The Importance of a Well Written Note

Ever since I was young, I found it incredibly important to take the time to handwrite cards to give thanks for gifts, to acknowledge acts of kindness, grieve moments of loss, and to celebrate birthdays or milestone moments.  I don’t specifically remember when I learned this to be such an important gesture, but it stuck, and so as an adult I still make it a priority – even as text messages and email communication reigns superior.  Aside from the warm gesture that a handwritten note is, it can also become a ritual of gratitude, remembrance and love for the writer.  The way the message is delivered is important so finding the right stationary or card is key.

Papyrus used to be one of my favorite stores to frequent when I was living in New York City, with its rows of cardstock and gifts, packs of thank you’s and individual greeting cards.  A favorite of mine that I always keep on hand is their gold butterfly card;  you can never go wrong with a butterfly.

For our firstborn I had personalized thank you cards made by a local company in Charleston called the Social Paper Company and we loved them!  I’ve attached a picture of how our design turned out.  They were very easy to work with and efficiently designed exactly what we hoped to achieve.  They also customize envelopes to go with the stationary, so we had shimmery navy lined envelopes to accompany the card and they were perfect.  

Crane and Co. is another favorite of mine and I have personalized stationery from them I love.  I didn’t have as much prep time with my second child, so I ordered these beautiful Crane and Co. hummingbird cards to use as thank you’s.

Sometimes finding the right words to say can be challenging but writing a thank you card that is meaningful and heartfelt can be simplified with a few easy steps:

1. The correct salutation, i.e. Dear Jody, or Mr. and Mrs. Banks

I usually go with what feels most right in addressing someone given how well I know them.  For a close friend I may use a nickname or their first name, with an acquaintance I would address them as “Dear Ashley”, and with someone I’m not as familiar with I would address them Mr. or Mrs. Greene.

2. A simplified, yet specific expression of thanks.  It’s important that the note not be too long, but it should be detailed in a way thank makes the recipient feel as though you’re attentive.

For example:  Thank you so much for the delicious homemade chicken noodle soup, my family and I loved it.  It was so comforting and warming during this time of healing and we are so grateful for your generosity and thoughtfulness.

3. End with the possibility of seeing them soon or future plans together

For example:  We hope you are enjoying the remainder of summer and would love to catch up soon!

Obviously, if you are very close to the recipient you could make it more personable, or if you know you’re seeing them at a party or event you could end on that, i.e., “We look forward to seeing you at Sarah’s birthday party!”

4. Close with a little more gratitude, i.e., Thanks again!

5. Signature

This breakdown can also be used to write notes of sympathy or celebration, but the content will clearly be different.  A letter of sympathy is one of the hardest things to write because the grief and difficulty the recipient is going through, and while a letter or card seems trivial to give in moments like this, it is important to acknowledge their pain and to show up for them.  Also, it isn’t always easy to verbalize sympathy so this provides a way for you to say what you really want to say and for them to read it in privacy and at a time when they’re ready.

Letters of celebration are the most fun to write!  With a birthday card I love to reflect on the positive moments that the recipient had throughout the year and how meaningful they and our relationship are to me.  I write personalized wishes and hopes for them in their new year, and I reiterate my gratitude for them being in this world and in my life.

This is how I view note and letter writing and the method I use to go about writing them.  If you have some tips you use, or some stationary you love, please share them in the comments or an email!

Card By Hester & Cook

Social Paper Co. in Charleston, SC

Card by Five Dot Post