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Write a thank you card

Write a thank you card
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Make and decorate a handwritten thank you card, choose kind words, practice gratitude, and address it before delivering to someone special.

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Step-by-step guide to make and decorate a handwritten thank you card

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2 Easy & Special Thanks Card Ideas | Thank You Greeting Card for Teacher | How to make Thanks Card

What you need
Blank card or sturdy paper, colouring materials such as markers crayons and coloured pencils, envelope, pen or pencil, scissors and glue, stickers and decorations

Step 1

Pick one person you want to thank!

Step 2

Fold your paper in half to make a card.

Step 3

Choose which decorations you will use.

Step 4

Decorate the front cover using your colouring materials and stickers.

Step 5

Write a list of three things you are thankful for about that person.

Step 6

Pick kind words from your list to make a short message.

Step 7

Write the short thank you message inside the card.

Step 8

Write a friendly closing like With love or Thanks again.

Step 9

Sign your name at the bottom of the message.

Step 10

Write the date near your signature.

Step 11

Write the recipient's name on the front of the envelope.

Step 12

Write your name and address on the back flap as the return address.

Step 13

Put the card into the envelope and seal it.

Step 14

Give the card to the person or put it in the mailbox if you are mailing it.

Step 15

Share a photo of your finished card on DIY.org to show your thank you.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of an envelope, stickers, or special colouring materials if we don't have them?

If you don't have an envelope, fold a second sheet of paper into a pocket to 'Put the card into the envelope and seal it', and if you lack stickers or fancy colouring materials, cut pictures from magazines or hand-draw designs to 'Decorate the front cover'.

My fold is crooked and my handwriting smudged; how can I fix these problems?

To fix a crooked fold use a ruler or the table edge when you 'Fold your paper in half to make a card', and if your writing smudges, lightly write the 'short thank you message inside the card' in pencil first then trace with pen once the pencil is dry.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children have an adult help write the 'list of three things you are thankful for' and the 'short thank you message', while older kids can add a dated memory, longer message, or a photo when they 'Sign your name' and 'Write the date'.

How can we make the card more special or longer-lasting?

Make the card extra special by gluing in a small photo or creating a simple pop-up inside after you 'Write the short thank you message inside the card', decorate the envelope with the recipient's name before you 'Put the card into the envelope and seal it', and then share a photo on DIY.org to show your finished card.

Watch videos on how to make and decorate a handwritten thank you card

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Easy and Beautiful Thank you Card | How to make Thank you card | Special Thank you card for teachers

4 Videos

Facts about cardmaking and gratitude for kids

✉️ Handwritten thank-you notes feel more personal and are often kept as keepsakes by recipients.

📬 Adding a clear recipient address and your return address greatly increases the chance your card will arrive or be returned if undeliverable.

🏢 Hallmark, one of the world's largest greeting-card companies, was founded in 1910.

😊 Practicing gratitude regularly has been shown to boost happiness and can improve sleep and mood.

🖊️ Writing by hand helps kids remember spelling and ideas better than typing on a keyboard.

How do you write a thank you card with a child?

Start by deciding who the card is for and what you want to say. Fold cardstock to make a card, or use a blank pre-folded card. Lightly pencil a short message—thank them, name what you’re grateful for, and add a closing. Decorate the front with drawings, stickers, or stamps. Trace over pencil with markers, let ink dry, write the recipient’s name on the envelope, add a stamp, and deliver or hand it to them.

What materials do I need to make a thank you card?

You’ll need cardstock or a blank card, an envelope, pencils for drafting, colored markers, crayons or watercolor paints, stickers and stamps for decoration, child-safe scissors, glue or tape, and optional embellishments like washi tape or sequins. A ruler and eraser help with neatness. If mailing, you’ll also need postage. Choose non-toxic, washable supplies for younger children.

What ages are suitable for this thank you card activity?

This activity suits children roughly ages 3–12. Toddlers (3–5) can decorate and be helped to sign with a stamp or handprint; preschoolers benefit from guided word choices. Early elementary kids (6–8) can write simple sentences independently. Older children (9–12) can compose thoughtful messages, address envelopes, and handle mailing. Adjust expectations, provide tracing templates, or offer more complex prompts to match each child’s skill level.

What are the benefits of making thank you cards?

Making thank-you cards builds gratitude, empathy, and social skills while strengthening fine motor control and handwriting. Choosing kind words helps children practice perspective-taking and express appreciation clearly. It can boost self-esteem when they see their message make someone happy. Turn it into family time by sharing stories, or vary the activity with collage materials, photo inserts, or multilingual messages to celebrate cultural traditions and language learning.
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Write a thank you card. Activities for Kids.