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What to write

What to write in a card.

Pick the occasion. Each page has example messages, from a few words to a full note, plus the sets that fit it.

By occasion

Start with the reason you're writing.

Each guide has messages you can copy or change, plus what to leave out.

By recipient

Or start with who it is for.

The right tone depends on the relationship as much as the occasion. Pick a person to see messages that suit them.

How to write one

Four lines is usually enough.

Most people freeze because they think a card needs a paragraph. It needs a greeting, one specific thing, one wish and your name. Specific beats long.

Worked example

Dad,

Thank you for driving four hours to fix the deck and then acting like it was no trouble. I think about that more than you'd guess.

Happy birthday. Here's to seventy.

Love, Kate

Greeting, one specific memory, one wish, signature. Thirty-four words.

1

Open with their name.

"Dad," or "Dear Anna," is better than no greeting at all.

2

Name one specific thing.

A memory, a habit, something they did. This line is the whole card.

3

Make one wish.

One sentence about what comes next for them.

4

Sign it the way you talk.

"Love, Kate." Not "Warmest regards."

Skip these

  • "Words can't express." Find the words.
  • Anything that sounds like a printed verse.
  • Advice, unless they asked for it.
  • Apologizing for writing late. Just write.

Message guides

A full guide for every occasion.

The Journal

Birthday

What to write in a birthday card, for anyone on your list.

Read the guide

Sympathy

75 sympathy card messages, plus what to leave out.

Read the guide

Thank You

Thank you card messages for gifts, help, hosting and work.

Read the guide

Get Well

Get well messages for friends, family, coworkers and after surgery.

Read the guide

Pet Sympathy

What to write when a dog or cat dies.

Read the guide

Retirement

Retirement messages for coworkers, bosses, family and group cards.

Read the guide

Congratulations

Messages for a new job, promotion, new home, engagement and more.

Read the guide

Thinking of You

Words of encouragement for hard times, illness, grief and friends far away.

Read the guide

Farewell

Goodbye messages for a coworker, a boss or a team member who is leaving.

Read the guide

How to Sign a Card

Card closings for sympathy, birthdays, thank you notes, holidays and work.

Read the guide

Teacher Appreciation

Thank you notes for teachers, aides and coaches, from parents and students.

Read the guide

Wedding

Wedding wishes from formal to funny, for friends and family.

Read the guide

Engagement

Engagement wishes for friends, family, coworkers and the happy couple.

Read the guide

Anniversary

65 anniversary messages for a husband, wife, parents or a couple.

Read the guide

Baby Shower

Baby shower wishes for a boy, a girl or twins, plus quotes.

Read the guide

Bridal Shower

105 bridal shower wishes for her card.

Read the guide

Baptism

Baptism wishes, verses and messages for the parents.

Read the guide

Graduation

Graduation wishes for high school, college and beyond, plus quotes.

Read the guide

Thanksgiving

100 Thanksgiving messages for family, friends and work.

Read the guide

Christmas

120 Christmas and holiday wishes.

Read the guide

Hanukkah

65 Hanukkah wishes for the card.

Read the guide

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day messages for partners, friends and kids.

Read the guide

Easter

Easter wishes for family, kids and faith, including for a son or niece.

Read the guide

Passover

Passover wishes and greetings for the card.

Read the guide

Mother's Day

Mother's Day messages for Mom, Grandma, a wife and more.

Read the guide

Father's Day

Father's Day messages for Dad, a husband and Grandpa.

Read the guide

Then send it

A blank card and four honest lines.

Card sets on 100% recycled paper. Blank inside, envelopes included.

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Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®