What To Write In A Graduation Thank-You Card (+100 Examples Of Graduation Thank You Messages!)

Last updated March 29th, 2024

Congratulations! Whether you’ve recently graduated from high school or college, med school or law school, you’ve achieved a major accomplishment and deserve to celebrate. For many recent grads, this celebration comes in the form of gifts, a celebratory dinner, or even a full-blown party from friends and family.

It is customary to acknowledge your gratitude for the show of support on your graduation day by writing a thank you card. However, staring down a towering stack of blank graduation thank you cards can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t consider yourself a strong writer. How do you properly articulate your gratitude for a thoughtful graduation gift without sounding stiff or forced?

Relax. We’ve got you. We have come up with 100 tried and true graduation thank you example messages that you can use to get your heartfelt graduation thank you messages started.

The thank you card message formula

Before we jump into our favorite graduation thank you examples, let’s talk about the basic thank you card formula.

This is a helpful tool for organizing your thank you message. It also allows you the creative freedom to input your heartfelt gratitude without sounding robotic or overly verbose. This formula can help you get your creative juices flowing so you can write the perfect thank you message for the support you receive after your graduation.

• Address the person(s) by name. If you prefer, you can preface their name with “Dear,” “Hello,” or another friendly greeting.
• Express your gratitude immediately in the first line. Say, “I want to thank you for _______!” and fill in the blank with whatever gift or support the card recipient provided you.
• In the following lines, recognize their generosity and kindness. You can say something along the lines of, “You are so sweet to give me this. I am grateful for your generosity.”
• Following recognition, explain what you plan to do with their gift, or how it will help you in your new journey.
• Wrap up the thank you message with a final thank you. You can elaborate here on what the person’s support or friendship means to you. Make a personal connection. If they attended your graduation ceremony or party, be sure to thank them for their presence at the function.

You can easily apply this formula to other instances you need a thank you card for, such as a baby shower or a wedding.

Graduation thank you card etiquette

Believe it or not, there are a few “rules” for writing thank you cards that are equally important as the thank you itself. For example, thank you etiquette best practices include keeping track of your gift-givers and knowing who gave what, being specific, making the thank you personal, punctuality, and avoiding thank you emails at all costs. These tips will help you stay on track, maintain connections with important people in your life, and showcase your gratitude.

When should you send a graduation thank you card?

Most people send thank you cards after receiving celebratory gifts following a major life event, like graduating high school or college. Because it’s a momentous occasion, people don’t expect to receive a thank you card the next day. But in general, you should try to send your thank you notes out between 1-2 months after receiving a gift.

How long should a thank you card be?

You don’t need to pen the next Great American Novel in your graduation thank you notes. We recommend keeping it short and sweet. That means between three to five sentences, or less than 75 words in total.

Of course, if you have more to say to certain people due to your relationship with them, feel free to make your message longer. A personalized, appreciative thank you will mean more to people than the standard three to five sentences.

Should I handwrite my thank you cards?

The answer to this question is, inarguably, yes. Handwritten graduation notes are always preferable and reign supreme. In fact, typed thank you notes are actually frowned upon, seen as less personable, and lazy. A handwritten note demonstrates you care about your friend or family member enough to sit down, and write them a kind word.

That said, if your busy post-grad schedule doesn’t allow you the time to write and address all of your gift-givers, Handwrytten can write your notes for you! We offer a wonderful, varied selection cards, all of which can be personalized to your heart’s content. Choose from our selection of handwriting styles, or have your handwriting and signature replicated.

We send out thank you notes for you via various shipping options. The entire card writing process takes 1-2 business days, and the final product is a beautiful thank you card that looks 100% handwritten.

Do my graduation thank you messages need to be formal?

It is a common misconception that thank-you messages need to be extremely formal or professional sounding. The opposite is true, especially considering these are most likely being sent to people you already know.

You should strive to maintain a casual, warm, and friendly tone when writing your thank you notes. Injecting light humor through an inside joke or shared anecdote is also an excellent way to showcase your authenticity and personality. The most important part is to express gratitude for the gift that you’ve received, and a few kind words can do just that.

