The Real Simple Reader Etiquette Poll

Do You Need to Write a Thank-you Note if You Opened the Gift in Front of the Giver?

Readers say:

Of course. Every gift deserves a note: 59.7%

No. A heartfelt “Thank you” in person is fine: 36.2%

It depends on how nice the gift is: 4.0%

 Experts say: The stationery industry will be cheered by the readers’ pen-happy response to this question, but “an in-person thank-you is sufficient,” says Post. The exception: baby- and wedding-shower gifts, since the flurry of activity at those events may not allow for a proper acknowledgment of every gift giver.