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What To Write In Thank You Cards

Writing thank you cards is a simple yet meaningful way to show your appreciation. Whether you’re thanking someone for a gift, their presence at a special event, or their support, the right words can leave a lasting impression. Personalizing your message to reflect the thoughtfulness of the gesture is key. Whether heartfelt or casual, finding the right wording can make your gratitude shine. Read on for tips and ideas to craft the perfect thank you note for every occasion.

What to Write in Thank You Cards

Writing thank you cards can be a heartfelt way to show your appreciation. To make the process smoother, keep these core tips in mind. Your relationship with the recipient should guide your wording. Here are six steps to help you create a meaningful thank you note:

wedding thank you card and lined envelope

1. Start With a Friendly Greeting

Open with “Dear” for a classic touch, or use the recipient’s name or a nickname if you share a close bond. Just be sure to spell their name correctly!

2. Share Your Gratitude

Kick off your message with a warm “thank you.” These two simple words can be powerful! Personalize your message based on your relationship and the specific kindness they showed you.

3. Include Personal Touches

What exactly are you thanking them for? If they gave you a thoughtful gift, mention how you plan to use it. If they hosted a wonderful gathering, share your favorite moment. Adding these special details shows them just how much their gesture meant to you.

4. Look Ahead

Mention when you hope to see them next or ask about something happening in their life. This shows that you care and look forward to connecting again.

5. Reiterate Your Thanks

As you wrap up, restate your gratitude with different phrasing. This also gently signals that your note is coming to an end.

6. Choose a Warm Closing

Your sign-off should reflect your relationship. For formal notes, a professional closing works best, while a warmer closing suits personal messages beautifully. 

Thank you notes are a lovely way to express appreciation for so many occasions. Whether someone hosted a party, gave a thoughtful gift, or simply did something kind for you, acknowledging their effort is always meaningful. Remember, your thank you doesn’t need to be lengthy; a few sincere words can make a big impact.

Short Wording Ideas for Thank You Cards

Find general thank you phrases and samples below to use in your greeting cards or thank you notes. These short thank you card phrases will help you get your thank you card messages underway:

graduation thank you card with photo of student

  • Thank you!
  • Thank you so much!
  • Thanks for helping me.
  • Thanks a bunch!
  • Thanks a million!
  • Thanks a ton.
  • Thanks for everything!
  • Thanks for taking the time to think of me.
  • I can’t thank you enough
  • I don’t know what to say, except thank you!
  • I owe you one.
  • I will be forever grateful.
  • I thank you from the bottom of my heart
  • I am much obliged.
  • I am so thankful for you.
  • I was so pleased.
  • I am moved by your thoughts and actions!
  • I wanted to thank you as soon as I could!
  • I appreciate it!
  • I appreciate it so very much.
  • I greatly appreciate it.
  • Words are powerless to express my gratitude.
  • Words are not enough to express my thanks.
  • Please accept my best thanks!
  • Please accept my sincere thanks.
  • All my love and thanks to you.
  • You’re too kind!
  • You shouldn’t have.
  • It means so much to me, thank you!
  • I’m speechless, thank you!
  • A thousand and one thanks.

Thank You Card Wording for Gifts

photo wedding thank you card on a shelf

It is common to send thank you cards and messages for gifts that you receive no matter what the occasion or event may be. Whether a birthday party, wedding, bridal shower, or a going away party, you can use one of the messages below to show your gratitude for the gift you received. Opt for picking out one sentiment on its own or pair two or three together to complete your message with the most appropriate thank you card wording.

  • I am continuously surprised by your ability to outdo yourself with gifts. You are amazing.
  • Thanks for being the type of person who picks out excellent gifts for me!
  • How in the world did you know exactly what I needed yet never asked you for?
  • I appreciate your gift-giving skills. I am sure that you get a lot of practice, being as generous as you are.
  • I wish to give you so much more than just a thank you note for the beautiful gift you gave me. I absolutely love it. But as for now, thank you.
  • Just wanted you to know that I really appreciate all the trouble you took to get me such a wonderful gift. Thanks a ton.
  • Many sincere thanks go to you for such a thoughtful gift. I can tell that you truly enjoy giving to others.
  • Thank you so much for sending me such a lovely and meaningful gift on this special day. Your gift made today even more special. Thanks a ton.
  • You made my birthday a special day. Thanks for your thoughtful gift.
  • Thank you for being a great friend and for being so thoughtful with the Christmas gift.
  • Thank you for supporting us in our celebration. We really appreciate your generous gift.
  • You made me feel so special when I opened your gift. I knew that you spent time, effort, and energy to make sure it was awesome, and it was just that. Thank you.
  • Perfect is the word that comes to mind when I try to describe your gift. I don’t think I myself even could have gifted anything better. Thanks for knowing me so well.
  • Thanks for the wonderful gift. I really loved it. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
  • In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. Thank you for everything.
  • Your creativity and attention to detail is truly outstanding. Thank you for the gift!
  • I would have never thought to pick something so perfect. Thank you for everything!
  • You seem to know what I would like more than me! Thanks for being so thoughtful!
  • Every time I look at your gift, I think of you. Thanks again for such an amazing present.

