It's fun to receive gifts and invitations, but it's not always so easy to acknowledge these in a timely fashion. Put together a kit to make sending out thank-you notes easier. Buy some attractive stationery, or make it a home with a stamping kit. Another idea is to purchase a supply of printed thank-you cards for various occasions, and keep a supply of blank cards on hand. Store these together in a designated drawer or keep in a decorative container such as a hatbox.
Preprinted cards are acceptable, but nothing takes the place of a handwritten expression of thanks.
Don't simply sign and mail the card, but take the time to write a few lines expressing gratitude. If someone has taken the time to do something nice, express sincere thanks in your own words. Notes for special occasions, such as a wedding, should be sent out within two or three weeks of receiving the gift and no later than six to eight weeks. Mail notes for dinner parties or weekend guest situations the day after the event. A newly married couple can save a lot of time and stress by using a wedding notebook that includes a section for gifts.