What to write in a gift card for grandparents
Updated
In a gift card for a grandparent, say what the gift is for and add one specific, personal line: a memory, something they taught you, or what you're looking forward to doing together. Keep it short and warm. From young grandkids, a sentence in their own words and a drawing mean more than anything clever or long.
What makes a gift card message feel personal?
- Name something specific: the pancakes, the card games, the way they always ask about soccer.
- Say what the gift is for: "for our Sunday calls", "for the next time you visit".
- Look ahead: something you'll do together because of the gift.
- Write it by hand if you can, even if the gift itself arrives by email.
What can young grandkids write?
- "I love you because you tell the best stories."
- "Happy birthday, Grandpa! Can we play cards when you come?"
- "Grandma, you are the best at hugs."
- "This is for you so we can talk every week."
- For pre-writers: a drawing, with a parent writing down what the child says about it.
What can adult grandchildren write?
- "Thank you for every summer at your house. This is a small thank-you for a very big thing."
- "You taught me how to make your soup. Now it's my turn to treat you."
- "I still use the advice you gave me when I was 16. Happy birthday."
- "For a night out, on me, with all my love."
What can parents write from the whole family?
- "From all of us, for all the ways you show up for the kids, even from far away."
- "The kids picked this out. We hope it makes the miles feel shorter."
- "For more time together this year. We can't wait."
- "Merry Christmas from your favorite noisy family."
What should you write for a gift that's an experience or a subscription?
Explain what happens next, because the grandparent can't unwrap it: when it starts, what they'll receive and whether they need to do anything. "Starting January 3, you'll get an email whenever a new mystery is ready to solve with the kids. Just click the link. There's no app to install." Then add the personal line.
Our gift cards are printable, so the grandkids can decorate one and write their own message on it before it's handed over or mailed.
What should you avoid in a gift card message?
- Jokes about age, unless you know for sure they'll land.
- Anything that makes the gift sound like an obligation ("Now you have no excuse not to call!").
- Long instructions in the message itself; put setup steps on a separate note.