Showing gratitude and appreciation for gifts received is always important. When someone takes the time and effort to bake something for you, like Christmas cookies, it’s especially thoughtful. Here are some tips on how to properly say thank you for homemade Christmas cookies:
Send a Handwritten Note
In today’s digital world, receiving something handwritten shows the recipient you truly took the time. Buy a box of thank you cards or fold over some nice stationary to write a personal note. Mention how delicious the cookies were and that you enjoyed them. If a specific kind was your favorite, say so. Hand deliver the note if possible or mail it.
Give a Small Gift
You don’t need to spend a lot, but give a little something in return like:
- A holiday candle
- Festive hand towel
- Box of gourmet hot chocolate
- Kitchen utensil
- Baking cookbook
Include a card with the gift saying thank you for the cookies. This shows your gratitude and that you put in extra thought.
Offer to Reciprocate
Bake something yourself as a way of saying thanks. Even if you’re not a fabulous baker, the gesture shows appreciation. Cookies, muffins, bread or even purchasing a favorite treat from a bakery works.
Verbally Express Your Thanks
When you see the person, sincerely thank them again for making the cookies. Mention how much you enjoy their baking. Ask for the recipe and say you’d love to bake them for your family. This personalizes your gratitude.
Use Social Media
Post a photo of the cookies on social media. Be sure to tag the baker in your post and say thanks for making these delicious treats. The public recognition is a great way to express your appreciation if you and the baker are social media connections.
Send a Text
A quick text message is fine for saying thanks if it’s a busy time of year. Simply send a text saying, “Thanks again for the amazing cookies! They were devoured quickly in my household and we’d love more.” Add an emoji if appropriate.
When to Send Thanks
Don’t procrastinate when it comes to sending your thank you. Strive to express your gratitude within a couple weeks. For Christmas cookies, sending thanks within a week is best if you want your message to feel timely.
The most meaningful thank you’s are sent promptly after receiving a gift. If too much time passes, it can come across as an afterthought. Think about how excited you feel when receiving Christmas cookies – capture that sentiment in your thank you right away.
Thanking More Than One Person
If a group or family bakes cookies together, send your message of thanks to the entire crew. Address your card “The Smith Family” for example. Start your note with something like, “Thank you for the amazing Christmas cookies…” and go on to mention how you enjoyed an assortment of flavors/varieties.
If one person in particular coordinating baking, also send a separate, more personal note to the coordinator expressing thanks for organizing such a thoughtful gift.
What to Write
Keep your thank you message sincere, specific and concise:
- Note your favorite flavor(s) you enjoyed
- Mention if you froze some for later
- Thank them for their time and work baking
- Say how the cookies brightened your holiday
- Include how you plan to use the recipe
Phrase your appreciation in a genuine, meaningful way. Share how enjoying the cookies created a special memory with family and friends.
Thanking for Store-Bought Cookies
Even if the cookies are not homemade, show your gratitude. The person still thought of you to purchase, arrange and deliver store-bought cookies. Note what effort they took:
- Driving to shop for the cookies
- Having them shipped to you
- Including your favorite flavor/variety
- Presenting them festively in a basket or tray
Thank them for remembering you and brightening your holiday with delicious cookies – no matter their origin. People appreciate kindness and gratitude.
Should You Regift Cookies?
Regifting can seem like an easy way to share your bounty of cookies. But reconsider regifting unless you know the recipients will truly enjoy and not be offended receiving your “second-hand” food gift.
Freshly baked cookies or those in original packaging are best for regifting. Opened containers or homemade cookies may make regifting awkward. Use your own discretion.
Conclusion
When someone takes the time to bake you Christmas cookies, don’t let thanking them fall through the cracks during the busy holidays. Send a prompt, meaningful expression of gratitude. A sincere thank you note, text or verbal thanks shows you appreciate their effort and will be remembered.