What to Write in a Father's Day Card

What to Write in a Father's Day Card

Where ever he might be in the world, Father’s Day is a perfect time to reach out and say thanks to Dad for being Dad. Whether it’s his ability to ‘fix’ everything around the house to his pearls of wisdom and incredible sense of humour (or, at least he thinks he’s funny!), our fatherly figures often profoundly shape who we become as people.

No matter what type of dad you have – whether they’re your birth father, stepdad, a father-in-law or a fatherly figure that’s watched over you, Father's Day is a perfect time to tell him how much you appreciate him. The best things to write in a personalised Father’s Day card are those that come from the heart, whether they’re thoughtful and reflective or funny to outright rude to match his sense of humour.

However, finding the right words to express how you feel in a Father’s Day card isn’t always the easiest thing to do. We’ve put together this guide to help give you a starting point in distilling just how much Dad means to you into something that will fit in a card. We also have a huge range of Father’s Day cards to make finding something unique to him a breeze, plus we’ll post it direct to Dad for you. We also have a huge range of gift cards to help you spoil Dad on Father’s Day too, no matter what his taste might be!

Writing a Great Father's Day Card

Our dads, grandads, stepdad, husbands and partners hold a special place in our lives. Avoid writing generic messages and speak from the heart, but it’s fine to keep things simple too.

As a general structure, we’d recommend something like the following for your Father’s Day card;

  • Start with wishing a happy Father’s Day, or by writing ‘Dear Dad’, ‘Dear Granddad’, or use whatever term you’d usually call him – particularly if your card is to a fatherly figure that isn’t your biological father. Keep your greeting warm and natural, using the term that suits your relationship the best.
  • Thank him for his support, wisdom, love and guidance. Mention things you admire most about him or you’re truly thankful for – particularly if he’s helped you out of a bind. Remember to stay positive, even if your relationship is a little complicated.
  • Add a funny memory or story, or a favourite shared joke that you both connect with to your Father’s Day card.
  • Finish your message with a heartfelt closing, or keep it simple with ‘All my love, <name>’ – as with your greeting, keep it personal and true – if Dad has a nickname for you, sign off with that.

Below you’ll find some inspiration for more specific relationships with your Dad or fatherly figure. Maybe you’re writing a Father's Day card from the bump to a father-to-be, or to your son for his first Father’s Day. Whatever the situation, you’ll find some great starting points for writing a heartfelt Father’s Day card below.

For Your Grandfather

Grandfathers can hold a special place in our hearts and we often want to focus on writing an endearing message to someone that’s seen a lot more of the world than we have. Remind him of why he’s so cherished, of the times you’ve spent together and the memories you’ve created together. Don’t forget to call him by whatever you’d normally call him too – whether it’s grandpa, papa, granddad, abuelo or any other name!

  • I love you and want you to know how much I admire you, Grandpa.
  • You’ve always been a pillar of support for our family, thank you Grandpa.
  • You’ve helped shape me as a person and given me so many great memories. Thank you for all you’ve done Grandpa.
  • Happy Father’s day Grandpa, you’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
  • Grandpa, you’ve shown me how to treat people with kindness and respect and to walk, not run. Thank you for all of your wisdom.
  • Thanks for teaching me how to fish, make campfires and providing all the icecream a kid could want, Grandpa!

For Your Husband or Partner

Show your appreciation for your husband or partner on Father's Day and let him know how special and cherished he is with a Father’s Day card from you and the kids – especially if they’re still too young to make one themselves. Regardless of whether you’re currently being buried in nappies and school drop-offs or your kids have long left home and you have time to breathe, reflecting on your experiences together is a great way of letting your partner know they’ve loved.

  • Happy Father’s Day to the most wonderful husband and partner in the world.
  • To the love of my life, thank you for going above and beyond for our family. We love you more than words alone can say.
  • Your compassion, love and strength help support us every day. Happy Father’s Day to the love of my life, here’s to many more to come.
  • I couldn’t imagine going on the journey of parenthood with anyone else. Happy Father’s day!
  • I’m so glad we met and that we’re sharing life, love and parenthood together. It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.
  • The kids love and admire you and think of you as their hero – and they’re absolutely right.
  • Thank you for being a loving father and always there when we need you. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in crime. Happy Father’s Day!
Cardly always has phenomenal selection of postcards for all occasions - from formal to funny and funky. Every time I use Cardly I know the person I send postcard to will receive a great quality card with personalized message and cool doodle to add on some personality. I love Cardly and what they do - they bring the convenience and deliver happy moments.
- Anita, United States

For Father-Like Figures

Sometimes we may not have had a chance to know our biological fathers, or they’ve sadly passed from our lives. Father’s Day is a great time to say thank you to any fatherly figures that may have stepped up to fill that gap – whether they’re a family member, family friend, or a mentor that’s had a particularly strong impact on you. Write them a message to express how thankful you are for their guidance and support and for the impact they’ve had on your life.

  • I’m thinking of you on Father’s Day – even though we’re not related by blood, your care and guidance was there when I needed it most. Thank you for all of your wisdom and compassion.
  • When Dad passed, you helped fill the void he left. You’ve taught me so much and always been there as a pillar of support. Thank you for all you have done for our family and I .
  • You teach me new things every year, and I couldn’t be happier that you’re part of my life.
  • You’ve influenced me so much and helped me grow into the person I am today. Having you in my life has made everything better, thank you so much for being part of it.
  • With love and gratitude to an amazing person that’s always supported me.
  • Thanks to an amazing godfather and mentor. Mum and Dad couldn’t have picked a better man for the job!
I have used Cardly on a few occasions to send greetings cards to a loved one in the USA from the UK. The process is simple and a pleasure to work with and the choice of designs by the artists is fantastic. Great company with amazing service, thank you Cardly!
- Steve, United Kingdom

Father’s Day Wishes From Afar

Sometimes life’s journey takes us away from those the influence us the most. Whether you’re apart due to moving for work, love, or anything else life may have thrown at you, Father’s Day is a great time to reach out and celebrate the fatherly figures in your life. Send some words of love and appreciation, no matter where they might be in the world – even if they might be just across town.

  • All my love and gratitude to the best Dad ever. Even though we’re miles apart, I still think of you and all you’ve done for me.
  • Happy Father’s day from half a world away. I miss you more than words can say, Dad!
  • Father’s Day always reminds me of the great times we spent together day. Wishing I could be there with you today to create some more memories.
  • Looking forward to catching up soon, Dad. Know that I love you more than anything in the world!
  • Missing you dearly Dad, I wish I could be there with you today.

We hope you've found something here that sparks your creativity and gives you the words to express how you feed about Dad! If you have something in mind to write inside your Father’s Day card, why not try sending it with Cardly? Our huge library of card designs is ready for you to customise with your message and ship all over the globe. Plus, you can include any of our amazing gift cards in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada or Australia to help say thanks from afar. We're ready when you are!