Just wanted to contribute to this one.
Erica - my daughter has an almost 3 year old son and she and/or her husband write out the thank you notes for his birthday and Christmas gifts, but this past year, our grandson was given a crayon and made marks on the thank you note, plus added colorful stickers. So, I guess once that is done as a matter of course, it sticks!!!
Suzie L - a friend's son got married last fall and we received a lovely thank you note with many photos from the wedding in collage form on the outside of the card. I think it was sent before the one year deadline, too!
As for using a typewriter - oh, man, I remember those days BEFORE electric typewriters (I know, I'm ancient!).
Both my daughters, plus friends and relatives, LOVE getting handwritten (read that "calligraphed") envelopes and notes, so I guess all is not lost? haha
Happy Lettering to all!
Agnes