What to write in a birthday or anniversary card
You're standing in the kitchen with a blank card and the pen is not moving. The problem isn't that you don't have anything to say. It's that "Happy birthday, love you" is all that comes out when you're on the spot.
This free tool writes the card for you from three things you already know about them: who they are to you, the occasion, and a couple of specifics — the trip you took, the thing they've been working toward, the joke only the two of you get. You get a message in your own voice. Edit a word or two and write it down.
What makes a card message land
- One specific memory from this year beats ten adjectives.
- One thing you noticed they did that you appreciated.
- One thing you're looking forward to together.
Three or four sentences. Specific beats eloquent every time.
Examples
Birthday, partner: "Sarah — I still think about that bookshop in Portland and how you wouldn't leave without that Didion. Here's to a year with more afternoons like that one. Happy birthday. I love you."
Anniversary: "Twelve years and you still laugh at the same terrible joke. I don't take that for granted. Thank you for choosing this, and me, every ordinary Tuesday. Happy anniversary."
Questions
Is the card writer really free?
Yes. Your first message is free, no sign-up. If you want to keep going it asks for your email (still free), and then it'll also remind you before the next big date.
What do I need to tell it?
Who they are to you, the occasion, and a couple of things you know about them - a trip you took, something they've been working on, the inside joke only the two of you get. The more specific you are, the better it gets.
What occasions does it write for?
Birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, thank yous, apologies and "just because" cards.
Will it sound like me?
That's the idea. Pick a tone (heartfelt, playful, romantic, funny or short & sweet), and if it's not quite right try another one. I'd always change a word or two before writing it in the card, that's kind of the point.
How long should a card message be?
Three or four sentences is plenty. One memory from this year, one thing you appreciate about them, and something you're looking forward to. Being specific matters a lot more than sounding fancy.
Enable JavaScript to use the writer, or set up free reminders and we'll email you a drafted message two weeks before every date that matters.