Birthdays are a great opportunity to be thankful for another year. But after all the cake, candles, celebrations, and presents, many people often forget one of the staples of party etiquette, the thank you note.

So, today, here’s a few tips on how to follow up your party with some great thank you notes, from Parenting.com:

Thank-you notes are the final act of a birthday and an important lesson in good manners. Tackle a few at a time so it’s not such a chore. And aim to send them within a couple of weeks (though parents understand if it takes a month).

* Whether they’re store-bought or homemade, do add a personal element to each. A simple “Thanks for coming to my party. I really like the Polly Pocket set” is just fine. Or you can transcribe what your child says about the gift. Let her sign her name, draw a picture, or just add her red-crayon scribble.
* For a special touch, snap a photo of the guest at the party and include it in the envelope, or take a group shot and make it into a postcard  – it’ll double as the note and one last party favor.

While it may seem like a chore, I’ve actually found that writing thank-you notes can be extremely gratifying. So pick up a pen, sit down at the kitchen counter, and let your guests know how much you appreciate them.