The Power of Thank You Cards (and Some Templates to Get You Started)

By: Heream Yang / March 25, 2019

Call me old-fashioned, but I am a huge proponent of snail mail. While emails, texts, and DMs are efficient tools for day-to-day communication, letter writing is a deep, personal, and time-honored art for expressing your gratitude.

Here are 4 reasons why you should consider writing a note the next time you want to show your appreciation for the mentors in your life:

1. It’s good for you

Countless studies have shown the importance of gratitude. Simply pausing throughout the day to reflect on your blessings is good for your mental, physical, and emotional health. It’s easy to take people for granted in the hustle and bustle of daily life, so taking a quick moment to reflect on just how much your mentors and personal cheerleaders mean to you can quickly turn a bad day right around.

2. It’s good for them

Who doesn’t love getting handwritten letters? Maybe it’s because, as adults, most of our mail consists of bills, but the sight of a handwritten address always sends a rush of adrenaline through my veins. A handwritten thank you note is sure to make the lucky recipient very happy- much more happy than you might think, according to a new study. Writing letters is a wonderful way to keep the happiness and positivity circulating in the lives of those you care about.

3. It’s tangible

A card is worth a thousand emails. Even the most meaningful emails will eventually get buried in a busy inbox. If you want something that will last, try writing a card. Many business people display cards from their colleagues, family, and friends in their offices, and it’s a touching daily reminder of the people who love and support them most. Cards are often kept and cherished for years because they are a tangible reminder of the relationship between you and your mentor, and it is so fun to look back on the different memories you’ve made throughout the year.

4. It’s unique (and therefore you stand out)

Let’s face it- letter writing seems like somewhat of a lost art in this generation, with most people preferring email for official communication. However, this makes letter writing all the more special, and a handwritten note is sure to help you stand out among the hundreds of people a busy mentor likely deals with on a daily basis. A handwritten note leaves a lasting impression, and it makes your mentor more willing to help you out in the future.

Ok, you’re convinced and eager to start sending some cards!

Here are tips to get you started:

Buy a stationery set. Instead of going to the store every time you need a card, start your collection with a set of notes that matches your personality and the occasion. As the current owner of five different stationery sets, I can assure you, the investment pays off. Whether you decide to start with a blank set or thank you cards, the options are endless!
Make a list. Make a list of (1) people you want to send letters to and (2) occasions when it might be appropriate to send a card. Start with mentors, whether they be professors, supervisors, or other people in your life who mean a lot. Occasions include birthdays, holidays, graduations, and especially interviews. It will keep you fresh in their mind the next time you approach them for advice! We highly recommend you track all of these relationships in an Excel document. As you build your career, your list of mentors will start growing, and the last thing you want is to forget someone on a special occasion!
Ask for addresses. It may seem awkward to ask for an address, but trust me, your mentor will be excited to wait for a fun surprise to show up in their mailbox! Taking the initiative shows your mentor that you’re serious about growing your relationship and expressing your gratitude.
Start writing. If you have trouble coming up with what to write, click the link below to download some thank you note templates. We've done the hard work for you. Now all you need to do is replace our blanks. You can thank us later ;)
Send away! Lick the envelope, stick on the stamp, and hand your letter to the mailman. Sending an email will never be as fun as delivering a note the old-fashioned way!

Exclusive: Download our Thank you Note Templates! Why start from scratch? We wrote 5 thank you templates for 5 different occassions. Start sending your thanks now with our awesome templates.