I'm registered at a large Canadian department store. They have a system where guests can have gifts shipped to the store and you go pick them up there. I received an email saying a friend of mine bought me a gift and I will receive another email when it's available for pick up.
Since I haven't actually received the gift, should I wait and send the thank you note after I pick it up from the store (which will be within a day or two of being notified) - I want to express my gratitude in a timely manner but I also want my friend to know I received the gift and the store didn't leave me in limbo for months.