Thank-You Notes for Kids After Christmas (Templates)

By Cedar & Ledger

Writing thank-you notes is a good habit for kids, but a blank card can stall even a willing writer. Below is a 4-line formula, fill-in templates by age, and a plan to finish every note in a few short sessions.

The 4-line formula

1. Greeting: Dear Aunt Sam,
2. Thank you for the gift (name it): Thank you for the art set.
3. How I will use it or what I liked: I already drew our dog with the markers.
4. Closing: I hope I see you soon. Love, Mia

Templates by age

Ages 3-5 (they draw, you write): "Dear ____, thank you for the ____. I love it! Love, ____" plus a drawing of the gift.

Ages 6-8 (fill in the blanks): "Dear ____, thank you for the ____. My favorite part is ____. I am going to ____ with it. Love, ____"

Ages 9 and up (their own words): Use the 4-line formula and add one sentence about their holiday break.

For money or gift cards

"Thank you for the gift card. I am saving it for ____." Naming what they plan to buy makes it personal without saying the amount.

For a gift they didn't love

Thank the person for thinking of them: "Thank you for the cozy socks. It was nice of you to think of me." It's kind and still true.

Finish them in 3 short sessions

• Make a list of every gift and who gave it on Christmas Day, before wrappings are thrown out.
• Write 3 to 5 notes per sitting, 15 to 20 minutes each.
• Aim to mail them within two weeks of the holiday.
• Let kids check each name off the list when the note is done.

Make it easier

• Pre-address envelopes so the job ends when the note is written.
• Let younger kids add a sticker or drawing instead of more words.
• Send a photo of the child using the gift by text, then follow with the card.

A tracker that keeps it all together

Our Gift Receipts, Returns & Thank-You Tracker ($4) has a gifts received and thank-you note tracker, 4 cut-out thank-you note cards, plus a gift receipt log and return deadline calendar for December and January. More reading: after-Christmas returns and gift cards.

Related template: the gift returns thank you tracker template

See all Cedar & Ledger templates

Try the free holiday gift budget calculator →