For young children it’s not always easy to express their thanks, but it’s still important for them to learn. Even if they can’t write their own name, they can still take a few moments to create a card that expresses gratitude and shows the recipient that they took the time to do so. This printable thank you card is a good place to start.
The idea here is simple. It starts with a basic card. Next, your child adds their own drawings, decorations, and embellishments. Finally, it slides into a standard envelope and is mailed or presented to whomever you’re thanking.
As the parent, you can add an extra note to the back (or if your child is older, he or she can!), and a “signature” is good too. But if the only thing your child does is create some thank you artwork; that still says so much. And it starts teaching the importance of actually saying thank you.
Supplies
Card stock
Scissors
Business-size envelopes
Just about any art and craft supplies (read on for ideas!)
Print the PDF onto card stock and cut the notes apart on the gray lines. You may even want to prepare a small stack of them so they’re ready for any occasion. Next, get ready for some art time!
As you try these different methods, encourage your child to avoid covering the special message in the middle of the card. But if they cover some or all of it, that’s okay too! The main point is to send some “art appreciation.”
Do you have a stash of washi tape? It’s perfect for adding easy decoration to a card. Odds are, your child may need some help tearing off pieces to work with, but you can tape a bunch of pieces to the edge of a table to get them ready.
Wrap the pieces around to the back of the card or trim them off with scissors to keep the back looking clean and tidy.
Craft foam pieces are fun for making a scattered design or even a scene, depending on the shapes you have. Peel and stick pieces are easy and good for little fingers that need some fine motor practice, but the kind that you glue on work too.
Another option is any kind of stickers. Very young children will love sticking them every which way, while older kids are more likely to create patterns or use the stickers to tell a story.
Pull out some rubber stamps and washable ink pads and let your little one go crazy on their notes. One great thing about this process is that stamp pads generally aren’t dark enough to cover the printed words. The “thank you” will show through all kinds of stamped creations.
Similar to rubber stamps, most watercolor paints allow the “thank you” to show up, even when the paint covers it (at least with lighter and more watery paint). As the card stock gets wet, it will curl and the texture may change, but it will mostly flatten out as it dries. Washable tempera paint is fun too!
It’s also worth saying that crayons, markers, and colored pencils are a perfectly good choice. There’s plenty of room for pictures, and like with watercolor, if your child works with lighter colors, they can draw right over the whole card.
Hole punches are a really good way to build hand strength and it’s a fun tool for kids to work with too. Let them punch holes around one or more edges of the card, helping them as needed.
Decorative hole punches and edging scissors are good for this too. If you’re only punching or trimming the edges, try glueing the card onto colored paper to help the design show better.
Use the punched holes for weaving and lacing! 3/8″ wide ribbon holds in place in standard holes, so even a simple weaving like above will stay without any tying. You might also use this as a place to practice tying a bow. Use thinner ribbon, yarn, strips of fabric, or anything else that will wrap around the edges to do some lacing.
Sequins in various shapes and sizes are good for those who love sparkle. You’ll find decorative sequin shapes near decorating and party supplies, as they are used for table scatter. To help prevent a super gluey mess, dab the glue on for your young child so all they have to worry about is sticking those shapes to the thank you note.
For another sparkly option, glitter glue is good for the days when you’re feeling brave. And if you see a note that is covered in gooey glitter, give it some time. Eventually it really will dry!
Make borders or fill an entire card with paint dots! A bit of paint and a cotton swab make tiny dots or paint daubers make larger dots. And kids quickly discover that you can draw with them too. Kids’ craft sections and educational stores usually sell paint daubers, but bingo markers work too. They aren’t always washable, but they sometimes show up at dollar stores.
Start with a line (or squiggles or dots or any other design!) of glue, then sprinkle some colorful paper confetti over it. Let it dry before shaking off the extra. Or, don’t shake off the extra, and just slide it in an envelope with the excess so there’s a bit of a party in the packaging!
Confetti is a slightly less messy version of glitter, but by all means…go for the glitter! Really, anything small that will stick to the glue is a fun addition.
After the thank you notes are finished (and dry, depending on the process you and your child chose), slip them into regular business size envelopes. So easy!
The next time you want to say thank you from your child, invite them to help you with the process. They’ll get some creative time, but more importantly, they’ll learn how important it is to express their appreciation for gifts or other ways that friends and family show special kindness.
apricot / 400 posts
Yes, yes, yes! I think writing a thank you note is SO important. I’ve been dictating my 4 year old’s notes, but she’s learning to write and this year I’m going to have her do her own, even if it’s just a simple “thank you for the [blank].” I love the idea of having younger kids start off by just decorating the card.
pomegranate / 3858 posts
Love it! And timely…we have her 4th birthday party this afternoon!