Here’s how

When you receive a handknit gift…
elephantbabydone.png
Such as, for example, an Elephant Baby Sweater

…from a friend or loved one, you may find yourself wondering, “How should I respond? What does etiquette dictate? How can I express my gratitude in such a way as to receive further handknit gifts in the future?”

Wonder no more!

Below please find a superior response model. Feel free to adapt and modify for your own purposes, but be sure to retain a similar tone of unfettered enthusiasm and unbridled gratitude:

Ellen!!!! Thank you so, so, much for the adorable sweater for A.!

I am almost at a loss for words—such a kind and generous thing to do. I know how much work goes into a hand knit sweater like that and I am just speechless. A. saw it and yelled “ant”!! Which is her word for elephant right now and I held it up to her and she looked very proud 😉 I will take a picture as soon as I get it on her.

Oh, just thank you so much – I am so touched. I have such deep admiration for people who can do fine hand crafts like knitting, needlework, etc. and feel very lucky that people I know do them.

Ellen, just a truly wonderful thing for you to do and I send this with a million thank you’s and I’m just very overwhelmed. Thank you, thank you!!

I’m filled with gratitude and send my warmest thoughts,
J.

Now that’s the way it’s done.

8 Responses to “Here’s how”

  1. Leanne Says:

    The sweater is freaking adorable.

    I agree, that’s a perfect thank you note. People like that are wonderful to knit for, aren’t they? I’m betting this is not the last hand-knit this child will be receiving 🙂

  2. Hanna Says:

    That sweater is a-w-e-s-o-m-e (you need to say it like that, stretched out for emphasis). I’m very, very impressed indeed.

    And it must be especially gratifying for you to know that it was so well received! There’s nothing worse than knitting for people who don’t fully appreciate (or don’t gush as if they did) hand-knitted and carefully designed items.

  3. Kristy Says:

    What a great note! It makes *me* want to knit her a sweater 🙂

  4. laura Says:

    That sweater is too cute! And I agree with Kristy. That woman knows how to entice a knitter. 🙂

  5. lorinda Says:

    You know how to pick them as well as how to knit them! Lovely note.

  6. cindy Says:

    I’d call you a big old showoff for putting that note on the site, if I didn’t know just how much time and effort went into that sweater. You DESERVE to show off that letter, girlie. What an astounding gift. Doesn’t it make you feel warm to know that the receiver (the mom, anyway) knows just how valuable and special a gift it is?
    Makes me glow, just reading it.

  7. Wanda Says:

    Now that’s the way a response to handknits should be made. Great! The sweater is quite cute!

  8. Suzy Says:

    I think I’m going to forward that to all my friends and relatives prior to the holiday season so I don’t get any “thanks. Next present please.” responses this time around. It’s like — Hello, people, I didn’t order this freaking thing from Amazon. My email will be entitled: “just in case I choose to ignore your previous injustices, please take note”.