Graduation gift thank you card examples for specific purposes

Now that you have a better understanding of what makes good graduation thank you note, let’s take a look at some examples.

10 graduation thank you examples for monetary gifts

1. Thank you for your generous gift

Dear Aunt Beatrice & Uncle Michael,

Thank you so much for coming to my graduation party, and for your generous gift! I plan to put the money toward buying a new laptop. I’m so excited to begin this new chapter of my life and am beyond grateful for your support and kindness.

Thank you again.

Your niece,

Jane

2. Grateful for your gift

Dear Grandma & Grandpa,

I can’t express how grateful I am for your thoughtful graduation gift. Your generosity will greatly contribute to my plans for future studies. Thank you for believing in my dreams and for your constant support.

Warmest thanks,

Emily

3. Your kindness means the world

Hello Mr. and Mrs. Thompson,

Your kindness in celebrating my graduation with such a generous gift truly means the world to me. I plan to use it towards my upcoming educational expenses. Your support during this pivotal time in my life is deeply appreciated.

Sincerely,

Tom

4. A heartfelt thank you

Dear Uncle Joe,

Thank you so much for your generous graduation gift! It came as a lovely surprise, and I plan to save it towards my dream of traveling. Your thoughtfulness and support mean everything to me.

With love,

Anna

5. Appreciating your generosity

Dear Cousin Lily,

Your generosity on the occasion of my graduation is something I’ll always remember. Thank you for the financial gift; it will be incredibly helpful as I transition to college life. I’m so thankful to have you in my family.

Best,

Sarah

6. Your gift made my day

Dear Mr. Rogers,

Thank you for making my graduation day even more special with your generous gift. I’m planning to use it as part of my moving expenses. Your thoughtfulness and generosity are truly appreciated.

Warm regards,

Jason

7. Beyond grateful

Dear Aunt Maria,

I am beyond grateful for your generous graduation gift. The money will go towards my graduate school fund, which is a big help as I start this new chapter. Thank you for always encouraging and supporting me.

Thanks again,

Lucas

8. Thankful for your support

Hello, Coach Stevenson,

Thank you for celebrating my graduation with such a thoughtful gift. I’ll be putting it towards purchasing books for college this fall. Your support throughout the years has been invaluable to me.

Gratefully,

Mia

9. Gratitude for your kindness

Dear Friends,

Your generous gift in honor of my graduation left me speechless. I plan to invest it wisely towards my career goals. Thank you for your kindness and for joining me in celebrating this major milestone.

Sincerely,

Oliver

10. Cherishing your generosity

Dear Dr. and Mrs. Lee,

I am deeply touched by your generosity on the occasion of my graduation. Your gift is a big step towards my educational expenses, and I cherish your support and kindness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

With gratitude,

Hannah

10 graduation thank yous for physical gifts

11. Thank you for thinking of me

Hello Katie,

I can’t thank you enough for thinking of me on my graduation day! Your graduation present was so thoughtful, and I know it will look fabulous in my new apartment and really tie the room together. I appreciate your kindness and generosity during my transition from college to grown-up life.

Thank you again,

Kelly

12. Your gift is a treasure

Dear Uncle John and Aunt Lisa,

The beautiful painting you gave me for my graduation is truly a treasure, and I can’t wait to hang it in my new home. It will always remind me of this special time and your thoughtful support. Your generosity is overwhelming.

Thank you so much,

Jake

13. Gratitude for your practical gift

Hi Sophia,

Your graduation gift was both thoughtful and practical. I’ve already started using the coffee maker, and it’s making those early mornings a lot easier. Thank you for knowing exactly what I needed as I start this next chapter.

Best wishes,

Ethan

14. Touched by your thoughtfulness

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kaplan,

I was incredibly touched by the personalized journal you gave me for my graduation. It’s perfect for jotting down thoughts and plans as I prepare for what’s next. Your thoughtfulness truly stands out, and I am grateful.

Kind regards,

Nora

15. Appreciating the joy you brought

Dear James,

Your gift was a highlight of my graduation day! The smartwatch is something I’ve wanted, and receiving it from you made it even more special. Thank you for your generosity and for sharing in my happiness.

