LilSugar

What Is the Time Limit on Thank-You Notes?

LilSugar — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:30:55 -0800

Once baby arrives, the gifts start pouring in. In the early days, the UPS man practically needs a dolly to cart the packages to your door. You open the goodies, coo over all of the adorable outfits, put the cards in a pile on the table and say you will write the thank-you notes once the lil one goes down for a nap. One nap turns into two and three and before you know it, days have passed and the pile of cards has grown even larger.

Friends and family of new parents are usually very forgiving, understanding that between middle of the night feedings, non-stop diaper changes and constant laundry, there is little time to sit down and formally write a note or return a call. Emily Post says that notes should be written as soon as possible, and even if they seem late, they should still be sent because, "A late note is always better than no note at all."

How long did you take to send out the bulk of your baby's thank-you notes?

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Mommy's Lil Helper: Fill-in-the-Blank Thank You Notes

LilSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:00:04 -0800

Sending thank you notes for birthday and holiday gifts is an important sentiment to instill in young children. But most of the notes end up making mommy's hand ache since young tots can contribute lil more than a scribble or signature. Make giving gratitude a cinch and get your lil one’s involved with these fill in children's cards. Kids enjoy putting pen to paper and adhering the stamps before popping them in the mail!

Baby Bump: Bonnie Marcus & Co.

LilSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:00:07 -0700

Pregnancy comes with more responsibility than just raising a babe; you also have to write thank you notes for another impending lil person. So when putting pen to paper to relay your gratitude, make sure the cards reflect your personality. Bonnie Marcus & Co. has a great collection for women with swollen bellies and new mommies.

Her sassy graphics add fun flair to traditional thank-yous, chore lists ($8), and invitations for everything from bridal showers to sip-and-sees to christenings. The stock cards ($13) come in packs of eight, and can be purchased online or in boutiques.

Mommy Dearest: Thank-You Notes From Lil One

babysugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:00:32 -0800

Mommy Dearest,

While I don't look forward to writing thank-you notes, I think it's common courtesy to write them anytime you or your lil one gets a gift.

Lately, I've been at a crossroads on how to write them. My little boy is only 13-months-old and obviously can't write them himself. Should I write them from his point of view using his imagined voice, or should I write them from my perspective? I have received both in the mail and rather enjoy the ones written in the child's "words."

-Questionable Penman

To see Mommy Dearest's response, read more

Questionable Penman,

Kudos to you for writing the thank-you notes no matter who you write them from. Everyone appreciates them, even if it's just to let them know that their gift was received.

After my first baby shower, I realized how difficult it was going to be to write thank-you notes for a baby. But I took notes from my friends who had written witty ones from their tots and began to pen mine from my child's perspective. At first it may seem a little silly, but it also allows you to write short and sweet cards. And, you can refer to "mommy" who also loved the gifts junior received. Soon your babe will be able to draw a picture of himself using the gifted toy and then you're off the hook.

-Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

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Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Thank-You Notes

LilSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:00:41 -0800

People used to joke that when they gave me a present, the thank-you note arrived at their houses before they got home from the party. Family and friends have been ridiculously generous to my husband, children, and me, and I know it's important to not only recognize their generosity, but also teach my kids that it's appropriate to send thank-you notes.

Expressing gratitude for a gift is something that was ingrained in me as a child. Growing up, I truly believed that you couldn't use a toy or wear an outfit until a note of thanks had been tucked in an envelope.

I wrote my wedding notes on the flight to my honeymoon, scribbled card after card when we brought home our first baby, and was on top of things through her second birthday. Then my son arrived and the presents piled up and so did the packs of cards, rolls of stamps, and lists of who gave us what. I was just about up to date when his first birthday arrived, followed by Christmas. To finish the post, read more.

Now, my nightstand is a pile of blank, half-written, and some signed, sealed, and ready-to-deliver notes that sit waiting to be finished or dropped in a mailbox. It seems like right when I begin to sort through the stack, a diaper needs to be changed or the phone rings.

Being that today is International Thank You Day, my deadline is tonight. And then, I'll count the days until my children can put pen to paper themselves.

Lil Tip: Thank You Notes From Kiddos

babysugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:30:03 -0800

Now that the gifts are opened and tossed around your living room, it's time to thank those doting family members who spoiled your child rotten.

If your lil one is old enough to write, have a contest to see who can write the most thank you notes in a specific time frame. It will encourage you both to write your letters in a time efficient manner. And, for added incentive, pull out some crayons and let them draw a picture on each note. Your kid and the gift giver will love the personalized artistic touch.
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Lil Tip: Keeping Track of Presents

LilSugar — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 04:00:54 -0800

Kids tear the wrapping off presents faster than you can grab the cards. And, when you're at a chaotic family get together keeping track of who gave your kids what is quite a task.

So this Christmas give them some incentive by turning it into a game. Ask your children to tuck the tag or card into the corresponding box after opening a gift. The child that has them all in order when you get home wins!

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Mommy Dearest: Rude to Tell That You Returned Gift?

LilSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:00:49 -0800

Mommy Dearest,

I sent my godson a scooter for his birthday and just received a thank-you note saying that he returned the present because he preferred something else. I don't mind that he exchanged the gift since I just guessed that the ride on was something a nine-year-old would like, but I thought mentioning it in the note was rather rude. We live in different states and I never would have known had he not told me. Am I right?

- Didn't Need to Know About Returned Gift

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Didn't Need to Know About Returned Gift,

I think the sole purpose of a thank-you note is to acknowledge a gift that has been given and show appreciation for the kind gesture. Mentioning a gift was returned or exchanged for whatever reason is not necessary unless the giver inquires about it.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

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Lil Tip: Baby Shower Thank You Notes

babysugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:00:34 -0800

Baby showers are getting more and more extravagant. As a guest, you can't just show up with a gift anymore. You are often asked to bring your favorite book, a childhood picture, or a CD for the baby. While trends continue to pop up, the one I like is simple.

The hostess provides cute stationery in tune with the shower's theme for the expectant mother. Each guest fills out an envelope with their name and address so all the mom-to-be has to do is write the thank you note, seal it with a kiss and a stamp. She'll be so grateful for the shortcut.

Lil Links: Actress Eva LaRue Puts Family First

LilSugar — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:00:34 -0800

Motherhood comes first for Eva LaRue -Celebrity Baby Scoop
Writing thank you notes after birth of stillborn son -Alpha Mom
Which Modern Family parent are you? - Babble
10 reasons you're not having sex and how to beat them - Health
Five baby tech items that make people want kids - Unpluggd
Should babies be allowed in bars? - Lemondrop
Will Ferrell welcomes third son, Axel - Celebrity Baby Blog
Wife grants her ex-husband's dying wish - ParentDish
Are your tweens sexting? - Modern Mom