Fill in the blank "Thank You" notes

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” G.K. Chesterton

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the thought of writing thank you notes?

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big proponent of expressing gratitude and dropping people a quick note for gifts, encouragement, or thoughtfulness. I'm teaching my kids to write notes because I believe gratitude is THE most healthy attitude to have in life.

However, I also feel for newlyweds and new moms who are so drowning in good wishes and demands of logistics, sleep deprivation, and stress that giving to them and expecting a prompt, properly appropriate note somehow feels like taking.

Much of the time I implore gift recipients to skip the thank you note as part of MY gift, but people rarely believe me and a few weeks later, I get a nicely written note.

In fact, the only sure way for someone to take me at my word and NOT send a note is to include a pre-written thank you card (along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope!) for them to use. I came across an example of one I wrote last summer for a wedding (the gift was an ice cream maker). Since the idea of a self-written note is, admittedly an odd thing, I play up the humorous angle.

So if you're feeling ESPECIALLY generous, feel free to use this the next time you bring a present and ease the burden of the person writing the notes. I bet they'll like the gift AND the thanks!