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Thank You Cards, Re-gifting, and the Art of Gratitude

We all know that a thank-you card traditionally is expected after we receive a gift. This simple act might be less common than it used to be, but that doesn’t mean it’s less appreciated.

I believe thank-you notes are just as important as the gifts themselves. After all, don’t we give to delight our friends and loved ones or express our gratitude? A well-written thank-you note brings gift-giving full circle.

Four steps to crafting a simple, beautiful note

• In the first sentence, say “thank you for” and state the gift you’ve been given. Example: Thank you for the wine glasses you gave me at the holiday party.
• Next, express a further detailed appreciation by remarking on qualities about the gift. Example: The glasses have already found a home on our dining room table. They look so elegant next to our everyday dishes!
• Share specific reasons why you like the gift. Example: I love to entertain, and can’t wait to show them off the next time we have friends over for a wine and cheese get-together.
• In the closing sentence, sign it pleasantly and friendly. And you can even add “Thanks again!” before your signature.

Simple, don’t you think? A thank card takes only a few minutes but will be treasured for a long time.

Speaking of treasured … let’s talk about another thorny holiday subject: Re-gifting. I’m often asked if re-gifting an unwanted or duplicate gift is offensive or tacky. While thrifty, re-gifting is fraught with peril. For instance, if you re-gift within your family or within your peer group, chances are word will get around.

That’s why I don’t advise it. Why risk the faux pas? Instead, exchange the item or donate it to charity. Your unwanted gift could be someone else’s treasure. For example, if you have been invited to a re-gifting Secret Santa party, pull out the Santa Claus wine bottle topper or tacky water fountain from the back of your closet. In other words, it just might be the treasure someone was looking for!

Where do you stand on thank-you cards and re-gifting? I’d love to hear from you!

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Posted by Margaret Page in Christmas, Personal development, Communication, Etiquette Tips, Everyday Etiquette and tagged Christmas, holiday, gratitude, thank you cards, thanks.