Writing a Thank You

In my last year of work before I became a SAHM, our department had a "babyboom". Every woman except 1 had a baby that year -- so we had lots of showers. We did "potluck" lunch in a conference room and all chipped in to buy some of the big items on the mom's registry. Most of the moms sent the group an email "thank you" (we were a group of software developers, so this was not considered in bad taste, but it might be for non-techy groups) and then brought in a food item for the group to share. Once the baby was born, the mom would post some pics on our "Baby on Board" website and usually write a little journal entry with a thank you. I would not expect an individual thank you unless I gave an individual gift or if I planned and organized the whole shower.

As far as what to write, following is my personal formula for thanks yous in all occassions:
Thank you for the [gift]
A statement of how appreciated the gift is
A statement of how I plan to use the gift, where I put the gift in my house, or something to that effect (i.e. "Thank you for the crystal bowl. I have filled it with floating candles to make a beautiful centerpeice" or "I was so thrilled to receive the stroller. I can't wait to take my new little one for walks to the park!")
A thank you for attending the gathering, if applicable

Hope that helps!

I had the same situation, but I wrote individual thank you cards to all 50 of my co workers. That seems to be what is the etiquette at our business as we seem to have a lot of showers and everyone gets a thank you card.

I had writers cramp, but I know it was appreciated.

I think you are on the right track. A cake would be the preverbial "icing". COngratulations on your baby! I hope labor is a breeze.
L.

My husbands co-workers had a babyshower for us with our first. I was on strict bedrest unable to attend. They really went all out, they all pooled their money to buy some bigger gifts. Since I didn't know all of the people that attended and I was the one that did the thank you, I just got one card for everyone. I sent it with my husband with some cookies. I think one card and a cake sounds just fine since they all chipped in for one gift. Congratulations!

You should always thank everyone individually, even though you received a group gift. In your note, write something about how much you appreciate the money and how you might spend it.
Congratulations.
Amy

I think it would be appropriate to write one thank-you if there was only one gift from all. Tell them how much you appreciated the shower and how you can't wait to use the new gift. Be sure to share pictures of the baby when he/she arrives.

I think one thank you card for a work shower would be fine. Just make sure everyone can see it. If you have a couple of areas you may want to write 2 or three. I think the cake or treat would be nice as well

I think it's great to write individual thank you cards but at my job, they threw my cousin and I a babyshower on the same day and so I sent a general thank you to everyone. Some people like to be thanked personally and some dont. I've seen at my job where people have done a good job professionally and they actually did not approve of public appreciation so it's your personal preference what you want to do. If you send everyone a thank you card, that's ok and if you want to send out a general thank you to all, that is also ok. It's unfortunate but now a days some people don't value thank yous as much as it used to be valued. For me it means a lot when people acknowledge what I do but some friends of mine could care less or seem even unappreciative when people do things for them. I hope this help. Let me know what you decide.....

Try to think of what you would like if you did something for a pregnant co-worker. Personally, I would take the time to write to each person individually or do something for each person.

When I was pregnant, our friends gave us EVERYTHING. We got a crib, changing table, bouncy chairs, portable play pen, glider chair, bassinette, three years worth of clothes, etc. I mean EVERYTHING. I also received a card signed by at least forty people at his company. We called a catering company and paid for lunch for all Dh's co-workers who pitched in for us. I also sent a "spa basket" to the few wives and other friends who helped but do not work at his company. It was a bit expensive but worth it for all they did for us.

If you are able, I would recommend at least acknowledging everyone with a thank you card. Depending on the number of people involved, the "etiquette" does not seem to call for that, but I feel better acknowledging people personally.

http://magazines.ivillage.com/goodhousekeeping/etiquette/...

I think the cake idea with a card is nice and thoughtful. Just make sure everyone knows it's there and available for them.

This is along the lines of what I wrote in mine...

"Dear X"

Thank you so much for ____________. It means so much to us that you helped to make the arrival of our first baby so extra special. I am sure we will use ____________ once our little bundle arrives and will always cherish your gift as we celebrate our new parenthood.

Best regards,
(Name)

[Note: I did this for Christmas as well and sent personalized photos with our baby wearing the gift each person sent (everyone got different photos showing their own gift on the baby)]

I was still working when I was pregnant with all three kids and for my last, that is what I did. Actaully, can you believe they had 2 showers for me, because they did not think the first one was good enough? I came in at 6 am before everyone else and the place and my desk was decked out. I got so many things and a big gift from all. I wrote a really heartfelt thankyou and they passed it around with a list of peopls so when it was read they could cross off their name, and then it was posted on the bulletin board. Then, when I came back from maternity leave, they had a welcome back party and the same thing. It was just all decked out in welcome back stuff. Can you believe it? I cant. I will never forget it either. I had showers with the other ones, but worked in a different dept. with Lauren and worked somewhere else with Lex and I dont remember how I did it with them.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

Each person should be thanked individually with a written thank you.