Thank you cards are some of my favorite types of cards to send (and talk about). Little fact: Lucky Dog Design Co. started as Lucky Dog Mail Club, a subscription box specializing in thank you cards. So needless to say, we go way back.
Two of the reasons I love them so much are the diversity of reasons to say “thank you” and it is purely a giving act to bring someone a little joy and feel goods.
I’m going to give some tips (with examples) on crafting a thoughtful thank you card, but let’s start with reasons to send a thank you card. (Click here to jump ahead to tips.)
Reasons to send a thank you card:
- Someone gave you a gift
- Someone traveled to see you (just to see you or for an event like a graduation or wedding)
- Someone did a favor for you (asked or without asking)
- Someone helped you through a rough situation (or honestly, just helped you in general)
- Someone hosted a party you attended
- Someone inspired you
- Post-job interview (no matter if you got the job or not, and this is usually much better sent via email rather than snail mail)
- Someone bought something from you (customer/client)
- Someone referred someone to you for work
- Teachers and school/daycare staff (such as school bus drivers and daycare workers)
- Doctors or nurses from a visit (in or outpatient)
- Your postal worker
Etiquette-wise, send it ASAP (especially if it’s related to a gift, purchase, or an event of some sort). However, even a late thank you card is appreciated, I can promise you that.
Alright now, on to tips for how and what to write in a thank you card.
At the end of the day, writing from your heart is best (yes, I know, cheesy), no matter how messy it is, if things are crossed out, or if it sounds a little off.
If having it messy or crossed-out doesn’t sit well with you, try writing on a piece of paper, typing it up in your notes app, or recording yourself with what you want to say first. Some find this a good way to guide their thoughts before commitment on a card.
The key elements of a thank you card are actually quite simple: let them know why you’re reaching out and why you are grateful for them. At the end of the day, you want them to know they helped you in some way, so you can always keep it short and sweet.
In some cases when the situation calls for it, you may want to gift something to them as well. Gift cards, cash, or adding something personal (recipe, seeds, pressed flowers, bookmarks, stickers) will fit perfectly in the card.
How a thank you card looks in practice
Feel free to use these for your own needs and adapt them to your own style. You’ll notice similarities in each, so you may be able to pull from different examples for the one you want to write.
What to say in a graduation thank you card
“I can’t thank you enough for attending my graduation - and for the awesome (gift) you gave me. It was certainly a day I’ll never forget, and I’m so excited for my next adventure!”
“Thank you so much for my (gift)! I can’t wait to put it to good use at college.”
“Thank you for your card and cash for my graduation - I’ll definitely be putting it to good use! I hope you all have a great summer!”
What to say in a thank you card to someone who helped you out
For help: “You really helped us get through a difficult time in our lives, and I can’t thank you enough.”
“I don’t think the right words exist for how grateful I am for you. Thank you for helping me out - thank you thank you thank you, (their name). If you need me at any point, please know you can count on me.”
As a gift: “Thank you for the cash, (name/nickname/title), you’re so appreciated! Can’t wait to use this for (give a reason)!”
What to say in a wedding thank you card
“We cannot thank you enough for joining us for our wedding - what a perfect day! Thank you for our (gift). (Insert something personal about it since this is likely something in your registry.)”
“On the happiest day of our life together, we’re so happy you were there to celebrate alongside us.”
“We missed you so much at our wedding - ahhh it was so perfect! Thank you for your lovely gift you sent our way. We appreciate you so much.”
What to say in a baby shower thank you card
“Thank you so much for joining our baby shower for (insert baby’s name here, if applicable)! We absolutely love our (gift) and can’t wait for our little one to get here and see how much love they have surrounding them.”
“The gift you sent is just so perfect for little (baby’s name). Thank you! We are so excited to welcome them into the world, and we’re happy you’re a part of it!”
What to say in a thank you card for a teacher
“Every day, (your child’s name) comes home with so many amazing stories about your class. Thank you for creating a fun space for our kids to learn, and thank you for being a wonderful teacher.”
“I don’t know how you do it, but I’m so glad you do! Thank you for teaching and sharing your passion.”
“It was one hell of a school year, and I know (your child’s name) appreciates you so much. We all appreciate you so much! Thank you for everything, and I hope you have a wonderful summer (replace with time of year, even just “weekend”).”
Bonus points if your child is old enough to write their own message, too (or even draw something on the inside).
What to say in a thank you card to someone who inspires you
“Your positivity and giving spirit inspires me every day, and I couldn’t go another day without letting you know. Thank you for bringing so much joy to the world and those around you.”
“Your art and creativity inspires me so much! Thank you for sharing it with the world - and don’t stop - you’re amazing at it!”
What to say in a thank you card for a customer/client
“Thank you so much for supporting (Business Name) and for shopping small. Your support means everything! I hope you love your (insert product)! If there’s anything else I can do, please let me know.”
“Your order and support means everything! Thank you for shopping small and helping me build this dream of mine.”
“Thank you for trusting me with your (service you provided)! I’m so honored to have been a part of it.”
Other Helpful Links
Need a thank you card or want to stock up? Shop Lucky Dog thank you cards. If you need a lot of cards at once, consider snagging a greeting card pack of 10.
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