The Suggestion: Get some real thank you cards

Check Letterpress Thank You Cards – $12.00 for a box of 8 + envelopes

Pen shown is a Pilot Varsity disposable fountain pen.  $2.59 a piece, or $18.44 per dozen.

There’s a reason your mom hounded you to write thank you notes for those terrible sweaters you used to get from your smelly old relatives when you were a kid.  But the best reason to do so doesn’t have anything to do with any of the reasons you were taught.

When it comes to all of the things that make their way to your mailbox, there are fewer items more appreciated than a thank you note.  It’s an acknowledgment of something nice you did for someone important to you, a reminder that despite all of the pooches you may have screwed, this you got right.

Here’s the deal; You have to have cards on hand. It’s just going to make the process easier and convenient, which means there’s a pretty solid chance that you’ll make it a reality and not just a good idea.  You can find some smart, stylish and masculine cards at good independent card and gift stores.  Not only will you find some terrific cards from talented artists at stores like these, you’ll most likely end up with a unique card that your recipient  has not seen before.

I’m going to be honest – it is even better to give than to receive.  Mostly.  Perhaps I’m just staving off a guilty conscious for not sending one.  But I truly believe that taking the time to write out a thank you card, stick a stamp on it and send it through the postal system is a purely selfish joy.  In an age of instant messaging and email and twitter, it’s simply a classy way to convey your appreciation.  And you score “stand-up guy” points for your efforts.

Tim Johnstone is Dappered’s Music Correspondent, a former Virgin Records Label Rep and current award winning Music Director  and on-air host at KRVB.  He’s also extremely well liked and quite polite.  But don’t cross him, because he’ll cut you.  He also writes a blog that’s a collection of the absolute best the internet has to offer.   It’s a daily read.