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Taking time to live well
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How to: Write a thank you note

David Parker January 4, 2026

Top manners = repeat invitations (and presents). Here are some tips for showing your gratitude with a good old-fashioned note

We all know the value of saying “thank you” at this time of year, (even if Nanny Vi did send bath salts again). These days, we have lots of easy ways to say it, from a blanket shout-out on Facebook to a quick text. But nothing tops a hand-written note. Here’s how to compose the perfect message.

BEGIN WITH A GREETING
Always use the correct form and spelling of the person’s name. 

EXPRESS THANKS
Kick off with the most important words: ‘Thank you.’ Or something fancier: ‘It made my day when I opened your gift...’ 

ADD SPECIFIC DETAILS
Tell them how you plan to use or display the present. Even if it was cash, describe how you might spend it (if it’s beer and pick ‘n’ mix, you have permission to make something up). 

LOOK AHEAD
Mention the next time you might see them, or just let them know you’re thinking of them. 

RESTATE YOUR THANKS
Add extra details: ‘I know my friends will be jealous of the beautiful reindeer jumper you knitted for me!’ 

SIGN OFF
‘Sincerely’ is a safe standby but for closer relationships, choose something warmer. Show the love! 

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In Miscellany Tags issue 31, january, thank you, manners, etiquette
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A thank you...

David Parker March 4, 2015

To all our digital edition subscribers.

A very big thank you for your patience during the change of ownership of The Simple Things.

We have been as frustrated as you with the complications and delays in publishing The Simple Things as Iceberg Press on the various digital platforms.

We are getting there but, ironically, it turns out to be a slow business setting up new apps in the fast-moving digital world of Google and Apple.

The good news is that our March issue is now available on Apple, Zinio, Press Reader and Amazon newsstands – see the links below. The exception is Google, which is still testing our app, we will post again as soon as it is available.

Apple users should note that our new app should be ready for when we publish April issue later this month. We will post instructions of how to make the switch on this blog, on social media, on the old app and via push notifications.

Thanks again for sticking with us – as a new indie company we really appreciate your support.

If you need to contact us about your digital edition please email subscriptions@icebergpress.co.uk

 

LINKS FOR DIGITAL SUBS

Apple

Zinio

Press Reader

NEW Amazon edition for Kindles! You can buy single issues or subscribe here.

In Magazine Tags thank you, digital magazine
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Featured
 MARCH ISSUE   Buy  ,   download  or  subscribe   Pre-order a copy of  our new Homebird bookazine   Buy  Flourish Volume 4 , our wellbeing bookazine Order our  our new Celebrations Anthology   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Listen to  our
Feb 27, 2026
Feb 27, 2026

MARCH ISSUE

Buy, download or subscribe

Pre-order a copy of our new Homebird bookazine

Buy Flourish Volume 4, our wellbeing bookazine
Order our our new Celebrations Anthology

See the sample of our latest issue here

Listen to our podcast – Small Ways to Live Well

Feb 27, 2026
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The Simple Things is published by Iceberg Press

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well

We celebrate slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of where you live, enjoying the company of of friends and family, and feeding them well. We like to grow some of our own vegetables, visit local markets, rummage for vintage finds, and decorate our home with the plunder. We love being outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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