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"Thank You" Notes/Cards

post #1 of 11
10/11/10 at 3:55pm
Thread Starter 
So here's the scoop: My birthday was a few weeks ago and a few family members sent me cards. I've put off doing it for years, but I believe I should start writing thank you notes to all these people. (Note: Just for clarity, I am not trying to make up for the previous years of perceived ingratitude. Just doing "adult" things now). The problem is my handwriting is atrocious. It's seriously appalling, I have trouble reading it sometimes. What's the etiquette on typing out a personal (read: not form) letter to each person and then sticking it in a thank you card that I sign my name on? I want to send the cards but feel childish when sending something that appears to be written by a nine year old. Also, I feel like thank you cards are appreciated more when they're clearly legible and words don't have to be guessed at. Thoughts? EDIT: Improving my penmanship is not a valid option in this scenario.
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post #2 of 11
10/11/10 at 3:57pm
a thank you card for a card? just call them and say thanks!
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post #3 of 11
10/11/10 at 4:39pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ter1413 View Post
a thank you card for a card? just call them and say thanks!
1) I'd rather send a card, I hate talking on the phone. 2) Some of the cards contained cash/check.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Animal Thug View Post
Every time we invite folks over I make an announcement that basically says if you send me a thank you card you will never be invited over again.
This is how I feel. I don't feel the need to be thanked for a gift I've given or service I've rendered other than a simple "Thanks" following reception of said gift/service or the next time I see the person. Alas my friend, social etiquette is not as sensible as you and I.
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post #4 of 11
10/11/10 at 6:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArteEtLabore14 View Post
1) I'd rather send a card, I hate talking on the phone.

2) Some of the cards contained cash/check..

IMO, a call would be better. To me, a card seems cheesy as a return for a bday card/check/cash.
"Hey Aunt M, I just wanted to really thank you for the card that you sent me for my bday! Yeah, thnigs are good! Yep(Mom/Dad) is good. Well listen, I'm at work and have to run but I just really wanted to thank you for the card!"
90 sec top! Even better if you get the answering machine!
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post #5 of 11
10/11/10 at 6:18pm
Buy nice paper and type your personalized letter/note...sign your name. I do this all the time. My handwriting is terrible. That or you can have your assistant or someone who doesn't mind write the short notes for you.
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post #6 of 11
10/11/10 at 7:08pm
I would not type the message. It will look like you did a form letter.

Take your time and write as neatly as you can. If the reader has trouble reading it, it won't matter anyhow...the fact that you sent them a card to say thank you will be appreciated nonetheless.
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post #7 of 11
10/11/10 at 7:23pm
No one can read my cursive. I hand print thank you cards. Typing defeats the purpose, IMO.
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post #8 of 11
10/11/10 at 10:17pm
I think it's important to send a short handwritten note for gifts, even when the giver has been thanked verbally. My handwriting is awful but I try to write as best I can.
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post #9 of 11
10/12/10 at 1:32pm
Thank you cards are a huge social differentiator. It's such a neglected practice these days, particularly amongst under-40s, and so easy to do, it's a great way to distinguish yourself in people's minds. People think it's really special when you send them a thank you note, and really makes them feel like you care. I am very forgetful at the practice myself and I also have terrible penmanship, but I keep a pack of nice, beautiful, simple and uninscribed cards in my desk at work, at home, and in my car. In 3 minutes, I can rescue a forgotten birthday, whip out a sympathy or get-well note, or send a nice thank you on a moment's notice. And people remember that kind of thing.
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post #10 of 11
10/12/10 at 1:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Douglas View Post
Thank you cards are a huge social differentiator. It's such a neglected practice these days, particularly amongst under-40s, and so easy to do, it's a great way to distinguish yourself in people's minds. People think it's really special when you send them a thank you note, and really makes them feel like you care.

I am very forgetful at the practice myself and I also have terrible penmanship, but I keep a pack of nice, beautiful, simple and uninscribed cards in my desk at work, at home, and in my car. In 3 minutes, I can rescue a forgotten birthday, whip out a sympathy or get-well note, or send a nice thank you on a moment's notice. And people remember that kind of thing.

Agree on the sentiment part, and I need to get that pack of cards in my desk. Well, not YOUR pack of cards, but a pack of my own.
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post #11 of 11
10/12/10 at 5:20pm
Absolutely no typed thank-you notes...instead:
1. Buy some Crane stationery
2. Acquire a good fountain pen
3. Practice hand-writing for a couple hours on lined paper
4. White hand-written notes
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