April is National Letter Writing Month, an invitation to grab your favorite pens and stationery and connect with loved ones through handwritten notes. A blank card is the perfect place to capture heartfelt memories, share encouraging words, and offer support. But the challenge of finding just the right words can make it a little daunting too.
To add momentum to your letter writing, we’ve put together a few simple tips on crafting notes for specific occasions. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a friend, offer hope to a loved one during a hard time, or show gratitude to someone who’s made a difference, we hope these ideas make recording your thoughts a little easier!
What to Write in a Birthday Card
Birthday cards are a wonderful opportunity to thank someone for the role they play in your life or highlight the unique qualities you admire. Consider sharing a wish you have for them or an experience you hope to enjoy together in the year to come.
Here are a few phrases to get you started:
- Your birth is a day worth celebrating!
- Your presence is a gift. I hope the coming year gives you plenty of reasons to smile.
- Thank you for being uniquely you! I’m so grateful to have you in my life.
- My world is a better place because you are in it.
What to Write in a Friendship Card
Imagine getting a card from a friend just to let you know they are thinking of you—pure joy tucked inside an envelope! Give that unexpected delight to a friend you haven’t seen in a while, someone you’ve lost touch with, or someone you talk to every day with a friendship card. Include a memory you hold dear, a compliment you’ve been wanting to share, or a list of the top reasons why you love them.
Here are a few phrases to get you started:
- I’m so grateful to have a friend like you because…
- I’m not sure you realize just how special you are. Here’s why…
- You inspire me in so many ways.
- I just wanted to send you a little note to remind you how truly wonderful you are.
What to Write in a Thank You Card
We are surrounded by so much goodness—from the neighbor you can always count on to the teacher whose lessons still resonate years after you’ve left their classroom. Who can you shower with appreciation? Who can you thank for a gift you’ve received recently or for kindness you’ve received over time?
Here are a few phrases to get you started:
- Your gift brightened my day.
- I wanted to express my sincere thanks for everything you do.
- Thank you for _______. I hope you know how much it means to me.
- Your thoughtfulness is a gift in and of itself.
What to Write in an Encouragement Card
Life has offered its share of challenges over the past two years, and simple reminders that we are not alone can offer much-needed hope. Consider sending uplifting words to a friend who is going through a difficult time—whether they are battling an illness, facing a job loss, grieving a breakup, or struggling with anxiety. Every word you write will be a little light leading them forward.
Here are a few phrases to get you started:
- You don’t have to be any stronger than you are right now.
- I wish you didn’t have to go through this, but know I’m with you every step of the way.
- It’s okay not to be okay. I am here if you need someone to listen.
- You are holding a lot right now. I am here to help carry the load in any way I can.
What to Write in a Sympathy Card
Sympathy cards are not easy to write. We want to take the pain away with our words, but are often confronted with the reality that we’re simply ill-equipped to do so. Make peace with the fact that there are no perfect words, but your wholehearted desire to connect will be appreciated. A sympathy card is an opportunity to be present—to let someone who is mourning feel seen and loved.
Here are a few phrases to get you started:
- I’m holding you in my thoughts and in my heart.
- What an amazing person (name of deceased) was. I’m remembering them and thinking of you.
- I wish I had words to ease the pain, but I have a shoulder you can lean on any time you need.
- Surrounding you with love and light as you celebrate a life well lived...
No matter who you choose to write to, we hope you are inspired to recognize the richness of the relationships in your life through letter writing. And remember, your notes do not need to be long to make a big difference in someone's day.
Discover stationery for your letter-writing practice here.
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