Are you a parent who was recently spoiled silly on Mother's or Father's Day? A graduate still getting checks in the mail from distant family members? Perhaps a job applicant looking to follow up with an interviewer? Or maybe you're like me, a girl lucky enough to have a summer birthday at hand. No matter who you are, you can probably benefit from a little advice on finding and writing thank-you cards.

It may go without saying, but nothing shows gratitude, respect — and excellent manners — like a handwritten thank-you card. Just ask EmilyPost.com, where you can find plenty of advice on all aspects of the thanking process, from getting kids involved to knowing when it's appropriate to email your thanks.

Now, where can you find the best cards for your bucks? CardStore.com has thank-you cards ranging from humorous to sophisticated to artistic. It also has a 6% rebate from ConsumerClub.com attached to all your purchases.

Visit Crane.com for the Crane & Co. stationery Semi-Annual Clearance, plus plenty of great prices on beautiful envelope and card sets in a rainbow of color selections.

Go to FineStationery.com for all sorts of cards and paper goods, even precious children's stationery to inspire the kids in their expressions of gratitude. Shop FineStationery.com for a 3% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.

Hallmark.com has its Summer Sale in full swing. And you soon be thanking yourself for earning a great big 6% rebate from ConsumerClub.com while stocking up on fine stationery, cards and more. Check out the cute new A' la mode cards and get a copy of "Shoebox Greatest Hits and Misses," a book dedicated to 20 years of funny cards.

Finally, if your taste leans toward modern, urban elegance, you must see the captivating cards from Lotta Jansdotter and Cut & Paste. Both sources supply gorgeously illustrated card selections that would work just as well as a birthday card or invitation as they would a much-appreciated thank-you card. Now all you have to do is place your order, crack your knuckles and start writing some first drafts.

Trust me, the longer you wait to thank someone, the more likely you are to forget.