We've all been struck by the blank white page of a greeting card, wondering what to say & how to write a thoughtful note. You're finally ready to sit down and write that thank you card, but what should you say? How do you make it meaningful, and not cliche?
If you've ever put off writing a greeting card or thank you note because you're not sure what to say, then this is for you!
I've collected a few of my favorite tips for writing any kind of greeting card. From happy birthday messages, to hostess gift notes, to thank you cards, you'll find helpful tips for any occasion, to make sure your greeting cards are written thoughtfully.
No more letter-writing paralysis! This is a surefire way to make sure your thank you notes and happy birthday cards actually get written, so you can check that off your list.
Continue reading for a selection of helpful tips on how write a variety of cards, including Congratulations, Birthday, Baby, Thank You, and Sympathy greeting cards.
The Congratulations Card
There are so many occasions that call for a thoughtful congratulations card. From graduation to a new job to a new move, you'll certainly find yourself writing your fair share of congratulations notes to friends and family.
Keep these cards light and cheery, acknowledging your personal admiration of the recipient's accomplishment, and wishing them the best on their next step. It's always important to throw in a personal connection, so make sure to write as if you were speaking to your friend. This will make your note more genuine and meaningful, as it will actually sound like it's coming from you.
Here are some opening phrases to start you out:
"Congrats, can't wait to see what you accomplish next!"
"You've done a wonderful job, and are sure to do so well in this next step"
"Yay! Your hard work, determination, and perseverance have paid off."
"You did it! Congratulations to you!
"I can't think of anyone more deserving. Congrats, my friend!"
The Birthday Card
Perhaps the most common occasion to write a card: a loved one's birthday.
Birthday cards are always so fun to give and to receive, but it can seem daunting or tiresome to write an original birthday card year after year, especially to the same people each year on their birthday.
The trick is to emphasize the personal. Make a connection based on a recent memory you have with that person, or highlight one of their favorite characteristics that has meant a lot to you in the past year. Whatever you choose, just make it personal, and it will be incredibly meaningful to the recipient.
You can even sprinkle in a little humor by adding in a funny anecdote from the past year, or remarking on how long you've known them and how time flies by.
Here are some opening greetings to get you started with a meaningful birthday card:
"Celebrating you always, but especially today. Happy birthday!"
"Happiest of birthdays to you, my dear friend. I'm so thankful for you!"
"Wishing you a year full of joy, hope, laughter, and adventure. Here's to you!"
"You're so easy to celebrate - hoping you feel loved and celebrated today. Cheers to you, my dear friend!"
The Baby Shower Card
Another occasion you'll regularly write a thoughtful greeting card for is a baby shower. And for good reason; having a baby is a big occasion, and much worth celebrating!
To make a baby card feel meaningful and thoughtful, it's important to tie in a personal touch, along with a mention of how you'll care for and help them as they welcome a new baby into their home.
For most, this will look like offering to help in some capacity after their baby is born. You could offer a home-cooked meal, grocery pickup, or even a simple coffee drop-off. Whatever best suits you and your time, just make sure that you friend knows you will be there for them as they figure out adding a baby into their growing family.
To start, here are some greeting to help with writing an opening:
"You will be the most wonderful mom! Congratulations"
"I can't wait to see you become a mother, and can't wait to help in any capacity I can. Cheering you on as you welcome a new baby!"
"Yay, a new baby! You are a wonderful mother, and it's so fun to see your family continue to grow"
"This baby is already so loved. Congrats, my dear friend!"
The Thank You Note
Without a doubt the most regular reason you'll have to send greeting cards, thank you notes are a consistently sent card that's important to know how to write well.
The beauty of thank you notes is that they can be short and sweet. Write a thoughtful greeting, thank them specifically for what they gave you, and make a personal connection mentioning how you'll use the item, or how much it meant for you to receive. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point! Thank you cards are not the time to get sappy and long-winded.
Bonus points if you keep a stack of thank you notes on hand at all times! You never know when you may need to write a quick thank you to a friend.
Here are some opening greetings to help you with those first few words:
"I can't tell you how much it meant to me to ___. Thank you so much!"
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart! It was so fun to receive ___ and I will treasure it"
"Your friendship and generosity are the most wonderful gifts! Thank you for always being there for me."
"Thank you so much for ___. It meant so much for you to take the time to help ___."
The Sympathy Card
Sympathy cards are undeniably the most difficult greeting cards to write. What to say? How to convey meaning without being insensitive or saying too much?
The best way to approach a sympathy card is: don't overthink it. Sending a note of sympathy is more about the fact that you showed up and remembered to card, and not about the actual words. It will mean so much more for you friends and family to know you're thinking of them, than to have the perfect words.
Plus, overthinking leads to paralysis, which leads to never getting around to sending that sympathy card. It is much better to just go ahead and send a thoughtful note, than to never send one at all!
Here are some starting points to help get past the uncertainty of wondering what to say in a sympathy or loss card:
"Praying for peace and for comfort. I am so sorry you have to feel this pain."
"My heart hurts for your loss, and I'm so sorry you have to experience it."
"Even though I may not have the words to say, I am standing with you every step of the way."
"I am here for you, even in the midst of this difficulty. Praying for you today and for always."
I hope these words and phrases give you a helpful launching point the next time you're wondering what to say in a greeting card. Card writing is a demonstration of love and care, and my goal in every letter writing tip and greeting card I design is that they will help you feel more connected to your loved ones! So let's continue to support our friends and family through the art of writing cards.
And if you're looking for the perfect thank you card, baby card, birthday card, or sympathy card, check out my greeting card collection!