What to write in a Mother’s Day card

Hooray for all the moms in our lives! Hooray for the mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, aunts, wives, partners, sisters, friends, fellow moms, mentors and women who love with a mother’s heart.

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 for what to shout (or at least, what to write in their cards), you’ve come to the right place.

This Mother’s Day guide offers signing tips and message starting points—shared by Hallmark writers and organized by Mother’s Day recipients—and also popular message themes for Mother’s Day. You can read the whole guide or jump straight to the specific ideas that suit your style and your unique mom recipient. Whichever way you go, we hope our ideas help you honor and celebrate the amazing mothers in your life!

Writing tip: After you’ve penned your message, don’t forget to add a warm closing with your signature.

In life, there are times when you need your very own mom, and no one else will do. Similarly, there are certain special Mother’s Day messages you can only write to her.

From just you

• “Mother, first you gave me the gift of life. Then you gave me the kind of love only a mother can give. I’m so very grateful for both.”
• “I’m so proud to be your kid.”
• “Right from the start, you were the one who nurtured me, prayed over me, worried about me, guided me and supported me in every pursuit. Thank you for being there every day with just the love I needed.”
• “Now that I’m grown, I realize I don’t just feel gratitude for you—but admiration. I’d want to pattern my life after yours even if you weren’t my mother.”
• “You’re my one and only mom, and I’ll always have a special place in my heart for you.”
• “Raising me took a lot of patience. Thanks for hanging in there with me.”
• “Sorry if I drove you crazy sometimes. I only did it because I love you!”
• “To my mom, my friend, my angel.”

From you and your sibling(s), spouse, partner or family

• “For all you do and all you are, we love you…”
• “As a mom, as a mother-in-law, as a grandma—you’re the best, and we feel so lucky to have you!”
• “Thanks for putting up with us! We love you like crazy.”
• “Thanks for raising us to be close-knit.”
• “Thanks for making home the happiest place to be.”
• “We’re thinking of you with lots of love today!”
• “Mom, you’re the glue that holds us together.”

Writing tip: If your relationship with your mother is complicated, don’t feel obligated to make your message more complimentary or effusive than you feel. Instead, be warm and sincere in your message. Focus on what’s positive and true between you. Tell her you’re thinking of her. Or simply wish her a beautiful day.

Whether she goes by grandma, nana, granny or another name, your grandmother is definitely someone to honor and celebrate on Mother’s Day!

From just you

• “You’ll always have your own special place in my heart, Nana.”
• “Thanks for spoiling me rotten!”
• “Love is a family tradition for us…I’ve always known that, as long as I’ve been on this planet. You’re a big part of those loving memories and the reason I feel so lucky to be born into this family.”
• “I hope I hand down as much love to my grandchildren as you have handed down to me. I know I will tell them about you and how wonderful you are.”
• “I hope you know how much I admire the woman you are.”
• “You’ve taught me so much without saying a word.”
• “I could sure use a grandma hug right now.”
• “Grandma, your love has shaped me in lasting ways.”
• “So blessed by you, Gamma. You went above and beyond to help raise me, and it’s given us a special connection that I cherish.”

From you and your sibling(s), spouse, partner or family

• “You are the heart and soul of our family. Love you, Grammy Pam!”
• “You give our family roots to stand strong and wings to fly.”
• “For all you’ve gone through, all you are and all the love you share, we love you, Grandmother.”
• “You are the cornerstone of our family.”
• “You are our rock, and we’ll always love you.”
• “On Mother’s Day, we hope you feel honored for all your years of caring for your children and grandchildren. And every day, we hope you feel how loved you are.”
• “You don’t just give love, you are love. And we love you so much, too.”

Writing tip: If the card you choose for your grandmother says “Grandma,” but you call her Nonna Becky or K-K, use your written message to personalize it, addressing her by the familiar title or name you always use for her.

