Writing an effective thank you note takes thoughtful word choice. The first place to start is an examination of thoughts and feelings about the gesture. Come from a sense of gratitude and add layers of sincerity and humor. Don't overthink it too much. Sometimes simple is more effective than elaborate when saying thanks.

• For your generosity, I am grateful. For the future, I owe you one.
• Please accept this card as an inadequate representation of my sincere gratitude.
• I wish there was a better way to say thanks than writing in a card. Until I figure it out, this is what you get.
• What you did was amazing. Your timing, taste, and talent were perfect.
• Someone needs to invent a new word to express gratitude that goes beyond the word 'thanks.' I need that word now.
• Please accept my gratitude. It's the least I can offer you in return.
• What did I ever do to deserve you? You are amazing!
• I'm blaming you for such a great gift. It's all your fault that I like it so much.
• Somehow you know exactly what I need at exactly the right time. Thanks!
• I don't know how you do it, but you did it again!
• I wish you could see my face now because I have a smile of gratitude thanks to you.
• Thank you for everything. There's too much for me to name everything I'm grateful for.
• How did you know what even I didn't know that I wanted?
• No one deserves a friend like you, but I got you anyway.
• Gratitude is the feeling I have toward you now.
• I'm smiling because of you.
• 'Thanks!' doesn't even begin to express the deep gratitude I have for what you did.
• What you did was amazing. You are amazing!
• Words cannot express the gratitude I am feeling for what you did.  I appreciate your generosity.
• Thank you for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are a great gift giver, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness.
• You are one of the most generous people I know, and I am grateful to have you in my life.  Thanks.
• Thank you for your kindness and generosity.  You really outdid yourself this time.
• Thank you for helping me when I needed help.  You are blessing in my life.
• I thank you for what you give me and do for me constantly.  I also thank God for putting you in my life.
• I can't thank you enough for what you did.  You helped at the perfect time in the perfect way.
• Thank you for the ____________. It's perfect and exactly what I wanted.
• How did you know that I needed a _____________?  You're the best.
• I am even more thankful that I have a friend like you than what you did for me, and I am very thankful for what you did.

Use these common sayings, phrases, and keywords to piece together an effective message. 

Keywords for Thank You Messages
Verbs: Appreciate, Love, Needed, Hoped, Cherish, Helped, Works, Knew, Guessed, Gave
Nouns: Gift, Help, Dreams, Heart, Surprise
Adjectives: Perfect, Thoughtful, Helpful, Generous, Giving, Amazing, Cool, Awesome, Sweet

Phrases for Thank You Messages

• "Thank you for thinking of me."
• "Your generosity blew me away."
• "What an amazing surprise."
• "Your gift was perfect."
• "Thank you for all that you do for me."
• "I appreciate your thoughtfulness."
• "Thanks for your time."

Sayings for Thank You Messages

• "You are a blessing in my life."
• "You really outdid yourself this time."
• "How could I ever thank you enough?"
• "You helped in just the right way."
• "What did I do to deserve you?"
• "God gave you a generous portion of generosity."
• "Your gift is only one of the many things I am grateful that you gave me."
• "Just being there and listening to me helped a lot."

Add some personal information such as what the gift was or how the person helped you.  Then tell specifics about what you liked about it.

Some situations deserve a longer letter of appreciation. These are the steps to take to write a nice long-form note:

1. Acknowledge what you are thankful for. For example, "Thanks for taking the time to help me fix my car."
2. Name something specific about why you are grateful. For example, "My car is super important to use for my commute."
3. Compliment the person who helped you or gave you something. For example, "You weren't sure that you'd be able to fix it, but you were willing to give it a shot. You are a positive force of nature!"
4. Let the person know how you feel. For example, "I have been telling everyone how awesome it is that you were able to fix it. I feel lucky to have a friend like you."
5. Use humor if possible. For example, "Someone asked me for your number to see if you could help them, but I gave her the wrong phone number because I don't want to share you."

A thank you note needs to fit the gift or the action and the person you want to thank. Sometimes a less formal note is better, but not always. If you are writing to a good friend, you have a lot more room for variation than a business or interview thank you note.