Etiquette for Baby Shower Thank You Notes

Even though you've probably thanked everyone in person and opened the gifts in front of the givers, it is still important to send thank you notes to the guests who bought gifts for you and/or your baby. If some guests have attended the event, but did not bring gifts, thank them verbally. It is also appropriate to send a note of thanks, as well as a small gift to the host of the baby shower, to show appreciation for the host's efforts in organizing the event and inviting guests.

It is best to specifically talk about the gift that was received in the thank you note. Notes should say things like, "Thank you so much for the stroller. I'm sure the baby and I will enjoy taking walks with it!" or "The set of blankets you purchased for the baby are beautiful. I can't wait to rock him/her to sleep in them,” is more heartfelt then simply saying thanks. The mother might also want to include words about the gift givers relationship with the mother or their very close friendship.

Baby shower thank you notes should be sent out as soon as possible, preferably before the birth of the baby. If the expectant mother has not sent the notes to shower guests before she delivers the child, it is acceptable to give out thank you notes up to two months after the baby is born.

It is appropriate for expectant mothers to include creative elements in their thank you notes. Photos that depict the guest of honor opening her gifts, or a picture of the baby's ultrasound can be sent along with the thank you notes to further express the joy and anticipation of the baby's arrival. If the thank you notes are sent after the child's birth, pictures of the baby using his/her gifts, for example, the baby wrapped in a blanket that was purchased by a shower guest, will make the thank you note even more sentimental.