— Thank you notes needn’t be more than two or three sentences, but should always include a specific mention of the gift to make grandma and grandpa feel good about their choice.

Give a not-so-subtle hint . If straight talk doesn’t work, be bold. The next gift could come with a box of thank-you cards.

In return, I have always taken the time to write careful and personal thank-you notes for each of these gifts. Part of my motivation has been to set an example for my students, demonstrating the ...

If there is no group gift, focus the most significant chunk of your budget on the main teacher and divide the rest among others you wish to thank. So if you had a $100 budget and eight people you ...

(Between us, I will admit that my favorite gifts are notes of appreciation from students and parents.) In return, I have always taken the time to write careful and personal thank-you notes for ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My half-sister is 11 years older than me.As far as I can tell, she hasn’t worked in years, but she seems to have plenty of money to rent a house and travel around. A couple of ...

The first time, no thank you note/card gets a pass; the second time (there won’t be a second time).” “When the kids are little and don’t say thank you in some way, I put it on the parents.