Thank You Messages for Acts of Service

It’s important to express gratitude for the thoughtful things people do for you, whether it’s a big experience or a simple act of kindness. From friends and family to even strangers, these gestures can uplift your spirits and provide support. Often, we might take these moments for granted, but they truly deserve recognition and appreciation. Whether someone gave you a ride, offered forgiveness, or turned an ordinary moment into something special, it’s essential to remind them of their impact on your life.

Here are some thank you note messages to inspire your own expressions of gratitude. Don’t forget to check out the greetings on our custom thank you cards for more ideas on what to say!

  • Thank you for your help. Please accept this card as a symbol of my sincere gratitude for everything you’ve done.
  • The gift of your help/time/support means more than anything money can buy. I really appreciate all that you’ve done and hope this card provides a small token of my gratitude. Thanks!
  • You are a rare kind of generous. I’m having a hard time putting my gratitude into words but I hope you know how much I appreciate all of your help. Thank you so much.
  • You have given me the gift of encouragement and hope in a difficult time. I am so grateful for your support. Thanks for being there for me.
  • I was so touched by all the support you’ve given me. Lunch is on me next time. Thank you!
  • Thank you for always being my best supporter!
  • Thank you for celebrating all of the exciting moments of life with me. I can’t imagine not having you in my wedding or by my side when I hold a little human in my arms.
  • Thank you for all that you’ve taught me.
  • Thank you for making so many ordinary moments, extraordinary.
  • Thank you for reminding me to stay true to myself.
  • Thank you for thinking of me as often as you do.
  • When it is just not possible to do it, you just do it and make it happen. Wow!
  • I wanted to thank you but then I realized I don’t know where to begin. So, I just wanted to say that there are so many things I couldn’t have done without you.
  • The more time I spent with you I realized what a wonderful person you are! I thank you for everything you have done for me.
  • A big hug and lots of thanks for my friend.
  • You have no idea how much you helped me, thanks so much!
  • You saved my life, big time. I owe you a whole lot more than just a thank you for helping me out!
  • You always go above and beyond. Thank you for always being there for me.
  • They say it takes a village, and you’re part of that village. Thank you for helping me when I needed it.

Thank You Card Etiquette

While there aren’t strict rules for writing thank you cards, some helpful tips can guide you in preparing and drafting your messages. Follow these etiquette guidelines to address common questions about what to say in wedding, graduation, and other thank you cards:

  • Timing is everything. Aim to send your thank you notes within a week of the occasion. The sooner you express your gratitude, the better! If you need more time, don’t worry—sending a thank you note late is still better than not sending one at all.
  • Handwrite your thank you notes. Use blue or black ink and write clearly to ensure your message is easily readable. A handwritten note adds a personal touch that recipients appreciate.
  • Use appropriate thank you card wording. Tailor your wording to fit the occasion, whether it’s a wedding, graduation, or another event. We offer a variety of suggestions for different styles and recipients, from baby shower thank yous to holiday messages.
  • Get creative with your messages and write from the heart. You can also add a few thank you quotes or create a photo thank you card to provide deeper meaning or a visual. Only you know how you feel and what the proper way to express that may be.

Resources Related to Thank You Cards

Now that you’ve got your message figured out, finish off your thanks with an envelope even the postman will find impressive. There’s no need to wonder what to write in thank you cards anymore with our templates and wording ideas. But if you need a little added motivation for putting the pen to paper, pick out personalized stationery (including address labels and rubber stamps) that you really love. No matter what the occasion, make sure to show your appreciation with a custom, handwritten thank you note.

Additional Resources: