LilSugar

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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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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The Card Shop: Linda & Harriett Thank-You Note Box Sets

CasaSugar — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0700

The expression, "A simple thank you would have been nice," has always baffled me. To me, there is nothing straightforward about saying thank you. When I'm genuine, I want my expression of gratitude to be as tastefully embellished as possible - like a letterpress card.Luckily, stationer Linda & Harriett has made the gesture simple for me, by unveiling some new box sets of thank-you notes in elegant scallop, lace, and swirl prints. Each card is letterpressed with soy-based ink and features the calligraphy of Brooklyn-based Jenna Hein. I'm thinking the swirl pattern is my favorite; I can just see the personality oozing off the 30 percent postconsumer waste paper. A set of six retails for $14.

The How-To Lounge: Writing Wedding Thank-You Notes

DearSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0700

Once the wedding is over and you're home from your honeymoon, it's time to get back to normal life and take care of long list of to dos. Hopefully you took note of who gave you what gift because now's the time to write your thank-you notes.

Time is of the essence so to see my dos and don'ts on how to make this process fast and painless, read more.

If you didn't order thank-you cards to match your other wedding papery, stick to something that has a similar look. These cards should be on the more formal side.
It's best to get your thank-you cards in the mail ASAP, preferably two to three weeks after receiving your gift, and six to eight weeks at the very most.
Be sure to hand write your thank-you notes - email does not suffice!
Make your thank-you notes personal. Mention the gift you received and be sure to note any special efforts made by that guest, if they traveled a long distance, made a speech, etc.
Even if someone didn't attend your wedding but sent a gift, be sure to send them a thank-you note. And remember, wedding thank-you notes should be separate from shower or engagement thank-you notes.
Although some think it's the wife's job to write all the thank-you notes, the husband should do his part as well. Always say "we" instead of "I" and be sure to have both signatures on every note.
Getting all your thank-you notes written can seem incredibly daunting, but if you set aside a few hours a night, throw on some music and open a bottle of wine - it shouldn't be too painful. Do whatever you can to try to make it as fun as possible!

The How-To Lounge: Writing a Thank You Note

DearSugar — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Writing a thank you note is always a polite way of showing your appreciation, and a sure fire way to make someone feel special. Unfortunately thank you's oftentimes slip through the cracks, but for those that remember their manners, a thank you goes a long way. For those who need a refresher on how to write a perfect thank you note, I am here to help.

Click here to read more

Although sending a quick e-mail or making a phone call is more time efficient, the personal touch of a hand written note will leave a much more memorable mark
Being timely is important, but the saying "better late than never" applies when writing thank you notes
Thank you notes are most commonly written after receiving a gift, but they are also appropriate after a job interview, being a guest at a dinner party or a wedding, and can be written as a token of friendship and support
Thank you notes should be short and to the point
Make sure to add personality to your note and let the recipient know how much you loved your gift or how much you enjoyed his or her party
If you are sending a thank you note to a potential employer, spell out why you are thanking them and be sure to reiterate how much you appreciated their time
Sending flowers is another way to extend your gratitude, but don't forget to add an additional thank you on the card

Regardless of your reason for thanking someone, make sure to thank the person again before signing your name, and don't forget to check your spelling!

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The How-To Lounge: Writing Thank you Notes to Potential Employers

DearSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:00:00 -0700

We all know that writing a thank you note is the polite way to express your gratitude, but when it comes to potential employers, many people come up blank when figuring out what to say.

Click here to read more

Time is of the essence when it comes to thanking potential employers. Write your thank you notes the same day as your interview or meeting and stick them in the mail ASAP so they can received either the next day, or as soon thereafter.
Thank you notes give you another opportunity to express your interest in the position at hand and to mention anything you might have forgotten to say in your interview, so choose your words wisely
Since you are most likely not the only person to interview for the position, make sure to remind them who you are. Reiterate some key points from your interview or something you had in common to jog their memory
Be sure to keep your thank you notes personal. You should send a separate note to every person you interviewed with and don't sound robotic -- make each one different and unique to the conversation you had with the person you are thanking
If you went on an informational interview where there wasn't a job available per se, a thank you note should still be written
Always thank your interviewee for their time and reiterate how interested you are in the job. Be confident but not overly presumptuous
Be sure to have someone proof read your thank you note. Spelling or grammar errors can actually help you not get the job so be precise and diligent when writing your letters

I hope these tips are helpful if you are right in the middle of a job search. Remember, while nailing the job might be your first priority, your potential employers are most likely swamped with work, so don't get too let down if you don't hear from them right away. Oftentimes a follow up call or e-mail is necessary to get the ball back in motion. Good luck and if anyone has other tips that they found helpful, please share what you've got up your sleeve!

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.

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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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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The Card Shop: Lace Thank-You Notes

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:00:59 -0700

Kate's Paperie's Lace Thank-You Notes ($25 for 6) may be letterpressed with antique lace patterns, but they're certainly not your granny's doilies. On the contrary, they have a modern sophistication that reflects the lace trend that's happening now. I'm loving the sage, navy, and aqua color palette; I'd actually love to snip off the text and frame them together somehow. You know how I do love my paper projects. Unfortunately, the price may be a little steep for some; it may be better to use your personalized stationery. What do you think? What do you have to be thankful for?