Anchor No. 160, $4.50 by Pancake & Franks, Camping Circa 1960s, $8 by Old School Stationers, 'A note' set, $12 for 10, at Paper Source

• Thank you notes don't have to be long or fancy. Try to come up with three simple sentences:

Thank you notes go a long way with people. You, of course, already knew this. But when was the last time you sent one? (No, not one of those snarky e-cards—an old-fashioned paper note.) Probably not since your mom or girlfriend or wife forced you, right? We don't blame you. For years, it's been hearts and flowers and puppies all up and down the card aisle. That's changing, though, as small boutique stationers take man-friendly wares to the masses. Companies like Old School Stationers and Pancakes & Franks offer edgy, stylish, masculine note cards you'll be proud to send. Get yourself a box and keep it at work—you'll be more likely to actually write one if it's sitting in front of you for ten hours a day. - Patrick Ryan