Carly is an artist and therapist who likes to write content that helps others live mindfully.

Use the grid below to create a one of a kind, enduring thank you note. You can use the grid as a word bank full of ideas to inspire you.

Or you can follow this simple template. All you need to do is pick any word from each category and finish the sentence provided. You do not have to choose words linearly or straight across the grid. Feel free to choose any word from each category to help you write your note of thanks. Note: you may have to change verb tense or add a word or two make a coherent sentence.

Template

I want to say... (choose any phrase from column 1)

You are so... (choose any phrase from column 2)

I am... (choose any phrase from column 3)

for (state the name of the gift or the act/favor the person provided).

I feel (choose any phrase from column 4).

The gift or Favor (choose any phrase from column 5).

That is it. You just wrote an amazing, powerful and heartfelt note.

Example:

I want to say what a difference you have made. You are so thoughtful. I am overjoyed for the handmade quilt. I feel loved and cared for. Your gift will always be cherished.

Words to Use

Be Creative!

The above grid can be used to make hundreds of one of a kind thank you notes. Use words and phrases that are more common in your personal vocabulary so your note does not seem fabricated.

You can also be creative and combine words and phrases suggested above in any order to make your unique thank you note.

Remember, a thank you note is honoring and recognizing a gift or favor received. It is respectful to offer a moment of thankfulness.

The best etiquette is to hand write the note and send it in the mail. It is better to acknowledge a gift or favor than to not do anything. So if you do not send one in the mail, at least do one of the following.

How to Send It

Example Note Thanking Someone for a Favor

August 10th, 20__

Dear Nana,

I want to say what a difference you have made. You are so helpful and kind hearted. I am grateful for the meal you made for me when I was sick. I feel so nurtured from the homemade chicken soup. The soup warmed my heart and my whole body.

After I had a big bowl of your soup I took a much needed nap. I woke up feeling so much better. It must have been because of all the extra care you put into your soup that made me heal quicker from the flu.

Love,

Carly

Example Note Thanking Someone For a Gift

December 28, 20__

Dear Mitch,

I want to take a moment to tell your holiday gift brought a huge smile to my face. You are so generous. I am grateful and tickled pink for the gift card to Target you gave me. After all the holiday expenses your gift card was just what I needed. I purchased a small trinket for myself and a few other necessities with your helpful and considerate gift card.

With deep gratitude,

Sandra

Salutations You Can Use

Sincerely,

With deep gratitude,

Gratefully yours,

With much appreciation,

Many Thanks,

Wholeheartedly,

Love always,

Thank you for your kindness,

Kind thoughts,

Thank you for caring,

© 2013 Carly Sullens

Comments

Carly Sullens (author) from St. Louis, Missouri on March 14, 2013:

Teaches, I agree. I remember my mom sitting me down at the table after Christmas and helping me write notes to my grandparents and other family members. It is so important, and I too hope it because the norm again.

Dianna Mendez on March 14, 2013:

I remember when you were taught by your parent how to write these types of notes. Sadly, we have lost this character building trait over the years. Great article and I hope many will take note of the positive impact it makes on those who receive words such as those you have suggested. Voted way up!

Teresa Sanderson from Rural Midwest on March 11, 2013:

A very creative and useful article! Thank you notes are sadly becoming a thing of the past. I love the grid that can simplify the task of thinking of "just the right words" to write. Excellent! Thanks for sharing!

Carly Sullens (author) from St. Louis, Missouri on March 07, 2013:

I agree, it is extra special now of days to receive a hand written note. An 88 year old senior's personal hand written thank you note is a special note.

breakfastpop on March 07, 2013:

I long for the days when people put pen to paper and expressed their thoughts. I actually received a written thank you the other day and it was lovely. The sender was an 88 year old woman with a beautiful handwriting and a terrific way of expressing herself. I think it's a lost art. Your hub is awesome and useful.

Megan Dodd from Florida on March 06, 2013:

This is great. My mother always encouraged me to write thank you notes but I never really knew how. The table helps a lot.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on March 06, 2013:

This is a lost art in today's society, don't you think? I can remember my mom sitting down and writing thank you notes after my dad died....and I learned from her. Somewhere along the way I got out of the habit of handwritten notes and turned to the internet. Another part of the past lost unless I choose to revive it. Anyway, good job on this, Carly!