I find as we as a society we have become more and more dependent on computers, which of course I am, that the art of saying thank you in the form of a real paper card or note is fading away.
I must admit I have used electronic cards as a quick way to say thank you.
But I think sending a real paper card and especially one that is made by you for that person is one of the nicest little tokens of appreciation you can give someone these days.
I know when I open my mailbox I'm rarely excited, but when I find something personal, like a card and especially one handmade, I smile and I keep that card in my office to remind me of that person.
Now that I am a mother I really want to teach my child to not only say "thank you" but also the art of sending a thank you card.
My sons are 13 months and 2-1/2 so we are just starting to teach them about saying thank you.
My oldest says "tanks" which is so sweet.
A fun project you can do with your kids, at any age, is hand stamp their own personalized thank you cards.
I recommend purchasing an unmounted alphabet stamp set.
Unmounted stamps are much cheaper than wood stamps and take up much less space for storing.
Use some basic white cardstock (I recommend ultrasmooth) as the base, use patterned background paper as a layer and the kids can stamp their name or initials on white cardstock and layer on top.
So easy.
Then let me use their favorite stamp images to stamp the inside.
Purchase a personalized stamp with their name as well for the back of the card (always sign your work I say!).
Do an assembly line approach and make 10 cards up ahead of time and then when it's their birthday or special holiday, have them get their cards out and have them write a little note (or if they are very little, help them write their name or use the personalized stamp) of thanks to the person.
Have them help put the postage stamp on the envelope and have them be a part of the process of mailing them at the post office or dropping them in the mailbox.
This is a great way to spend time with your children in a creative way plus teach them not to take gifts for grated and thanks those who love them dearly.