Warm regards,

Claire

16. Your creativity astounds me

Hello Aunt Karen,

The handmade quilt you crafted for my graduation is astonishing in both warmth and design. It will keep me cozy during my studies abroad. Your talent and thoughtfulness are deeply valued.

Thank you endlessly,

Olivia

17. Celebrating with your gift

Dear Coach Allen,

Thank you for the speakers you gifted me for my graduation. They will definitely get a lot of use at college, ensuring I have the best soundtrack to my new adventures. Your support during my high school years has been incredible.

Sincerely,

Derek

18. A keepsake I will cherish

Dear Grandma Anne,

The family heirloom you passed down to me for my graduation is something I will cherish forever. It feels special to carry forward this piece of our family history as I step into the future. Your gift is a precious connection to our roots and to you.

With love and gratitude,

Rachel

19. Your generosity touched my heart

Dear Samuel,

Receiving the elegant watch from you as a graduation gift sincerely touched my heart. It’s not just a beautiful accessory but a reminder of the precious time we’ve spent and the adventures that lie ahead. Your generosity means so much to me.

Thank you deeply,

Liam

20. Grateful for the memories

Hello Aunt Diane,

The photo album filled with memories from my childhood through to graduation is a gift beyond compare. Flipping through it brings back so many happy moments. Thank you for compiling it and for being part of those precious memories.

Gratefully yours,

Emma

10 graduation thank you examples for assistance and support

21. The best graduation ever

Janet,

I want to express my sincere gratitude for your help in setting up my graduation party. Your willingness to help made this special day much less stressful for me, and my parents. I am forever grateful for your diligence and expertise, and I’m fortunate to have you as a friend. Thank you so much for making this the best graduation ever!

Thank you,

Alex

22. A heartfelt thanks for your guidance

Dear Professor Thompson,

Your mentorship during my academic journey has been invaluable. Your guidance has shaped my path and prepared me for the challenges ahead. I am deeply grateful for your support and wisdom. Thank you for playing such a significant role in my education and life.

Sincerely,

Amelia

23. Gratitude for your endless support

Dear Mom and Dad,

The support and encouragement you have given me throughout my years of study have been the foundation of my success. Your belief in me has been unwavering, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you for being my biggest cheerleaders.

With all my love,

Ben

24. Appreciating your advice and support

To my dear mentor, Mrs. Green,

Your advice and support have been instrumental in my growth and success. Your wisdom has guided me at every turn, and I am so thankful for everything you have done for me. Your impact on my life is immeasurable.

Warmest regards,

Sophie

25. Thankful for your unwavering belief

Dear Coach Harris,

Your unwavering belief in my potential has been a source of strength for me. Thank you for pushing me to excel, not just in sports, but in all aspects of my life. Your guidance has been incredibly valuable.

Gratefully,

Evan

26. Gratitude for your indispensable support

To the best advisor, Mr. Patel,

Thank you for your indispensable support and guidance throughout my academic career. Your insights and advice have been crucial in helping me navigate my studies and future plans. I am deeply grateful for your mentorship.

Thank you,

Lily

27. Appreciating your selfless assistance

Dear Mrs. Robertson,

Your selfless assistance and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for your tireless efforts to ensure my success, both academically and personally. Your kindness and support mean the world to me.

With heartfelt thanks,

George

28. For your guidance and encouragement

Hello Dr. Lee,

The guidance and encouragement you’ve provided me with have been pillars of my success. Thank you for your patience, wisdom, and for believing in my capabilities. Your mentorship is something I will always treasure.

Best,

Isabella

29. In gratitude for your unwavering support

Dear Uncle Joe and Aunt Sarah,

Your unwavering support throughout my educational journey has been a source of strength and motivation. Thank you for always believing in me and encouraging me to pursue my dreams. Your love and support have been invaluable.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Noah

30. Thank you for your impactful mentorship

To my dear mentor, Ms. Davis,

Thank you for your impactful mentorship and for sharing your knowledge and insights with me. Your guidance has shaped my personal and professional growth in profound ways. I am enormously grateful to have you as my mentor.