If you’re very lucky, you have an aunt, godmother or other caring woman close to you who has been a unique mix of friend, family, mentor and/or second mother to you through the years. Here are some things you might say to her on Mother’s Day…

Examples

• “Aunt Ginny, there’s simply no one else like you. I feel so blessed that we’re family…and that we’re friends.”
• “You’ve been like a mom to me—someone I can tell anything and ask anything. Thank you for caring so much…for being such an important person in my life.”
• “With love to an amazing lady...from someone who hopes to be one someday.”
• “Just wanted to recognize you on Mother’s Day for being such a caring and positive influence in my life. I’m forever grateful, and I look up to you more than you know.”
• “Happy Mother’s Day to an amazing woman I’ll always admire, appreciate and love!”
• “We hope it doesn’t come as a surprise that we’re thinking of you today. After all, you’ve loved us just like a mom.”

Writing tip: Mother’s Day is truly for all women who love with a mother’s heart. Giving birth is not required. Don’t hesitate to send a card and write a warm message to any woman who has been a strong and caring influence in your life.

What does a mom want to hear from her spouse on Mother’s Day? It’s no big mystery. She wants to hear that her partner sees all she does and appreciates her for it. And if there’s a “You’re a goddess/saint/miracle-worker” comment or a spa gift certificate to go along with it, then so much the better!

Examples

• “You’re more beautiful than ever to me.”
• “I love our family, and I love you.”
• “Happy Mother’s Day with all my thanks and love,”
• “Thank you for all the ways you go above and beyond every day for our family. The kids and I are so lucky to have you.”
• “There are so many details that go into keeping a family going strong. And in our family, they happen because you’re there making them happen. You really are an amazing wife and mother. I love you so much.”
• “I’m so grateful to be sharing life, love and parenthood with someone as creative and fun as you.”
• “From the moment we met, you’ve had my heart. And seeing you as a mom only makes me love you more.”
• “Happy Mother’s Day to the woman I love. I hope you feel every day how grateful I am for you and for all you do.”
• For the wife who is a stepmom to her spouse’s child: “Thank you for stepping in and being such a wonderful mother to my daughter. It means so much to see the way you care for her…and the way she loves you, too.”

Writing tip: Romantic or suggestive messages don’t tend to go over as well on Mother’s Day. Save those for your anniversary, Valentine’s Day or a just-because love card.

Messages for sisters and friends tend to be similar because they’re both peer relationships. You’re probably close in age and life stage. You might even share a special bond because you’re both experiencing parenthood at the same time.

Examples

• “Celebrating the amazing mom you are to your own kids and the wonderful aunt you are to mine!”
• “We both know who really raised me. Thanks for all the TLC.”
• “I always knew you’d be a great mom someday.”
• “So glad our kids are cousins!”
• “We’re a couple of naturals at this mom thing.”
• “So glad we’re moms—it’s one more sweet thing to share.”
• “I don’t know how you do it. But I can easily see that you are doing a wonderful job of being a mom.”
• “I can tell from how your kids act that they feel secure, well-grounded and totally loved. Of course they do. They have the best mom ever!”
• “You’re my good friend, and you’re a mom I admire so much.”
• “We started as mom-friends, but now we’re just plain friends. I’m so glad we are. Happy Mother’s Day!”
• “You know I love to kid you, but this is one thing I’ll never kid about: You’re a great mom—simple as that. The importance of shaping little lives is no joke. No one could be better at it than you. Hats off!”
• “I believe in my heart that someday we’ll once again pee alone.”

Writing tip: Whether she’s a rookie or an old pro, a mom can always use a little encouragement. Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion for a reminder that she is doing a great job with her kids.

There’s something so heartwarming about seeing your daughter or granddaughter become a mother in her own right. On Mother’s Day, celebrate her for giving you those grandbabies (or great-grandbabies) you’ve waited so patiently for!

