Inspirational Father’s Day Messages: 13 Ways to Show Your Appreciation
Dads are rockstars. They support us, love us, and make us laugh. That’s why we take time every third Sunday in June to show our appreciation. Looking for ways to show him your admiration this Father’s Day? Whether you’re celebrating your biological dad, stepdad, or a special father figure, here are some of our favorite inspirational Father’s Day messages and cards to share your sentiments.
What to Write in a Father’s Day Card
When honoring your dad on Father’s Day, you can choose to write any message you find meaningful. You can be humorous, sentimental, or inspirational — it’s really all about celebrating your unique bond with your dad. You don’t just have to celebrate your biological dad either. Consider sending thoughtful messages to your grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, or anyone you view as a father figure.
Include a quote from one of your dad’s favorite celebrities or sports figures. You can also write a phrase you two share, like an inside joke. Does your dad love puns or dad jokes? Throw one of those in there to make him laugh. Is dad a softie? Then consider sharing a sentimental memory.
If you’re feeling stuck when figuring out what to write in your Father’s Day card, think of a special moment or reason you bond so well and reference that in your card. For an inspirational card, think about sharing moments where he lifted you up, supported you when you needed it most, or was your rock in a tough situation.
13 Inspirational Father’s Day Messages
If your dad loves a motivational moment, write him an inspirational Father’s Day message. He’ll enjoy feeling appreciated and will cherish your words when he needs support, too.
Being inspiring doesn’t mean you have to be dull. Add a little humor into the mix to make your dad laugh. You can also keep it simple and stick to sentimental and inspiring messages to show how much he means to you in a personal way. It’s really all about his personality. Here, we’ll help you find the perfect thing to say to your dad this year with stunning Father’s Day cards as the backdrop.
1. Celestial Elegance Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
This celestial card lets your dad know he’s out of this world. Drive the theme home with a message like “Thanks for being my rock each and every year. From little league to the big leagues, you’ve helped me navigate it all, always reminding me to shoot for the stars. I hope you have a nice Father’s Day.”
2. Rad Dad Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Tell your dad how rad you think he is with this perfect 10 card. Include a sentimental message like “Happy Father’s Day! From being my idol as a little kid to being the person I call first every time I’m faced with a big decision, you’ve always had my back. I can’t thank you enough for making me who I am today.”
3. We Love You Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Share the love from the whole family with this joint Father’s Day card. Upload a photo of your dad with you and your siblings or a sweet snap of your husband and little one. Add a thoughtful message like “Great dad doesn’t even begin to cover it. You’ve sacrificed so much to make my life what it is today. Thank you, a thousand times over, for being you.”
4. Best Dad Ever Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Tell your dad he’s the best ever — without a cheesy mug — using this sweet card. Make him feel the love with a message like “What makes a great father? I don’t know if there’s an official formula, but I do know you fit the bill. Thanks for inspiring me to be better every day, pushing me to do my best, and supporting me when I fall short.”
5. Newsworthy Dad Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Hot off the presses: Your dad is officially the best one around. Share the happy news with this print-inspired card and a Father’s Day message that says, “To the best dad and role model around: Happy Father’s Day. I hope you feel as much love today as you’ve given to me my whole life.”
6. World’s Best Dad Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope (photos courtesy of Julia Kinnunen Photography)
Show dad what a big part of your life he is with this photo card featuring three different image slots. Add a few sentences about the importance of his role in your life. Consider saying, “You’re not just a good father, you’re the best. Whether you were braiding my hair for a dance, getting me ready to tackle the LSATs, or just sitting with me for support, you’ve been an amazing dad. Thank you for everything, and happy Father’s Day.”
7. Plaid Dad Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
The coolest dads wear plaid. Play off his love of this fashion staple with a plaid Father’s Day card. Keep your words sentimental and to the point with phrasing like “Father’s Day isn’t just for biological dads. Thank you for supporting me and raising me as your own. Watching you step into this complicated role has been inspiring and a joy to share. Sending you Father’s Day wishes for another successful year.”