With great appreciation,

Emily

10 example graduation thank you messages for ceremony/party attendance

31. Thank you for attending my graduation party

Dear Kevin and Tonya,

Thank you so much for attending my graduation party. I know how busy you both are, so I am grateful for your presence to celebrate my special day with me. You also brought the most wonderful gift! You are incredibly sweet people, and I am grateful to have you as neighbors.

Thank you,

Jake

32. Gratitude for celebrating with me

Dear Mrs. Jenkins,

Your presence at my graduation ceremony meant the world to me. It was a day filled with joy, and having you there to share in the celebration made it all the more memorable. Thank you for your kindness and for always being such a supportive friend to our family.

Warmly,

Claire

33. A special thanks for your thoughtful gift

To Mark and Lisa,

Thank you for joining me on my graduation day and for the thoughtful gift. It’s not just a gesture of your kindness but also a symbol of our lasting friendship. Your support during these important moments in my life is truly appreciated.

Best wishes,

Natalie

34. Appreciation for your presence and generosity

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Thompson,

It was an immense pleasure to have you both at my graduation. Your presence added to the joy of the day, and your generous gift will be a huge help as I transition to college life. Thank you for being part of my special day and for your constant encouragement.

Sincerely,

Ryan

35. Thankful for sharing in my milestone

Dear Uncle Mike,

Having you at my graduation ceremony was a blessing. Your laughter and cheerful spirit made my special day even brighter. Thank you for always being a source of joy in my life and for sharing in this significant milestone with me.

Warm regards,

Hannah

36. Celebrating together, even from afar

To my cousin Laura,

Even though you couldn’t be there in person, your heartfelt congratulations and thoughtful gift made me feel like you were celebrating right alongside me. Your support means so much, and I can’t wait to see you soon. Thank you for everything.

Love,

Aaron

37. For your unwavering support and love

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

Thank you for attending my graduation and for your unwavering support and love throughout my educational journey. Your presence in the crowd filled my heart with warmth, and I am grateful for the wisdom and life lessons you’ve shared with me over the years.

Affectionately,

Olivia

38. Gratitude for a memorable celebration

To Aunt Julia,

I can’t express enough how grateful I am for your efforts in making my graduation party unforgettable. Your help in organizing everything and the joy you brought to the celebration means the world to me. Thank you for being such an important part of my life.

With love,

Ethan

39. Thank you for your thoughtful attendance

Dear Cousin Sam,

Your presence at my graduation was a genuine surprise that brought me immense happiness. It was a memorable day, made all the better by your participation and the lovely gift. Your thoughtfulness is something I will always cherish.

Many thanks,

Sophia

40. Appreciation for a cherished mentor

Hello Dr. Keller,

Having you attend my graduation ceremony was an honor. Your mentorship has been invaluable during my academic career, and your support on this special day added to its significance. Thank you for your guidance and for celebrating this milestone with me.

Kind regards,

Daniel

10 graduation thank you messages for a mentor/teacher

41. You’re such a great teacher

Dear Ms. Gilmore,

Thank you so much for a wonderful school year and for your continued kindness and support throughout my undergraduate career. You motivated me to work hard and give it my all. Your thoughtful feedback, recommendation letters, and encouragement helped make my college experience a positive one. I’m so fortunate to have had such a great teacher in my life.

Sincerely,

April Danes

42. Gratitude for inspiring passion

Dear Professor Thompson,

Your enthusiasm and passion for the subject have genuinely inspired me. Thank you for igniting a fire within me to pursue my studies with zeal and for your invaluable advice throughout my academic journey. Your guidance will forever resonate with me.

Yours truly,

Morgan Lee

43. Thanks for believing in me

Hello Coach Carter,

I cannot express how much your belief in my abilities has meant to me. Your constant encouragement and push to improve have made a significant difference in both my personal development and academic achievements. Thank you for your unwavering support.

Best,

Jamie Rivera

44. Appreciation for going the extra mile

Dear Mrs. Watkins,

Thank you for going the extra mile to ensure I understood complex topics and for your patience and dedication. Your support has been crucial in my success, and I am incredibly grateful for your kindness and for pushing me to achieve my best.

