Last updated on November 16th, 2024 at 11:08 pm
Writing handwritten cards isn’t as common as it used to be. This can make writing baby shower thank you cards a daunting and overwhelming task. It’s easy to put it off until the last minute, and if you baby comes early you can even forget all together.
If you are unsure of where to start when it comes to writing thank you cards you are not alone! Expressing your gratitude to those who have showered you and your baby with love can be easy if you don’t overthink it. Let’s chat about how best to write baby shower thank you cards with plenty of tips and tricks along the way.
I’ll share with you a simple formula for your cards that is sure make your thank you card adventure quick and easy!
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When Should I Send Out My Baby Shower Thank You Cards?
Traditional etiquette usually states that you have within one year of the date of the even to send out thank you notes. However, several etiquette experts interviewed by the New York Times stated that this practice is quite outdated. And I could not agree more!
It really is best to send your thank you notes out within two to three weeks after your baby shower. That way, the shower is still fresh in your mind and baby has yet to arrive (hopefully).
It can be overwhelming to write all these cards at once, but trust me you will thank yourself when it is over! Just set out a certain time each day to write a few. Make a goal for yourself depending on your total to complete each day. If you space it out it will be much less daunting to complete!
Baby registries also make it easy for guest to send out gifts before or even after the baby shower. Take advantage of early arriving gifts and get the thank you cards written! You can wait until after the shower to mail but knocking a few out ahead of time really will make a big difference.
Who Should Receive A Baby Shower Thank You Card?
You should thank everyone who attended your baby shower, even if they did not bring a gift. They still took the time to come and show their support for you and your new edition. This deserves a thoughtful recognition.
Thank you cards should also be sent to those who were unable to attend your shower or those that brought you gifts after your baby arrived. I think it is easily summed up by saying if you are wondering if you should send them a card, the answer is yes!
Read Next: Best Locations to Host a Baby Shower
Formula for the Perfect Baby Shower Thank You Card
Ok maybe it isn’t perfect, but I sure think it foolproof! Just follow this formula for each of your cards and you will be amazed at how easy it can be without sounding robotic.
Address the person individually + Thank them for their time + Mention the gift by name + mention something nice about it + Add a closing statement of gratitude = Awesome Thank you card
See? It really is that simple! Let’s break down each component together
1) Address the person individually
As with any proper card, start your note by addressing the gift giver by name. I personally love to start with dear (it shows how much you care about the person) but you can choose to address them however you would life.
2) Thank them for their time
The first thing that should be written in your baby shower thank you card is appreciation for their time. This either will be a thank you for attending your baby shower, or their thoughtfulness in sending you a gift even if they could not attend.
3) Mention the gift and comment on it
Next you will want to mention the gift by name. And be specific. Don’t just state “thank you for the baby blanket”. Describe it in detail or include a personal reference to it. Say “ thank you so much for the floral blanket set. They will fit so nicely with the nursery theme we have picked out for baby.”
This doesn’t have to be super long either. Just a simple statement about the gift or how your baby will use it in the future will suffice.
4) End with a statement of gratitude
After you have thanked the giver for their gift and their time, you will want to add a closing statement to tie everything together. An easy way to do this is extend an invitation for the future. This could be something simple like “I can’t wait to send you all the pictures of baby dressed in (fill in gift here) ” or “I appreciate your friendship so much and I can’t wait for you to meet the baby.”
This is obviously very tailored to your personal relationship with the gift giver. Don’t offer something you are not comfortable with but saying more than “thanks again” is important.
Then end your card personally with a closing such as “sincerely”, “with appreciation”, or even “love” and sign your name.
If you need a few more ideas on how to end your card, Hallmark has a list of great warm closings to choose from!
5) Bonus! Include a picture
Now this can take on a lot of different forms. You print off some pictures from your shower and include them with the card. Or if you aren’t able to send your baby shower thank you cards until after your little one is here you could include a photo of them.
This is very optional, but it adds a personal touch, and your guests will really appreciate it!
Did that help get you started on writing your baby shower thank you cards? Remember it doesn’t need to be complicated. Just stick with the formula above and write a few each day and you will be finished before you know it!
Are you still stuck on the wording of some cards? No worries! Here are some examples of Baby Shower Thank You Card wordings you can use as inspiration!
Example Thank You Card Wordings
Thank you to the host
This should absolutely be the first thank you note you should write! Show your host(s) that you are grateful for the time and work they put into throwing you your dream baby shower. It is also great to send along a small token of appreciation such as flowers or a treat along with your note. And I personally love to deliver this thank you card in person if at all possible.
