There is a six-point formula to the proper thank-you: It will never fail you.
1. Greet the Giver (Dear Aunt Sally,)That's the easy part, but you'd be surprised how many people forget it.
2. Express Your Gratitude (Thank you for your generosity.) Never directly mention money. 'Thank you for the hundred bucks' could instead be 'Thank you for your generosity.' All cash denominations become 'your generosity' or 'your kindness.' If you feel the giver overspent, the farthest you can go is appreciated: 'Your generosity is appreciated,' or 'It is such an extravagant gift—your kindness is appreciated.'
3. Discuss Use (It will be a great help when we purchase... Whatever you plan to buy). Allude to how you will use the money, but do not itemize your planned purchases line by line.
4. Mention the Past, Allude to the Future (It was great to see you at the baptism, and I hope to see you at the next event). Why did they give you the gift? What does it mean to your relationship with the giver? Let the giver know how they fit into the fabric of your life. If it's someone you see infrequently, say whatever you know: 'Mom tells me you're doing great at Stanford, and I hope we cross paths soon.' If it's someone you're in regular contact with: 'I'll call you soon, but I wanted to take time to say thanks.' If it's some errant family member you have little or no contact with, simply go with 'You are in my thoughts and I hope you are well.' Nice, right?
5. Grace (Thanks again for your gift.) It's not overkill to say thanks again. So say it.
6. Regards (Love, Leslie) Simply wrap it up. Use whatever works for you: Love, Yours Truly, With Love. Then sign your name and you're done.
1. Greet the Giver (Dear Aunt Sally,)That's the easy part, but you'd be surprised how many people forget it.
2. Express Your Gratitude (Thank you for your generosity.) Never directly mention money. 'Thank you for the hundred bucks' could instead be 'Thank you for your generosity.' All cash denominations become 'your generosity' or 'your kindness.' If you feel the giver overspent, the farthest you can go is appreciated: 'Your generosity is appreciated,' or 'It is such an extravagant gift—your kindness is appreciated.'
3. Discuss Use (It will be a great help when we purchase... Whatever you plan to buy). Allude to how you will use the money, but do not itemize your planned purchases line by line.
4. Mention the Past, Allude to the Future (It was great to see you at the baptism, and I hope to see you at the next event). Why did they give you the gift? What does it mean to your relationship with the giver? Let the giver know how they fit into the fabric of your life. If it's someone you see infrequently, say whatever you know: 'Mom tells me you're doing great at Stanford, and I hope we cross paths soon.' If it's someone you're in regular contact with: 'I'll call you soon, but I wanted to take time to say thanks.' If it's some errant family member you have little or no contact with, simply go with 'You are in my thoughts and I hope you are well.' Nice, right?
5. Grace (Thanks again for your gift.) It's not overkill to say thanks again. So say it.
6. Regards (Love, Leslie) Simply wrap it up. Use whatever works for you: Love, Yours Truly, With Love. Then sign your name and you're done.
