One of my favorite simple pleasures in life is going to the mailbox and finding a handwritten envelope addressed to me. It feels like a treasure hidden amongst the junk mail, bills, and advertisements. I slide my pointer finger inside the corner of the envelope, pull to tear the top open, and retrieve the contents inside. There\u2019s nothing quite like a thoughtfully handwritten note sent with love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“There\u2019s nothing quite like a thoughtfully handwritten note sent with love.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
I have always been a purveyor of greeting cards. Any time we stumble upon a paper shop or a boutique with curated goods, you can find me surveying the greeting card section and collecting a stack to take to the register. I love to envision the recipient of each one \u2014 this one for a dear friend\u2019s birthday, that one for an upcoming wedding, this one to keep on file next time a friend announces they\u2019re expecting. One of my favorite greeting cards I\u2019ve ever received was from a friend in honor of our son\u2019s birth. It had a cartoon illustration of a baby\u2019s bottom that said, \u201cThank goodness for little butts.\u201d Thank goodness, indeed. (If you\u2019re in the mood for more quips and aphorisms, check out our list of 99 positive daily affirmations<\/strong> <\/a>or our favorite 99 unique compliments<\/strong><\/a>!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re sending a card to commemorate a special occasion, expressing your condolences, or sending a note just because, here are 99 things to write in a greeting card for every occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBirthday<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
1. Celebrating you is a joy and so easy to do. Happy Birthday!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. It\u2019s a gift to be in your orbit. Here\u2019s to another trip around the sun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Your presence makes the world a better place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. You are worth celebrating on your birthday and always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Happiest birthday wishes to someone I cherish so much. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“You are worth celebrating on your birthday and always.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
6. Happy birthday to someone who gets more wonderful with each passing year. Here\u2019s to many, many more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. It is so lovely to bear witness to your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Your life inspires me to live my own with intention and joy. Wishing you both of these things and much more in the year to come!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Today and every day, I hope you\u2019ll take a moment to reflect on your inherent worth. You are worthy simply because you were born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. I hope your day is filled with all of your favorite things. Happy birthday to you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sympathy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
11. My heart aches with you as you move through this loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12. Wishing you comfort, warmth, and support as you navigate this difficult time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
13. Sharing in your sadness and holding space for whatever feelings arise. Please call anytime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
14. It\u2019s difficult to express the depth of my grief. Sending you the most heartfelt condolences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
15. Please know I\u2019m here for you as the waves of grief unfold. Call me anytime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“My heart aches with you as you move through this loss.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
16. There is no wrong way to grieve. I hope you\u2019ll allow yourself to do so however you need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
17. I want to be here for you in any way that I can. I\u2019ll check in soon about what might be most helpful at this time, whether it\u2019s a meal, a cleaning service, or just some company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
18. Wishing you space to grieve and for healing in the days to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
19. I\u2019m so sorry for your sorrow. I\u2019m thinking of you every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
20. Remembering your loved one with fondness and gratitude. Sending you my deepest condolences and love. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wedding<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
21. You complement each other so well. Cheers to the happy couple!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
22. This day marks the continuation of the love you\u2019ve built and the beginning of the rest of your lives. Congratulations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
23. In all the days to come, know I\u2019m always in your corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“This day marks the continuation of the love you\u2019ve built and the beginning of the rest of your lives. Congratulations!”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
24. I love seeing you happy. All my love, always!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
25. Your love is inspiring. Here\u2019s to many, many years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
26. I\u2019m so glad you\u2019ve found and kept each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
27. The world needs more love \u2013 so be sure to make a lot of it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
28. Wishing you many years of joy, intimacy, and steady partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
29. To love is an act of bravery. Thank you for sharing yours with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
30. What a gift it is to witness your love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baby Shower<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
31. Wishing you all the best in babyhood and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
32. I already love your little one, and can\u2019t wait to meet them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
33. It is an honor to be part of this journey with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
34. In the days ahead, remember \u2013 you are supported, loved, and held. Call on us anytime you need something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“I already love your little one, and can\u2019t wait to meet them!”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
