The Art of the Thank You Note

Thank You notes are one of the simple pleasures in life, but unfortunately they are increasingly forgotten. I love receiving handwritten thank you notes in the mail on crisp stationery. In this age of technology and social media, people often think that handwritten thank you notes are outdated and are something of the past. This couldn't be more untrue. According to The Emily Post "Etipedia," 

a handwritten note is still the right thing to do. 

Daniel Post Senning offers this quote about the importance of the handwritten thank you note:

"Would I ever send a digital thank-you for a gift I was given? No way. It just isn't enough - not personal enough, not weighty enough. You can't hold digital thanks in your hands the way you can hold a note. When was the last time you printed out an e-card? Right. Email is read and deleted. A mailed note is seen again and again on a desk or counter. Would you rather your thanks be remembered or deleted?"

Sure, a quick text or e-mail is better than no thank you note at all. However, I am a firm believer in a traditional handwritten note. It shows that the person took time out of their busy day to sit down and reflect on the meaning of the gift. The person who gave you the gift spent time and money picking out something just for you. You should make time to thank them for this thoughtful gesture.

Having recently written several thank you notes after my graduation party, I know how time consuming writing thank you notes can be (and I like to write!) However, your efforts will be appreciated when your note is received by the gift-giver.

One of the other reasons I just love a handwritten thank you note is because of the stationery. I will admit to being a stationery addict. I may or may not have an entire desk drawer dedicated to stationery. It's just so fun!

Here are some current contents of my stationery drawer:

Clockwise from Left:

Jostens Stationery (very classic, typical for high school graduations. It's a good option if you are going to have to write a large amount of Thank Yous.)

Lilly Pulitzer Fold-over notes: I love this patchwork design. I got these at TJ Maxx for maybe six dollars. (Great place to find stationery.)

Houndstooth Initial fold-over notes: I got these in the $1 section at Michaels.

Sailboat side-fold card: again, $1 at Michaels!

Blue initial fold-over note: $1 at Michaels

You don't need to spend a lot of money on fancy thank you notes. I usually get mine in the $1 section at Michaels. They have some really cute and preppy designs! TJ Maxx and HomeGoods are also great places to look. I've seen many a Lilly Pulitzer or Kate Spade stationery set at my local TJ Maxx for under $10. 

If I could splurge on stationery (that would be dangerous!) These would be my top choices:

TOP (L-R)  Flat Anchor Card | Monogrammed Madras | Kate Spade "Talk of the Town"

BOTTOM: (L-R) Initialed Chevron | Lilly Pulitzer Flat Card | Monogrammed Zebra

Great websites for "splurge worthy" stationery:

Lifeguard Press

Boatman Geller

Nico and LaLa

Other stores to check out are Crane & Co., Papyrus, and even Target!

If you are really adventurous, you may want to check out Etsy as well.

I hope this post inspires you to take the time to write thank you notes if you don't already do so. It is a very thoughtful and fulfilling practice. Make it a habit, and always have cute stationery on hand.

Happy Writing!

Do you love a good handwritten thank you as much as I do? Where do you get your stationery? Do you prefer flat cards or fold-over notes? Let me know!

Stay Stylish, Stay Classy, Be Creative.

Emily

The Best Graduation Gifts

No matter how you feel about it, Graduation is fast approaching. This means grad parties, and grad parties often mean gift giving. Although you won't be getting every single grad you know a gift, you will surely be looking to buy gifts for a few. As a girl who is graduating high school in two short weeks, and heading off to college in the fall, I thought I would put together a "Graduation Gift Guide" of sorts to provide some ideas, especially for the hard to buy for. For this post, I focused on high school graduation gifts as opposed to college graduation gifts. 

#1. The Wristlet

Yes, I gave the wristlet its own gift category. Every college girl needs a cute and functional wristlet. Give her an upgrade from the one she got for her 16th birthday and has used throughout high school, and opt for a sleek, more sophisticated version. Leather is ideal, as it will hold up and wipes clean easily.  Try to find one with a see through window for her student ID, a place for her phone, and a key ring for her dorm room key. Perfect for trips to the rec center, dining hall, library, laundry room, and parties or anywhere where she just needs the essentials.

