How to Write a Father's Day Card

I remember what it was like to go into a Hallmark store and struggle to find a card I thought was appropriate for my dad. Ugh. Not fun. So, to help you avoid that sinking feeling, here's a quick tutorial on how to write a wonderful Father's Day card. You'll find specific card concepts at the bottom of the post, but I encourage you to play. Let your creative genius shine!

1. Make the cover fun:

1. Draw a picture.
2. Make a collage from words/pictures you cut out from magazines.
3. Find a photo of you and him and paste it on the front. Or, a photo of just you. Or just him. Or the whole family. Whatever. Doodle around the edges. It's not rocket science; it's a Father's Day card.
4. Google "Father's Day coloring pages" and print out one of the sheets. Voila! Instant cover art. Relax. All you have to do is get out the crayons.

2. Keep the inside message short, sweet and sincere. Consider:

1. It's your day! Enjoy!
2. I really appreciate everything you do for the family!
3. You're the tops, Pops!
4. It's not easy being a father. Thanks for all you do!
5. For all you've taught ... for all I am ... thank you!

3. Go the other route. Don't keep it short. Write a letter and tuck it inside:

1. Choose one special memory and tell Dad how you hold it in your heart -- the time he took you to the park to fly kites -- just you, none of those pesky brothers and sisters. The first time he let you drive. The time you fell off your bike and he came running. He'll never know how much those memories mean unless you tell him.
2. Write a list letter, listing out what you love and/or appreciate about him. Be specific. Details matter.  

4. Not happy with my words or yours? No worries. Use a quote. If you want, you can add a payoff line -- something that plays off the quote. (See example below.)

5. Sign it with Love. Or Hugs! XXOO! If none of those feel honest, how about: Your daughter, Janet.  Adding the Your daughter or Your son before the name makes it far less harsh than just a name.

SPECIFIC CARD IDEAS:

• Cover art: HFD!
  Inside copy: Happy Father's Day! I Hope it's Fabulous, Dad!
  (Option: Come up with your own ideas of what HFD could mean. Keep it clean.)
• Cover art: "My father used to say that it's never too late to do anything you wanted to do." -- Michael Jordan 
  Inside copy: Here's to a day filled with all you want!
• Cover art: Two hearts
  Inside copy: One heart knows another. Happy Father's Day!
• Cover art: BBQ image (You can find one online if you don't want to draw it.)
  Inside copy: Dads like you are rare!

I hope that helps! And, let me send a special virtual hug to all the CI readers who are dads. It ain't an easy job. Thank you!