How Long Should a Handwritten Thank You Note Be?

A handwritten thank you note is a thoughtful gesture that will leave a lasting impression on the person who received it. It's not just about thanking them for their generosity but also giving them your time and attention to show how much they matter to you.

But, how long should these notes be? The answer to this question depends on who you're sending it to. In this guide, we'll cover some helpful guidelines for writing the perfect thank you note at just the right length!

When Should I Send A Handwritten Thank You Note?

There are many different occasions when you might want to send a handwritten thank-you note. From graduations to weddings and even a job interview, there's always a time to thank someone for their help or support. Some of the most common situations that you might need a Thank You note may include:

After you've attended a special event, such as a party or event.
When someone has shown their support for you.
After receiving a gift at any time of year, not just during the holidays.

While these are just a few examples, there are many situations in which it is appropriate to send a handwritten thank-you note.

Close up of a person jotting down notes about a letter they're writing.

Why Are Handwritten Notes So Powerful?

When you receive a handwritten note, it is immediately clear that the sender took time out of their day to sit down and write something just for you. In today's busy world, where emails are sent in seconds and texts can be typed with one hand while walking down the street, there is nothing more thoughtful or impressive than receiving an old-fashioned thank-you card from someone who truly cares about your relationship.

It shows that they value your connection enough to take some extra time, even if it's only a few minutes long! Even if you don't have the time or energy to handwrite your notes, our team at Simply Noted can send real handwritten notes to your loved ones or colleagues to help automate the process.

What Is An Appropriate Length For My Handwritten Thank You Note?

The length of your handwritten thank-you note depends on who you're writing it to and why you're sending it to them. For example, if you're writing to a co-worker or in a professional setting, you'll likely want to keep it short and sweet. You don't need to include lots of detail about yourself or the event that took place. By contrast, if this was a special occasion with close friends or family members, feel free to expand upon the circumstances and include specific details.

A woman filling out a card while sitting outside.

The Easy Way To Write A Handwritten Thank You Note

It can be challenging to figure out exactly what to say in your handwritten thank you card. However, understanding how to structure and write your card can help ensure that it's appropriately formatted, written well, and conveys the right message. Here are the components you'll need to include in your handwritten thank you card.

Address The Recipient

The first thing you should do when writing a thank-you note is to address the recipient. If your card includes multiple people, make sure to mention each of them specifically in the greeting, so it's clear who the handwritten thank you letter or note is supposed to be for. Examples of greetings might include:

Dear [Name]
My dearest [Name]
[Name],
To [Name]

Immediately Show Thanks

The next line of your handwritten thank you card should be a simple, straightforward sentence thanking the recipient for their generosity. This is the part where you tell the recipient why you're writing them and the specific gift you're thanking them for. Some examples of this may include:

Thank you so much for...
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for...
I really value that you...
I am so appreciative of the fact that you...
Thanks for...

Show Why You're Thankful

The following part should be specific to the event or occasion that you're thanking them for. For example, if this was a gift, maybe you want to talk about how the gift impacted you or why you loved it so much.

Add Personal Details

The next section is where you can include personal details, such as the memories that were made or how much of a role they played in your life. If this was a special occasion and there are many things you enjoyed about it, feel free to use this part of the letter to talk about it. If this is a professional letter, you don't need to add any personal details.

Wrap It Up

The last section of the handwritten thank you note should wrap up everything you talked about in your letter. It could simply be your final thoughts or merely repeating the original thank you. From there, sign your name and send it out!

Someone writing a thank you note before transcribing it to nicer paper.

3 Sample Thank You Note Templates

Putting all of the components of a thank you note may seem challenging, but it doesn't have to be! Here are three different samples thank you note templates that you can use to start your handwritten thank you note today.

#1 Dear [Name], Thank you so much for the beautiful knife gift set. I was so excited to receive this gift from you and can't wait to show off my culinary skills in the kitchen with these new beauties. Thanks again, [name]

#2 Dearest [Name], I wanted to send you a quick note to let you know how much I appreciate having you in my life. The surprise coffee was too sweet of you! Love you to the moon and back, [Name]

#3 To [Name], Thank you for choosing to do business with our company. I appreciate working with you to achieve your company goals, and I'm excited to see what the future brings. Have a great day, [Name]

How To Send A Handwritten Thank You Note If You Don't Have The Time

Sending a handwritten thank you card can be such a thoughtful gesture, but it may not always feel practical, depending on your schedule. Fortunately, with our team at Simply Noted, we can help automate the process of sending out your personalized heartfelt message in just minutes! You don't need to spend hours or days hand-writing cards anymore because we have an easy way for you to get them sent quickly and effortlessly!