35. As you nurture your new baby, your community is here to nurture you. I\u2019ll check in to see what might be most helpful during the transition into this new season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
36. What lucky parents you are to welcome your precious little one. What a lucky little one to have such wonderful parents!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
37. Congratulations on the arrival of your little one! Sending you warmth, ease, and support as you enter this new season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
38. Here\u2019s to many happy family memories in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
39. Celebrating with you as you welcome your new little one into your family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Holiday<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
40. Wishing you tidings of comfort, joy, and peace this holiday season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
41. \u2018Tis the season for quality time, warm drinks, and abundant laughter. Cheers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
42. May your holidays be filled with whatever you\u2019re longing for, whether that\u2019s peace, rest, excitement, joy, magic \u2013 or all of the above. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
43. May you feel the thrill of hope and find many reasons to rejoice this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
44. Each new year is a chance to begin again, continue the beauty we\u2019ve been creating, or some version of both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“May you feel the thrill of hope and find many reasons to rejoice this season.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
45. Cheers to new beginnings and the fresh hope they bring. Happy New Year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
46. Wishing you health, joy, and abundance in the new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
47. Whether you need a chance to begin again, to continue the beauty you\u2019ve been creating, or something in between, wishing you a happy new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
48. Wishing you a year filled with courage, hope and happiness. May we remember that anything is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
49. Wishing you a season of warmth and totally untangled Christmas lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Graduation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
50. Congrats, grad! Your future awaits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
51. We are cheering you on as you enter this new chapter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
52. Remember that this finish line is just the beginning of everything to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
53. Congrats, grad! A whole wide world awaits. I can\u2019t wait to watch who you bloom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
54. You get to choose how you want to move into the world, and there is no wrong way to do so.5<\/p>\n\n\n\n
55. The world needs exactly who you are. I can\u2019t wait to see what you do and who you become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
56. Congratulations, grad! I hope you\u2019ll follow your heart, your intuition, and your passions toward creating a life you love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
57. This life is yours for the taking. Pursue it with passion, integrity, and wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
58. Looking forward to watching you cultivate a life that is uniquely you<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
59. In all you do moving forward \u2013 know you are capable, worthy, and loved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Retirement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
60. I hope you\u2019ll take some time to mark this moment and reflect on such a meaningful milestone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
61. Wishing you ease and contentment in the days to come. Cheers to the next chapter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
62. Congratulations on a hard-earned and well-deserved retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
63. Wishing you many days ahead filled with time spent doing the things you love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
64. Wishing you a retirement filled with simple pleasures, quality time with the ones you love, and priceless cherished memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“Wishing you many days ahead filled with time spent doing the things you love.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
65. A job well done and a retirement well earned. Congratulations, and enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
66. May your retirement be a time of relaxation, exploration, and all the joys you’ve longed for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
67. As you close this chapter, may the pages of your retirement be filled with adventures, laughter, and cherished memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
68. Your dedication and commitment have left an unforgettable mark. May your retirement be as fulfilling as your career!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
69. Here’s to endless mornings without alarms and endless afternoons without meetings. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valentine\u2019s Day<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
70. I\u2019m so glad it\u2019s you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
71. Happy Valentine’s Day to the only one I want to celebrate this day with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
72. Our love teaches me continually, comforts me consistently, and grows deeper daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
73. After all this time, it\u2019s still you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
74. My affection for you is vast, my admiration is deep, and my love for you is endless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
75. I\u2019m having the best time with you, Valentine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“Our love teaches me continually, comforts me consistently, and grows deeper daily.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
76. There\u2019s nowhere I feel more at home than with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
77. I can\u2019t think of a better way to spend my days than to spend them loving you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
78. Cherishing you is the gift of a lifetime. Happy Valentine\u2019s Day, my love. <\/p>\n\n\n\n