Kids Thank You Notes

Kids Thank You Notes - Tips

For a child, the act of writing good old-fashioned thank-you notes gives them a chance to reflect on how thoughtful their friends and family are. Assisting your child in writing thank you notes to relatives and friends who mailed gifts or attended the party is also a great way to teach them about gratitude, and about letter writing. It's a great idea to get your kids into the habit of writing thank you notes from a young age.

Parents often write these thank you note as if they were the child ("thank you for the sidewalk chalk—I drew all over the driveway with it"). You can also ask for your child’s input; you can ask what they like about the gift and include their exact words in the thank you note. Another option is for the parent to write the cards as coming from themselves, and thank the giver on behalf of the child ("thank you for sending Billy that adorable shirt"). Finally, you can have the child to it by themselves, if they are able.

As with all thank you notes, get them out as quickly as possible – hopefully within a couple of weeks, at the most. Remember to thank everyone who sent the gift, and to name the gift specifically: "Thanks for the snorkel," "I loved the fish tank," or "It was exactly the wagon I was hoping for." It's important that the kids know what gift they're thanking the giver for.

It’s also nice to include a little story: "We made cookies in the toy oven" or "Our dog slept with the Raggedy Anne." This shows it was used and appreciated. If the gift has not been used yet, describe how you’re child is looking forward to using it.

Try to include a greeting and a nice thought, which conveys that it is not just for the gift that is being focused on. For example, "I hope to see you at the cottage" or "It was great seeing you at the party."

Kids Thank You Notes - Wording Samples

Birthday Gifts

" Thank you for my Barbie doll you gave me for my birthday. I enjoy playing with her every day and I have also taken her to Kindergarten to show all my friends. Thank you thank you thank you. "

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" Thank you for the Lego set you gave me for my birthday. I have already built the robot; he is really cool! I hope you enjoyed my party and that you can come to play soon."

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" Thank you for the racing car you got me for my birthday. I enjoy having races with all my friends to see whose car is the fastest. Guess whose car won? Thank you. "

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" Thank you for coming to my birthday party and thanks for the electronic robot you gave me. He is so cool and has flashing eyes and even talks!"

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" Thanks for coming to my dinosaur party; your costume was so cool. I love my dinosaur egg you gave me and have already started chipping away at it with the hammer. I can't wait to see the baby dinosaur inside. Thanks. "

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" Thank you for the video game you got me for my birthday. It is my favorite game. I will even let Davie play it sometimes. Uncle Ed you are the best uncle ever. Thanks again."

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" Thank you for the birthday present. You picked out exactly what I wanted. I will play with my new baseball glove every day. Thank you."

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"I love my huge box of Legos so much, I can't stop playing with them. I build a tower and knock it over many times a day. I don't know what I used to do before this. Thank you so much for the great toy. My mom also likes that it comes with its own box, though I have not yet left it alone long enough to put it away!"

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" Thank you for the bug habitat and vacuum. I love being able to collect bugs and give them a home. I have four right now, and I named them all. I can tell they are really happy. Thanks also for coming to my party! Having you there made it extra fun."

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"I love my Littlest Pet Shop! I always wanted that one with the blue dog and now I have it. I play with it every chance I get. When we see each other next, I can't wait to get all our pets together for a party. Thank you very much!"

Money Gifts

" Thank you for the money for my birthday. My mom bought me a [insert gift] with it. I think I am going to play with it every day. Thank You."

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" Thank you for the money you gave me for my birthday. We bought a Barbie doll with it. She has got long blonde hair and is very pretty. See you soon Grandma. "

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" Thank you for the money for my birthday. I am saving up to buy a [insert item]. That was really nice of you. Thank You."

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" Thank you for the money for my birthday. Daddy and Mommy say I am saving it for a rainy day. I hope it rains soon. Thank you."

Savings Bonds

" Thank you for the savings bond. Mom and Dad say it is for my future. I like the future. I love you both so much. Thank you."

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" Thank you for the birthday gift. Mom and Dad says it is for me to go to college. I can't wait to go to college. Then you both can come and visit me there. Thank you."