Snail-mail is still the most appropriate- and most appreciated- form of a thank you note. If that is too much to ask, then a personal phone call may do... but a text or email is way too impersonal for someone who went out of their way to remember you. However, I do not think people need to send notes of thanks for all Christmas presents received; only if you cannot thank the giver of the gift in person at the time it was received.

I like to always remind my kids of the effort it took to get them the gift in the first place. The person had to get into their car, travel, shop and browse, purchase and then come home and wrap and deliver their gift to them. Since that process probably took at least a few hours, they can take the few minutes to handwrite a note "from the heart," which in our house means that you cannot start the note with a mechanical "Thank you for..." Will they whine about it? Probably. Will they forget to write them? Not if you require them to write the note before they are allowed to "own it" (as in play with it, spend it or put it away) before writing that thank you note. Now that my kids are adults, I don't have to remind them to send a note when appropriate. They now realize the importance of making the person who went out of their way for them, feel appreciated. And isn't that what it's all about?

Each of my sons has their own Thank You notes stationery. My "kids" are now 15 and 20 and they have always hand written notes for birthdays, Valentine's Day, Hanukkah, graduation, whenever a check or gift came through the mail. I explained it was one way to acknowledge that the gift was received. And they only had to write three sentences, but something from the heart. They also learned how to address an envelope. The recipients were always charmed by the thought. Because we always got a thank you call or email back!

I'm with you, Ladies! As one who teaches the young ones, I can vouch for the necessity of hand-writing notes of thanks. First, it makes the writer stop and think about the gift and why they want to thank the gift-giver. Second, it gives them the opportunity and the time to physically write, helping motor coordination and self-expression (and hopefully GRAMMAR!). Third, everyone likes to get a letter in the mail -- even young people, but especially those "experienced" aunts and uncles! It lets them know you care and that you really ARE thankful for their gift.

Great comments! It is gratifying to know there is still value in manners. Thank you all for your comments.