Do I need to Send a Thank You Note?

by Hattie
(St Helens)

Do I need to send a thank you note to my brother and sister in law for a wedding gift that I have already (though gritted teeth) thanked them for verbally?

The gift is a hideous ornament they know I hate, something which they asked whether we would like and we both politely declined! It is to their taste, but will never see the light of day in our house.

Although we hate the gift, would it be rude not to send a formal thank you note? And as they do know we don't like it, what should I write in the note so that it isn't a downright lie?

I love my brother dearly, despite his appaling taste, so do want to do the right thing!