How to Write Thoughtful Thank You Notes

Worth a Thousand Words

Many parents use photographs to create personal, easy thank you notes. Belle Wong from Pickering, Ontario, designed cards using a computer program before her baby was born. Once the baby came, she added photos and "put glue in the middle of [the baby's] picture so people can unfasten the photo and keep it."

Spizman recommends taking a picture of your baby and the actual gift when you can, allowing the giver to see your adorable child as well as the gift in use. Parents who own fun new photo printers can do this easily with a digital camera.

Julia Beck Bromberg, owner of Forty Weeks LLC, a maternity consulting service, suggests using "the baby photographed wearing a sign that says 'Thank You!'" as the cover of a note. If the timing is right, you can also take a photo of the gift giver with the baby at the time of the visit and use that as the cover for your thank you card.

Put It in Ink

An easy way to make a unique note card is to "ink the baby's foot, stamp onto paper, photocopy, and affix to each card," says Wong. You can also use the baby's hand and substitute washable paint for ink to make clean up easier.

Extra! Extra!

If you're thanking friends or relatives who live far away, consider typing up a brief newsletter about baby's first day, first week, or first month. Include the vital statistics, milestones, and a glimpse into a day with your little one. You may even want to scan a photo and put that in the letter. Write a brief, personal thank you at the bottom.

Baby's Eye View

Linda Dupie of Fredericksburg, Virginia, wrote her thank you cards as if the baby was speaking. "Dear Aunt Sally, thank you for visiting with me at my baby shower. I had a kickin' fun time. I really love the blankies and soft teddy bear. I look forward to seeing you on the outside!"

Spizman suggests taking a favorite nursery rhyme and changing it to include with your thank you. "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, and was so excited about your gift, he forgot to fall!"