National Thank You Note Day – Dec. 26, 2026

National Thank You Note Day
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Every December 26
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National Thank You Note Day arrives every December 26, inspiring us to pause and express sincere gratitude. Embrace the tradition of handwritten notes, acknowledging kindness and thoughtful gestures. Take time to compose heartfelt messages, send a card to a loved one, or simply reflect on what you’re thankful for.

Want to sponsor National Thank You Note Day? Learn how

Expected National Thank You Note Day Deals

As National Thank You Note Day falls right after Christmas, many retailers offer special promotions on stationery and gift-wrapping supplies. Look for deals from brands like Paper Source, Crane & Co., and Hallmark on elegant cards, personalized stationery, and writing instruments. Online retailers such as Amazon and Etsy may feature independent artists selling unique designs. Additionally, small businesses like local gift shops often highlight their selection of thank you cards. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 26 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Thank You Note Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ThankYouNoteDay. Share photos of your beautifully written notes or creative stationery ideas.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ThankYouNoteDay. Share stories of notes you’ve received or written, fostering community gratitude.

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ThankYouNoteDay. Discuss the importance of professional thank yous and networking etiquette.

Social Media Tips for National Thank You Note Day

Individuals

Gather your stationery and address book. Write a heartfelt note to someone who made a difference in your year or gave you a thoughtful gift. Mail it promptly to spread cheer.

Creators

Create a tutorial on crafting the perfect thank you note, from choosing paper to eloquent phrasing. Share tips on organizing your stationery or making DIY cards.

Brands

Run a campaign encouraging customers to share who they're thankful for, perhaps with a stationery giveaway. Offer a discount on personalized cards or gift sets.

Partners & Brands for National Thank You Note Day

  1. Hallmark

    Founded in 1910 by Joyce Hall, Hallmark is a global leader in greeting cards and gifts. The company is synonymous with celebrating life's moments, making it a go-to for thank you notes.

  2. Paper Source

    Established in 1983 in Chicago, Paper Source offers a curated selection of fine papers, custom stationery, and unique gifts. They champion the art of letter writing and thoughtful communication.

  3. Crane & Co.

    Founded in 1801, Crane & Co. is renowned for its high-quality cotton papers and exquisite stationery. They have supplied paper to the U.S. Treasury for currency since 1879 and are a favorite for formal thank you notes.

  4. Postable

    A modern online service, Postable allows users to type cards online and have them handwritten and mailed. It blends convenience with the personal touch of a physical thank you note.

  5. Moleskine

    Originating in the 19th century as notebooks used by artists and writers, Moleskine notebooks and planners are now a global brand. Their high-quality paper is ideal for thoughtful handwritten messages.

  6. U.S. Postal Service

    An independent agency of the executive branch of the U.S. federal government, the USPS delivers mail to every address in the nation. It is essential for the delivery of thank you notes across the country.

  7. National Association of Letter Carriers

    Founded in 1889, the NALC is the union of city letter carriers employed by the U.S. Postal Service. They represent the dedicated individuals who ensure our thank you notes reach their destinations.

National Thank You Note Day Hero

Emily Post

Born in 1872, Emily Post was an American author who wrote about etiquette. Her seminal work, 'Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home' (1922), became a guide for social graces, including the proper way to write thank you notes. Her legacy continues to influence standards of polite communication and appreciation.

National Thank You Note Day timeline

1400s
Origin

The first thank you notes originated when Europeans exchanged greeting cards with friends and family.

1817
Thank you notes in classic literature

Mary Shelly wrote a thank you note to her friend Lord Byron, thanking him for allowing her to spend the summer at his home in Geneva, where the story of Frankenstein was thought into reality.

1856
Welcome to the USA

Pouis Prang introduced thank you notes to the United States after he immigrated from Germany.

2000
Eminem writes to Stan

Eminem writes back a thank you note to his obsessive fan - Stan.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Thank You Note Day

Local businesses can honor National Thank You Note Day by encouraging gratitude among their staff and customers. Stationery shops can host workshops on note-writing or offer discounts on thank you card bundles. Restaurants might provide small, branded thank you cards with takeout orders. Any business can write personalized notes to loyal customers or vendors, strengthening relationships and fostering goodwill.

National Thank You Note Day FAQs

When is National Thank You Note Day?

National Thank You Note Day 2026 falls on Saturday, December 26. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on expressing gratitude after the holiday rush.

How many thank you notes are sent annually?

While precise figures for thank you notes alone are hard to isolate, the U.S. Postal Service handles billions of pieces of mail annually. A significant portion of these, especially after holidays, are expressions of gratitude.

Why is it important to send thank you notes?

Sending thank you notes demonstrates respect and appreciation, reinforcing positive relationships. It shows thoughtfulness and makes the recipient feel valued, leaving a lasting impression beyond a verbal ‘thank you’.

What makes a good thank you note?

A good thank you note is personal, specific, and sincere. It mentions the gift or act of kindness, explains how it will be used or appreciated, and reiterates gratitude. Brevity and authenticity are key.

National Thank You Note Day Activities

  1. Attend a note-making workshop

    There are various workshops hosted at various craft stores on this day to help you create a special note for someone. Check the calendar of your local stores to see what workshops are available in your area.

  2. Host a note-making party

    Purchase a variety of sized note cards and envelopes, and invite your friends and family over for a fun time writing thank you notes. Everyone will enjoy writing a special message and decorating envelopes to send away.

  3. Write a thank you note

    It's as simple as that. Take the time to sit down in your favorite reading nook, or at your desk at home, and take the time to think of a thoughtful message to tell some one.

Why We Love National Thank You Note Day

  1. They're handwritten

    In a time when technology drives our daily lives, it is nice to put down our computers, grab a pen and paper, and write a personalized thank you note. Scribbly penmanship acceptable, but not encouraged.

  2. They make us feel special

    Whether you are on the receiving end or the one writing them, thank you notes are a unique way of giving thanks to someone for something that they have done — whether it was a gift received, an uplifting conversation had, or simply being who they are. Thank you notes make everyone feel loved.

  3. It allows us to practice our penmanship

    Texts, emails, and emojis have the same design and lack the personal touch that is embodied in our unique handwriting. Writing thank you notes provides an opportunity to practice our cursive, which will improve with the more notes you write.

National Thank You Note Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 December 26 Saturday
2027 December 26 Sunday
2028 December 26 Tuesday
2029 December 26 Wednesday
2030 December 26 Thursday