Daughter

• “I’m so proud of you I can’t even express it. I would have been happy watching you pursue any dream you chose, but it makes me so happy that one of your dreams was to be a mother. Your children are a beautiful reflection of your loving heart.”
• “Happy Mother’s Day to our beautiful daughter. Thanks for being such a devoted mother to a few of our favorite grandchildren!”
• “Now that you’re a mom, hope you know a little of the joy I knew when I had you.”
• “With love for being such a great daughter…and making me such a happy grandmother!”
• “Motherhood is such a perfect expression of the gentle, caring person you are. It really warms our hearts to see you with your little boy.”

Granddaughter

• “The world is changing so much…in so many exciting ways. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the love moms give. You’re carrying on the mom tradition beautifully, in your own loving way. I’m so proud of you.”
• “I am so lucky to have you for my granddaughter. And your daughter is even luckier to have you for her mother.”
• “Thinking of you and that sweet grandbaby of mine today!”
• “So proud of the wonderful job you’re doing as a mom.”
• “Seems like just yesterday you were a little girl yourself. Love seeing you as a mom!"
• “Happy Mother’s Day to a granddaughter who just keeps on bringing joy to her family.”

Writing tip: Pride is a strong theme for daughters and granddaughters who are mothers. Let her know that motherhood is one of the many reasons you’re proud of her.

For a mom-to-be or first-time mom, her experience of Mother’s Day is unique. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for her, and that definitely calls for a special mention in your message.

Mother-to-be

• “Happy Mother-to-Be Day, Chelsea! You’re going to make such a good mom!”
• “Happy Mother’s Day to our favorite mom-to-be with lots of love and anticipation!”
• “You’re so going to be a great mom—you’ve already got so many nurturing motherly qualities.”
• “You’re joining the mom club! Hope this Mother’s Day will be the first of many special ones for you.”

1st Mother’s Day

• “Everyone jokes about spoiling the baby. When can I come over and help spoil the NEW MOM? YOU DESERVE IT!”
• “You are off to such a sweet start as a mom. Happy 1st Mother’s Day!”
• “You’re doing a great job. I can tell from your happy baby.”
• “Can just imagine how meaningful today is with a new little one in your life. Enjoy!”
• “You’ve got crayon-drawn Mother’s Day cards in your future, along with big hugs from your lucky little one!”
• “That sweet baby isn't the only one who should be pampered—today’s all for you!”
• “Can’t tell you how happy I am for you as a new mom!”

Writing tip: Excitement and encouragement are great qualities in a mom-to-be or 1st Mother’s Day message. Share in her anticipation, or tell her she’s going to be a great mom. Or both!

It’s hard to go wrong with a warm wish for a Happy Mother’s Day. Signing with a simple wish is a natural choice when the card has already said it all or when you just want to keep your message light and upbeat.

For Mom

• “I hope you have a beautiful day, Mom.”
• “Happy Mother’s Day! Love you!”
• “Hope you feel appreciated today. You are!”
• “Wishing a happy day for my wonderful mom.”
• “Hope you’re feeling the love today!”

For other mothers

• “Happy Mother’s Day with love,”
• “We hope you get spoiled today!”
• “May your day be so sweet.”
• “Today is all about you! I hope it’s great!”
• “Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day.”

Writing tip: If the card already has “Happy Mother’s Day” printed, follow it with an ellipsis (…) and add a little something to the wish to make it personal. For example, “…I hope the lilacs in the backyard are blooming for you. I know they’re your favorite!”

Most moms aren’t in it for the compliments, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get some—especially on Mother’s Day. It can mean the world for your mother or another mom in your life to hear that you think she’s great at what she does.

For Mom

• “Mom, you’re nothing less than amazing.”
• “I want to be like you when I grow up.”
• “To the wisest of the wise, my mama.”
• “To the coolest mom in the history of ever.”
• “Your hugs are the best, Mom. Love you!”
• “I’m so proud to tell people you’re my mom.”
• “Hope you know how much I still look up to you!”
• “Happy Mother’s Day to my smart, funny, one-of-a-kind mom.”
• “You’re the best listener, the best cook, the best friend, the best mom I could ever ask for.”

