Thank-you messages: What to write in a thank-you card

Thank you card

You know that wonderful, warm-fuzzy feeling that comes over you when someone goes out of his or her way to spoil you, feed you, treat you, welcome you, bless you, support you or help you out? Of course you do. The feeling is gratitude, and it feels even better when you express it! A handwritten card or note of thanks is one of the most heartfelt and meaningful ways to express gratitude. Maybe you can’t repay your recipient for the nice thing he or she has done, but you can reflect the thoughtfulness with the time and care you put into writing and sending a warm, gracious thank-you card or note. If you need a little help getting beyond, “Thanks so much…,” you’re in the right place. Our “What to Write in a Thank-You Card” guide is full of thank-you-writing inspiration and message ideas from Hallmark writers. Whether you read the whole guide or skip to your specific thank-you situation, we hope it adds to the feel-good factor of putting your thanks in writing.

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Thank You Messages: What to Write in a Thank-You Card

Simple Thank-You Messages

If you’ve chosen a card with a printed sentiment (more than just “Thank You”), then you don’t have to add very much. Briefly mention the specific gift or kindness you’re thanking the recipient for. Then add a warm thought like one of these…

Examples

Writing tip: Sign and send your thank-you card while the gift or event is still fresh in your mind. Within three days is ideal, but in most situations a “thanks” will be appreciated no matter how late it arrives.

Thank-You Messages for a Gift

Birthday, holiday and just because

Here are some questions you could try to answer when writing a thank-you for a birthday, holiday or just-because gift: What was the gift? What do you like about it? Why was it a good choice for you? What do you plan to do with it? How did you feel when you opened it? How did it make you feel about the giver? Below are some message examples that answer one or several of those questions.

Examples

Writing tip: Here are a few words to describe gifts: fabulous, perfect, touching, beautiful, unique, appreciated, awesome and much-needed. Some words to describe gift givers: generous, thoughtful, creative, sweet, considerate and caring.

Graduation, wedding, baby and other life events

The challenging thing about these life-event thank-you notes is that you likely have several of them to write. It’s fine to develop a general formula for what you’ll write, but anytime the task starts to become burdensome, put down your pen and come back to it later. You want to sound appreciative and enthusiastic, and you’re more likely to come across that way if you write five thank-you cards a day over 10 days, rather than 50 all at once.

Examples

A personalized card with a cupcake stuck with lots of candles on the front with a message that reads,

Some things never go out of style. Sending a thank-you card in a timely fashion is one of them. Say “thanks” in minutes with a Hallmark Personalized Card !

A card that reads

Make their day with a personalized Photo Card using your favorite pictures, or send them a video message with a Video Greeting Card. Shop personalized cards here .

Writing tip: You get a little more time to write thank-you cards for graduation, wedding, shower and baby gifts. It’s still best to write and send a card as soon as possible, but for a wedding gift, you have up to three months to send it. And if you have a new baby, people will understand if it takes that long or longer.

Money and gift cards

You’re not hard to buy for—you’re easy to love because you write such a nice thank-you when someone gives you money or a gift card! Here are some ways to make a giver feel great about choosing that option for you.

Examples

Writing tip: There’s no hard-and-fast rule on whether to mention the specific amount of money you were given in your thank-you message. If it feels tacky or wrong to you, then skip it. But if you feel like it highlights or helps identify the gift, it’s perfectly fine to include.

Thank-You Messages for Help

House or pet sitting, yard work or housework, help during a busy or difficult time, above-and-beyond assistance with a project at work…anytime someone steps in and makes your life a little easier, call it out with a thank-you note.

More general examples

More specific examples

Writing tip: If writing a thank-you takes you back to high school and turns your writing awkwardly stiff or formal, then relax and try to write like you speak. If you’re a person who would say, “Thanks so much for watching our dog!” then say, “Thanks so much for watching our dog!” Just exactly like that.

Thank-You Messages for Hospitality

When someone opens his or her home to you for a meal, a party or an overnight stay, that definitely calls for a written thank-you.

Examples

Writing tip: Thank-you advice from a longtime Hallmark writer: “I think about what has touched me in the notes I’ve received from people. I try to just let my heart speak and not worry that I’m being ‘gushy’ or ‘over the top.’ When you’re sincere, I don’t think you can be.”

Professional Relationship Thank-You Messages

It’s good business to send a handwritten thank-you note for the courtesy of an interview, for referrals or opportunities, for above-and-beyond work done for you, for mentoring and many other professional situations. After an interview, a gracious thank-you card can distinguish one candidate from another. More generally, it makes the sender memorable, leaving a positive impression and paving the way for a lasting business relationship.

Examples

Writing tip: In business communication, it’s all about relationships—establishing them, keeping them strong and making them work for you. Sending a written thank-you is a standout way to do all those things!

Warm Closings for Thank-You Cards

A warm closing is like the bow on top of your thank-you message. Choose one of ours or create your own.

Want to go the extra mile? Add a little token of your appreciation to the note with a thank you gift.

What to Write in a Thank-You Card VIDEO

Find out the simple formula for crafting your own thank you messages and get some real life examples from Hallmark Senior Writer Cat Hollyer in this short video.