Write a Heartfelt Message

Get personal. When you come across a best friend's name on your list, think of ways to include some personal history in your message. That way she'll cherish the card, and that memory, forever.

Find a Card with the Appropriate Tone

Be picky about your thank you notes. A boxed set of drugstore thank you cards can't possibly be as stylish or expressive as a personalized card designed for your specific occasion. Look for customized thank you cards to ensure that they display the right levels of playfulness, sophistication and sincerity to express the tone of the event the recipient helped you to celebrate.

Send Cards in a Timely Fashion

Give yourself a deadline. Ideally, thank you cards should be sent out within a week of the baby shower, birthday party or other special event. Give yourself a concrete mailing deadline to make sure that you send your gratitude to each person on your list, but don't sacrifice the quality of your thank you—make sure you order your cards early and dedicate adequate time to make each card special.