8. Papa Bear Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
This whimsical card shows dad that he shines as bright as the stars. Build on the theme with a message like “You’ve been my North Star for all of my life. Guiding me through choppy waters, navigating dark storms, and always ready to join me in savoring a sweet sunset at the end of any challenge. Happy Father’s Day, Papa Bear.”
9. Jack of All Trades Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Whether dad is fixing a broken heart, a scratch on your child’s knee, or a ding on your new car, show him how much you care with a cheeky and sweet card. Write a personalized message like “You’re an amazing father. Every time I look at our little girl and watch your fatherhood journey, I’m inspired by your growth and kindness. I hope you have a sweet Father’s Day. Thanks for doing it all and making each moment better.”
10. Fly Fishing Grid Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Fly like a G6? More like fly like a sea fish. Get your dad a card he’ll love with this fly-fishing themed card. Add a few words like “I know everyone thinks they have the coolest dad, but I know who the real champion is. Thanks for being my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the best role model. I hope you have the best Father’s Day!”
11. Outdoors Adventure Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Is your dad your favorite adventure buddy? Help him relive some of your best moments with this great outdoors card. Tell him how much you care by saying, “Wishing a great Father’s Day to the most wonderful dad. You’ve taught me that hard work and perseverance are important, but not the whole package. Being a good human, being creative, and being kind are just as important as success. And it’s not always about hard work — play and celebrating success is part of the deal. Thanks for always giving me perspective — and showing me what matters most.”
12. Sweet Snapshot Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Celebrating the first Father’s Day this year? Honor this special moment with a sweet photo card. Say something like “It’s your first Father’s day! From the first time I laid eyes on you, I knew you’d be a wonderful dad. Thanks for navigating this crazy new chapter with me, lifting me up when it gets tough, and constantly showering our family with love.”
13. Ice Pop Fun Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Get ready to spend the day chilling with the coolest pop in town. Start by getting him this festive card and a light-hearted note like “I don’t always have the right words to say, but I wanted you to know that our father-daughter relationship is one of the most important things in the world to me. From the first time I failed spectacularly to my biggest successes, you’ve been there guiding me. You deserve to be celebrated each and every day of the year! Thanks for being a wonderful father.”
Inspirational Quotes for Father’s Day Messages
Not sure you have the right words for your Happy Father’s Day message? Turn to famous figures who have captured the sentiment of a wonderful father figure. You can use some of these quotes as standalone messages or add a sentence or two after to make it unique and personalized.
Here are some of our favorite inspirational Father’s Day quotes:
- “One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.” – George Herbert
- “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” – Jim Valvano
- “The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get.” – Tim Russert
- “It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father.” – Barack Obama
- “Lately all my friends are worried they’re turning into their fathers. I’m worried I’m not.” – Dan Zevin
- “To a father growing old, nothing is dearer than a daughter.” – Euripides
- “When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.” – Linda Poindexter
- “No man I ever met was my father’s equal, and I never loved any other man as much.” – Hedy Lamarr
- “My father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future.” – Liza Minnelli
- “Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, storytellers, and singers of song.” – Pam Brown
- “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad, and that’s why I call you dad because you are so special to me.” – Wade Boggs
- “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” – William Shakespeare
Make This Father’s Day Memorable
With these inspirational Father’s Day messages, you’re sure to make your dad feel loved. Give him a chuckle with a funny inside joke or make him cry with sweet celebrations of his support over the years. However you choose to honor him, he’s sure to be inspired and feel special.
Continue browsing our Stationers blog for more fun and creative ways to celebrate dad. Plus, you’ll find more of our favorite cards and ideas for barbecues, getaways, and other ways to spend time with dear old pops. And don’t forget to browse invitations if you’re planning on having a get-together with friends and family to celebrate the father figures in your life. Customize each card by playing with color schemes, adding fun elements like music, or uploading your own design.
