Writing messages in greeting cards is a dying art.

Most people ditch this gesture altogether, going for just whatever was printed on the card.

That's a huge miss.

When someone gets a card, they expect that something is written inside. They hope for something personal and sincere, something you'd be able to remember for years to come. Something that would justify keeping this card and re-reading it with a smile every once in a while.

Let's meet those expectations in the people we love. 🥳

Here's a list of 30 awesome things you can write in greeting cards to transform them from ordinary pieces of paper into precious things worth giving and getting!  

Before we start

Honestly, I hate greeting card messages that go like this:

• There's something special about today... And it's YOU!
• You're not getting older. You're becoming more awesome with every year!

Not that there's something inherently wrong with that kind of phrases, but they're too generic. Too faceless. The kind of stuff that could be printed on a large scale and sold for everyone around.

If that's something you're looking for, you won't find it here. Sorry! 🤷‍♂️

Let's go for something more personal instead. 

1. Share a memory or observation

Go for the really personal stuff!

Recalling precious memories evokes a sense of togetherness and sweet nostalgia. It also shows that you care about the recipient enough to remember that event that the two of you lived through together.

It can be funny, personal, or even a bit embarrassing. As long as it's true and you can explain why that memory matters to you.

Let's say you need something to write in a birthday card.

• Remember when I was attacked by a bee and fainted, and you had to carry me several blocks to the nearest hospital? Honestly, I often think I would have died that died if it wasn't for you. Which makes me be extra grateful that YOU were - and are - alive in the first place. Happy birthday, my savior bro!
• Out of all those times we partied in college, you were the only dude that didn't draw stuff on the faces of people who blacked out. You never take advantage of vulnerable people, and I had always admired that in you. You're honest, noble, strong, and I love seeing how you're just getting even more awesome every year. Really blessed to have you as a friend. Happy birthday!
• Mom, remember how you had to sing me the same lullaby over and over and over again so I could fall asleep? Sometimes I think that's one of the little precious things that shaped me in my childhood. One of the thousands of little miracles you did for me. Thank you so much for your patience, dedication, and love. Thank you for being my mom. Happy birthday!

The formula is simple: start with a memory, say why that memory matters to you and what it makes you love about the recipient. Wrap everything up with a thank you - and a quick greeting!

Super personal, super sweet.

2. Aim for their best qualities

Simple and straightforward

If you don't want to spend a lot of time recalling memories and weaving them into a complex greeting, here's another cool thing to write in your greeting card.

Just think about what you love in the recipient - and write about that!

• Guess what's my favorite thing about you? You ALWAYS have something super interesting to share and discuss. Life is exciting with you, and I can't imagine it in any other way. Thank you for YOU, you're amazing!
• I can't stress how important it is to have someone in life who brews such a delicious coffee as you do. My mornings have become so much more bearable since I met you.
• You are one of the most creative and bright people I know. Thanks for always being my inspiration, no matter what happens.
• You are one of the rare people with whom I can relax and just be myself. I'm so lucky to have you!

Clear and straightforward, that's one approach I really love to use when writing in greeting cards. It doesn't demand any significant amount of creativity, so you can use it even when you're super tired or just not in the mood to think too hard.

3. Add a poem or quote

Perfect when you need something to write FAST

When you don't know what to write in a greeting card - well, just find something suitable from someone else's writing!

Seriously, the whole process couldn't be any easier.

1. Open Google
2. Type in "short love poem", for example
3. Pick something that resonates with you and your feeling for the recipient
4. Fabulous!

Some might argue that this approach is as faceless as the generic typed messages you can find in greeting cards all around. I think that's not true - mainly because you'll be writing the message by hand. The whole idea of finding a suitable message and doing your best to jot it down in your own handwriting - that's the personal part that will make a great impression!

4. Bleed it out

Suitable only for close people

This approach isn't for the introverted and reserved folks, but believe me - it's worth a try if you're up to a challenge.

The idea is to be as vulnerable as possible and reveal something from the deepest corner of your heart. 

Obviously, any example I'll give you here would be just an approximate attempt at this approach. It all depends on what you feel, and on the person you want to share these feelings with.

• When I'm with you, I feel small and fragile, as if the faintest gust of wind could shatter me to smithereens. At the same time, I feel serene and confident, because I know you won't ever let that happen. With you, I'm awfully weak, but at the same time - I'm unbreakable. Thanks to you, my love.
• You are the only reason I still have faith in humanity. Most other people disgust me, but you are a whole different story. My light, my inspiration, my hope.

If, after writing down your message you have a doubt like "Hell, what if someone else ever reads this?" - most likely, you did a great job.

This approach is a bit extreme for obvious reasons, so leave it for special people and special occasions.

5. Tell them why they're a great X

X

This approach works well for pretty much anyone, even if you're not very close with that person.

Let's take a look at what you could write in a thank you greeting card for your teacher, your therapist, and your boss.

• The perfect teacher is passionate for their subject, patient with their students, and full of positive vibes to share with the world. Thank you or being the perfect teacher for me.
• When I was searching for a therapist I could trust, I wanted to find someone with enough inner light to chase away my darkness. Someone that's calm, strong, understanding, someone who genuinely loves people and wants to help every soul. I was tired of searching and failing, and then I found you. And you're so much more than I ever looked for. Thank you.
• An effective boss is someone who's not just demanding and strict, but also full of motivation to share with their employees. Someone who can inspire and lead the whole team to success. Someone like you. Thank you for everything.

See where I'm going here?

It's personal and precious, but still suitable for someone you don't know really well.

Of course, you'll have to tweak the level of emotions and sincerity to meet the standards in your relationship with that person.

Final thoughts

Greeting cards become so much more pleasant and valuable if you write something personal in them. Don't miss this opportunity and give it your best! 🏆

Oh, and don't forget we have a gift-finding quiz if you need some help with your gifts too!