The Perfect "Thank You" Note

The hardest part about saying "thank you" may be determining how to do it.

You should send a hand-written note...

• If you are given a gift for a wedding, a graduation, or the birth of a child.
• If you were given a gift that you didn't open in the giver's presence.
• If you were an overnight guest at someone's home.
• To acknowledge a condolence note, flowers, or a donation given in a loved one's name.
• To acknowledge a note or a fruit basket given in response to an illness.

You can say "thank you" via phone or e-mail...

• If you are sent flowers by your sweetheart or parents. (Do it promptly, so the sender knows they arrived.)
• If you are given a gift by an employer or a colleague, or if you were thrown a baby shower or a birthday party at the office.
• If you were a guest at a dinner or a party.