1. Pink Leather {Coach}

2. Black and White Chevron {Target} 

(This one just went on sale!)

3. Printed Canvas {Lilly Pulitzer}

4. Brown Studded Leather {Michael Kors}

(This one currently ships for free!)

5. Green Leather {Ralph Lauren}

(Currently on sale!)

6. Black and Red Stripe {Anne Klein}

7. Blue Leather with Chain Strap {Tommy Hilfiger}

(On sale!)

8. Navy and White Striped Leather {Michael Kors}

#2. The Must Haves

I am a huge fan of functional gifts, and the gifts that follow are nothing short of functional! There are some items that every girl should own before she goes to college, but she often forgets. I believe the following gifts I have rounded up will definitely come in handy for years to come.

1. Patagonia Snap-T- I have two of these and practically live in them during the cooler months. They are so so soft and cozy! Perfect to throw on with leggings and boots for a day in the library, cute with skinny jeans and flats for a coffee date, and I may or may not have used mine as a pajama top when it was freezing out. So versatile. Patagonia items hold up through countless washes, so this investment piece will last for years.

2. Fossil Rose Watch- So many young people forgo watches these days, thinking that they can just use the clock on their cell phone. I think this is a shame! Besides being a cute accessory, there are certain situations where looking at a cell phone clock can be extremely rude. This rose one from Fossil is classic and goes with everything.

3. Rain Boots- I have had so many people tell me that they wish they would have invested in rain gear before going to college. Class is held rain or shine, so give her a pair of cute boots she can throw on for that long walk across campus on rainy days. Target has so many cute options, including this fish-printed pair.

4. Bathrobe- Many girls don't own a bathrobe, and if they do, they might not be willing to be seen in public with it (Guilty, mine is from junior high and has a snowman on it!) Bathrobes are essential for dorm living and community bathrooms. Buy her this cute robe from Target for her to wear on the way back to her dorm room.

5. Umbrella- This goes back to the rain gear idea. An umbrella is a must for walking to class on rainy days, so why not make it a stylish accessory as well!

6. North Face Resolve Rain Jacket- Again, rain gear. I posted about this jacket in my rain gear essentials post. It is the perfect light jacket for spring, but can also be layered over a thicker fleece for a waterproof layer in colder weather. Definitely will be of use for wet and dreary days on campus, and the bright colors are sure to bring a smile to her face.

7. Vera Bradley Large Duffle- This bag is perfect for quick trips home on the weekends. It is dorm room friendly, as it folds flat and can be stored in minimal space (unlike a traditional suitcase.) You would be so surprised at how much you can fit in these duffels! They are also carry-on approved. 

#3. Monogram It

Monograms are just so fun! It shows you put a lot of extra thought into a gift. Here's a sampling of some of my favorite monogrammed gifts.

1. Pencil Cup: Perfect for the desk in her dorm.

2. Notepad: Essential for jotting down reminders and due dates.

3. Tote: This L.L. Bean boat and tote is a classic. Handy for toting books and study supplies to and from the library, or clothes and laundry supplies to and from the laundry room.

4. Towel- She and her roommate will always be able to tell their bath towels apart if hers is monogrammed :)

5. Fleece Half-Zip- Fleece jackets are just the best. Add a monogram to a fleece in her school colors for the perfect gift.

6. Plastic Tumbler- Great for taking to the library for long study sessions, or to the rec center for a workout.

7. Laptop Case- Cases are a must to avoid scratches and cracks. She will have the cutest case in the library with this monogrammed one.

8. State of Mind Necklace- Although not monogrammed, this gift idea is definitely personal. Dogeared makes such meaningful jewelry, and this necklace is no exception. This necklace will remind her where she came from and always keep a reminder of home close to her heart. Especially a good gift if she is going to college out of state. 

Have you bought graduation gifts for anyone yet? What was your favorite gift you received for graduation? Let me know in the comments.

Stay Stylish, Stay Classy, Be Creative

Emily