How to Write a Meaningful Card: New Baby, New Job, Father’s Day, Teen Birthday, High School Graduation
June tends to be a busy month between Father’s Day, graduation parties, and entering into summer. In keeping with my goal to write & send at least one Naomi Paper Co. card each week, I had more than enough occasions for writing cards to keep me busy!
Do you know someone who recently lost a parent, and is struggling with “firsts” like Father’s/Mother’s Day? Have you written dozens of birthday cards but now find yourself drawing a blank on what to write in yet another one—especially for a teen?
I’ve been there too, and now I want to help you share heartfelt sentiments with those you care about. In June, I sent seven of our hand-designed cards: No Better Mama Than You, May God Bless This New Season, Lifting You Up in Prayer This Father’s Day, It’s Such a Joy to Watch You Grow as a Father, Cheering You on Today & Always, and Hats Off to Ya.
New Baby Card: No Better Mama
I love this quote from Cara of Taking Cara Babies: “There is no better mama for that baby than you.” It’s a wonderful encouragement for a mother in those doubting moments or sleepless nights—no matter if they are a first time mom or not. (Side note: my husband and I cannot recommend Taking Cara Babies sleep training courses enough!)
I sent this card to a friend who recently had her second baby, tucking a Starbucks gift card inside.
Here’s what I wrote:
“I wanted to send a ‘formal’ congratulations to you on the birth of your sweet baby! It was a joy to get to hold her briefly! And always inspiring to see your confidence as a mom. There is truly no better mama for that baby than you!”
Did you know? our mom & baby cards give back!
When you purchase this card, (or any of our Mother’s Day, new mom, or baby cards) it blesses more than one mom! 15% of sales from each card are donated to a mother and baby in need through New Beginnings - A Home for Mothers in Milwaukee, WI.
New Job Card: May God Bless This New Season
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1
Of course, a wedding or the birth of a baby are big moments with their own greeting card categories - but don’t forget that new jobs, new degrees, and new homes are also significant in the lives of those you love!
I love the versatility of this card, as it can encompass everything from a graduation to a new home to a promotion at work. When you want someone to know that you see them in their big moment, this card fits the bill.
I sent this card to a friend who was celebrating both a birthday and a new job!
Here’s what I wrote in this Birthday & New Job Card:
“Happy birthday and blessings on your new job, too! I don’t see you enough anymore, but I’m always comforted to know I have a friend like you in my corner… Your God-given servant-heartedness shows through in everything you do, and it’s amazing to hear how you’re already using that in your new job… They are so lucky to have you and I’m blessed to always have you as an example!”
Card writing tip: sending a Card is really worth it!
I never expect a “thank you” or reaction from the recipient of the cards I send, but this text exchange from my friend after she received this card definitely made my day and reminded me that all this card writing effort is well worth it! I pray this can be an encouragement to you too.
Father’s Day Sympathy Card: Lifting You Up in Prayer This Father’s Day
As I’ve shared on the blog before, my mother passed away in 2021. In fact, the day of her funeral was also the day my son was born.
For someone who has experienced deep loss or grief, each “first” can be particularly trying. You don’t know what to expect and just need all the support you can get.
I know first-hand the acute emotions experienced on days like these, which is why I created sympathy cards for these occasions—to help you find the words to say when you know someone is hurting.
In June, I mailed two of these Father’s Day sympathy cards to friends who lost their dad in the prior year.
Here is an excerpt from what I wrote to each of them:
“You and your family continue to be in my prayers, and especially this Father’s Day week. The “first” everything after loss feels so raw and hard. I pray you’re able to find something to still celebrate/honor your dad and grieve and feel all the emotions that come your way. Your boys are so blessed to have both your husband and your dad to look up to and celebrate. Much love and prayers.”
Father’s Day Card for Husband: It’s Such a Joy to Watch You Grow as a Father
As a mother, I’m so blessed to navigate the journey of motherhood alongside my husband, Jon. He’s an incredible father and role model to our boys. Yet every Father’s Day, this seems to be the card I procrastinate writing the most! Can you relate?
This year, I leaned on my four-year-old to help bring some extra love and personality to the inside of this Father’s Day card:
Me: “What do you love most about Dad?”
4 y/o: “I love that he always brings me donuts and always wants to play with me.” 😍
Here’s what I added to this Father’s Day Card for my husband:
“Thank you for being the best partner to parent these boys with. I’m so thankful they get to grow up with a dad that shows them what it’s like to follow the LORD, be a loving husband, be silly together, is so patient, and teaches them to work through their struggles. I’m thankful to get to watch it all firsthand. We love you!”
Card Writing Tip: Use our Father’s Day Card writing Prompts
The next time you write a card for a special dad in your life, feel free to borrow from what I’ve written above. Or better yet, access 14 more Father’s Day Card writing prompts right here. Father's Day can be complicated, but writing a Father's Day card doesn't have to be! Sometimes a little prompt is all you need to get started on your own meaningful message.
Teen Birthday Card: Cheering You on Today & Always
My sweet niece turned 15 in June, and is growing up so fast as she wraps up her first year of high school. I love the gold foil details on this card, used on the words that are hidden in the bright paint strokes! This sentiment is perfect for a bold teen’s birthday, graduation, and more.
Here’s what I wrote in this 15th Birthday card:
“Happy 15th Birthday! It’s a joy to watch you grow into a beautiful, kind, and confident woman with a great sense of humor. Grandma and Nana would be so proud. It’s also so fun watching you love and excel in soccer! No matter what, we are always praying for you, cheering you on, and are here for you.”
Teen Card Writing Tip: Tell them who they are becoming
When it comes to writing a card for a teen, I love author Bob Goff’s advice to, “tell people who they are becoming.” I tried to mention details about her personality and who she’s growing into (though she may not perfectly exemplify that trait yet). You’ll see another example in the high school graduation card I sent next.
High School Graduation Card: Hats Off to Ya
My nephew celebrated his 18th birthday in March (here’s what I wrote in his birthday card) and then graduated from high school in June!
Even though he’s unsure what his next chapter will be, I wanted to use this graduation card to still express both encouragement and celebration.
Here’s what I wrote in a boy’s High School Graduation Card:
“You did it! I know it wasn’t always easy, but we are so proud of how your determination has grown over the last four years. We pray you continue to let that perseverance grow as you move onto the next chapter of your life, whatever that may be. You were made with a purpose, and we are always here to help along the way. We love you!”