Friendship Messages: What to Write in a Friendship Card
Whether it’s your friend’s birthday or just any old day, sending a card with a handwritten message is a great way to bring a smile and nurture the connection you’re lucky enough to share with them.
Looking for some fresh thoughts on what to write? We’ve got some! A few of our tips lean more toward the short and sweet, and others work great as jumping-off points for longer messages. Whichever direction you’re leaning, feel free to tailor our ideas to fit your unique relationship with your friend.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @Hallmark.
Make a List
We’ve suggested lists of 3, 5, or 10, but you can make your list as long as you dare (maybe even 40 compliments for a 40th birthday?). You can always enclose an extra sheet of paper if needed.
- My 3 Favorite Memories of You
- Top 5 Reasons I’m Glad We’re Friends
- The 10 Greatest Things About You
- Three Times You’ve Made My Day
- Ten Reasons I Love You
Compliment a Favorite Quality
Call out one of the things you love most about your friend. Better yet, go on to give an example of that quality in action. Below are some idea starters…
- Originality
- Honesty
- Generosity
- Kindness
- Loyalty
- Dependability
- Thoughtfulness
- Presence
- Listening
- Openness
- Acceptance
- Humor
- Helpfulness
- Wisdom
- Intelligence
- Insightfulness
- Strength
- Toughness
- Authenticity
- Genuineness
- ????
Give a Sweet Compliment
Here are just a few ideas…
- You’re one of the kindest people I’ve ever been lucky enough to know.
- You’re a great listener.
- You’d do anything for the people you care about.
- Your strength inspires me.
- You have the best laugh.
- You’ll always be one of my very favorite people.
Give an Edgy Compliment
This kind of compliment is not for every friend…but if it’s right for yours, you’ll know it right away!
- You’re a total badass!
- You’re not one to sugarcoat things. You tell it like it is.
- We love to hate all the same things!
- You have a refreshing inappropriate streak.
- You’re the one I can talk to when I don’t have anything nice to say.
- We’re like peas in a pod. (Snarky peas. Sarcastic pod.)
Express Gratitude
Remind your friend how much you appreciate them. The more specific you can be, the better.
- I’m grateful for you because…
- I’m so lucky to have a friend like you. Here’s why:
- I’m glad we’re friends for so many reasons. Just to name one…
- Ways you’re a blessing to me:
- I appreciate so many things about you—especially…
- I cherish you, and I cherish our friendship.
- It means so much to know you’re on my side.
- Thank you for all the times you’ve been there for me—like the time when…
- Thanks for putting up with me.
- Your friendship means so much.
Write in the Key of “We”
Write about what’s so great about the two of you together. Here are a few starting points…
- We just clicked right from the start.
- We’re kindred spirits.
- We’re surprisingly alike deep down where it really counts.
- We complement each other.
- We’ve shared so much.
- We’ve been friends so long.
- We know each other so well.
- We make a great team.
- We have so much fun together.
- We can be real together.
- We understand each other.
- We’re there for each other.
- We put the “party” in party of two!
Share a Friendship Quote
Below are a few possibilities, but explore favorite books, songs, movies or other sources to find some friendly words that would have special meaning for your friend. Also, check out our list of friendship quotes.
- “True friends are always together in spirit.” —L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
- “There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” ― Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
- “Your heart and my heart are very, very old friends.” ― Hafiz
Shop Friendship Cards
See allYou may also like
See more-
Graduation What to write in a graduation card
Hats off to graduates! Whether they’re earning a diploma, a program certificate, a degree or even a cool new professi...
-
Easter Easter basket ideas for all ages: DIY decorations, gifts and more
Excited to get hopping on those Easter baskets? We love to see it. And we love to inspire it, too! So we’ve put toget...
-
Care & Concern Planning together: End-of-life memory-making and memory-keeping
In 2019, I lost my father to cancer. When his tumor was discovered, we were bombarded by hospitals, tests and then, u...
-
Valentine's Day Ways to find comfort and hope when you’re grieving on Valentine’s Day (or support someone who is)
Grief is always hard, but especially on Valentine’s Day. From social media to stores to kids’ classrooms, it can feel...
-
Valentine's Day How to survive Valentine’s Day after a divorce or breakup
We know that ending a relationship can be extremely heartbreaking. It’s a very significant loss, and when Valentine’s...
-
Valentine's Day 100+ kids valentine messages: From kid-to-kid, for teacher and more
Refrigerator doors everywhere will soon be covered with valentines from kids. The right message added inside can make...
-
Christmas Christmas wishes: What to write in a Christmas card
Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.
-
Kids Encouraging words for kids: Celebrating courage, kindness, confidence and teamwork
Though they be but little, kids have the power to change the world around them in big ways. They can do it by bein...
-
Kids Beyond texting: Teaching kids the art of letter writing
So often, it’s the littlest hearts and hands that have the biggest ideas, the hugest hopes, the greatest love. And...
-
Mother's Day What to write in a Mother's Day card
Chances are you know at least a few moms who deserve a shout-out on Mother’s Day. If you’d like some creative ideas f...
-
Valentine's Day Valentine messages: What to write in a Valentine's Day card
Back in the day, when you had to come up with a valentine for everyone in your class, it was enough just to sign your...
-
Father's Day Father's Day messages: What to write in a Father's Day card
Find just the right Father's Day message to tell Dad just how much you appreciate him.
-
Arts, Crafts & DIY Día de Muertos crafts to celebrate with family
The sweet smell of pan de muerto baking, colorful decorations and pictures selected with care, special memories being...
-
Parties & Entertaining Let’s get together: 11 party ideas for adults
I believe that the little moments are what really make life special. Don’t get me wrong—I love celebrating the “big” ...
-
Back to School Free printable lunch box notes to send them back to school with love
We all love sending our kiddos off to school with just a little extra love. Or a few encouraging words. Or sometimes ...
-
Card Ideas Card messages for kids: What to write in a kid’s birthday card
After the birthday party, when the calm has returned, is when my kids come back to their birthday cards. The cards ar...
-
Summer What is Disability Pride Month?: Understanding its importance and finding ways to celebrate
The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted July 26, 1990 and was the first law in U.S. history to protect people...
-
LGBTQ Pride party ideas and everyday celebration inspiration for the LGBTQ community
We all know that Pride Month is a wonderful time to celebrate and commemorate the LGBTQ community, but it’s certainly...
-
Card Ideas Card messages for kids: What to write in a kid’s holiday card and more
My 3-year-old was having a hard time at preschool drop-off. Dragging his feet. Asking to stay home. This went on a fe...
-
Birthday What to write in a birthday card
Some people have no problem coming up with what to write in a birthday card. Just hand them a pen and they’ll effortl...