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“That meant so much to me” Ideas and pointers on personal thank-you letters
Your boss invited you to dinner or your neighbour fed the cat and emptied your letter box while you were away on holiday. A friend put winter tyres on your car and Serge is simply the best yoga teacher in the world. There are lots of reasons for thanking someone – the most stylish way is still by sending a letter or card. Follow these tips to ensure your thank-you letter makes the right impression.
Creating warm affinity with your letter – tips on word choice
- Explain why you’re so grateful – what delighted you in particular? Why were you grateful for support? Why was this gift just what you always wanted?
- Choose personal words and feel free to digress a little: how were your holidays while the cat was being looked after by somebody else at home? What did the aroma wafting from the cake your neighbour left by the door remind you of?
- What happens next? Say how and when you wish to return the favour for the helping hand given, the spur-of-the-moment gift or the wise advice.
- Write your thank-you letter as freely as possible. A few sweet words on a pretty little card or a lengthy letter – you decide what’s appropriate.
Two examples for inspiration
Dear Salome
Thank you so much for all your patience and for explaining things so well when you gave Markus extra tutoring. He’s just come home with his certificate and got a grade five in maths. He’s over the moon and we’re very proud. Who’d have imagined that two years ago? We’re sure he’ll be able to do it on his own now.
We hope you have a fantastic year in French-speaking Switzerland, enjoy some wonderful experiences and make lots of new friends. We’re looking forward to the Instagram stories en français.
The best of luck
Kathrin and Ralf Aeschlimann
PS.: You’ll find enclosed a contribution to help you get started in Lausanne. Money can’t repay how you’ve helped over the past two years but it always comes in handy anyway!
Hi Erich
I really wanted to thank you in writing. Lending me your tractor was really kind, and I was absolutely delighted. Taking down the old shed and disposing of all the material by hand would have taken forever.
Thanks to you I got the job done in a day. All I’ve got to do now is put down seeds for a lawn and the children will finally have somewhere to play football.
I’ll give the tractor a good clean. I didn’t manage to do it on Friday but wanted to give it back to you anyway. I’d also like to do you a favour in return. Can I chop your firewood? I’m really looking forward to trying out my new axe. I’ll pop in next week and we can have a chat about it.
All the best
Heidi
Handwritten and personal – design tips
- Use your best handwriting to pen the letter. Read our tips on handlettering.
- Design your own card – you’ll find plenty of creative craft tips online. Also consider the feel and aroma of the card. Go for it with the creative design: the envelope with your letter or card can be up to 2 cm thick, including any cardboard or bubble wrap used as protective packaging that may be needed depending on the contents.
- Opt for a high-quality envelope – strong paper, maybe with lining and a slightly textured surface. Stick a beautiful stampTarget not accessible on the envelope.
- Add a little something: a voucher as a thank-you gift, a drawing by the children, a funny photo of the cat looked after or the furniture you made with the jigsaw you borrowed.