With gratitude,

Tina Fernandez

45. Acknowledgment of unconditional support

To Mr. Gibson,

Your unconditional support and encouragement have been invaluable to me. Thank you for always being there to listen, advise, and help me navigate the challenges of academic life. Your mentorship is a gift I’ll always cherish.

Warmest thanks,

Erica Dunn

46. For the encouragement and opportunities

Hello Dr. Patel,

Thank you for encouraging me to explore new opportunities and for your faith in my potential. The experiences and knowledge I’ve gained under your guidance have been pivotal in my personal and professional growth. I am deeply grateful for your support.

Sincerely,

Victor Huang

47. Gratitude for lifelong lessons

Dear Ms. Brighton,

The lessons you’ve taught extend beyond the classroom, providing guidance for life. Thank you for your wisdom, patience, and for instilling important values in me. Your influence has been monumental in shaping who I am today.

Kind regards,

Sarah Jennings

48. Appreciation for a strong foundation

To Coach Leeds,

Your training and mentorship provided me with a strong foundation not just in athletics, but in life. Thank you for your dedication, for teaching me the importance of discipline, and for believing in my capabilities. Your impact will last a lifetime.

Gratefully,

Colin Mack

49. Celebrating a unique mentorship

Hello Professor Reid,

Celebrating you not just as a teacher but as a unique mentor who has profoundly impacted my life. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, for the lively debates, and for challenging me to think critically. I am immensely grateful for your guidance.

Best wishes,

Anika Roy

50. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation

Dear Mr. Anders,

Thank you for being a tremendous source of inspiration and motivation throughout my college years. Your guidance, support, and invaluable advice have paved the way for my success. I am grateful for your mentorship and everything you’ve done for me.

With appreciation,

Leo Thompson

10 graduation thank you messages for friends

51. For the unforgettable memories

Dear Jake,

Thank you for all the unforgettable memories we created during our time in college. From late-night study sessions to spontaneous road trips, you’ve made this journey truly special. I’m grateful for our friendship and all the support we’ve given each other.

Warmly,

Alex

52. Gratitude for unwavering friendship

To Emma,

Your unwavering friendship and support during the ups and downs of university life have meant the world to me. Thank you for being my confidante, my study partner, and my source of inspiration. Here’s to many more adventures together!

Love,

Hannah

53. Thanks for the laughter and joy

Dear Ryan,

Thank you for bringing so much laughter and joy into my life during our college years. Your sense of humor and positivity made even the toughest days better. I’m grateful for our friendship and everything we’ve shared.

Cheers,

Chris

54. Appreciating your constant support

To Mia,

Having you by my side throughout this academic journey has been invaluable. Your constant support, understanding, and encouragement have helped me push through challenges. Thank you for being such a great friend and for all the moments we’ve shared.

With love,

Sophie

55. For the strength and courage

Dear Tyler,

Thank you for being the strength and courage I needed during challenging times in college. Your friendship and unwavering support have been a pillar of strength for me. I look forward to our continued friendship beyond these university walls.

Sincerely,

Jordan

56. Gratitude for the shared dreams

To Natalie,

Walking this academic path with you, sharing dreams and aspirations, has been a profound experience. Thank you for your companionship, your insights, and for always pushing me to aim higher. You’ve been a significant part of my college life.

Fondly,

Eva

57. Celebrating our shared successes

Dear Marco,

Thank you for celebrating every small success with me and for being my partner in crime through college. Your enthusiasm and drive have been contagious, making our shared achievements even more rewarding. Here’s to our friendship and future successes.

Best,

Liam

58. Thanks for the empathy and understanding

To Chloe,

Your empathy and understanding have been a comforting presence during our college years. Thank you for always listening and for your compassionate guidance. Your friendship has been a safe harbor in times of storm.

Gratefully,

Zoe

59. For the adventures and learnings

Dear Ethan,

Thank you for all the adventures and learnings we’ve shared during our university days. Your spirit of exploration and curiosity has enriched my experience in countless ways. I’m grateful for our friendship and excited about what the future holds for us.

