What to avoid in a thank you card?

Asked by: Prof. Porter Conroy  |  Last update: February 17, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (44 votes)

When writing a thank you card, avoid being late, generic, or unprofessional; don't forget to mention the specific gift/favor, make it all about yourself, use slang/typos, or ask about salary in interview notes, and always proofread for correct names and spelling. Focus on genuine gratitude, specificity, and proper etiquette to leave a positive, lasting impression, according to etiquette experts.

What should you avoid in a thank you note?

What Should You Avoid in a Thank You Note: A Practical Guide

  • Key Takeaways. ...
  • AVOIDING COMMON THANK YOU NOTE PITFALLS. ...
  • NEGLECTING TIMELINESS. ...
  • LACK OF PERSONALIZATION. ...
  • UNPROFESSIONAL TONE AND LANGUAGE. ...
  • OVERLY BRIEF OR LENGTHY MESSAGES. ...
  • CARELESSNESS WITH SPELLING AND GRAMMAR. ...
  • FOCUSING TOO MUCH ON YOURSELF.

What is the etiquette for thank you cards?

Thank you card etiquette emphasizes promptness, personalization, and specificity, ideally handwritten, to show sincere appreciation for gifts, favors, or attendance; start with a warm greeting, mention the specific item or thoughtful gesture and how you'll use/value it, and end with a warm closing, even if late, as it's better than no note at all. 

What to put inside a thank you card?

How to write a thoughtful thank you note, plus how to keep the thank you cards you need to send organized.

  • 1. Express gratitude
  • 2. Thank them for the specific gift or service
  • 3. Explain why you appreciated the service or how you are using the gift
  • 4. End with a personal note

Why do people not send thank you cards anymore?

Not sending thank-you notes usually stems from practical constraints (time, tracking), evolving social norms (digital vs. handwritten), personality or emotional barriers (procrastination, awkwardness, relationship shifts), or an intentional choice to use alternative acknowledgments.

3 Quick Thank You Cards!

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Do people really care about thank you cards?

Sometimes a text or phone call is fine, but if the gesture was especially meaningful, a thank you card is always a nice touch. Most people love receiving mail that's not a bill!"

Is $100 enough for a wedding gift from a couple?

Yes, $100 is generally a perfectly acceptable wedding gift from a couple, especially as it falls within or above average gift ranges ($100-$150) and respects personal budgets; while some closer relatives might give more, the emphasis should always be on what you can comfortably afford, as couples appreciate the gesture over strict monetary expectations. 

What are some good thank you card closings?

Remember, the more formal your relationship, the more formal the closing.

  • Best,
  • Yours appreciatively,
  • Respectfully yours,
  • In your debt,
  • With deep gratitude,
  • Gratefully,
  • Many thanks,
  • With warm regards,

What to do instead of thank you cards?

10 Fun Alternatives to Thank-You Notes Your Guests Will Adore

  • Say Goodbye To Traditional Handwritten Notes. ...
  • A Video Message. ...
  • Deliver Something Delicious. ...
  • Voice Messages. ...
  • DIY Thank-You Gift. ...
  • A Photo Collage. ...
  • An E-Card. ...
  • Send a Bouquet of Flowers.

How do you write an impressive thank you note?

What to say in a thank-you note

  1. Start with a salutation. Begin your message with a salutation like “Dear Candace” or “Hello, Candace.” After the greeting, explain why you're writing and include an expression of gratitude. ...
  2. Share your gratitude with specifics. ...
  3. Include any details from conversations.

Why do millennials not send thank you notes?

Modern people rarely communicate by hand-writing and mailing letters to each other. Instead, we communicate by text, phone, video, or email. These digital methods of communication mean people do not think of sending thank-you notes.

What are the 4 A's of gratitude?

The 4 A's of Gratitude are a framework for practicing thankfulness, commonly cited as Awareness, Acknowledgement, Appreciation, and Action, focusing on noticing good things, valuing them, feeling thankful, and expressing that thankfulness through words or deeds to shift your mindset and enhance well-being. While slight variations exist (e.g., Attention, Admiration, Acceptance), the core idea is a conscious journey from noticing to demonstrating gratitude.
 

