Card message templates

Every card message is the same three parts: an opener, one specific thing, and a sign-off. Once you see the shape, the blank page stops being frightening.

Take a template below, swap the words in brackets for something only you would know, and stop there. Short and specific always beats long and general.

The three-part shape

• Opener: "Happy [occasion], [name]."
• The specific bit: "I still think about [thing they did]."
• Sign-off: "Lots of love, [you]."

Warm template

• "Happy [occasion]. You have been [kind / patient / brilliant] all year and I do not say it enough. Hope today is a good one."
• "To [name] - thank you for [specific thing]. It made more difference than you know."
• "Wishing you a [occasion] as good as you are. Love from [name]."

Funny template

• "Happy [occasion]. I was going to buy you [expensive thing] but the card was already £3.50."
• "Another year of you [habit they have]. Long may it continue."
• "[Name], you are officially [age]. That is nearly [silly comparison]."

Formal template

• "Dear [name], wishing you all the best on your [occasion]. With warm regards, [you]."
• "With thanks for [specific thing] and best wishes for what comes next."
• "On behalf of all of us at [place], congratulations on [achievement]."

Sign-offs by closeness

• Close family: "All my love, always."
• Friends: "Love from me, obviously."
• Colleagues: "Best wishes, [name]."
• Group card: "From everyone in [team]."

Browse all cards

How to write it so it lands

• Write the middle line before the greeting - it is the hard bit.
• Draft on paper before you write in the card.
• Use their name once. Twice reads like a letter from the bank.

Where to shop next

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Frequently asked questions

How long should a card message be?

Three lines is plenty. One opener, one specific detail, one sign-off. Anything longer usually repeats itself.

Is it lazy to use a template?

No. The template only handles the shape - the specific detail in the middle is the part they actually read.

What if I run out of space?

Write the specific line first and fit the greeting around it, not the other way round.