Happy Fathers Day Cards

By Keely Chace

New dads, old dads, granddads, dads-in-law, stepdads, serious dads, goofball dads…There must be a million fatherly types out there, and without a doubt, there are at least that many reasons to honor them on Father’s Day.

You probably know at least a few dads you’d like to recognize with a card and some heartfelt words on that third Sunday in June. If you’re stuck on what to write in their Father’s Day cards, this guide can help get your pen moving.

Our Father’s Day guide offers signing tips and message starting points from Hallmark writers. Whether you read the whole guide or jump straight to the specific ideas you need, we hope you have fun thinking about and writing to the great dads in your life!

Father's Day Messages: What to Write in a Father's Day Card

For Your Father

What makes your dad the best? Well, he’s your dad, for starters, and that all by itself is pretty special. That’s why there are certain Father’s Day cards and certain Father’s Day messages that only work for him.

From just you

• “You’re the best, Dad. I love you!”
• “I’m so proud to be your son.”
• “Thank you for being there every day with just the love and guidance I’ve needed.”
• “You’re my one and only dad, and I’ll always have a special place in my heart for you.”
• “God gave me such a good gift when he gave me you for a father.”
• “You made growing up fun.”
• “Dad, you’re in all my favorite memories.”
• “Dad, you’re still the one I think of first when I have a question about something or when I just need some support and good advice. Thank you for always being there for me.”
• “Happy Father’s Day to the man who taught me how to step and throw, how to field a grounder, how to follow through and pretty much every other important thing I know about baseball and living!”
• “Happy Father’s Day to the man who put the fear into all my homecoming and prom dates…and who still treats me like a princess!”
• “You taught me so many of the important things I know—including a few choice words for certain situations.”

From you and your sibling(s), spouse, partner or family

• “So glad we all share such fun times together, Daddy.”
• “We deeply admire the good man and wonderful father you are.”
• “As a dad, as a father-in-law, as a grandpa—you’re the best, and we feel so lucky to have you!”
• “Thank you for the example you set and for your leadership in our family. We love you, Dad!”
• “We could never hide how much we love you, Dad. Not even in a duck blind with camo on!”
• “With you, Dad, Father’s Day means lots of tasty grilled things and lots for our family to celebrate!”

If your relationship with your father is complicated, don’t feel obligated to make your message more complimentary or effusive than you feel. Instead, be warm and sincere in your message. Focus on what’s positive and true between you. Tell him you’re thinking of him. Or simply wish him a great day.

For Your Grandfather

Whether he goes by grandpa, papa, granddad or another name, your grandfather is definitely someone to honor and celebrate on Father’s Day!

• “You’ll always have your own special place in my heart, Papa.”
• “Happy Father’s Day to the best grandpa in the world!”
• “I hope I can create as many good memories for my grandchildren as you have given me.”
• “No matter how much time goes by, I treasure my memories of times spent with you, and I still look forward to all our times together.”
• “For teaching me to fish, to make campfires and to always be kind, thanks Grandpa!”
• “I hope you know how much I admire the man you are, Grandpa.”
• “You’ve taught me so much without saying a word.”
• “Grandpa, your influence has shaped me in lasting ways.”
• “I’ve always felt so blessed to have a grandpa like you.”
• “Have you noticed that pretty much everything we do together leads to ice cream? Not that I’m complaining. Have a sweet Father’s Day. Love you, Grandpa!”

• “You’re such a good grandfather and great-grandfather—always ready to hold the newest baby or tell a joke or a story. No wonder you’re so loved.”
• “You give our family strength.”
• “For all you’ve gone through, all you are and all the love you share, we love you, Grandfather.”
• “You’re such an important part of the family, Granddad.”
• “No one else could take your place, Grandpa.”
• “On Father’s Day, we hope you feel honored for all your years of leading our family. And every day, we hope you feel how loved you are.”
• “You’ve been the best for as long as we can remember.”

If the card you choose for your grandfather says “Grandpa, ” but you call him Abuelo or Boompah Gary or something else, use your written message to personalize it, addressing him by the familiar title or name you always use for him.

For Someone Who is Like a Father to You

If you’re very lucky, you have an uncle, godfather or other caring man close to you who has been a unique mix of friend, family, mentor and/or father figure to you through the years. Here are some things you might say to him on Father’s Day…

Examples

• “Thinking of you on Father’s Day, Uncle Ron, and feeling so grateful that we’re family.”
• “Happy Father’s Day to my wonderful godfather. My parents couldn’t have picked a better (or funnier!) man for the job!”
• “You’ve always gone above and beyond to support me and celebrate important times in my life. That’s why I’m thinking of you with special gratitude on Father’s Day.”
• “With love and thanks for an amazing man I’ll always look up to, ”
• “Don’t know where I’d be without your wisdom and guidance.”
• “Having you in my life has made all the difference in the world to me.”
• “You’re the kind of man everyone needs in their lives.”
• “Just wanted to recognize you on Father’s Day for being such a caring and positive influence in my life. I’m more grateful than you could ever know.”
• “I hope it doesn’t come as a surprise that I’m thinking of you today. After all, you’ve cared about me almost like a father.”

Father’s Day is truly for all men who give of themselves with a father’s heart. Family relationship not required. Don’t hesitate to send a card and write a warm message to any man who has been a strong and caring influence in your life.

For Your Husband or Partner

Respect and gratitude are key messages to convey in your card for the man you love on Father’s Day. Whether the two of you are in the thick of diapers and carpools or you’re in a position to look back and laugh together, he will love reading that you have noticed and appreciated the good things he’s done as a dad.