Manners; where's thank you notes gone!

So do you even know the new parents?

If it was to congratulate your neighbours for becoming grandparents, its A. a bit OTT. And B. a gift for THEM so what did they say when you handed it to your neighbour? Were they silent? Or did they say the words "thank you" in which case you have been thanked.

If you dont know the new parents well enough to ring them up and ask how mum& baby's doing, which would organically lead to a thank you, then they are unlikely to understand why you got them gifts and would worry that enthusing about it might lead to more awkward gift coming their way from someone they dont really know

Hetty58...

Sounds very much like you've hit the nail on the head...

Notan2

A neighbours first new grandchild who lives 200 miles away and given to the grandparents to pass on.

Similar situation for others...
Oh goodness I've never thought that was so unusual..

Isn't it a bit old fashioned (and surely optional) to send Thank You notes? Of course, it's good manners to send a message but everyone is busy so if it upsets you so much, maybe stop giving presents?

They might be waiting to see youbin person or speak to you to say thank you directly. If that isnt likely to happen any time soon then they are prob just a bit baffled/awkward about recieving gifts from someone who is in touch with their relatives but not them!

Oh crikey it's not just the calibre of people in my social circle then...
Sounds like social media is the way to do it... Oh well that makes me cringe if I'm honest but I probably need to get with the times.....

I put an amount in a saving account for each one until they are older, To be used as is seen fit at the time. Parents seem happy with this.

TBH I dont think much of baby gifts from people who dont phone or visit. Why are they bothering if they arent intetested in how baby & parents are doing?

If they were given indirectly and you havent spoken to them directly why are you giving them gifts?

I like a thank you and don’t care how it arrives.

I usually get a thank you text. If I don't I text and ask was my present received as they haven't acknowledged it.
I always send thank you cards if I've been invited for a meal to someone's home.
Presents I must admit I use email or text.
But yes its manners to thank people.

I send a small amount of cash for birthdays and something for Christmas to great-nephews and great-niece. Never any thanks although the family are all friendly when we meet up. I'd be happy with a text message as I'm not on Whatsapp or FB.

It would be nice to know that the money/gifts have arrived safely at least.

DS, DiL and DGD phone or text, and that's fine.

It peeves me as well RetiredTravel when carefully chosen gifts are not acknowledged. I don't expect a card but a phone call or e-mail would be nice. Don't assume everyone is on FB either as they are not.

Maybe generation. Not sure.

Are you on FB? Is this family on FB?

I get thanks via Messenger or Whatsapp these days.

I have a charming friend I've known since school who sends Thank You Notes but she's on her own.