If they are for me or my hubby I throw them out right away, for my kids I keep them. My DD1 gets thank you notes for birthday parties and from family when she makes and sends them things. Growing up my mom did the same thing for me and when I got older I read them all and then got rid of them.
I have these really tall hat boxes in the closet filled with invitations, letters, thank you cards, etc. Since I put them in when I get them, it's like a cool chronological history. They go back to high school for me. I'm onto my third box. Once in a while I'll get nostalgic and browse through them. I'm sure when the kids are older they'll get a kick out of reading some of the stuff in there.
I voted throw them out right away. But there are a few special ones that I have kept from people close to us and tucked into my wedding memories box, because I don't know where else to put them.
Romantic fact, they weren't thank you notes but for the time I lived in Tanzania for 2 years DH and I only communicated via handwritten letters. He copied every letter he sent me before he mailed it and then compiled his and mine I wrote to him in chrono order and made me a beautiful book and had it sent to my parents house so it would be there when I got back to the states. He is an epic writer and memory keeper! With those special TQs I've received I hope to be able to use them in some memorable way with my loved ones some day.
Also my MIL found a box of baby congrats cards in her mother's house that her mom had saved when she was born. She used them as decorations on the tables at my baby shower and people got to read the sentiments from people they were related to or friends they had heard of. She also used her mother's handkerchiefs as napkins and her teacup collection to hold candy as party favors at my bridal shower. Both were such beautiful and adorable surprises. The thoughtful hoarder thing is genetic I think!
She is out of control and puts me to shame in the thoughtful department!
I'm primarily a keeper- I have pretty boxes (the photo boxes from Michael's) sorted for cards by type: Holiday/Birthday/A/ Wedding/Engagement & Shower/ Misc. Sometimes when I have a bad day or on our Anniversary I'll take out the box and just look through the cards. It's a nice walk down memory lane / pick me up.
Our lil' diva: late like her Momma: 40 weeks 5 days!
Re: S/O Thank You Cards
Our lil' diva: late like her Momma: 40 weeks 5 days!