So you have the perfect product for your friend or partner – they’ve been longing for it for months, leaving subtle (or not-so-subtle?) hints here and there, and you can already imagine how ecstatic they’ll be to finally get it!
This sounds great, but are you wondering how you can elevate this experience further? No, a fancy dinner preceding the event isn’t always necessary. Here’s a simpler way: include a gift card!
It sounds so simple, but the impact it creates takes any gift from ordinary to memorable. A good gift paired with thoughtful words, positive prayers, validation, or gratitude can make anyone feel special—and make them see how much they mean to you.
But here’s the challenging part:
What should you write in a gift card?
It’s easier than you think! Read on for some tips and suggestions that can help.
Short, thoughtful message ideas for different occasions
You want to keep this concise and impactful. Remember this isn’t a letter (although letters are great too, but options are limited with letters, whereas you can include a gift card with any present!) Here are some simple suggestions to consider:
Birthday
- Wishing you all the happiness in the world today and always.
- You make life brighter—have the best birthday ever!
Thank You
- Your support means the world to me—thank you!
- Grateful for your help, kindness, and time.
Sympathy
- Thinking of you and wishing you peace in this difficult time.
- Sending love and strength to you and your family.
Celebration
- You did it! So proud of you—cheering you on always.
- Here's to your success and all the good things coming next!
These short lines can be used as-is or adapted to suit your tone and relationship with the person.
Tone suggestions
The tone of your gift card should vary according to the occasion and the recipient.
Professional: Keep it respectful and warm. Perfect for coworkers, clients, or employees.
Example: “Wishing you continued success in all your future endeavors.”
Casual: Feel free to write as you speak. This works great for friends or siblings.
Example: “You already know you’re amazing—here’s a little something to celebrate that!”
Heartfelt: Go deep if the occasion calls for it. Gratitude, love, encouragement—don’t hold back.
Example: “I’m beyond grateful to have you in my life. You make everything better just by being you.”
And if you can, throw in an inside joke or a shared memory. That always makes it extra special.
Formatting tips
A gift card follows the easiest format ever. While there is no hard and fast rule here, here is a simple three-step format that works every time!:
- Start with a greeting: For example, “Dear Sam,” or “Hey Jenny!”
- Mention the Occasion: For example, “Happy Birthday!” or “Congratulations on the new promotion!”
- Include the following:
- Appreciation: Or you can mention how much they mean to you! For example, “Your hard work and work ethic are commendable” or “Your relentless effort for excellence was inspiring to see, and it’s not a surprise to see you succeed! Or “Your love and presence at home make all of us feel loved every second of every day!”
- Gratitude: For example, “we are grateful for employees like you who work so hard to make a difference in the lives of others,” or “you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am so lucky to have you in my life!”
- Prayer: For example, “We wish you all the best in future endeavors” or “May you always be happy and healthy!”
And that’s it. Sign off with some love, and you’re done!
Encouraging hand-written notes
While gift cards can be typed, and the words you write matter the most here, there’s something magical about handwritten notes. They show effort, and something sweet knowing that someone sat at a desk, thought of you, and took the time to write for you - smiling all the way. It adds an extra layer of charm to this whole experience.
It will definitely make the recipient appreciate you more.
Where to place it?
Obviously, it goes with the gift—but you want it to be noticeable enough to be the first thing the recipient sees. Here are some ideas to make sure that happens:
- Stick it on top of the present: If the card is facing up, the recipient will read it before unpacking the gift.
- Place it in the center of a gift basket in a bright envelope: A gift basket can include letters, notes, and cards, but they shouldn’t get lost in the shuffle. Use a bright envelope, elevate it on a platform or gift item, or attach a ribbon or flower to help it stand out.
Pro tip: Always attach the gift card with tape or glue to the gift or its packaging. Just placing it next to the gift is risky—it could get lost, left out, or picked up with someone else’s gift. Nobody wants that, so make sure the card is a secure, visible part of the package.
Conclusion
Sometimes, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference. A gift may be perfect on its own, but a simple card—thoughtfully written, well-placed, and meaningful in tone—can take the entire experience to another level.
Whether you're saying thanks, sending love, or simply showing someone that you care, the right words on a gift card will stay with the recipient long after the gift is unwrapped.
So don’t skip it—use this guide to make your next gift card personal, thoughtful, and memorable.