For other mothers

• “Happy Mother’s Day to one of the absolute best moms we know!”
• “I deeply admire the strong, down-to-earth mother you are.”
• “Creativity, laughter, devotion…there’s so much to admire in the way you do motherhood day in and day out.”
• “You’re awesome. That’s just how you roll.”
• “You’re my hero, Grandma.”
• “Nobody deserves more love and honor on Mother’s Day than you.”
• “You’re one classy lady who really takes care of her family!”
• “Don’t know how you do all you do, but I’m grateful!”

Writing tip: If one compliment just isn’t enough, consider writing a whole list of them. You could give it a title like “What Makes You a Great Mom” or “10 Awesome Things About You As a Mom.”

Like spring flowers and the month of May, gratitude and Mother’s Day just naturally go together! A warm thank-you is always a good bet when you’re wondering what to write in your card.

For Mom

• “Thanks for being the person you are and for helping me become my best self.”
• “Thank you for the lifelong gift of your unconditional love.”
• “We feel so blessed to have a mom and mother-in-law like you. Thank you for everything you do.”
• “Thanks for raising me right.”
• “I’m so glad I have you. You’ve always been the perfect Mom for me.”
• “Thanks for helping me achieve my dreams.”
• “With love from the luckiest son in the world,”
• “I can never repay you, but I’ll always try to make you proud.”
• “Thanks for all the storybooks you read, heartaches you soothed and happy times you celebrated when I was growing up. You’ll always be my hero.”

For other mothers

• “Thanks for always being so supportive!”
• “I’m so grateful to have a friend and fellow mom like you in my life. Thank you for helping me deal with all the ups and downs of motherhood!”
• “You’re like a second mom to me. Thanks for all the love and support you bring to my life.”
• “Thank you for being such an amazing mother to our kids. I love sharing parenthood with you.”
• “Don’t know how you do it, but really glad you do.”
• “With heartfelt gratitude on Mother’s Day and always,”
• “Could never thank you enough!”
• “To the world’s greatest aunt who also makes the world’s best carrot cake.”
• “For teaching me to knit, to make pie crust and to always be awesome, thanks Grandma!”
• “To my grandma, who’s even sweeter than her oatmeal raisin cookies. (PS: Thanks for always letting me lick the spoon!)”
• “For being the world’s best listener, thanks Nana.”

Writing tip: There are lots of ways to say thank you without saying “thank you.” Consider expressing your gratitude with one of these lead-ins or something similar: I appreciate your…, I’ll always be grateful for…, So blessed by…, I feel so lucky to have…, With love and appreciation for…, How grateful we are for…, You are a blessing because…,

If she’s a mom who enjoys a good laugh, then by all means, let your sense of humor shine!

For Mom

• “I hope this Mother’s Day is even happier than the one when I gave you the macaroni flower picture.”
• “To Mom, with love, from your favorite child. (You can tell who by the handwriting, right?)”
• “Mom, I was lucky enough to inherit your eyes and your sense of humor. I keep hoping one of these days your X-ray vision and lie-detector capabilities will surface in me, too!”
• “Mom, you don’t even need a Band-Aid to make everything all better. You do it just by being you. Love you!”

For other mothers

• “Wishing you a sweet, quiet, gross-out-free Mother’s Day!”
• “Mother’s Day, margarita, mojito and merlot all start with ‘M.’ Coincidence? Surely not.”
• “Your family better appreciate you today, or they’ll have me to answer to!”
• To Sister: “I always knew you’d make a great mom—especially since you perfected all your bossy skills on me! Kidding!”
• To Daughter: “Happy Mother’s Day, Sweetheart! For a girl whose dolls were usually naked and covered in magic marker tattoos, you sure did grow up to be a great mom!”
• To Grandmother: “Thanks for all the cookies and love. And cookies. Did I mention cookies?”