Warm regards,

Olivia

60. Gratitude for growing together

To Lucy,

Our friendship has grown in beautiful ways throughout college, and for that, I’m deeply grateful. Thank you for being a part of my life, for the deep conversations, and for helping me grow. Here’s to continuing our journey together, wherever it may lead us.

With affection,

Grace

Graduation thank you card examples by sentiment

Need help finding the right words to express your gratitude, but not sure what to say? Here are some graduation thank you card examples categorized by sentiment.

10 humorous graduation thank you messages

61. Thanks for the caffeine-fueled debauchery

Dear Sam,

Thanks for being my partner in crime in every caffeine-fueled debauchery that kept us sane during finals. Your sense of humor and knack for finding the best coffee spots made all those all-nighters almost enjoyable. You’re a legend!

62. Appreciation for the bizarre inside jokes

To Eliza,

Thank you for all the bizarre inside jokes that only we understand. College wouldn’t have been the same without our shared moments of nonsensical laughter. Here’s to many more years of incomprehensible giggles and friendship.

63. Gratitude for surviving group projects

Dear Max,

We survived every group project together, including that one we started the night before it was due. Thank you for your patience, your ideas, and for always being reliable. Couldn’t have asked for a better project partner!

64. For the emergency snack supplies

To Ella,

Your emergency snack supply was the lifeline during those endless study sessions. Thank you for always sharing your food (and wisdom) with me. Your generosity and care made college life a lot sweeter.

65. Thanks for the wardrobe exchanges

Dear Alex,

Thank you for letting me raid your wardrobe and borrow your clothes, especially on those days when I wanted to look more put-together. Our exchange system kept our college fashion on point!

66. Appreciation for the reality checks

To Jordan,

Thanks for always giving me the reality checks I needed, in the kindest way possible. Your straightforwardness and honesty have been invaluable, helping me grow and stay grounded.

67. Gratitude for the past midnight talks

Dear Taylor,

Those past-midnight talks about life, the universe, and everything in between have been some of my most cherished college memories. Thank you for your insights, your listening ear, and your unwavering friendship.

68. For the shared music playlists

To Riley,

Your playlists have been the soundtrack of my college life. Thank you for sharing your music, for the dance parties, and for introducing me to new tunes. Music truly binds us in unique ways.

69. Thanks for being my gym buddy

Dear Cameron,

Hitting the gym would not have been half as fun without you. Thank you for pushing me, for the motivational pep talks, and for being my workout partner throughout these years.

70. Gratitude for the impromptu adventures

To Avery,

Thank you for all the impromptu adventures that took us away from the stress of college, even if just for a little while. Your spontaneous spirit added so much excitement and joy to my college life. Here’s to many more adventures together!

10 celebratory graduation messages and quotes

71. Cheers to our next chapter

Dear Jamie,

Here’s to closing one incredible chapter and stepping into another with excitement and courage. May our futures be bright and our achievements grand. Thank you for being a steadfast friend through it all.

72. For the laughs and late-night studies

To Morgan,

Thank you for the countless laughs, the late-night study sessions, and for always believing in me. College would not have been the same without you by my side. Here’s to our next adventures!

73. Celebrating our graduation milestone

Dear Carter,

We did it! We’re graduating, and I couldn’t be happier to share this milestone with you. Your friendship has made my college experience unforgettable. Here’s to many more successes and celebrations in the future.

74. To the memories we’ve created

To Bailey,

Thank you for being an integral part of my college journey and for all the memories we’ve created along the way. Each one is a treasure. I’m excited to see where life takes us next but always grateful for our friendship.

75. For growing and learning together

Dear Ellis,

We’ve grown and learned so much together during our time in college. Thank you for being such a significant part of my life and for all the support and laughter along the way. Here’s to continuing to grow and learn in our next chapter.

76. Appreciation for your boundless encouragement

To Casey,

Your encouragement and belief in me have been boundless. Thank you for pushing me to excel and for being such a positive force in my life. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for both of us.

77. Gratitude for the challenges we overcame

Dear Alex,

Together, we’ve overcome challenges and reached new heights. Thank you for standing by me through thick and thin. Your friendship has made all the difference. Here’s to the fantastic journey that lies ahead!

