Updated: Jun. 21, 2023
Want to make your dad tear up—from laughter or love? A heartfelt (or humorous) Father's Day message will let him know just how much you care.
Dads deserve just as much love and attention on Father’s Day as moms do on Mother’s Day. One way you can show the father figures in your life just how much they mean to you is with a Father’s Day card. Picking out the perfect card is the first step. (We’ll make things easy for you: Here are the best free printable Father’s Day cards.) But you can’t leave it with just the preprinted message or a Father’s Day quote (even if it’s hilarious). Make it personal and meaningful by adding one of these sweet, funny or heartfelt Father’s Day messages and wishes.
What to write in a Father’s Day card
It’s not always (or ever) easy to know what to write in a Father’s Day card. Get your creative juices flowing with these ideas for a thoughtful Father’s Day message:
- A funny memory of him
- One of your favorite experiences with him
- The qualities you love most about him
- A note about something he taught you that you still remember
- A reference to his favorite hobby, activity or movie franchise
- Thoughts on your unique relationship with him: birth or adoptive father, stepfather, son, grandfather, brother, friend, mentor or husband
Then build on these thoughts, and don’t forget to add a gift from our Father’s Day gift guide and plan one of these Father’s Day activities.
Focus on the positive things about your dad, be honest and kind and write from your heart. Need a little extra help figuring out what to write in that Father’s Day card? Fill out the message with one of the following specially crafted thoughts.
Cute Father’s Day messages
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1. There’s a reason you’re in all my favorite memories.
2. You are my dad but also my best friend, and I love that you can be both.
3. I adored you as a child, love you as an adult and admire you always.
4. Someday I hope to be a dad just like you.
5. I don’t know how I’d make it through this world without you.
6. There is nothing you can’t fix for me, including a bad day.
7. Thank you for being there for me every day, in every way.
8. Thanks for allowing me the freedom to fly and the safety of knowing you’ll catch me if I fall.
9. My support. My protector. My confidant. My cheerleader. My dad. Thank you for all the roles you play in my life.
10. Even when I can’t come home, you know how to make me feel at home.
11. Happy Father’s Day to the man who has been there for me since day one. I love you endlessly!
12. Dad, you’re simply the best. No ifs, ands or buts about it.
13. To the No. 1 guy in my life: Thank you for everything you’ve done and all the love you’ve given.
14. Who has two thumbs and the best dad ever? Yep, it’s me! Happy Father’s Day, Dad.
15. There’s no one like you, Pop. May your Father’s Day be filled with love!
16. Dad, I couldn’t picture my life without you. I appreciate you and everything you’ve taught me.
17. Happy Father’s Day to the best father a person could ask for. Here’s to you, big guy!
If you’re looking for more heartwarming Father’s Day messages, check out these father-son quotes and father-daughter quotes.
Funny Father’s Day messages
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18. Happy Father’s Day to one of my favorite parents.
19. Thanks to the man who taught me how to not only read but also burp the alphabet.
20. Thanks for sacrificing all your hair for me!
21. Happy Father’s Day! Love, your favorite child.
22. Here’s a card instead of that awkward back-thumping hug we usually do. You’re welcome.
23. Someday I hope to be as funny as you think you are.
24. So grateful for you! Who else will change my oil, listen to my boring stories and then take me to get a sandwich?
25. You’re the greatest thing since sliced bread—and just as old!
26. Dad, I doughnut know what I’d do without you in my life. (Include this message with a half dozen of his favorite treats.)
27. I love you beer-y much. (Attach this message to a bottle of his favorite brew.)
28. A toast to my dad: I loaf you bready much!
29. You’re a fungi and take up so mushroom in my heart.
30. This is not a drill: You are the best dad I ever saw. Not to hammer the point home, but you nailed fatherhood. (Add this message to a gift of new tools.)
31. Not trying to be cheesy, but you are nacho ordinary dad.
32. I’d get you a Father’s Day gift, but you already have the best present ever: Me as your kid.
33. Happy Father’s Day, Dad—enjoy the day but don’t do anything crazy … like stay up past 9 p.m.
34. I love you from my head to-ma-toes, Dad! (Add this message to a tomato plant and give it to your gardening-obsessed dad.)
35. Nothing says “Happy Father’s Day” like your kid taking out the trash unprompted … which I 100% did today. Enjoy the little Father’s Day miracle!
36. You’re my favorite dad … and that has nothing to do with the fact that you’re my only dad.
37. I smile because I’m your child—and I laugh because there’s nothing you can do about it.
38. Don’t worry Dad, I know what you really want for Father’s Day—a good nap in the recliner after a hearty meal.
These funny dad quotes can double as Father’s Day wishes and are sure to get him laughing.
Father’s Day messages for Grandpa
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39. Smart, strong, funny, talented, kind: You are everything I want to be. You are my hero.
