″ thank you card. Can also be glued in place.

Click image for printable version

What do you think is important to include in a thank you note?