Writing tip: Let your relationship be your guide when using humor. If funny is the way you connect with her in everyday life, then funny is fine for the Mother’s Day card you send her.

If your faith is a natural part of the way you look at life and relationships, then write from the heart and let it show in the way you sign a Mother’s Day card.

For Mom

• “So glad God blessed our family with a mom of faith.”
• “Saying a little prayer of thanks today for a caring mom like you.”
• “God gave me the best-ever gift when he gave me you for a mother.”
• “Thank you for loving me from the start and for showing me early on how much God loves me, too.”
• “Happy Mother’s Day, Mama. Every day, I thank heaven you’re mine.”

For other mothers

• “May your Mother’s Day be blessed with happiness.”
• “Motherhood is hard sometimes, but God is good all the time. Happy Day to a mom who knows that well!”
• “God knew what he was doing when he made you a mom—he knew you’d be a good one!”
• “You are a blessing to your family…and to me.”
• To Wife: “Because of you, our family and our sweet home are built around generous, selfless love. Thank you for making us all so blessed—especially me.”

Writing tip: Unless you have reason to believe your recipient would be offended, there’s no need to shy away from mentioning God, prayers or blessings in what you write.

Show her you know her by sharing a funny story, fond memory or notable highlight from her career as a mom.

For Mom

• “Mother’s Day got me thinking of the little jokes, drawings and surprise cookies you used to tuck into my lunch bag. Even now, you still know how to make my day, and it’s one of so many things I love about you.”
• “We could never forget our wedding rehearsal dinner when you hugged us both at once and told us how happy you were. From that moment on, we knew you were truly Mom to both of us. Hope you know how grateful we are for you.”
• “For letting me fall asleep watching the movie, then covering me up on the couch…and a thousand other sweet things, thank you.”

For other mothers

• “I remember over lunch at The Marigold Café when you first told me you were going to be a mom. I was so happy for you then, and I still am, because I see how much you love it and how amazing you are at it.”
• “Some of my very favorite memories of growing up are times I spent with you, Aunt Jenn. On Mother’s Day, I’m remembering epic games of hide-and-seek…Saturdays at the pool…late-night scary-movie marathons…and especially how fun it’s always been having you for my aunt!”

Writing tip: The odds that your mom has kept every card you’ve ever sent her are pretty high. With that in mind, it might be a good idea to focus on a more recent shared event or memory—something you haven’t already reminded her of or thanked her for.

Got a favorite quote about moms or motherhood? Why not share it when you sign your card?

Examples

• “I wanted to share this quote with you on Mother’s Day: 
  ‘Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.’ 
  — Robert Browning 
  I hope every day brings some little reminder of what an important job you’re doing as a mom!”
• “‘Motherhood is not for sissies.’ 
  — Anonymous 
  Happy Mother’s Day to one tough mom!”
• “‘All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.’ 
  — Abraham Lincoln 
  Thank you so much, Mom. I love you.”
• “‘So much of what I know of love, I learned from Grandma.’ 
  Warm. Wise. Tender. That's you through and through, Grandma.”

Writing tip: You can draw motherhood quotations from books, poetry, Scripture, songs, movie dialogue, Pinterest and more. If you’d like some quotable inspiration, check out thisMoms board. You can include your quotation in the body of your written message, or you can write the quote separately on the inside left of the card. (Typically, you will end up signing your name on the inside right.)

A warm closing before your signature is like the bow on top! Choose one of ours, or come up with one of your own.

Keely Chace is a Hallmark writer and mother of two. When she isn't busy writing cards, she reads, runs, brushes up on long division and listens to lots of piano practice

Additional contributions by Linda Barnes, Ellen Brenneman, Jeannie Hund, Diana Manning, Dan Taylor and Molly Wigand