“Thank you so much for throwing the baby shower of my dreams. I cannot believe how beautiful it all turned out and the (insert favorite part here) was the absolute best. I appreciate the time and effort you put in to make this day special for me. I am so grateful to have you in my life and cannot wait for you to meet (insert baby’s name) very soon!”
A traditional baby shower thank you
This will likely cover most guests who are able to attend your shower and fits the formula above nicely. Make sure to address each person by name, include their gift, and an invitation for something towards to future.
“Thank you so much for coming to my baby shower! You are always such a delight to have around, and my shower wouldn’t have been the same without you there. I just adore the blankets you picked out for my little guy. They look so cozy, and I can’t wait to snuggle him with them all the time. I appreciate our friendship and look forward to you meeting (baby’s name) soon!”
Thank you to those who couldn't attend
Not everyone will be able to make it to your shower, but it is equally important to thank those who are unable to attend in person. Acknowledge their absence and let them know you are looking forward to seeing them at a later date.
“Thank you for the soft burp cloths you sent for (insert baby’s name). They are so cozy and for sure will be put to good use! We missed you at the shower but can’t wait to get together soon. Hopefully you will be able to meet baby (insert name) when she makes her arrival.”
Thank you for diapers and wipes
One of the best gifts to receive at a baby shower in my opinion is diapers or wipes. These are items that will be used daily and the price tags can add up quickly. While it may not be the most exciting gift, make sure to let your gift giver know how much you truly appreciate their contribution! This is also a great opportunity to put a little humor to your cards that is sure to make the recipient smile.
“Thank you for the diapers! They will certainly be put to good use. You’ll have to come over and show us how to use them some time! We are so grateful that you thought of us during this exciting time and can’t wait for you to meet (insert baby’s name) soon!”
Thank you for a group gift
It is customary to send out individual thank you notes for gifts, even in the case of group gifting. The exception is if the group is especially large and can easily thanked in a group setting, such as an office. If this is the case, you can write a single not that can then be displayed in a communal space for all to see.
“Thank you all for the stroller. It was so thoughtful, and we definitely will be getting a lot of use out of it. We appreciate the time that everyone took to arrange such a phenomenal gift.”
Thank you for a monetary gift/gift card
Cards for gifts of money of any amount should include what you intend to use it for. This also should include gift cards or certificates. If you aren’t sure of what you plan on using it for, you can always mention everyday expenses such as diapers, wipes, and formula. All of this adds up quick and any gift giver will appreciate knowing they relieved some of the burden from you.
“Thank you for your generosity towards our new little one. We are so thrilled to be able to stock up on diapers and wipes in anticipation of their arrival. A clean bum, is a happy bum!”
Thank you after a virtual shower
Having a virtual baby shower means you likely won’t see all of your guests in person. It is still important to acknowledge everyone who took the time to attend virtually and send you a gift.
“We are so grateful for the darling outfit you sent us for (insert baby’s name)”. It was lovely to see your face and chat during the shower. I hope we can get together in person very soon.”
Thank you to out of town guests
Family and friends may not always live nearby, but it is especially thoughtful when they travel in town for your baby shower. Be sure to let them know how much their additional sacrifice meant to you in your baby shower thank you card.
“It was such a pleasant surprise to see you at our baby shower. Thank you for traveling all this way to celebrate this exciting milestone in our life. It means a lot. We can’t wait to get together with you again soon and bring baby (insert baby’s name) along.”
Thank you for a Mom/Parents gift
Not all baby shower gifts will be for the baby! Gifts for mom or for both parents to enjoy together are always a special surprise. This could include gift cards for a night out, freezer meals, or even a spa day!
“I was so excited to see your gift of a home spa day gift basket. The slippers are so soft and warm, and I can’t wait to use all the other goodies soon! You know how much I love a good face mask. It will be a great treat to take some time for myself after (insert baby’s name) arrives. Maybe we can have spa date together? Thank you again!”
A belated thank you card
Life happens and sometimes you don’t get to your baby shower thank you cards as soon as you would have like. It is still ok to send them out, even if it has been a while! Your guests are understanding, especially if you just brough home a new baby.
“I apologize for this card arriving later than expected. Life with a new baby has been exciting but busy. I wanted to thank you for the burp cloths and changing pad. They have been so helpful in our adjustment to parenthood. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and loved seeing you at our shower. Let’s get together soon!”
Thank you from baby
Now if you are feeling a bit cheeky, write a baby shower thank you card as if it was written by your baby. This can be a cute touch that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face as they read it. This is also a great option of baby is already here and can start using an item right away. Be sure to include a picture!
