Wondering What to Write Inside That Greeting Card?

Written by Jean-Paul Michael

If you're ever at a loss as to what to write inside a greeting card you've purchased, regardless of whether it's a birthday, congratulations, anniversary or sympathy card, you're certainly not alone. While some cards may already feature the perfect sentiment for the occasion you need it for, either on the front cover or inside, we often struggle to think of our own words to add, to make it unique, to make the recipient smile or to comfort them in their time of need. Plus if you have bought a blank card, you need you to write some words inside of them, even if it's just a simple message. We're here to help you do so, by giving you a couple of tips on how to write the perfect greeting card and then you can check out even more ideas here on Re:word too. 

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There really is nothing quite like receiving a card from a loved one, a colleague or even a stranger. We recently wrote about Texan Joe Cuba, who posed for a Facebook picture asking for a hundred cards to celebrate his 100th birthday but he received tens of thousands instead (and the number is still increasing well after his special day).

People from all over the world sent him birthday wishes and messages thanking him for his service in the United States Army Air Forces and many of them added their own words or even images to the cards.

So what makes the perfect message for a card?

When it comes to writing on a card for a family member or dear friend, your words are what make it personal and special, regardless of the occasion you are celebrating or commemorating. Sure, everybody loves a beautiful, striking or funny image on the front of a card but your words show the recipient what is in your heart and they can also show your personality too. By writing the way you actually talk, whoever is reading the card will know it's from you without even looking at the name at the bottom. So if you need to add words to a funny birthday card, write something amusing that you would normally say in person and using words that you use in your everyday conversations. It's your own personality that makes any card absolutely personal, sincere and original.

If you're sending a card to a colleague or client, you may need to adjust your style of writing and be somewhat less informal but you can still make a card personal by using your own creativity. Maybe you're giving a colleague a card because they are leaving the company; depending on your relationship with them, you could add a funny memory or simply write a thoughtful message wishing them luck and hoping they stay in touch.

Irrespective of the type of card you are writing inside, you don't have to be eloquent and the message doesn't have to be lengthy. If you're arty, you could even add a drawing inside to put your own spin on it. Using your own unique words or images to connect with the recipient is key to making it personal.

A handy tip of my own is to try writing out your words on a scrap piece of paper before you write in the card itself. There can be nothing worse than writing inside an expensive card and making a simple mistake that could have been prevented by practising first!

We recently published an interview with Nel of 3CraftyKidz, who makes her own cards. She told us, "I think a design is perfect when you know you've put your heart into it. If your heart and soul shines through, it's absolutely perfect!" This can also go for the words inside a card, too. Put your heart into it and the words you add will make an already perfect card even more perfect.

Nevertheless, it doesn't mean that you have to follow this guide if you're not someone who particularly wants to add your own words to a card. Sometimes the words inside are already enough or you may always prefer to let the card do the talking for you instead. Whatever you choose to do, it's entirely up to you and in a world full of wonderful greeting cards, there are a vast amount of options out there for you to do it your way.

Author Bio

Jean-Paul Michael has spent his entire adult life in the greeting card industry. He co-founded Northern Cards when he was 18 years old and over the last 3 decades, he has held many varying positions in the company. Today, he is proud to be Northern Cards' Publisher and a lifelong greeting card geek.