A letter of thanks, letter of gratitude, thank you card, or thank you letter is a letter or greetings card that is used when one person/party wishes to express appreciation to another. They are frequently sent after an event (a birthday party, a religious festival or holiday) and especially when a gift has been received.[1] Personal thank-you letters and cards are often hand-written and the addressee is typically a friend, acquaintance or relative. Letters of gratitude are usually written as formal business letters, either to a client, a supplier, an employer (or prospective employer after an interview)[2] or an employee as part of creating an engaged workforce.[3]
The tradition of sending thank you notes dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of gratitude expressed through written messages found in Egypt and China. However, the modern practice began to take shape in the 19th century, particularly during the Victorian era when handwritten correspondence became a social norm.[3] The introduction of the postage stamp in 1840 and mass production of cards led to the widespread popularity of thank you notes, establishing them as a customary form of etiquette in both personal and professional interactions.[1]
The benefits of sending and receiving letters of thanks
Some psychological research indicates that expressing gratitude by writing such letters can have emotional benefits,[4] but this does not apply to all circumstances.[5] News media have covered the tradition of handwritten letters of thanks from a cultural perspective, suggesting in particular that the extra effort represented by handwriting (as opposed to text messaging, for example) makes these letters more emotionally significant for sender and recipient alike.[6][7]
Formats for letters of thanks
Good thank you letters can benefit from using a recognized format.[8][9] Various styles and formats typically suit different occasions and recipients. Common types include:
Formal Letters: Often used for business related messages, or when the formality of the message requires a traditional style and format
Greeting Cards: Usually folded, these cards offer a classic design and ample space for a handwritten message.
Postcards: These are simpler and can be less formal. They are great for quick thank-you messages without the need for an envelope.
E-Cards: With the rise of digital communication, electronic thank you cards provide a convenient option, although they may lack the personal touch of a handwritten note.[10]
Custom Designs: Many companies offer customizable cards where you can add personal images or messages (either manually or automatically based on the gifts that are tracked), making them unique and quicker than writing by hand.[11]
Clark, Hewitt B.; Northrop, James T.; Barkshire, Charles T. (1988). "The Effects of Contingent Thank-You Notes on Case Managers' Visiting Residential Clients". Education and Treatment of Children. 11 (1): 45–51. JSTOR42899049.
Kralik, John (January 27, 2011). 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life. Penguin, Random House Australia.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
