What to write in a card
Stuck staring at a blank card? Here's what to write for common occasions, with an example for each. Use them as a starting point and change the details to your own. Specific always beats fancy.
- 1Greeting
- 2Specific thanks or wish
- 3Why it matters
- 4A look ahead
- 5Warm sign-off
Thank you for a gift
Thank you so much for the cookbook. I tried the lemon cake on Sunday and it was gone by evening.
Name the gift, say how you're using it.
Thank you for a gift of money
Thank you for your generous birthday gift. I'm putting it toward the bike I've been saving for.
Don't mention the amount; say what it's for.
Thank you for hosting
Thank you for having us for the weekend. The pancakes and the long walk by the river were the highlight of our month.
Mention a favorite moment.
Wedding or shower gift
Thank you for the beautiful serving bowl. It will be on our table every holiday, and we'll think of you each time.
Thank both partners' guests; mention the gift.
After a job interview
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed hearing about the new project and would love to help it succeed.
Send within a day; mention one specific topic.
Sympathy
I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. I'll always remember his stories at the block party. Thinking of you and your family.
Keep it short; a memory means a lot.
Get well
Thinking of you and wishing you a smooth recovery. The garden misses you, and so do we.
Warm and light; skip health questions.
New baby
Congratulations on your new arrival! We can't wait to meet her. Let us know when you'd like a meal dropped off.
Offer something specific.
Birthday
Happy birthday! I hope this year brings more road trips, good books and long dinners with friends.
Personal beats generic.
Graduation
Congratulations, graduate! Your hard work paid off, and I'm excited to see what you do next.
Celebrate the effort, not just the result.
Thank a teacher
Thank you for a wonderful year. Maya came home every day excited to tell us what she learned in your class.
Share one specific change you noticed.
Just because
I saw a heron at the lake this morning and thought of you. I hope you're well; I'd love to catch up soon.
No occasion needed.
Sign-offs that fit
With love, Love always, Hugs
Warmly, Fondly, Cheers
Best regards, With thanks, Sincerely
With deepest sympathy, Thinking of you
Plan a batch with the card and postage calculator, or read the five-part thank-you note and writing a sympathy note.