Q. I had a baby recently and we’ve received a swag of congratulations, ranging from flowers to cards and presents, big and small. I also got a lot of gifts at my baby shower which I haven’t thanked the guests for yet. Which gestures require a written thankyou note, and which can be acknowledge verbally?

• A.There are a couple of approaches you could take. Your friends and family know you are super-busy with a newborn (who isn’t?!) so you’ll be forgiven for sending out a mass group thankyou note (printed on paper and sent in the mail, or emailed). Be sure to include a pic of your bub on the card to personalise it – this is especially nice for those who haven’t actually met your baby yet.
• The other approach is to gradually write individual thankyou cards – this will take far longer but is a nice way to show grateful you were to receive their thoughtful presents. Don’t get bogged down with writing a hundred notes in one go, though – do, say, 10 a week, and start with those who will be expecting a thankyou more promptly, such as older relatives! Other friends won’t mind waiting a couple of months to receive thanks.
• Generally, any kind of gift (including flowers) should be acknowledged with a written response. However, you don’t need to do this for people who sent cards and well wishes sent via email – a verbal thankyou next time you see them is fine.
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