20 Thanksgiving Card Message Ideas

20 Thanksgiving Card Message Ideas can help you share gratitude in a way that feels heartfelt and memorable — whether for friends, family, or valued clients. Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey, football, and pumpkin pie; it’s a season rooted in genuine appreciation. In fact, research shows that practicing gratitude can strengthen relationships and boost happiness for both sender and recipient (Harvard Health Publishing).

In a time when inboxes are overflowing with ads and promotions, a handwritten Thanksgiving greeting stands out as something truly personal. That’s why we’ve gathered card messages that are sincere, memorable, and easy to adapt for any audience.

With Handwrytten, you can create beautiful, authentic cards without ever picking up a pen — we handle the writing, mailing, and even bulk sends for businesses.

Thanksgiving Card Message Ideas to Inspire

Unlike holidays that focus heavily on gifts, Thanksgiving is purely about appreciation. That makes it the perfect occasion to strengthen relationships, whether personal or professional.

For personal connections, it’s a chance to remind friends and family you’re thinking of them — even if you can’t share a meal together.

For professional relationships, it’s an opportunity to thank clients, partners, or employees without a sales pitch — just authentic gratitude that helps build loyalty.

Personal Card Messages

Heartfelt & Warm

• “Feeling thankful for all the joy you bring into my life. Wishing you and your family a warm and happy Thanksgiving.”
• “Grateful for the memories we’ve made and excited for the ones to come. Happy Thanksgiving!”

Light & Playful

• “Hope your turkey is tender, your pie is plentiful, and your nap is uninterrupted.”
• “May your stuffing be savory and your conversations drama-free. Happy Thanksgiving!”

Distance-Friendly

• “Even though we’re miles apart, you’re always close in my heart. Happy Thanksgiving!”
• “I’ll save you a virtual slice of pie — sending love across the miles.”

📝 Pro Tip: Use specific details. Mention a shared tradition, a funny inside joke, or a memorable moment from the past year to make your card feel personal and unique.

Business Card Messages

Client Appreciation

• “We’re truly grateful for your trust and support this year. Wishing you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving.”
• “Thank you for choosing us — working with you has been a highlight of our year.”

Partner Recognition

• “Your collaboration has been invaluable. Here’s to continued success and shared achievements. Happy Thanksgiving!”
• “We’re grateful for our partnership and look forward to what we can accomplish together.”

Employee or Team Thanks

• “Your hard work, creativity, and dedication inspire us every day. Wishing you a restful and happy Thanksgiving.”
• “Grateful for everything you contribute — both to our success and our workplace community.”

📝 Pro Tip: Skip the sales pitch. Thanksgiving cards should focus on appreciation, not promotion. That genuine sentiment is what deepens relationships.

For even more inspiration, you can explore Good Housekeeping’s “Thanksgiving Wishes and Greetings” collection. Their roundup offers a wide variety of thoughtful messages—ranging from warm and family-oriented to professional and polished—making it easy to find the right words for any audience.

How Handwrytten Makes It Easy

Whether you’re sending ten cards or ten thousand, Handwrytten lets you choose your card design, write your message (or select from our templates), and leave the rest to us. Our robots use real pens to write each card, so every one looks authentically handwritten — no fonts, no printing.

We can even automate sending based on your CRM data, handle bulk business orders, and mail internationally so your thanks reach everyone on your list. For business inquiries, bulk orders, or automation help, email sales@handwrytten.com.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Thanksgiving Card

• Send Early – Aim for delivery 5–7 days before Thanksgiving.
• Use Names – Personalizing makes a big impact, especially in business.
• Avoid Generic Phrases – Specificity makes your message memorable.
• Match Tone to Relationship – Keep professional notes formal yet warm, and personal notes casual if that’s your style.
• Sign by Hand (or Let Us Do It) – A handwritten signature adds authenticity — Handwrytten can replicate yours perfectly.

Need a refresher on proper business correspondence etiquette? The Emily Post Institute  offers timeless guidance that pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving card.

Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Can I send a Thanksgiving card instead of a holiday card?
Yes! Thanksgiving is a great time to beat the holiday rush and show gratitude before the December chaos.

💬 Should I include a gift card?
It’s optional — for personal cards, it can be a fun touch; for business, it’s thoughtful if policy allows. Handwrytten lets you add gift cards at checkout.

💬 What’s the best way to address a business Thanksgiving card?
Use the recipient’s full name and title, and consider including their company name for formality.

💬 Can I send the same message to everyone?
You can, but personalizing even a short sentence can make a big difference.

💬 How can I send cards to clients in multiple countries?
Handwrytten handles international mailing so you can reach clients and loved ones anywhere.

Bottom line: Gratitude never goes out of season, but Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to share it. With these ideas for Thanksgiving greetings, you’ll have the right words to make anyone feel appreciated. And with Handwrytten, you can send those messages quickly and easily — from one heartfelt card to thousands at once.

For personal orders, get started right on our website. For business and bulk needs — including automation, international sending, and fully custom designs — email sales@handwrytten.com to get started.