What to Write in a Thank You Card

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What to Write on the Inside
When you sit down to write in a thank you card, many things might run through your head.  You may wonder if you should mention the gift that the person gave you.  If so, how much should you say about it?  You might wonder how to say thank you sincerely.  You may want to make sure the person knows you like the gift.

Thank you card messages don't have to be as difficult as rocket science.  You can use a simple formula to write them.  Here's a general format for a sympathy message that works well.
  1. Your reaction to the gift. "I love the new shirt you gave me for my birthday"
  2. Praise the giving person. "You are thoughtful and know my taste well."
  3. Your feelings about the person. "I am blessed to have an aunt like you."
  4. Close with a simple thank you message. "I appreciate the shirt and I know I will enjoy wearing it. Thank you"
When you follow this format, you will likely get more content to your thank you note.  If you have a lot to say about the gift, the person, or your feelings, then you leave it long.  There is no perfect length for a thank you card message.  If you are still having trouble knowing what to write in a sympathy card or note, then you can use one of the following generic thank you messages.

General Thank You Messages

Use these general thank you messages to help you get started writing your thank you card or thank you note.  If you don't know the person well, these messages could stand on their own.  The closer your relationship, however, you will want to write a more specific or personal message.
  1. I appreciate the (gift name) you gave me.  It is a really cool gift.  You are thoughtful, and I am blessed to have a (mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, brother, sister, friend) like you.  Thank you.
  2. Thanks for knowing me and my weird taste.  You did an awesome job finding a gift I would like.  Thanks you.
  3. I don't know how you knew  what I wanted/needed.  You blew me away with your thoughtfulness and generosity.  Thank you.
  4. You are one of the most generous people I know.  I was blown away when I opened your gift.  Thank you!
  5. You are a blessing in my life.  This awesome, thoughtful, generous gift you gave me is proof of that.  Thank you.
  6. I appreciate your support and generosity.  Thank you for celebrating my graduation with me.  The (money/gift cards) will be useful for (college/moving out/buying a car).  Thanks.

Thank You Messages for Helping You

Sometimes you need to thank someone for doing an act of service for you.  In this case, you are not thanking someone for a gift.  Your message will be much different and focus mostly on what was done and the person who helped you.
  1. I appreciate all your hard work.  You helped me when I really needed it.  I wouldn't have been able to get through that time without your help. Thanks.
  2. You are caring and giving.  I want to say thanks for your time and effort helping me when I needed it.  You have been there for me.
  3. You are a blessing in my life.  You are truly someone who stands by my side and helps me when I need help.  I wish I could return the favor, but I don't know how.  Please accept my deepest thanks.
  4. What would I do without you.  Thanks for all you do all the time for me.
Here are some specific examples for teachers and pastors.  Use these great ideas to help you thank a person who serves you.

Examples of Thank You Messages for Gifts

Use these examples of what to write when someone has given you a gift.
  1. It's amazing how blessed I am by your generosity.  You are a great giver.  Thank you for taking the time to choose something so special for me.
  2. Thank you for the home made fudge and peanut brittle.  That was so thoughtful of you to send that to us.  I hope your holidays and the start of the New Year has gone well.  Thank you again.
  3. Thank you so much for the hot chocolate and Starbucks gift card.  I am very blessed to have you as a friend.  Thank you again.

Specific Gift Thank You's
There are many different types of gifts you can get.  Here are some examples of specific gift occasions and what you can write to say thanks in your card.

Thank You for Sympathy Cards or Gifts

When you get a sympathy card or gift from someone, it likely took them a lot of thought and time choosing just the right words or just the right gift.  When you write your thank you card for a sympathy card, you want to let the person know how it helped you.
  1. I appreciate the gift you gave me.  It will be a reminder to me of good times.  You have comforted me during a difficult time.  Thank you.
  2. When I opened my sympathy card from you, I felt more peaceful and comforted after I read what you wrote.  You knew what I needed to help me.  Thank you for your thoughtful words.
  3. The sympathy plant you gave me was a great idea.  I enjoy taking care of it, looking at it, and remembering who it represents.  Thank you for giving me a long lasting memorial gift.

Thank You Note

When someone does something for you that is really nice or buys you something and shows extreme generosity, you may want to write a little more content than will fit in a card.  You can use these Thank You Note Examples to give you an idea of what to write if you need a longer thank you message.

Tips for What and How to Write in a Thank You Card

  1. If you can't think of what to write about, remember to mention the gift or act of service the person did. 
  2. Also, you should express your feelings of gratitude, which is not the same thing as analyzing why the gift is good. 
  3. You should also praise the person who gave you the gift or helped you, even if you just write that he or she is thoughtful and kind. 
  4. If you don't like the gift and you don't want to lie, focus most on the person who gave it to you and the effort to give you the gift.