The most cherished gifts are the ones you make yourself, and the same is true for greeting cards. Writing your own sentiments turns a simple greeting card into a treasured keepsake, and you don’t have to be a professional to do it. Before you begin writing, think about who you’re writing to, and the reason for your card. Then, try some of these tips for inspiration.
Writing for romance
Include a favorite photo of you and the one you love, and write a caption describing how you felt at the time. Focus on specific details, and use descriptive words to bring your memory to life. Or, quote lyrics from a song, a line from a film, or a verse from a poem that reminds you of your sweetheart.
Family time
If you’re writing to a parent or grandparent, write about what you’ve learned from them, or the qualities you feel you inherited from them. If you’re writing to a younger relative, remind them of something that makes them special, or describe an experience from their childhood that they might not remember.
Fun with friends
Get nostalgic by thinking of things that only you and your friend share—inside jokes or stories of past adventures. Include a funny photo from the past, and write a brief story in the style of a fairy tale. Begin with “Once upon a time,” and write about yourselves in third person. If you’re feeling sentimental, thank your friend for every time he or she helped you through a difficult time, and be as specific as possible.
Cards for kids
Try turning a nursery rhyme into a whimsical, personalized poem. Follow the general rhyme structure and rhythm, but change the words to include the child’s name and other details. If you’re writing a birthday card, use the child’s age to make a list (for example, Five Fun Facts About Jenny). Use kid-friendly words they can read for themselves, and try different colors and fonts to add interest.
Say it with sympathy
When writing to someone who has experienced a loss or hardship, put yourself in their situation, and think about what you’d want to hear. If the person has lost a loved one, write about the things you admired about that person, or share a fond memory. Keep your sentiments short and sweet, and remember the old cliché, “It’s the thought that counts.”
Homemade for the holidays
For a lighthearted greeting, make a list of all the words you can think of that are associated with the holiday, and experiment with a little creative wordplay like, “Have a Spook-tacular Halloween.” For holidays with special meaning, reflect on the reason behind the holiday. For example, list the things you’re grateful for in a Thanksgiving greeting card. For religious holidays, quote a spiritual verse that you find inspiring.
Write what you know
No matter what kind of card you’re writing, remember that sincerity counts. You don’t have to be a wonderful wordsmith or a poetic prodigy to write a greeting card that someone will cherish. Take the time to think carefully about exactly how you feel, and the right words will come to you.
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