High school graduation is viewed as a significant milestone in a young persons life. It is a time to reflect on the accomplishments and achievements that the graduate has made to reach this special day. It is also a time to remember to use good manners and follow etiquette, especially regarding high school graduation gifts and celebrations. After the cake has been eaten and the presents opened, it is time to write thank you notes for the high school graduation gifts received.
While we live in a time where almost everyone has access to the internet and email, it is still expected that thank you notes are written by hand on either simple stationery or small note cards. Thank you notes should be written in cursive; however, if a persons cursive handwriting is difficult to read, printing is acceptable. The person who receives the high school graduation gifts should be the one who authors the thank you notes.
Regardless of how the person feels about the high school graduation gifts he or she received, thank you notes should always be written. Even if the gift does not match the recipients personal taste, a note should be sent in appreciation of the giver remembering the recipient and the efforts made to commemorate the special occasion.
The format of the thank you note is fairly simple. It should start with the date and some type of greeting to the giver. For example: Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith, is a proper opening. A comma should follow the greeting. The note should go on to thank the giver for the gift. If money was given, it is best to refer to it simply as the gift. It is considered in poor taste to refer to monetary gifts as cash or money in the thank you note. For example: Thank you for your generous gift.
The note should go on to address the appropriateness of the gifts or describe how the gift will be used. It should also include a connection to the giver. For example: The CD stand will really come in handy in my dorm room. You know how many CDs I have. This will really help keep me organized. If the gift is a monetary one, mention how it will be spent. For example: I plan to use your gift to help pay for books for school in the fall.
As you close the note, include a brief personal line. For example: I had best close this note so I can finish packing for school. This briefly updates the giver on your personal life and keeps the thank you note from sounding too sterile. Close the note by briefly thanking the giver and signing your name. For example: Many thanks, Fred
Ideally, thank you notes should be sent within 30 days of receiving a gift. To avoid being overwhelmed, it helps to write the thank you notes in blocks of time instead of all at once. Even if a person is past the 30 day timeline, it is always better to send a thank you not late than to ignore the person who gave the gift.
