What to Say in a Thank You Card for Any Occasion

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Plus, expert advice for writing a thank you message of your own
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Need to write a thank you card and not sure where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This article includes a list of more than 120 appreciative phrases that are ready to copy and paste or handwrite for a more personal touch. The list includes everything from simple thank you messages to quotes . Plus, we spoke with certified wedding planner Megan Papageorge and etiquette coach Tami Claytor to get their expert tips on how to write your own thank you card messages from scratch.

Top Thank You Note Examples for Cards

  • Thanks for being one of my biggest cheerleaders!
  • Thank you for being my rock. I know I can always rely on you.
  • I so appreciate your generosity. It felt like I was staying with family!
  • Thank you for your condolences. We appreciate your kind words of comfort.
  • “Always have an attitude of gratitude.” – Sterling K. Brown
Section 1 of 13:

Simple Messages to Write in a Thank You Card

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  1. The most important part of a thank you message in a card is that you be sincere when expressing your gratitude. That means, a simple message like the ones below is perfect for telling someone how much their gift or assistance matters to you:
    • You’re an absolute lifesaver! Thank you so much for helping me.
    • My life's better with you on my side. Thanks for everything you do for me!
    • I’m beyond thankful for you. Thanks for being so sweet and supportive.
    • Thank you for going above and beyond with [situation]. You’re the best!
    • We’re so grateful for all your hard work and dedication. Thank you!
    • I appreciate you and everything you do. I’m so grateful to know you!
    • You’re one of my biggest inspirations. Thank you for giving so much of yourself.
    • I’m blown away by your kindness. I’m forever grateful for you!
    • Your kindness and understanding are very much appreciated!
    • Thanks for being one of my biggest cheerleaders!
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Section 2 of 13:

Thank You Card Messages for Help & Support

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  1. Let someone know how much their help means to you. When you need help and support, it often means you don’t always think about a thank you. But it’s important to remember to say thank you. It helps you build trust and closer bonds with the people in your life. [1] Try one of these messages to thank someone for helping or supporting you in your time of need:(Pet sitting)
    • Your generosity and support have made such a positive impact on my life. Thank you for everything.
    • There aren’t enough words to express how much your support means to me. Thank you for always being willing to help out.
    • Your generosity and support have given me the strength to keep going. Thank you for all your help!
    • Thank you so much for going out of your way to help me. It really brightened my day!
    • I can’t thank you enough for your support with (task/situation). Your help and kindness have made all the difference!
    • I really appreciate all of your hard work. You’re so kind for helping out!
    • Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done to help me. I’m forever grateful.
    • Thanks to your help, everything turned out perfectly. I appreciate you so much!
    • Thank you for being my rock. I know I can always rely on you.
    • Thank you for being a shoulder to lean on. I’m so grateful for all the help you’ve given me.
Section 3 of 13:

Thank You Card Messages for Hospitality

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  1. Express your gratitude to your hosts with a sweet thank-you message. Letting your host know how much you appreciated them welcoming you into their home is polite… and it makes them more likely to invite you back! Use one of these example messages to thank your host for their hospitality , and tell them you appreciate the effort they put in to making you comfortable:
    • From the bottom of my heart, thank you for opening up your home to me when I had no other options! Your kindness will not be forgotten.
    • It’s always an honor to be hosted by such great company! You and your family made ours feel right at home. Thank you again!
    • I so appreciate your generosity. It felt like I was staying with family!
    • I can’t believe you rearranged the guest room just for me! Thanks for going above and beyond.
    • Your food, home, and company were an absolute pleasure. So grateful to have a friend like you!
    • Every minute at your place was a delight. I’m so glad and thankful we were able to spend some time together!
    • Thank you again for letting me stay with you. I’m lucky to have such welcoming friends like you!
    • I’m so grateful you were kind enough to let me stay at your lovely home. It truly made my trip so much easier and more enjoyable, so thank you!
    • No one goes above and beyond like you to make their guests feel so welcome. Thank you again for your marvelous hospitality!
    • You were such a kind and warm host, you made me feel right at home! Thank you again for your hospitality.
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Section 4 of 13:

Thank You Card Messages for Sympathy

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  1. When you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, the help others give you can mean so much. Claytor suggests writing a sympathy thank you note that says something like, “I appreciate your kindness, your thoughtfulness, [and] you taking the time to do this for me.” Here are a few options to help you write a thank-you card that expresses your deep gratitude:
    • Even though it’s hard for me to come up with the right words, I want you to know how much your support has meant to me following [loss]. Thank you.
    • Though things are hard right now, you’ve been a source of hope and encouragement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
    • Thank you for being there for me throughout this challenging time. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done.
    • Thank you for your condolences. We appreciate your kind words of comfort.
    • Thank you so much for your sympathy. Your compassion and encouragement have helped me stay strong.
    • Thank you for your heartfelt condolences and support. Your kindness has brought me comfort during this difficult time.
    • Thank you for thinking of our family during this difficult time. Your kindness is sincerely appreciated.
    • You have been a source of strength and encouragement for me during this difficult time. Thank you for all of your support.
    • I can’t put into words how much your support has meant to me after [loss]. Thank you for everything.
    • I’m so grateful for your love and thoughtfulness as we navigate this loss. Thank you for your continued support.
Section 5 of 13:

“Just Wanted to Thank You” Card Messages

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  1. Say thank you “just because” to someone special. You don’t have to wait for someone to give you a gift or do a favor to say thank you. If they’re the kind of person you can always count on, a card that shows how much you appreciate everything they do for you. Plus, showing gratitude is a great way to spread positivity to the other person… and the people around you. [2] Show your appreciation for another person out of the blue with one of these thank you phrases:
    • I admire how you aren’t afraid to show off your weird side. Thank you for inspiring me to do the same!
    • You’ve taught me to embrace my authentic self and trust in my abilities. Thank you for being such a great role model.
    • Your presence in my life has made a huge difference. If everyone had 1/100th of the positivity you have, the world would be a much better place. I just wanted to say thanks for that.
    • You taught me the power of honesty, integrity, and individuality, and it’s something I’ll keep with me forever. Thank you for leading by example and being yourself.
    • I think I figured out your secret to success: you’re not afraid to make mistakes and show people who you really are. It’s a rare quality that I admire and hope to attain someday. Thank you for being someone I can look up to.
    • You’re my comfort person. Thank you for listening to me without judgment and telling me it’s okay to be myself. I don’t know what I’d do without you.
    • Whenever I need advice, I know I can reach out to you. You’re the definition of a ride or die, and I appreciate how honest you are in everything you do.
    • Thanks for teaching me what it means to be a good person. I’m so proud of who you are, and I’m so grateful to know you.
    • I just wanted to thank you for how much you inspire me every day. I hope I can be as cool and confident as you one day.
    • Your kindness is unmatched. Thank you so much for being you!
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Section 6 of 13:

Thank You Card Messages for a Gift & Money

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  1. Write a personal message to say “thanks” for a gift or money. When someone gives you a gift, they took time out of their day to choose something they thought you might like or need… even when it’s cash. Tell them you appreciate their kind gesture with one of these thank you messages:
    • Birthdays
      • Your gift was the highlight of my birthday! Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness.
      • Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me and giving me such a thoughtful gift. I really appreciate it!
      • I’m so touched by your thoughtful birthday gift. Thank you for thinking of me!
      • Thank you for this awesome birthday gift! I couldn’t have picked something better myself.
      • I’ll always treasure the wonderful birthday gift you gave me. Thank you for your kindness!
      • Your birthday gift was absolutely perfect. I’m so lucky to have someone as generous as you in my life.
      • Your birthday gift was so thoughtful and brought a big smile to my face. Thank you so much!
      • Thank you for the birthday gift! It was so thoughtful, and it means the world to me!
    • Graduations
      • Thank you for the amazing gift! Graduation is nothing without friends to share it with.
      • I am so grateful for the gift after my graduation. Plus, having you there to watch me walk across the stage means more to me than I can express.
      • Thanks so much for the $100 you put in my graduation card. I wouldn't even have graduated without your support. You're my hero.
      • I’m grateful to have you in my corner as I venture on to college next year. Thank you for the thoughtful gift… and for always believing in me and supporting me!
      • I wouldn’t be celebrating this accomplishment without your support and love over the past 4 years. Thank you for the gift… and for all you do!”
      • Thank you for coming to my graduation and for giving me the lovely card with $50. I couldn't have made it through high school without your love and encouragement.
      • Thank you so much for celebrating my graduation with me. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the new laptop! It's just what I need for college in the fall!
      • Thank you so much for your gift and for celebrating graduation with me and for supporting me in my next adventure.
    • Weddings
      • Your generosity is only outdone by your kindness. Thank you for the incredibly thoughtful wedding gift!
      • Opening your lovely wedding gift put a huge smile on my face. You know me so well! Thank you.
      • Thank you for sharing in our joy and giving us such a beautiful and thoughtful wedding gift. We appreciate you so much!
      • Thank you so much for your monetary wedding gift. It means so much to the both of us and we appreciate more than you know.
      • The money you gave us for a wedding gift is going to help us out in a huge way to settle into our new place. Thank you so much!
      • Thank you for helping us make our house feel even more like a home. We love your wedding gift so much!
      • You always know how to make me feel special. Thank you for picking out such a perfect wedding gift.
      • We were touched beyond words by your wonderful wedding gift. Thank you for your generosity and for celebrating with us on our special day!
    • Baby Showers
      • Your gift was absolutely perfect! I can’t wait to see our little one wear it. Thank you for all you do!
      • The crib you got us looks perfect in our nursery. Thank you so much!
      • You’re so sweet, and so are the darling onesies you gave us at the shower! I’m so grateful!
      • Thank you for the thoughtful baby shower gift. The extra-large pack of diapers will definitely come in handy!
      • Thank you for taking the time to choose such a thoughtful baby shower gift. I love it and I’m sure the baby will love it, too!
      • Thank you so much for the baby shower gift. You’re so thoughtful, and I couldn’t have picked out a better gift myself!
      • Your love and support help us feel ready to be parents. Thank you for your gift… and for being such an amazing friend!
      • Thank you for helping us welcome our first baby into the world. Your presence was the best gift we could’ve asked for!
Section 7 of 13:

Thank You Card Messages for Teachers & Coaches

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  1. When you’re thanking a coach or teacher , it usually involves the time they’ve spent helping you to learn something. Claytor recommends thanking them for the specific thing they taught you. Then, tell them “how you're going to utilize whatever… [they] did for you.” Here are a few examples of thank you card messages for teachers and coaches:
    • Teacher
      • I never thought I’d enjoy learning about physics so much, but now I’m about to graduate with a degree in it! Thank you for teaching me and inspiring me to learn more.
      • You’ve done more than teach me to be a better student. You’ve taught me to be a better person. Thank you for everything.
      • Thank you for all the extra time and effort you put into helping me succeed. I couldn’t have gotten a high score on the SAT without it. I’m so grateful.
      • Thank you for all the guidance you’ve given me over the past few years. I feel like I’m ready to face the next step in my educational career because of your help.
      • Thank you for all that you do for the English department! We owe our success in the field to all that we’ve learned from you.
    • Coach
      • You’ve had such a positive impact on my life and progress as an athlete. Thank you for working with me and helping me become the best version of myself!
      • Thank you for everything you do—for me and the team as a whole. Your enthusiasm and support made us eager to get out on the field, and I’ll never forget your impact on our athletic journey. You’re the best!
      • Coach, thank you for taking the time to practice with me one-on-one and show me how to master the techniques I struggled with. I’m a better player because of you.
      • Your guidance has made us stronger, better, braver, and more resilient. Thank you, coach!
      • Every speech you’ve given before a game has lit a fire under us and pushed us to do our best. Thank you for working with us and dedicating so much energy to making this team great!
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Section 8 of 13:

Thank You Card Messages for Friends

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  1. Tell your friend how much you appreciate having them in your life. Whether you’re thanking your friend for being such a good friend or for always listening to you vent, it’s a great way to bring you closer together. Plus, showing appreciation for someone you care about makes you both feel happier. [3] Bring a little sunshine into your friend’s life when you show your gratitude with one of these messages:
    • When it comes to friendship, you’re the best. I’m grateful for the bond we share.
    • Your kind spirit has truly touched my soul, and I treasure our friendship. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
    • Your wisdom and encouragement have helped me overcome so much, and I am so incredibly thankful for you. Thank you for being my biggest supporter and confidant.
    • Sometimes, I wonder how boring my life would be without you. Luckily, I never have to worry about that! Thank you for always matching my energy and making me feel loved.
    • You’re the type of friend who always puts others first, and I’m so lucky to know you. Thank you for helping me through some of my toughest times.
    • Your presence has made a HUGE difference in my life. You’ve taught me how to love myself, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful. Thank you for everything, bestie.
    • Thank you for being the type of friend that everyone needs. You’re patient, kind, loyal, understanding, and always know what to say. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.
    • Your friendship is the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you for always lending a listening ear and a helping hand.
    • You are the definition of a forever friend. Thanks for having my back through it all.
    • Your friendship means more than anything in the entire world to me. Thank you for always being there for me.
Section 9 of 13:

Professional Thank You Card Messages

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  1. Share your gratitude in a professional manner. Whether you’re thanking a colleague for help on a big project, a hiring manager for an interview, or your customers for shopping with you, it’s important to stay professional. Here are a few phrases to help you say thank you in a business-appropriate way:
    • Colleagues
      • Thanks for explaining the new code shortcuts to me on Monday. I wouldn't have been able to finish my project in time without your expertise! I'm so glad we work together.
      • I just wanted to thank you for the positivity that you bring to work every day. No matter what happens, I know I can count on you to see a way through it.
      • Thank you for asking such thoughtful questions during my Q&A. I was worried that nobody was going to ask about the thing I most wanted to highlight and I really appreciate you bringing it up.
      • Thank you for all the work you put in on that last project. I'm so grateful for your commitment to that project and to our team.
    • Interviews
      • Thank you again for your time. It sounds like you’ve created a wonderful team and office atmosphere, and it’s one I would be excited to join.
      • I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to have an interview.
      • Thank you for a wonderful conversation this afternoon. I enjoyed learning more about the position and hope to work together in the future.
      • Thank you for considering me for this position. It was a pleasure getting to speak with you and learn more about the organization.
    • Thank You for Your Business
      • We’re grateful you trust us for your business needs. Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to working together in the future!
      • Thank you for all you do as a client. Your referrals and feedback continue to shape me as a professional, and I value your support!
      • I learn something new from every client relationship, and your time with us has been invaluable. Thank you for your continued business!
      • I appreciate your continued loyalty. Thank you for choosing my business!
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Section 10 of 13:

Gratitude Quotes for Thank You Cards

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  1. Knowing what to write in a thank-you card can be hard. The good news is you can borrow a witty or deep quote from an author, celebrity, or public figure to help you express your thanks. Here are some meaningful and entertaining quotes to help you show your gratitude:
    • “I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” – Will Arnett
    • “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
    • “Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty.” – Doris Day
    • “When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” – Kristin Armstrong
    • “Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” – Henry Ward Beecher
    • “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust
    • “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melodie Beattie
    • “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward
    • “Always have an attitude of gratitude.” – Sterling K. Brown
    • “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” – Cicero
Section 11 of 13:

Closings for Thank You Cards

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  1. Choose the perfect closing to leave a positive impression. So, you’ve written the perfect message in your thank-you card, but you aren’t sure how to close it. You could just sign your name with a flourish and move on. However, it’s even better to use a warm closing like the ones below to further express your appreciation:
    • Best regards
    • With appreciation
    • In your debt
    • With fond appreciation
    • Forever thankful
    • Thanks for all you do
    • Many thanks
    • Gratefully
    • Yours appreciatively
    • All the best
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Section 12 of 13:

Writing Your Own Thank You Cards

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  1. Begin with a salutation that addresses the person in a way that feels natural to you. If you’re still unsure, “Dear [person’s name],” is appropriate in almost every situation. [4]
    • Use the name you would use when you talk to them in person. For example, use a friend’s first name.
    • If you’re writing a thank-you note to a teacher or a doctor, use their title and their last name. For example, write “Ms. Collier” for a teacher or “Dr. Beauchamp” for a doctor.
  2. 2
    Be specific about what you’re thanking them for. If you’re writing thank-you cards for a large event, you may be tempted to write the same message for everyone. Papageorge recommends writing at least 2 sentences that aren’t generic. She suggests that you write something personal about their gift or talk about an experience you had with them.”
    • For example, write something like, “Thank you so much for the new coffee maker. After our big hiking trip last year, you know I can’t function in the morning until I have a cup.”
    • Or try something like, “Thank you for the gift card for a pedicure. We’re going on a walking tour of London next week, and I’ll need this when I get home.”
  3. 3
    Explain how their gift or how they helped made you feel. Claytor encourages you to personalize the thank-you card even more by sharing your sincere feelings about the gift or help they gave you. Explain how their gift or help changed your life for the better.
    • For example, if someone helped you learn something new, tell them what you’ll do with your new skill.
    • Say something like, “Thank you for teaching me how to make perfect scrambled eggs. I’m planning on making myself breakfast tomorrow to celebrate.”
    • You can still be sincere even if you didn’t love a gift. Focus on how much you appreciate the time and effort they took to choose something for you.
  4. There are many different ways to close your letter. A great closing is to thank them again. [5] Make sure that whatever one you choose fits with the tone of your relationship. For example, be more casual with a close friend or family member and more formal with acquaintances and distant relatives.
    • For example, when you’re writing to your sister, you might say something like, “Thanks a bunch! I’ll see ya soon!”
    • For a neighbor, you might say, “Thanks so much for thinking of me. All the best!”
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Section 13 of 13:

Thank You Message Generator

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  1. Get the perfect thank you message in seconds.
    Why is it so hard to write a thank you note? Putting our feelings into words can be surprisingly tricky. Whether you’re looking for something heartfelt, funny, or just not awkward, we've got you covered! Just fill in the blanks below and we'll create the perfect message in the tone that you're looking for!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_ripple_effects_of_a_thank_you
      2. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_ripple_effects_of_a_thank_you
      3. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
      4. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zkq8hbk#z973vwx
      5. ↑ https://southernweddings.com/2014/06/16/southern-expert-writing-wedding-thank-notes/

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