How do I end a thank you note?

How to end a thank you letter or card.

  1. Thanks.
  2. Many thanks.
  3. Kind thanks.
  4. In gratitude.
  5. In appreciation.
  6. With sincere gratitude.
  7. With gratitude.
  8. Gratefully yours.

What makes a thank you note effective?

Be specific about what you're thankful for or what you admire about the recipient. Share Personal Insights: If possible, share a personal anecdote or experience that highlights the positive impact they've had on your personal or professional journey.

What is the biggest red flag to hear when being interviewed?

The biggest red flags in an interview involve toxic culture indicators like an interviewer badmouthing former employees, being rude or disrespectful (distracted, interrupting, condescending), or showing a lack of transparency about the role or company, often signaled by vague answers, high turnover, or pressure to accept quickly; these suggest a poor environment where you won't be valued or supported.
 

What should we say against "thank you"?

'You're welcome' is the most common response to 'thank you' in professional settings. Various phrases can be used, including “I am pleased to have been of help“, “It was my pleasure“, or a simple “you're welcome“, depending on the situation's formality and the recipient.

What is better than saying thank you?

There are many ways to express gratitude, ranging from casual to formal. Informal options include “Thanks a ton,” “You rock,” or “Cheers,” while formal choices like “I sincerely appreciate your time,” “With my deepest thanks,” or “Much obliged” convey professionalism and respect.

What is proper etiquette for thank you cards?

Thank you card etiquette emphasizes promptness, personalization, and specificity, ideally handwritten, to show sincere appreciation for gifts, favors, or attendance; start with a warm greeting, mention the specific item or thoughtful gesture and how you'll use/value it, and end with a warm closing, even if late, as it's better than no note at all. 

Are thank you notes out of style?

You are aware of how casual we have become but thank you notes will always be in style! As an etiquette expert teaching manners, this will become one of your most requested modules. In fact, thank you note writing is an act that will set you apart, both personally and professionally.

How do you end a card warmly?

Signing a card "warmly" involves using closings that convey affection, care, or good wishes, suitable for friends, family, or even professional contacts when the tone allows; popular options include "Warm wishes," "Warm regards," "Best wishes," "Take care," "Fondly," "All the best," or more intimate ones like "Love," "Hugs," or "xoxo," depending on your relationship with the recipient. Choose a closing that matches the message and your connection, moving from casual to more formal as needed. 

How do I end off a heartfelt letter?

Common ways to end a letter include “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” “Regards,” “Best,” and “Appreciatively.” Effective formal letter closings are polite, professional, and clear. They are generally used to express appreciation, respect, or goodwill toward your recipient.

How do you say thank you meaningfully in a card?

Thank you note ideas

  1. Thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness. ...
  2. I wanted to express my deepest thanks for your encouragement and support. ...
  3. I am so lucky to have you in my life. ...
  4. Your guidance and expertise have made a significant impact on my life, and I am so appreciative of your assistance.

What is the 50 30 20 rule for weddings?

The 50/30/20 rule for wedding budgeting is a guideline to split your total wedding fund: 50% for essentials (venue, catering, attire), 30% for important extras (photography, decor, music, flowers), and 20% for a buffer (unexpected costs, taxes, favors, honeymoon). It's adapted from personal finance to offer a balanced, simple way to manage wedding expenses and stay in control. 

What is the average cash gift for a wedding in 2025?

Friend or Extended Family Member: $100–$125. Close Friend or Relative: $150–$200+ If You're Bringing a Plus-One: Add 50% or double the amount.

Is $1000 a lot for a wedding gift?

Yes, $1,000 is an extremely generous wedding gift, often considered more than enough and potentially even extravagant unless you are very wealthy or exceptionally close (like a sibling or parent), with average gifts typically falling much lower, around $100-$200, though it depends heavily on your relationship and financial comfort. It's more than most guests give and can make couples feel awkward or pressured, so prioritize giving what feels right for your budget and relationship rather than a specific amount.