When to Send a Thank You Note

Knowing When to Say Thanks

Here are specific circumstances for which a written thank you note is required:

• Wedding gifts. Some couples are under the mistaken impression that they have a year to send these notes. However, current rules state that they should be sent out within three months of the wedding. The earlier the couple starts sending them, the easier it will be considering the potential number of gifts they will receive.
• Gifts that were received by mail.
• For hospitality after being hosted as a houseguest.
• Bridal or baby shower gifts.
• For sympathy flowers, letters or mass cards.
• Gifts received during a hospital stay. However, the rule about sending them as soon as possible is altered in this case to be as soon as you are physically capable of sending one.
• For congratulatory gifts or notes.
• After being entertained by your boss.
• To the hostess of a party being held in your honor.

The following situations don't absolutely require handwritten thank you notes, but it would still be a nice gesture to send one:

• After being a guest at a dinner party.
• For birthday gifts that were received and opened in front of the giver.
• After a job interview (especially if you really want the job!)
• To a friend who helped you during a time of need by bringing meals, babysitting, running errands, etc.
• To a sales representative who entertained you as part of your business transaction.