Handwritten thank-you cards aren’t as common as they used to be, which can make writing baby shower thank you notes feel a little overwhelming. It’s easy to put it off, and if your baby arrives early, you might even forget altogether!
If you’re unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Expressing gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple approach, you can quickly and easily thank your friends and family for celebrating with you.
In this post, I’ll share a foolproof formula to make writing baby shower thank you cards quick, easy, and stress-free—along with plenty of tips to help you along the way!
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When Should You Send Out Baby Shower Thank You Cards?
Traditionally, etiquette suggests you have up to a year to send thank-you notes after an event. But let’s be real—that’s way too long! Even etiquette experts interviewed by the New York Times agree that this practice is outdated.
The sweet spot? Two to three weeks after your baby shower. By then, the celebration is still fresh in your mind, and (hopefully) your baby hasn’t arrived just yet!
If the thought of writing a stack of thank-you cards feels overwhelming, break it up into smaller tasks. Set aside a little time each day and aim to write a few at a time. It’ll feel much more manageable, and you’ll be done before you know it!
Pro Tip: Many baby registries allow guests to send gifts before or even after the shower. Start writing thank-you cards as gifts arrive, so you’re not stuck writing them all at once. You can hold off on mailing them until after the shower, but getting a head start makes a huge difference!
Who Should Receive A Baby Shower Thank You Card?
Everyone who attended your baby shower deserves a heartfelt thank you—even if they didn’t bring a gift. They took the time to celebrate and support you, and that alone is worth recognizing!
You should also send thank-you notes to:
- Guests who couldn’t attend but sent a gift.
- Anyone who gave you a gift after the baby arrived.
- Friends or family who helped host or organize the shower.
The easiest rule of thumb? If you’re wondering whether someone should get a thank-you card, the answer is probably yes!
Read Next: Best Locations to Host a Baby Shower
Formula for the Perfect Baby Shower Thank You Card
Okay, maybe it’s not perfect, but I’d say it’s pretty foolproof! If you’re feeling stuck on what to write, this simple formula will help you knock out your thank-you cards quickly—without making them sound stiff or repetitive. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have heartfelt, personal notes written in no time!
[Recipient’s Name] + Thank them for their time + Mention the gift specifically + Say something thoughtful about it + Close with a heartfelt note of gratitude = The perfect baby shower thank you card!
See? It really is that simple! Let’s break down each part so you can make your thank-you notes personal, meaningful, and easy to write.
1) Address the person individually
Just like any thoughtful card, start by personally addressing the gift giver by name. A simple “Dear [Name]” adds a nice touch and shows you truly appreciate them. I personally love using “Dear” because it feels a little more personal, but go with whatever feels natural to you!
2) Thank them for their time
The first thing to include in your baby shower thank you card is a genuine note of appreciation for their time. Whether they attended your shower in person or sent a gift from afar, acknowledging their thoughtfulness sets the perfect tone for your message.
3) Mention the Gift and Add a Personal Touch
Next, be sure to mention the gift by name—and get specific! Instead of a generic “Thank you for the baby blanket,” add a little detail to make your note more meaningful. For example:
“Thank you so much for the floral blanket set! It fits perfectly with the nursery theme we’ve picked out for the baby.”
It doesn’t have to be long—just a quick note about the gift or how you plan to use it makes all the difference!
4) End with a Thoughtful Closing
Once you’ve thanked the giver for their time and gift, wrap up your note with a nice closing statement that makes it feel personal. A great way to do this is by inviting them to be part of the baby’s life in some way—but only if it feels natural to your relationship.
For example:
- “I can’t wait to send you pictures of the baby wrapped up in (gift)!”
- “Your kindness means so much to me, and I can’t wait for you to meet the baby!”
After that, sign off with a closing that feels right—whether it’s “Warmly,” “With love and gratitude,” or “From the bottom of my heart”—and don’t forget to add your name!
If you need more inspiration, Hallmark has a great list of thoughtful ways to close your message.
5)Bonus: Add a Personal Touch with a Photo
Including a picture with your thank-you card is a simple way to make it feel even more special. You could print a photo from the baby shower, like a fun group shot or a favorite moment from the party, and tuck it inside the card.
If you’re sending thank-you notes after the baby arrives, you might include a picture of your little one as a sweet surprise for your guests.
Of course, this is completely optional, but it’s a thoughtful touch that many guests will appreciate. Do what feels right for you!
Did that help you get started on your baby shower thank-you cards? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just follow the simple formula above, tackle a few each day, and you’ll have them all done before you know it!
Example Thank You Card Wordings
Still not sure what to write? No worries! Here are some baby shower thank-you card wording examples to give you a little inspiration!
Thank you to the host
This should be the very first thank-you note you write! Your host(s) put so much time and effort into making your baby shower special, so let them know how much you appreciate it. If you can, consider adding a small token of gratitude, like flowers or a sweet treat, to go along with your note. And if possible, delivering it in person makes it even more meaningful!
“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 apply to most guests who attended your shower and follows the thank-you card formula perfectly. Be sure to address each person by name, mention their gift specifically, and include a thoughtful note about the future—whether it’s looking forward to them meeting the baby or sharing a special moment together soon!
“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 attend your shower, but it’s just as important to thank those who couldn’t make it. Acknowledge their absence, express your appreciation for their thoughtfulness, and let them know you’re looking forward to seeing them soon!