78. Celebrating our collective strength

To Jordan,

Our collective strength and determination have brought us to this moment of graduation. Thank you for being a crucial part of my support system. May our shared resolve carry us forth into promising futures.

79. For the shared dreams and goals

Dear Taylor,

Sharing our dreams and goals has made our college years incredibly meaningful. Thank you for your partnership, your insights, and your unwavering friendship. I’m excited for what our futures hold, individually and together.

80. Thanks for being my anchor

To Riley,

Through every high and low, you’ve been my anchor, offering stability, understanding, and love. Thank you for being such an essential part of my life and for the unforgettable college years. Here’s to the new beginnings that await us.

10 inspirational graduation thank you card examples

81. Gratitude for the unwavering support

Dear Harper,

Your unwavering support has been my rock throughout my college years. Thank you for always believing in me, even when I doubted myself. Your confidence and love have been indispensable. Here’s to stepping into our futures with strength and hope.

82. Thanks for the shared laughter and tears

To Finley,

From shared laughter to comforting tears, you’ve been there through it all. Thank you for being my emotional support and for the countless memories we’ve created. Our friendship is a bond that college has only made stronger.

83. Celebrating our achievements together

Dear Peyton,

Together, we’ve achieved so much during our time in college. Thank you for being my collaborator, my competitor, and my friend. Our shared victories are all the more sweet because of your partnership.

84. For the endless supply of motivation

To Quinn,

Your endless supply of motivation has kept me going on days I felt like giving up. Thank you for your pep talks, your endless optimism, and for always pushing me to be my best self.

85. Gratitude for broadening my horizons

Dear Jordan,

Thank you for introducing me to new perspectives, and for broadening my horizons. Your friendship has enriched my college experience in innumerable ways, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

86. Thanks for the calm in the storm

To Rowan,

Your presence has been the calm in the storm throughout the highs and lows of college life. Thank you for your serene strength, your unwavering presence, and your invaluable friendship.

87. Celebrating the shared silence

Dear Avery,

In the shared silences and the meaningful conversations that followed, you have been a significant part of my college life. Thank you for understanding the unspoken words and for the comfortable quiet that spoke volumes.

88. For the creative collaborations

To Riley,

Thank you for every creative project we tackled together. Your imagination and creativity have been inspiring, and collaborating with you has been one of the highlights of my college career.

89. Gratitude for the encouragement to take risks

Dear Charlie,

Your encouragement to step out of my comfort zone and take risks has been a game-changer. Thank you for your fearless approach to life, which has inspired me to pursue opportunities I would have otherwise missed.

90. Thanks for being my home away from home

To Emerson,

You’ve been my home away from home, offering a sense of family when I needed it most. Thank you for the meals shared, the late-night talks, and the feeling of belonging. Your friendship means the world to me.

Still feeling unsure about what to say?

If you’re still feeling stuck, using a simple thank-you card message could be the way to go. It can also be helpful to ask yourself some questions about the giver, this exciting time, or the specific gift itself. Before crafting your thank you, ask yourself:

• How did the gift make me feel? (Happy, nostalgic, inspired, motivated, etc.)
• Why was the gift perfect for me?
• How will the gift make my life easier or better? (College savings, rent, textbooks, etc.)
• When or where will I use it?
• What are my plans for the gift?

Thinking about answers to questions like these can help you narrow down how you feel. It can also help you figure out what to write in your graduation thank you note.

What to write if you don’t like the graduation gift

Unfortunately, sometimes even a generous graduation gift just doesn’t hit the mark. However, the person who gave it to you spent time and effort picking something out they thought you would need or enjoy. You should always send a thank you card for a graduation gift, even if it’s one you don’t like.

In this instance, you should focus on relaying your heartfelt thanks for such a thoughtful gift. Keep the note short and simple, and avoid saying anything that isn’t true. If, for example, you haven’t always wanted a Hello Kitty comforter set, you shouldn’t lie and say you have. Instead, focus on your appreciation for the gift giver’s thoughtfulness and highlight their generosity.

