Thank You Card Messages

Sections on this Page

  • Clever Thank You Messages
  • Thank You Messages for Help
  • Thank You Messages for Gifts
  • Thank You Messages for Special People
  • How to Write a Thank You Message

Clever Ways to Say Thanks

Use these examples to help you get started writing. These will work even if you don't know the person well. If you do know the person well, add more specific and meaningful words. Find more specific types of messages further down the page.
  • Thoughtful and generous are two words I think of when I think of you. Thanks!
  • My hand is writing this message because the bottom of my heart cannot hold a pen. I am very much grateful, from the bottom of my heart.
  • I don't know how you did it, but you chose a perfect gift for a very picky person. Congratulations! And thank you!
  • I will try not to ever underestimate your generosity. You have proven that you have no limits to your generosity.
  • You are one of the most generous people I know, and I know a lot of people.
  • Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be grateful.
  • If you could see my face, you'd see the smile you put on it.
  • I would be grateful even if I didn't write this thank you card, but I wanted to let you know that I think you are cool. I couldn't find any "I think you're cool" cards at the store.
  • I appreciate the (gift name) you gave me. It is a really great gift. You are thoughtful, and I am blessed to have a (relationship title) like you. Thank you!
  • Thanks for knowing me and my weird taste. You did an amazing job finding a gift I love.
  • I don't know how you knew what I wanted. You blew me away with your thoughtfulness and generosity.
  • You are one of the most generous people I know. I was blown away when I opened your gift. Thank you!
  • You are a blessing in my life. This awesome, thoughtful, generous gift you gave me is proof of that fact.
  • I appreciate your support and generosity. Thank you for celebrating my graduation with me. The (money/gift cards) will be useful for (college/moving out/buying a car).
  • What a surprise! You never fail to surprise me every time you give me a gift.
  • How can I say thanks in a way that will express the gratitude I feel. How about a hug?

Messages for Help

Sometimes people give time and/or energy in an act of service. This can be even more meaningful than money or a gift. In this case, focus mostly on what was done, and praise the person who helped you.
  • Assistance is sometimes needed. Your assistance is exactly what I needed.
  • Not many people would have given their time and energy so freely to someone the way you did. You are a special kind of generous.
  • I appreciate all your hard work! You helped me when I really needed it. I wouldn't have been able to get through that challenging time without your help. Thanks!
  • You are caring and giving. I want to say thanks for your time and effort helping me when I needed it. You have been there for me in a time of need, which is what true friends do.
  • You are a blessing in my life. You are truly someone who stands by my side and helps me when I need help. I wish I could return the favor, but I don't know how. Please accept my most deep and sincere gratitude.
  • What would I do without you? Thanks for all that you do all of the time for me.
  • Your time and energy are my most precious resources. Thanks for giving me so much of it.
  • No one asked you to help. You just saw the opportunity and went for it. Thank you for taking opportunities to improve things. 

Messages to Say Thanks for Gifts


  • Only someone who knows me well could choose a gift for me so well!
  • The only thing that makes me happier than the gift you gave me is knowing that we are friends
  • When I find something wrong with your gift, I'll let you know. Just don't expect to hear anything anytime soon!
  • A card isn't enough to say how much I appreciate your gift, so I am looking forward to telling you in person the next time I see you.
  • Usually, the best gifts come from people who are living gifts. This is true for your gift.
  • I'm amazed how blessed I am by your generosity. You are a great giver. Thank you for taking the time to choose something so special for me.
  • Thank you for the home-made fudge and peanut brittle. That was so thoughtful of you to send that to us. I hope your holidays and the start of the New Year have gone well.
  • Thank you so much for the hot chocolate and Starbucks gift card. I am very blessed to have you as a friend.

For Sympathy Cards or Gifts

When you receive a sympathy card or gift from someone, it's common practice to acknowledge it with a thank you card. When you write your note, try to mention how it has helped you, even if you just mention that you got a smile on your face.
  • I appreciate the gift you gave me. It will be a reminder to me of good times. You have comforted me during a difficult time. Thank you.
  • After reading what you wrote in my sympathy card, I felt feelings of peace and comfort. You knew what I needed. Thank you for your thoughtful words.
  • The sympathy plant you gave me was a great idea. I enjoy taking care of it, looking at it, and remembering who it represents. Thank you for giving me a long lasting memorial gift.

