It’s a simple thing but it seems to be a lost art in our culture… saying “Thank You”. A hand written note is an appreciated and welcomed gesture for the receipt of a gift, client business, or even the opportunity to be a guest in someones home. Yet nobody seems to engage in this tradition (proper etiquette) anymore.  These days a person is lucky if they receive a “thank you” email.

The excuse of the expense of sending a thank you isn’t acceptable. It really is an inexpensive gesture with a priceless return:

Thank You Card: $4.99 for  box of eight at Target (i.e. 63 cents per card)

Stamp: 42 cents

Total Price: $1.05 and a smile accompanied by a warm feeling in your friend’s, client’s, family member’s heart that you actually took the two minutes to write the card and another 30 seconds to attach it to your own mailbox to have it picked up by your mail carrier.

Do you hear my message and get what I am trying to say? It is so inexpensive and simple to reach out and make someone feel good and appreciated.

For those of you that do take the time to say thank you I found these great inspirational ideas for a hostess gift on Martha Stewart’s website. (Umm yes, you are supposed to take a hostess gift to a party and/or when you are a guest in someones home…I know, this goes way beyond saying thank you or writing a thank you note but it is proper etiquette and is NOT something invented by Martha Stewart).

A few of my favorite hostess gifts from Martha:

I love this idea because (true story) a friend once received a jar of salsa and a $10 bill for food and alcohol the guests ate and drank while the entire family stayed in the home for two days. While the hostess gift was a nice gesture it seemed weak in thought for the opportunity to utilize a friend’s home for a family of four while the homeowner was away. It would be simple to take the idea a step further.. add a couple baguettes, a nice kitchen towel, and wrap it with a ribbon. It doesn’t cost much more but the thought and effort will surely be noticed and appreciated.

The Good Morning Basket is another simple-to-do idea from Martha. No crafting, glue guns, or glitter involved. Simply pick up a few great pastries from a local bakery (or better yet bake them yourself) add some juice, gourmet coffee, and a nice kitchen towel and Olia! a beautiful and thoughtful hostess gift is complete. This is great for a party because most likely the host has already received countless bottles of wine and they appreciate not having to think about breakfast the next morning.

A few great chocolates, some tissue paper, a nice gift box and you are done. All items easily purchased at Target. You don’t have to get super fancy, Ghirardelli tucked in a nice gift bag will do as well.

It’s the thought (sounds cliche, I know) that counts. People notice when you say thank you with a written note or a hostess gift…mostly because NOBODY DOES THEM ANYMORE. So go ahead, be noticed, and say THANK YOU!

P.S. If you find it too difficult to say “Thank You” then at least go to the effort of returning an RSVP whether it is a yes, no, or even a tentative. This too will be appreciated.