To say thank you for a thank-you card, you do not have to, since a thank-you card closes the exchange, but a short note back is kind. Two or three lines is enough: say you received it, and say what it meant.

When to reply, and when not to

Reply if the card was personal, or if it said something that touched you. Skip it if it was a polite thank-you for a gift you sent, and a call or text feels more natural. Nobody keeps score. If you do reply, keep it light so the other person feels no need to answer again.

Five short replies

  1. "Your card made my day. I'm so glad it was useful."
  2. "Thank you for the lovely note. It was a pleasure."
  3. "What a kind card. It's on my fridge now."
  4. "Thank you for writing. Seeing you enjoy it meant more than the gift."
  5. "Your note arrived today and made me smile. Take care."

Sign with your first name, as you would in person. More on endings is in how to sign off a thank-you card.

Make it a real card

A reply by hand is rare now, and that is why people keep it. We write your words with a real pen, in black ink, on a flat 6 by 4 inch card, and post it from Bangalore, India. The delivery window for your country is on shipping. Look through the thank-you card designs and pick one.