“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’s always best to send individual thank-you notes for gifts, even when they come from a group. The only exception is when the group is especially large—like an office or church group—where a single note may be more practical. In that case, writing one meaningful thank-you card and displaying it in a shared space is a great way to express your appreciation to everyone!
“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
When thanking someone for a monetary gift—whether cash, a check, or a gift card—it’s thoughtful to mention how you plan to use it. Even if you’re not sure yet, you can acknowledge that it will go toward essentials like diapers, wipes, or formula. Letting the giver know their gift is truly helpful and appreciated makes your thank-you note feel more personal and meaningful!
“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
Hosting a virtual baby shower means you may not get to see your guests in person, but that doesn’t make their presence any less meaningful! Be sure to thank everyone who took the time to join the celebration and acknowledge any gifts they sent. A thoughtful note will let them know how much you appreciate their effort to be part of your special day, even from afar!
“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
When friends and family go out of their way to travel for your baby shower, it’s a big deal! Be sure to let them know how much it meant to have them there and how grateful you are for the extra effort they made. A little acknowledgment goes a long way in making them feel appreciated!
“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 are just for the baby—sometimes, the best surprises are the ones meant for mom or both parents to enjoy together! Whether it’s a gift card for a date night, some much-needed freezer meals, or even a spa day, these thoughtful gifts deserve an extra special thank you. Let the giver know how much you appreciate them thinking of you, not just the baby!
“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 baby shower thank-you cards don’t get sent out as quickly as you planned. That’s totally okay! It’s always better to send them late than not at all. Your guests will understand—especially since you’ve been busy adjusting to life with a new baby. A simple, heartfelt note of appreciation will still mean so much, no matter how much time has passed!
“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
If you’re feeling a little playful, why not write the thank-you card from the baby’s perspective? It’s a fun way to show appreciation that’s sure to make your guests smile. This works especially well if the baby has already arrived and can “thank” them for a gift they’re already using. To make it even sweeter, consider including a picture of your little one enjoying their presents!
“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 help spark some ideas for your thank-you cards? Don’t overthink it—your guests will appreciate the time and effort you put into showing your gratitude, especially during such a busy time. Just stick to the simple formula, take it one card at a time, and you’ll have them done before you know it!
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 for Thank You Cards
Let’s be real—pregnancy brain is no joke, and keeping track of who gave what can get tricky fast. If you can remember every single gift without writing it down, you deserve a superhero cape! But for the rest of us, a detailed gift list is a lifesaver.
Ask someone at your shower to keep track of gifts as you open them. Ideally, pick someone who knows most of the guests so they don’t have to keep asking who brought what. Bonus points if they have neat handwriting!
Have them sit close by so they can easily see what’s being opened and jot it down without disrupting the flow of the shower.
And don’t forget to check your baby registry’s thank-you list for any gifts sent directly to you. This makes it so much easier to stay organized and ensure no one is accidentally forgotten. Just skip the automated thank-you emails—a handwritten note always makes a bigger impact!
Related: Best Sites for Your Baby Registry
Make Each Thank You Card Personal
If you follow my formula, your cards might start to sound a little similar—but that doesn’t mean they have to feel generic! A little personalization goes a long way. Instead of writing the same message over and over, take a moment to add something unique for each person. Mention an inside joke, a shared memory, or a specific detail about their gift. Your guests will appreciate the extra effort, and it will make your thank you cards feel much more meaningful!
Keep Your Thank You Cards Short and Sweet
No need to write a novel—these cards aren’t meant to be an essay! A few thoughtful sentences are all it takes. Just mention the gift, thank them, and add a little personal touch. Most thank-you cards don’t have a ton of space anyway, so keep it simple, genuine, and to the point!
Buy Your Thank You Cards Ahead of Time
Save yourself the last-minute scramble and grab your thank-you cards ahead of time! The easiest way to do this? Buy them when you get your baby shower invitations—bonus points if they match! It’s a small detail, but it adds such a sweet touch that your guests will love.
There are tons of adorable stationery options out there to make sending thank-you cards quick and easy. Here are a few of my favorites:
Start on Your Thank You Cards ASAP
I’ll be the first to admit—I’m a procrastinator. And I totally get it. Writing thank-you cards isn’t the most exciting task, and when you have a big stack to get through, it’s easy to keep pushing them off. But here’s the thing: if you think you don’t have time now, just wait until your baby arrives!
The best approach? Start as soon as possible. Make it manageable by setting a small daily goal—like writing five cards each morning before you dive into your day. Even if you don’t feel like it, trust me, you’ll be so glad when they’re done!
If gifts start arriving before your baby shower, go ahead and send those thank-you notes early. It’s totally acceptable, and it helps lighten the load. Plus, your guests will appreciate the quick acknowledgment!
Final Thoughts on Baby Shower Thank You Cards
And that’s a wrap on baby shower thank-you cards! Hopefully, this makes the whole process feel a little less overwhelming. Writing so many notes can seem like a lot at first, but once you get going, it’ll get easier with each one.
Most importantly—don’t stress about making them perfect. A heartfelt thank you, no matter how simple, will always be appreciated.
And as you finish up these last few weeks of pregnancy, just remember—you’re almost there! It’s been a long road, but soon you’ll be holding your sweet baby in your arms.
You’ve got this, 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
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