What do you write in a thank you card?

A good thank-you card names the gift, names the feeling, and names the person. The order matters. If you can do those three things in three sentences, you have written a great thank-you card. The most important thing is to include at least one specific detail only you would mention. Thank you so much for the cast iron pan! I made my first pancakes in it on Saturday and they were the best ones I've ever made. I'll think of you every time I use it.

How long should a thank you card be?

Three to five sentences is the right length for almost any card. A great short card always beats a long generic one.

What to write in a thank you card: examples that sound sincere

A good thank-you card names the gift, names the feeling, and names the person. The order matters. If you can do those three things in three sentences, you have written a great thank-you card.

How to write it

Name the actual gift or favor. 'Thanks for the gift' is the equivalent of no card at all.
Say what it meant or what you'll do with it. Specifics make gratitude feel real.
Send it within two weeks. After that the person has stopped wondering, which means the card lands less hard.
Handwritten always, even three sentences.

Examples

Real examples of thank you cards by relationship. Use them as a jumping-off point — the best card is the one with at least one specific detail only you would mention.

For a gift

Thank you so much for the cast iron pan! I made my first pancakes in it on Saturday and they were the best ones I've ever made. I'll think of you every time I use it.

For a hospitality

Thank you for having us this weekend. The beach, the pasta, the long late conversations on the porch, every part was perfect. Come stay with us in the spring. We mean it.

For a professional

I really appreciate the introduction to Maria. We had coffee on Tuesday and I learned more in an hour than I had in months of reading. Thank you for thinking of me.