“Thank you for my new building blocks. I can’t wait for all the fun play times I will get to have with them. Even if I do have to share with brother sometimes. Do you want to come show me how to build with them? Thank you again!”
Did those examples give you a better ideas of what to do? Don’t over think these. Your guests will be so grateful that you took the time to write them a baby shower thank you card in the busy weeks leading up to your baby. Just remember the formula and get started!
Final Tips for Writing Baby Shower Thank You Cards
Now that you have the formula for writing your cards nailed down, there are a few more tips I’d like to leave you with.
Keep a Detailed List of Gifts
Life gets busy when preparing for a baby and to be honest pregnancy brain is in full force during your last trimester. If you can remember exactly what every single person gifted you then you are Super Woman! But if you are like the rest of us and can’t remember a dang thing then you will want to keep a detailed list of each gift and who gave it to you.
Assign someone to be in charge of this list at your baby shower. I highly recommend this be someone who knows majority of the people to keep it simple. This avoids them interrupting to ask who the giver was for each present. But really anyone with neat handwriting will do!
It’s best if they are sitting as close to you as possible so they can see exactly what they should be writing down.
Also, take advantage of baby registry site thank you lists for those who send you gifts outside of your shower. This organizes everything neatly and keeps thank you cards from getting missed. Be sure to avoid using the option to send a thank you virtually! You should always send cards handwritten whenever possible.
Related: Best Sites for Your Baby Registry
Don't Make Your Cards Cookie Cutter
If you end up using my formula your cards may sound similar. But a little personalization goes a long way! You don’t want your baby shower thank you cards to sound monotone and robotic. Add a little life to them! Make sure the recipient knows you truly care about their time and effort.
But Also Make Sure Your Cards Are Short and Sweet
These cards aren’t meant to be novels either. You can simply mention the gift, thank them, and make it personal in only a few sentences. Your cards will only have so much space anyways so no need to write a lot. Just keep it simple and too the point, while also showing that you care.
Buy Stationary Ahead of Time
This is just a simple tip for preparedness that will make your life a lot easier when it comes time to writing your thank you cards! Just buy them ahead of time so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute. Better yet, purchases your thank you cards when you buy your invites and make them matching! This is a darling touch your guests are sure to love.
There are so many awesome stationary options out there that will make it so easy to send out your cards quickly! Here are a few of my favorites:
Start on Your Card ASAP
I am a true procrastinator at heart, so I get it. Really thank you cards can be tedious and when you have a lot to write it can be easy to put them off. But remember, you have a little one on the way who will be taking up practically all your time very soon. Think you don’t have time right now? Well, you sure won’t have time when you baby is here! So make sure you start on your thank you cards as soon as possible.
To make this task a little more manageable make a goal to write 5 each morning before you start on your tasks for the day. You can try at night too but I personally find I can make less excuses in the morning as I can at night for why I didn’t get them done. Within a few weeks you should be all ready to mail!
If you receive any gifts prior to your baby shower it is completely acceptable to mail those thank you notes ahead of time if you want! This will knock a few off your list and the gift giver will be very appreciative of your promptness.
Well that wraps up all my tips on how to write a baby shower thank you card! Hopefully this had made the task seem a little less daunting. Writing can be difficult but have confidence in yourself. Once you get started each one is sure to get even easier.
And good luck as you wrap up these final weeks of pregnancy. It’s been a long road to get to this point but it will all be worth it soon. Good luck Mama!
Check out more great baby shower related content:
- How to Ask for Books Instead of Cards at a Baby Shower
- How to Host a Diaper Raffle at a Baby Shower
- How to Throw a Virtual Baby Shower
- Best Locations to Host a Baby Shower
- Baby Shower Thank You Cards: How to Write the Perfect Card
- The Ultimate Baby Registry Guide
- 33 Best Baby Shower Game Prize Ideas (That Aren’t Gift Cards)
If you are pregnant, check out these blog posts to help you prepare for your baby:
- Top 10 Things Your Labor Nurse Wants You To Know
- Preparing for Pregnancy: 7 First Trimester Must-Haves You Can’t Do Without
- 7 Tips for the First 7 Days of Breastfeeding
- Navigating Pumping at Work: Top 11 Tips for a New Mom’s Success
- Everything You Need to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
- The Ultimate Third Trimester Checklist
- Baby Medicine Cabinet Essentials
- How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
- Postpartum Must-Haves for a Vaginal Delivery
