What to write: Father's Day

Now that you've picked out the perfect Father's Day card—handmade or purchased—for dad, grandpa, or any other special man in your life, it's time to come up with the right words to explain just how much he means to you.

But if you're struggling to find a sentiment that best sums up your feelings, start with these easy, inspiring messages. Tailor these wishes to the man you're celebrating: Opt for something funny if he appreciates a good dad joke more than anything else, or something sweet and heartwarming if words of affirmation is his love language.

Consider this guide on what to write in a Father's Day card your ultimate starting point. Then pull from personal experiences, memories, and feelings to craft a unique message fit for the number one guy in your life.

But don't stop here: Grab a Father's Day gift (we suggest stationery) to pair with your love note!

Simple messages

Your dad's love is big, but it’s okay if your message is short and sweet. Sometimes the loveliest sentiments are the simplest ones. Here are our favorites:

Thank you for always being there with just the love and support I needed.
Raising me took a lot of patience. Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Dad, you sacrificed so I could rise. I want you to know I appreciate you.
With love from the luckiest [son/daughter/child/kid] in the world.
Sorry if I drove you crazy sometimes—but you know I only do that to people I love!
Happy Father's Day, Dad. Every day I’m thankful you’re mine.
For all you do and all you are, we love you with all our hearts.

If it’s complicated

Lots of us have less-than-perfect relationships, either with our own dads or with other father's we want to recognize with a Father's Day card. In those cases, a card with a short, straightforward sentiment is often the best option. You can use your handwritten message to add a little warmth without going over the top or overstating how you feel. Try:

Thinking of you on Father's Day and hoping you have a great day.
Father's Day felt like a perfect chance to remind you that you hold an important place in my heart.
Dad, we may not agree about everything but, no matter what, we’re family, and we care about each other. That means a lot to me, and so do you.
I know we’ve had our ups and downs, but through it all we’ve shared a bond that still runs deep. I’m glad we’ve got that.
You’ve been the best dad you could be in spite of some pretty tough circumstances. I see that more clearly now. Thank you, Dad.
Hoping you spend Father's Day feeling celebrated and appreciated.
Time keeps changing our relationship in surprising ways. My wish on Father's Day is that the next year would keep bringing us even closer together.

Funny messages

If making Dad laugh is more your style—or if showing emotion is uncomfortable for you—a funny Father's Day message might feel like a more genuine way to connect with him. May we suggest:

Happy Father's Day, from your favorite child. (It’s okay, I haven’t told the others.)
Roses are red, violets are blue. I brought you this Father's Day card… mind if I raid the fridge, too?
If I ever win the lottery, I’m making sure you get all the overtime pay you deserve for being our family’s taxi driver, financial advisor, private chef, personal shopper, and referee.
One day a year to recognize a job that gets no days off? Dad, it’s time to unionize.
It was cool of you to ignore all those times I got home past curfew. What, you don’t remember that? Ha, me either!
I’m so grateful for your love—and the fact that you have never shared my baby pictures on social media.
This Father's Day, I’d like to propose a deal: I’ll promise to visit more often if you’ll promise to stop referring to the dog as my brother. Agreed?

For grandpa

Whether he goes by Grandpa, Pops, Pop Pop, or another name, your grandfather is someone to honor and celebrate on Father's Day. Try one of these:

You’ve always spoiled me rotten, and I’ve loved every second of it.
I hope you know how much I admire the strong man you are.
Pops, you’ve taught me so much about love and family.
Grandpa, your love has shaped me in lasting ways.
You went above and beyond to help raise me and it’s given us such a special connection.
For all you’ve gone through, all you are and all the love you share, we love you, Grandpa.
You’re the best listener, the best chef, the best friend…basically, the best grandpa I could ask for.

For your stepfather

Father's Day is a great opportunity to show affection and appreciation for your stepdad—someone who might not be your biological father but has shown you a lot of love and support over the years. Here are some ideas:

You didn’t have to fall in love with us when you fell in love with [Mom/Dad], but we’re so glad you did.
The universe knew I needed you in my life. So glad to have you as my “bonus Dad.”
You never tried to replace anyone—you simply came into my life and offered more love. And I can’t thank you enough for that generosity.
When we met you, we didn’t know what to expect. But you totally blew us away with how fun and loving you are. Talk about best surprise ever!
In you, I have a dad and a friend. It’s like the world’s best buy-one-get-one-free offer!
You don’t dad like my dad, and I genuinely appreciate that. It’s taught me to see love in so many ways.
I didn't start my life loving you, but now I can't imagine life without you.

For someone like a father to you

Father's Day is truly for all men who love with a father's heart. Don’t hesitate to send a card and write a warm message to any man who has been a strong and caring influence in your life.

