Handwriting a proper thank you may seem outdated and old fashioned these days. Growing up, it was important to my mother that I have good manners, behave, and if I couldn’t manage that, I should “just snap out of it” She also taught me to write thank yous. Thanks for that Mom.
Today is her birthday, and although she is not with us any more (she passed away at 94), her message is imbedded in my psyche. My mom was born in 1917, when so many things in the world were different than they are today. What is not different is our desire as human beings to have a real connection with family and friends, enjoy that connection, and be thankful for it all. With that in mind, I’m offering up my own take on cards and thank you notes.
After the festivities of what we call “the holidays”, we no doubt have people to thank. The whirlwind of gifts, events, party invitations, and kind deeds all happen so fast in the last 2 months of the year, we may feel exhausted from all the love. (maybe a little drama too, but that’s another kind of card….)
Now that we’ve had a moment to settle down and take some time to get back to work and into our skinny jeans, it’s time to give the love back. An email, card, or even a “thank you” card with our name simply signed to it may be easy and technically fit the bill, but a proper thank you has some elements to consider. Old fashioned that it may be, here are some ideas to get it right.
1. Make it personal. Whether or not you buy a card with a message, add your own personal message. What are you thanking the person for? Be specific. “I am so happy with the fuzzy pink bunny slippers. We’re experiencing a polar vortex on the east coast and my feet are so happy.”
2. Write something about the person hosting the party/event/giving the gift. “I love what you’ve done to your backyard. it was wonderful to see your sustainable garden!” (I know, I live in California. For me there is no white Christmas)
3. Say something fun/personal about yourself. “We had such a great holiday season. Now I”ve decided to do a 21 classes in 30 day yoga challenge to celebrate the new year.” (This is a true statement for me. It starts today)
4. Give a card that means something to you and the person receiving it. I realize my cards are more geared toward women since I typically design clothing for women
I made these quirky eco cards because I had leftover trims, fabrics, and whatnot just sitting there. Not only did my mom want me to have good manners, she also taught me to not be wasteful. So that was the actual beginning of my creating artistic handcrafted blank cards using recycled card stock, envelopes, and materials. Some people I’ve given them to personally have even decided to put them in frames as little pieces of art.
Is the recipient a shoe or handbag lover? Maybe give her a studded vintage logo spike heel shoe or handbag card.
vintage logo cards
An earth mother/garden goddess? How about the pressed flower petal “girls in hats” cards?
Or a cashmere sweater lover? The cashmere sweater cards may fit the bill.
cashmere sweater cards
See the whole collection here:
Whatever you choose, the effort and attention in making and keeping a genuine connection is immeasurable. And it has the added benefit of making you feel good. And that is priceless.