How to Write a Thank You Card

You can send a thank you card for a number of occasions. It’s customary to send a thank you note after you’ve attended a hosted event, completed a job interview, or received a gift. Some business owners like to send thank you cards to valued clients and customers, and you can even send a friend a thank you note after they’ve done you a favor.

No, a thank you card is not necessary for each stay. A simple gift for the hosts and a sincere thank you in person works well for regular visits.

No need to make your cards extra wordy–although, if you have lots to say, feel free. It’s appropriate for a thank you card to be as short as three lines.

1. Greeting
2. Thank you
3. Name the gift, favor, or experience
4. Mention what it means or meant to you
5. Closing

Tyler,
Thank you for such a beautiful scarf. Green is one of my favorite colors! I can’t wait to wear the scarf with my trench coat.

Kindest Regards,
Nikesha

Depending on how well you know the recipient, the following all work: kind regards, best, thank you, sincerely, love

Thank you cards should be sent anytime from three days to two weeks. If it is beyond two weeks it is still okay to send the thank you note, after all, better late than never.

However, there are certain instances where these time frames differ. For example, you should always aim to send a post-job interview thank you note within 24 hours (with that said, thank you emails after a job interview also suffice, but doing both may work in your favor). But when it comes to thanking people for wedding gifts, you have two months.

That’s all! We hope you use this advice as an excuse to buy yourself some beautiful stationery and indulge in some gratitude.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.