Did you recently receive a gift and are now wondering if you should send a thank you card? The answer is yes. Seriously, if you are debating whether or not you should make the effort to send a written note of thanks for a gift you received, you really need to send one.

A quick rule of thumb is any time you receive a gift and the giver wasn’t there to receive your thanks in person, you need to send a note expressing your appreciation. Why, you ask? The reason is because the giver needs to know you received it. And a handwritten note is more special than any other thank you there is.

Below are some other thank you note writing guidelines:

Baby Shower And Wedding Shower Gifts
Brides, grooms and parents tend to be surprised that a thank you note is expected when a gift is given. Often a gift is sent or left with a nuber of other gifts. How is the sender to know you received it if you don't send them a thank you? Even if the gift giver attended the shower in your honor and you had a chance to say thanks for his or her gift, you should still send a written note.

Wedding Gifts
Emily Post states, "Each wedding gift should be acknowledged with a written note within three months of receipt of the gift. It’s best to write the notes as soon as possible after gifts arrive, however. Write a note even if you have thanked the giver in person."

Monetary Gifts, Congratulatory Gifts of any Kind
Recently graduated from school? Started a new job? Bought a new house? Anyone who sends a present acknowledging your accomplishment, should receive a note in return.

While a written note is not always necessary, your recipient will feel much more appreciated when a personal note of thanks is delivered to them. If, however, the gift is from a close friend or relative (and it’s not a wedding gift), and you believe the sender would be happy with an email or phone call, those two alternatives can be utilized. Your thanks and acknowledgement of the gift is what's most important. So please, extend a note of thanks.