85 Best Father’s Day Messages to Write in a Card

Let’s be honest: writing the perfect Father’s Day card isn’t as easy as you might think. You want to be touching but not too mushy, funny but not eye-roll-inducing (that’s his job), and say something meaningful without sounding like a greeting card clichè. It’s a fine line—and after everything Dad’s done, you want to get it just right.

Whether your dad is the strong, silent type, the king of corny jokes, or the unexpected softie who tears up at commercials, we’ve got the words to match. These 85 Father’s Day messages cover all the bases—from heartfelt to hilarious—so you can give him a card that earns a proud spot on the fridge (or at least a solid chuckle). Just pick your favorite, grab a pen, and prepare to make Dad’s day a little brighter—and maybe his eyes a little misty

Get Dad the Perfect Gift

Messages of Appreciation

• Thank you for all the little things you do and the big ones too. I appreciate you more than words can express. You’ve taught me the true meaning of strength, kindness, and love.
• Dad, thank you for all the things you do for this family every day. You’re the best!
• You make this family fun. We love you, Dad!
• Dad, you’re the first person I turn to when I have a question or need some advice. Thank you for always answering.
• Thank you for always being there with your love, guidance and patience.
• Dad, thank you for your time, which you give daily; your care, which you give freely and your love, which you give unconditionally. Happy Father’s Day!
• Although we may be separated, your guidance and love has stuck with me through it all. Happy Father’s Day!
• I am so grateful to have a dad who is as wonderful as you. Thank you for everything. Happy Father’s Day!
• Happy Father’s Day to the best Dad I could ask for. Thank you for being you!
• Dad, you give Superman a run for his money.

Short Father’s Day Wishes

• You inspire me every day, Dad. Happy Father’s Day!
• Dad, you are rad! Wishing you a very happy Father’s Day!
• There’s no better role model than you, Dad.
• There’s no one I’d rather look up to than you.
• I’m so proud to be your daughter/son.
• You’re my one and only dad, and you’ll always have a special place in my heart.
• Dad, you’ve made all my favorite memories.
• Happy Father’s Day to my biggest hero.
• There’s no other father like you in the world.
• You are an amazing father and husband!
• There’s no one else I’d rather parent beside.
• You inspire me every day, Happy Father’s Day!

Sweet Father’s Day Messages

• You’ve always been my biggest supporter and my greatest role model. I hope your day is as special as you are, Dad!
• Dad, you’ve filled my life with love, laughter, and wisdom. I’m so blessed to have you by my side. Happy Father’s Day.
• The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to have a dad like you.
• Fathers and kids may not always see eye to eye, but they always see heart to heart.
• No matter how old someone gets, they never stop needing their father (especially if they have a dad like you).
• Every year, I learn to appreciate more the values you passed on to me.
• I would not be who I am today without you. Thank you, Dad!
• You bring so much joy into our lives. I hope today, we can return some.
• Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever.
• As time goes on, our relationship only gets stronger and stronger. Thanks for being an amazing example. Love you, Dad!

Funny Messages

• Happy Father’s Day, Dad! Thanks for always letting me blame you for my bad decisions.
• Happy Father’s Day from your favorite pain in the butt.
• Happy Father’s Day! You did great — I turned out perfect.
• Gouda. Mozzarella. Brie. Sorry this card is so cheesy, but I really love you, Dad!
• Dad, you may not know everything, but you sure had me fooled for a while.
• I wouldn’t trade you for anything, Dad. I mean, nobody’s offered me anything, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t!
• World’s greatest farter … I mean father.
• Dear Dad, Thank you for always saying yes when mom said no.
• Happy Father’s Day to one of my favorite parents.
• Dear Dad, Thanks for not leaving me somewhere in a bucket.

Related Story

For Your Husband

• You’re the best at helping with the kids, but the kitchen… not so much. But you are an amazing dad and still love you!
• Happy First Father’s Day! I wouldn’t want to raise our kid with anyone else.
• I’m so grateful to be on this journey with you.
  
• You make our family whole. We love you!
• Our kids are learning from the best!
• Thank you for being such a great role model.
• To the best father, parent and partner a person could ask for! We couldn’t do it without you.
• Seeing what a great father you are makes me love you even more.
• I’ll never get tired of watching you become an amazing dad.
• I can’t imagine doing this parenthood thing without you.
• Thank you for always putting our family first. We love you, Happy Father’s Day!

From the Kids

• You’re our hero, Dad. Thanks for always taking care of us and making us smile.
• Thank you for helping us grow!
• We’re so lucky to have you as a father.
• Our favorite thing about you is _______.
• You’re the best dad in the whole, wide world!
• We love it when you play ______ with us.
• When we grow up, we want to be just like you!
• Dad, you’re always number 1 in our hearts.
• Happy Father’s Day to the world’s best dad!

Father’s Day Messages to a Brother

• Your nieces and nephews think the world of you, enjoy your special day, Uncle!
• Hope your kids don’t cause you the trouble that we caused our dad!
  
• To a wonderful uncle, and an even better dad!
• Your nieces and nephews think the world of you, enjoy the day!
• Happy Father’s Day to the man who gives our dad a run for his money.
• It’s amazing to see you grow into the dad you are today.
• Growing up together was great, but raising our kids together is even better!

Father’s Day Messages to a Friend

• Here’s to the guy who’s not only a great friend but also a wonderful father. Enjoy your special day!
• Happy Father’s Day to a man who’s both a great father and a great friend!
• Happy Father’s Day to a great dad — you must be doing something right to have such terrific kids.
• Cheers to a dad that makes the rest of us look bad!
• Congrats on being such a great dad — the rest of us can learn a thing or two from you!
• Happy Father’s Day to a guy who has kids but somehow still manages to be the coolest person I know.
• Your kids and I have something in common: We’re lucky to have you in our lives.

Father’s Day Quotes

• “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me.” — Jim Valvano
• “My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it.” – Clarence Budington Kelland
• “Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” —Unknown
• “A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be.” —Frank A. Clark
• “Dads are the most ordinary men who are turned by love into the biggest hero, adventurers, storyteller and singer of songs.” —Pam Brown
• “A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.” —Unknown
• “The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get.” —Tim Russert
• “A father carries pictures where his money used to be.” —Steve Martin
• “A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” —Unknown

Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.