If you’re very lucky, you have an uncle, godfather, or other caring man close to you who has been a unique mix of friend, family, mentor, and/or bonus dad to you through the years. Here are some things you might say to someone who’s like a father to you on Father's Day:

There’s simply no one else like you. I’m so blessed we’re family… and that we’re friends.
You’ve been like a dad to me—someone I can tell anything and ask anything. Thank you for being such an important person in my life.
With love to an amazing human, from someone who hopes to be half as amazing as you someday.
Just wanted to recognize you on Father's Day for being such a caring and positive influence in my life.
I’m forever grateful, and I look up to you more than you know.
Happy Father's Day to an amazing man I’ll always admire, appreciate, and love!
We hope it doesn’t come as a surprise that we’re thinking of you today. After all, you’ve loved us just like a dad.

For your father-in-law

He raised your favorite person, which makes him worth celebrating. You can write a separate message in a card with your spouse or partner or give him your own card to make him feel extra special. Either way, check out these ideas for Father's Day messages for your father-in-law:

I couldn’t let Father's Day go by without thanking you for raising one heck of a wonderful human to be my partner in life.
Of all the wonderful things we have in common, I think our love for [spouse/partner’s name] is the best.
You’re a wonderful father to [spouse/partner’s name], a wonderful grandpa to our kids, and a wonderful friend to me. How did I get so wonderfully lucky?
The way you’ve made me part of your family and care for me like one of your own makes me feel loved in a way I’ve never known.
You always know what to say, what to bring, and what to do. Happy Father's Day!
I know dads never stop worrying about their kids. But I hope my love for [spouse/partner’s name] allows you to worry a little less!
It makes me so happy to know you trust me with the family [family dish name] recipe. Oh, and [spouse/partner’s name]’s heart, too.

For your husband or partner

What does a dad want to hear from his spouse on Father's Day? He wants to hear that his partner sees all he does and appreciates him for it. A card is the perfect place to say it. And here are some ideas to help you say it:

I love our family. And I love you.
Creativity, laughter, dedication. There’s so much to admire in the way you do fatherhood day in and day out.
You hold us down, lift us up, and keep us together—all with your love.
Thank you for all the ways you go above and beyond every day for our family. The kids and I are so lucky to have you.
I’m so grateful to be sharing life, love, and parenthood with someone as creative and fun as you.
From the moment we met, you’ve had my heart. And seeing you as a dad only makes me love you more.
Thank you for being such a wonderful father to my [daughter/son]. It means so much to see the way you care for [her/him]. And the way [she/he] loves you, too.

For your friend or brother

Messages for friends and brothers tend to be similar because you’re probably close in age and life stage. You might even share a special bond because you’re both experiencing parenthood at the same time. Here are some examples of what to write in their card:

Celebrating the amazing dad you are to your own kids and the wonderful uncle you are to mine!
I always knew you’d be a great dad someday.
So glad we’re dads together—it’s one more sweet thing we get to share.
We started as dad-friends, but now we’re just plain friends. I’m so glad we are. Happy Father's Day!
Father's Day, fun, and food all start with “F.” Coincidence? Surely not.
I don’t know how you do it. But I can easily see that you are doing a wonderful job of being a dad.
I’m so grateful to have a friend and fellow dad like you in my life. Thank you for helping me deal with all the ups and downs of fatherhood!

For your son or grandson

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about seeing your son or grandson become a father. On Father's Day, celebrate him for giving you those grandbabies (or great grandbabies) you’ve waited so patiently for with sentiments like these:

I’m so proud of you I can’t even express it. Your children are a beautiful reflection of your loving heart.
Happy Father's Day to [my/our] beautiful son. Thanks for being such a devoted father to a few of our favorite grandchildren!
Now that you’re a dad, hope you know a little of the joy I knew when I had you.
You’ve always been such a great son… and you’ve made me such a happy grandmother!
The world is changing so much, in so many ways. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the love dads give. And you do that in your own beautiful way. I’m proud of you.
Thinking of you and that sweet grandbaby of mine today!
So proud of the wonderful job you’re doing as a dad.
Seems like just yesterday you were a little guy yourself. Love seeing you as a dad!

For new dads and dads to be

For a first-time dad or dad-to-be, her experience of Father's Day is unique. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for him, and that calls for a special mention in your message. Try one of these:

You’re joining the dad club! Hope this Father's Day will be the first of many special ones for you.
Wishing you so much love and joy today as you wait for the arrival of your little one!
Happy Father's Day to a dad who’s already shown his baby so much love.
Everyone jokes about spoiling the baby. When can I come over and help spoil the new dad? You deserve it!
Can just imagine how meaningful today is with a new little one in your life. Enjoy!
That sweet baby isn’t the only one who should be pampered, today’s all about you!
Bet you’ve never felt so tired or so blessed in your life. Welcome to fatherhood! You’re totally rocking it.

Need stationery to help you get started? We’ve got the right set of note cards for every special man in your life and would love to be a part of helping you reach out. Tap here to shop.