For Birthday Wishes and Gifts

  • You pulled off making me feel more special than I've ever felt on my birthday. You're the best!
  • I can always depend on you to remember to spoil me on my birthday. I don't deserve your generosity, but I'll take it!
  • Please accept my sincere thanks just as I've accepted your amazing birthday gift.
  • The only thing I love more than the gift you got me is the person who gave it to me.
  • I need to have birthdays more often. You really take care of me well.

For Wedding Gifts and Wishes

  • Your encouragement and support are appreciated. We're glad to have you in our corner rooting for us.
  • What a thoughtful way to wish us a happy marriage! You surprised us in the best way possible.
  • We look at you as a source of inspiration as we begin our marriage together. Thanks for everything you are and do.
  • Our wedding wouldn't be the same without you being part of it. Thanks for your support!
  • We had fun opening your gift and being surprised by your thoughtfulness. We are grateful for having you in our lives.

For Baby Shower Gifts and Wishes

  • Your words, encouragement and generosity are exactly what we need as we look forward to our new adventure of parenthood.
  • You have made a joyous occasion even more joyous.
  • I know that the blessings from you have only begun, just as this special little life has only just begun.
  • It's good to know I can call you anytime for baby advice. Sometimes I don't even have to ask for it, but I appreciate all the help.
  • Having a baby can be overwhelming. Thank goodness for supportive people like you who are ready to help anytime.

Thank You Messages for Special People

For Friends

  • Friends like you must be rare because neither of us are normal, but we're still good friends.
  • How does one express gratitude for such amazing friendship. I guess one just continues the friendship until someone dies. I hope it's a good long time before that happens.
  • Life is worth living when you have friends like you. You enrich my life in a way only you can do.
  • I would be your friend even if you were a dog and I was a squirrel. I'd still have fun messing with you though.
  • What did I do to deserve a friend like you? It's probably something mischievous that we did together.

For Boss

  • I imagine you don't hear thanks as often as you say it. Thanks for your leadership. We all know in the back of our minds that being a good boss isn't easy.
  • Thank you for supporting me in my work and allowing me to succeed. Knowing I have your support allows me to confidently tackle challenging work.
  • You make decisions that directly affect my life both at work and away from work. Thank you for keeping my best interest in mind and going to bat for your employees. A boss like you is precious and rare.
  • You deserve a day off more than I do, but while I'm thinking of it, can I have next Friday off?
  • You are more than a boss. I consider you my mentor, counselor, and friend.

For Husbands

  • I know I say thank you often, but it is never enough to acknowledge all that you do. You're the best hubby any girl could ask for.
  • Please allow me to show you some appreciation for being the husband of my dreams.
  • You show me your love is many special little ways every day. Thank you for making me a priority.
  • Some say love grows over time. The longer we are married the more grateful I feel.
  • I made a great choice when I said yes. You made a grateful wife when you spoiled me the way you do.

How to Write a Thoughtful Thank You

When you sit down to write in a thank you card, many things may run through your head. Should you mention the gift given to you? If so, how much should you say? How can you be sincere? How do you express your feelings appropriately?

Use this simple formula to write a great thank you note:
  1. Describe your reaction to the gift: "I love the new shirt you gave me for my birthday. I was surprised."
  2. Praise the giving person: "You are thoughtful, and you know my taste well. I admire your generosity."
  3. Express your feelings about the person: "I feel blessed to have an aunt like you."
  4. Close with a simple thank you message: "I appreciate the shirt, and I know I will enjoy wearing it. Thank you!"
Following this format isn't always necessary, but it may give you more ideas for your thank you note. If you have a lot to say about the gift, the person, or your feelings, then you can leave it long.

These are simple tips for writing a clear thank you:
  • Always mention the gift or act of service the person did. This will make it specific in case they have done other things for you.
  • Express your feelings of gratitude, which is not the same thing as analyzing why the gift is good. 
  • Praise the person who gave you the gift or helped you, even if you just write that he or she is thoughtful and kind. 
  • If you don't like the gift, and you don't want to lie, focus the message on the person who gave it to you and the effort it took him or her to give you the gift.