What is proper etiquette...

regarding thank you notes? In my family we never wrote thank-you notes for Christmas or birthday gifts (unless there was a party). My dd received lots of Christmas gifts this year since it was her first. Lots from people that ordinarily would not send a gift, and probably also meant it as a new baby gift in general. Should I send a thank you or is a phone call good enough?

Re: What is proper etiquette...

Always send notes in the following situations:

* Wedding gifts.
* For sympathy letters, flowers, or mass cards.
* To the hostess after a party that was hosted in your honor.
* For bridal or baby shower gifts.
* For gifts that were received by mail.
* After being entertained by your boss.
* Gifts received during a hospital stay.
* After being hosted as a houseguest for one or more nights (unless it's a close relative or friend who is doing the hosting).
* For notes or gifts of congratulations.

Thank you notes are not required in the following situations, but would still be a nice gesture:

* After being a guest at a dinner party.
* After a job interview (not required, but definitely a smart idea).
* For birthday gifts that were received and opened in person, and you already thanked the giver personally.
* When a friend has helped you out with a special favor such as babysitting, a meal when you were sick, running errands for you when you are incapable.
* To the sales representative who has entertained you personally as part of a business relationship.

Re: What is proper etiquette...

I would send it because as you said it was a 1st christmas and some of them were also probably baby gifts.

Re: What is proper etiquette...

Re: What is proper etiquette...

I sent a thank-you for every single baby gift I received. I found it totally time-consuming (and quite frankly tiring) after a while, but I thought:
1. It took the "giver" more time and energy to buy the gift than it will take me to write the thank-you
2. That's one less thing I have to worry about buying my child
3. BE THANKFUL! Nobody has to buy you anything at all, but it is nice that they did.

For other gifts in general. if they personally give it to me, I personally thank them. If they mailed it, I mail them a TY.

Message edited 1/21/2007 3:31:44 PM.

Re: What is proper etiquette...