The "Art" of the Thank You Note

Ahh the beautful little rectangle envelope. Delicately addressed with stamp. I reach in the box, gently pull it out. Carefully tearing the glue which contains the beauty.

Hey. Thanks for the gift.

*signed Cousin X*

Excuse me? There is an art to writing a beautiful (AND APPRECIATED) Thank You Note. It makes me crazy when I send a gift and don't get one. Luckily for all of the 2010 graduates in my world, I received one in return. Its not that I feel underappreciated. Look at it from the gifter's perspective. Yes you're in my life. Yes I do care about you and am happy for you. But you just sent me an invite to a graduation you KNOW I will not attend (or to a wedding, or to a bar mitzvah or baby shower etc) in order to get a gift. Its ok. I expect it. But I also expect a note...with sincerety and appreciation. WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT? Especially for the graduates! Aren't you supposed to be smarter or something?

Here is a simple note that you can plaguarize from me to use for your TY notes:

Dear X,

Thank you very much for the monetary gift you sent for graduation. I know this will be put to good use at school next fall. I will be getting linens, supplies, a new computer and this will certainly help. I hope I can see you soon to thank you in person.

Sincerely,
grateful recipient.

You're welcome!