Thank You cards from DCs

[DomesticGoddess31]

So just wondering what the general protocol is on this?

My DH and I have received a few thank you cards from close relatives and friends DCs for gifts we gave them for Christmas. I can't help but think its a bit pointless when a) the DC thanked us at the time of opening gift or b) is too young to say thank you (13mths) and c) certainly too young to be able to have any input into the aforementioned thank you card.

I have a 6 mth DD and I'm now panicking that I should have sent out similar notes to everyone who bought her gifts. Even though we said thank you face to face at the time.

Please share with me what you do and save me from making a social faux pas (although may be too late!)

If DC (or me as their proxy when they were too young) were not there in person to say thank you, I always write thank you cards. DS1 is now able to read what I have written on his behalf and sign his name, DS2 isn't yet. But if you have already thanked in person, I don't see the need to send thank you cards.

I was brought up very

Oops.

I was brought up very old school and my mom always had me write thank you cards regardless of if I had thanked the person. I do the same with my son. He colours a picture and I write the words.

It depends on the person, IME.

I tend to write thank you cards for gifts I receive and those DD receives because that's me. I know it's appreciated, but I don't think it's necessary as such. Just a courtesy to recognise that someone took the time and trouble (and financial outlay) to organise a present. But it's horses for courses! Some people are offended not to receive a formal thank you, but I suspect most aren't bothered either way.

When the DC are old enough to do their own thankyous, I think it's worth encouraging them to do so as a way of helping them to appreciate the material things they've been given and not to take it all for granted.

If the present wasn't opened while the giver was present I believe that children should be brought up to send thank you letters/cards or at least phone or email, and adults should do the same.

I sent Christmas presents to a number of adult nephews and nieces and so far haven't heard from any of them. However Christmas was only 10 days ago so don't expect to hear from them for a few weeks yet. Some of them haven't thanked me for Christmas and birthday present over the past few years and I'm now considering dropping them from my present list.

The trouble is that I really like buying presents so it will spoil my enjoyment of buying - I think I must be a shopoholic.