Thanks to http://www.themorningnews.org/article/how-to-write-a-thank-you-note
Summary:
- Get yourself some stationery, plain note cards or a selection of attractive postcards (yes, postcards are perfectly acceptable!), and proper postage. Avoid the pre-inscribed ‘Thank you!’ cards in loopy script, as there are times you’ll want to write notes where that aesthetic feels all wrong. Better to choose paper you like. Stay away from full-size sheets
- Greet the Giver — Dear Aunt Sally,
- Express Your Gratitude — Thank you so much for the slippers. Also—and this is important—never directly mention money. ‘Thank you for the hundred bucks’ could instead be ‘Thank you for your generosity.’ All cash denominations become ‘your generosity’ or ‘your kindness.’
- Discuss Use — It gets very chilly here in the winter, so they will get a lot of use when winter comes. f the gift was cash, allude to how you will use the money, but do not itemize your planned purchases line by line, instead simply say: ‘It will be a great help when we purchase our new home/toaster/lava lamp/whatever.’
- Mention the Past, Allude to the Future — It was great to see you at my birthday party, and I hope to see you at Dad’s retirement in February.
- Grace — Thanks again for your gift.
- Regards — Love, Leslie
- What’s Not There — Any news about your life. This isn’t the time to brag about your new job, a hot girlfriend, or number of surgeries. The thank-you is exclusively about thanking somebody for their kindness. While you may want more than anything to show them once and for all you amounted to something, this is not the forum. Save that for your annual Christmas letter.