You can also mention an aspect of the gift you did like, such as its color or quality. If the gift relates to a hobby you have, acknowledge how well the gift giver knows you. Even if you don’t like the present itself, anyone can appreciate the care behind a kind graduation gift!

For example, if they give you a book because you love to read, you could say, “You know how much I love to read! This will be a great addition to my collection. Thank you so much for this wonderful graduation gift.”

10 graduation thank you messages if you didn’t like the gift

91. Appreciation for the unique gift

Dear Morgan,

While the gift you chose is unique and not something I would have picked for myself, it truly shows how well you know me and my tastes. Thank you for taking the time to select something so thoughtful, it certainly stands out and makes me smile thinking about our shared memories.

92. Thanks for the unexpected surprise

To Alex,

Your gift took me by surprise, in the best way possible. It’s not something I would have thought of, but that’s what makes it so special. Thank you for expanding my horizons and for your generous spirit.

93. Gratitude for the gesture

Dear Taylor,

It’s the thought that counts, and your thoughtfulness shines through with this gift. Even though it’s not something I would choose for myself, I deeply appreciate the gesture and the kindness behind it. Thank you for thinking of me during this special time.

94. Celebrating the thought behind the gift

To Jamie,

I’m touched by the effort and thought you put into finding a gift you felt I’d enjoy. It’s a reflection of your kind heart and consideration. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face and for your well wishes.

95. Acknowledging the uniqueness of the gift

Dear Casey,

Your gift is as unique as our friendship, and while it’s not something I expected, it’s a reminder of the wonderful and unpredictable moments we’ve shared. Thank you for always surprising me and for your heartfelt congratulations.

96. Thanks for the creative choice

To Jordan,

I admire your creativity and the originality of your gift choice! It’s not something I would’ve thought of, but it brings a fresh perspective I truly appreciate. Thank you for your generosity and for celebrating this milestone with me.

97. Appreciation for the effort

Dear Robin,

The effort you went to in choosing a gift that you believed I would like does not go unnoticed. It shows how well you know me and my interests. I’m grateful for the thoughtfulness behind it, thank you.

98. Gratitude for the well-intentioned gift

To Skyler,

Your gift comes from a place of kindness and thoughtfulness, and for that, I am genuinely thankful. It’s a reminder of your support and well wishes for my future. Thank you for thinking of me during this significant time in my life.

99. Acknowledging the sentiment behind the gift

Dear Jesse,

Even though the gift was unexpected, the sentiment behind it is clear and cherished. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated, and I’m touched by your consideration. Thank you for your warm wishes.

100. Thanks for the personal choice

To Reese,

Your gift reflects a personal choice, and it’s clear a lot of thought went into it. While it may not be something I would choose for myself, the personal connection it represents is invaluable. Thank you for your well wishes and for sharing in my graduation celebration.

Graduation thank you card tips

A few parting tips for writing good graduation thank you card message:

• If you are thanking someone for gifting money, never mention the amount the person gave you. Even for a generous cash gift, listing the amount is often seen as impolite.
• It’s always a good idea to include a forward-looking statement. Mention the next time you plan to see the gift giver, or inquire about an event in their lives. Warm wishes from dear friends never go amiss.
• You can end your graduation thank you cards with a variety of sign-offs. Add “Warmly,” “With love,” or “Sincerely” instead of just “Thank you” to mix things up.
• A handwritten thank you card is always superior to a typed one, but make sure you are mindful of making your handwriting legible and nice looking. Quickly jotting down a thank you looks less thoughtful than intentionally nice-looking handwriting, and your reader will be able to tell.

Need more inspiration?

Handwrytten now has an AI Assistant that can come up with graduation messages for you! Better yet, the service is available at no charge.  Just log into handwrytten.com and click “AI Assist” after you choose a card.

Final thoughts

Writing graduation thank you cards may seem like a stressful and tedious task, but it doesn’t have to be. With these tips, examples, and the help of Handwrytten’s automated handwriting services, you’ll have a stack of thoughtfully written thank you cards in no time. Congrats on your major achievement, best of luck on your post-grad adventure, and never stop writing cards!