It can be difficult getting your kids to write thank you notes for their birthday party gifts, especially when they are too young to write a note. The party is over, half the presents are broken already, and this feels like work to your little one. But you can make it a fun craft project, starting with birthday party thank you notes that match the theme of his or her party.

If your child is just learning to write, there’s nothing more fun to receive than a note that has a few words, or even just his or her name printed on it. Friends and family love to see kids’ first attempts at handwriting. Mom can write the body of the note, using your child’s voice for fun.

An option for even younger kids is to write the note and have your child “sign” it with a hand print. This makes for a fun rainy-day painting project. A less messy option is to trace the hand, or have your child draw a picture inside to personalize the note.

Writing thank you notes is good birthday party etiquette, and a good habit to get into when your kids are little. That way it won’t become such a battle when they’re older. Those graduations and weddings will come along sooner than you think!