What is proper for the thank you notes?

Question

Ok, so after my daughter was born (she is 9 months now) I obviously sent thank yous to everyone for their generous gifts. Everyone got theirs very quickly after her baby shower, and they were written within a week of being given a gift after she was born. But when do you stop with the thank you cards? People constantly still give her stuff. Is it ok not to send a thank you card if the gift is given in person and we express our gratitude then? And what about when people give you hand me downs? I just feel like I will constantly be writing the same people thank you cards. I know I wouldn't expect them after the first gift...but I don't know how others feel. Any opinions?

Answer 1

I would not be sending out thank yous i would say thank you in  person and let it go..

Answer 2

I was in the same situation. What you can do is take a few really cute pictures of her and then make a general thank you, and print out multiples and send them out. I made some that said "thank you so much for your well wishes and thoughtful gifts". I printed about 20 of them and sent them out as I received gifts. Everyone LOVED them. There's someone on ebay making them for about $15, when she's done making yours with the pictures you send her she'll email it to you, then you upload it to walgreens.com or wherever and print them out. They come out great. I'll look and see if she's still making them :)

Answer 3

I usually send a thank you if someone sent something in the mail or if someone who has traveled a long distance brought my kids something. Or if someone has really gone out of their way, like if I didn't ever expect something from them. Otherwise I leave it to phone call thank you's and emails.

Answer 4

I have to disagree strongly, wrapping paper can not be used to measure the worthiness of a "thank you" card. All gifts(not hand me downs, I will explain later) require a "thank you" card. If the gift is a toy or outfit a picture should be enclosed of your child playing with or wearing the gift. It MAKES people feel good about purchasing small or large items for your daughter. A handwritten "thank you" is a priceless way of extending graditude. A picture though unnecessary is just a thoughtful touch.

It can be time consuming but you would be amazed by how great little notes make people feel.

I also send birthday cards, even if I will be giving gifts in person, get well cards to friends and family who are ill, graduation cards, anniversery cards and "update" cards. I buy bulk stationary and create a family newsletter and send seasonal family updates to close friends and family as well as extended family.  Some other family members have started ones too!

Don't forsake the art of paper crafting! Keep writting, its a matter of good manners!

Hand me downs if in GREAT condition and highly usable will fetch a thank you card but email and phone are okay for used items. Why? Because they require no effort to give. Gifts are special treats thought of with specifications of your baby in mind.

Young and old moms alike have abandoned good manners. Its appauling the lack of couth!

Answer 5

I doubt that people expect a thank you note when they give you hand-me-downs.  If someone gives you a gift that is wrapped, I think it would be appropriate to send a thank you card.  But if you never got around to sending notes, I think your friends would realize you are a busy mom with a baby to care for.

Answer 6

I'd send thank you notes following the shower, immediately after the birth, and later,  if someone wrapped the gift and bestowed it as a present.  

wrapping paper = thank you note.

But of course, vocal thank you's are always in order.

Answer 7

Thank You cards should be given whenever a gift is given that is wrapped up. That's the rule I go by. They don't have to be long, just like... Dear Julia, Thank you so much for the beautiful outfit for little Bobby. He looks adorable. Sincerely Suzie Lou. It may seem excessive, but it will make people feel glad that they gave you a gift.