40. Thank you for the knowledge of how to be a leader and a helper and the wisdom to know when to play each role.
41. You are the glue that holds us together.
42. You taught me not only how to bring home the bacon but also how to season it and smoke it on the grill for the best flavor.
43. You really put the “grand” in “grandfather.”
44. Grandpa, you’ll always have a spot in my heart.
45. Thank you for being the best grandpa I could ask for.
46. Only the best fathers get promoted to grandfather.
47. Happy Father’s Day, Grandpa—thank you for being a guiding light in my life. Love you endlessly.
48. Grandpa, there’s no one else like you. Happy Father’s Day to a true one-of-a-kind!
49. Thank you for all you’ve done for this family. Happy Father’s Day, Grandpa!
50. You’re at the heart of my favorite memories, Grandpa—happy Father’s Day.
51. You’re one of the greats! Happy Father’s Day, Grandpa.
52. I love you to the moon and back, Grandpa. Happy Father’s Day!
53. Cheers to one of the best men I’ve ever met. May your Father’s Day be filled with love and laughter.
Get your grandfather something special and choose one of these gifts for Grandpa.
Father’s Day messages for husband
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54. You aren’t just big and strong on the outside—you have the biggest heart too!
55. Thanks for setting an example of what a good father and a great man should be.
56. Thank you for going above and beyond to make sure we are happy, healthy and safe.
57. Thank you for doing all those little things you think no one notices. (But we do!)
58. You’re not just someone I love. You’re also someone I respect and admire.
59. I’m so proud of the boy you were then, the man you are now and the father you are becoming.
60. I always said you’d be a great dad, and you proved me right. (I’m always right.)
61. Happy Father’s Day to a phenomenal husband and dad. Love you bunches, honey.
62. It’s been such a joy to watch you grow into fatherhood. Happy Father’s Day, love.
63. Superman’s got nothing on you, babe. Happy Father’s Day to our real-life superhero!
64. I couldn’t picture a better role model for our children. Happy Father’s Day, honey.
65. Our kids are so lucky to have you as a dad.
66. You’re a triple threat: A great husband, dad and man. Happy Father’s Day!
67. I’m always in awe of how much you give to our family. Today, we celebrate the amazing man you are—happy Father’s Day.
For more Father’s Day message ideas, check out these Father’s Day quotes for your husband.
Father’s Day messages for stepdad
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68. I’ll always be grateful for everything you did for me growing up, and everything you do for me now.
69. Thanks for being there for me when no one else was.
70. A dad is someone who loves, supports and lifts a child, no DNA link required.
71. You showed me the true meaning of fatherhood, and I will always cherish that.
72. Thanks for stepping up and being my stepdad.
73. Father is a role that must be earned. You earned it!
74. You’re the best bonus dad anyone could ask for. Happy Father’s Day!
75. I’m so thankful to have you in my life. Enjoy your Father’s Day!
76. Family isn’t limited to blood relation. It’s the people who lift you up and surround you with love—people just like you. Happy Father’s Day.
77. Happy Father’s Day—I’ll always appreciate the love and support you’ve provided.
78. Thank you for always being there for your bonus kids.
79. Happy Father’s Day to an incredible man who walked into our lives and made them 100 times better. Love you!
80. The results are in: You’re officially the world’s best stepdad. Happy Father’s Day!
Next, check out these sweet Father’s Day songs that pay tribute to dads everywhere.
Father’s Day messages for father-in-law
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81. As time goes on, our relationship only gets stronger and stronger.
82. I hope it doesn’t surprise you that I’m thinking of you today.
83. Thank you for playing such an important role in my life.
84. I deeply admire you.
85. Thank you for being a great role model.
86. Thanks for always being there for my family.
87. We always have the best time together.
88. You’re like a father to me.
89. Your wisdom is unmatchable.
90. It’s your day. Make it a special one.
91. I’m so lucky to have a wonderful father-in-law like you. Happy Father’s Day!
92. Thank you for raising an incredible person. We’re so grateful for you today and every day.
93. Happy Father’s Day! I’m thankful to have your wisdom and guidance in life.
94. Wishing the best father-in-law ever a very happy Father’s Day!
95. Celebrating you today and every day. Happy Father’s Day to a wonderful father-in-law.
96. Cheers to you, my dear father-in-law. May your Father’s Day be as fabulous as you are.
97. I love our memories together and look forward to the new ones we’ll create. Happy Father’s Day!
98. Happy Father’s Day!Thank you for accepting me as part of your loving family.
99. It’s a great day to celebrate a great man! Happy Father’s Day—may you spend the day grinning ear-to-ear.
100. Happy Father’s Day to one of the loveliest men I’ve ever met.
101. Thank you for all the love, advice and support you’ve given over the years.
102. Happy Father’s Day to a wonderful father-in-law. I’m lucky to know you!
You’ve got the Father’s Day message down. Now get some inspiration for his present by browsing these father-in-law gifts.
Additional reporting by Kelly Kuehn.
