It's graduation season, and you've probably been invited to celebrate with some of your favorite graduates. You have likely been putting thought into giving a memorable gift. And because you want your gift to be meaningful, the card you select to accompany the gift should be filled with a heart-touching sentiment. But what exactly should you say in a graduation greeting card? We are about to explore some ideas of things to write to the graduate. We hope you can adapt these suggestions to your relationship with the person, so your written graduation message will be very personal, encouraging, and filled with words of hope for that person's future.


First of all, be sure to select a greeting card that has a great pre-printed message. You will add your own personal thoughts to the card, but having a high-quality card to start with is ideal. If you need to find a great graduation card, check out the ones that we have available for half-the-price of major retailers. Our large selection of greeting cards come from popular brands, yet we are able to offer you a better price than you will find at most other places.


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As far as the main points that we suggest you include in your card message, you will focus on their past, present, and future. Here are our top tips for a great graduation sentiment:

  • Make the message personal to the graduate! Clearly express their place in your life and how meaningful it has been to know them. Think of special memories you have with him or her and write about that. Did you attend any of their school events? Did you watch them grow up and observe their accomplishments along the way? Did they have any newsworthy successes during their school years that you could mention? Give them words of affirmation that will help them feel seen. Also compliment their character and personality, rather than only focusing on what they've achieved.
  • Tell them that you are proud of them! Sure, school is something that's normal for a person to attend during their childhood and teen years, but graduation is a huge accomplishment that they've worked years towards achieving - pretty much their entire lives have been committed to education at this point. Be sure to write something like, "I am proud of you." Graduation is a really big deal to them, so let them know that it's a big deal to you, too. If there are any specific skills that they excel in, compliment them for that.
  • Show a sense of excitement for what lies ahead for them in the future! Tell them you are looking forward to hearing about their future endeavors. Include words that describe you being supportive of their next steps. Tell them to update you with their next accomplishments. If they will attend college or grad school, let them know you'd like to stay in touch. If they are seeking a specific degree as their next step, describe your interest in what they will be working towards. If they are starting a new career, acknowledge how their contributions in the workplace will make the world better in that occupation. Include recognition of their capabilities along with motivation. Tell them, "I believe in you" or "you've got this!"


Here are some sample writing suggestions for a graduation card:

  1. Dear Graduate, I've enjoyed watching you grow these past few years. I always looked forward to attending your sports events and felt a sense of pride when I'd hear your name mentioned on the news. I am so happy for you as you receive your diploma and cannot wait to see what's next in your life. I know you will go far in life, because I have noticed how you are a respectful young man who cares about others. Your achievements are admirable and I sure am lucky to know you.
  2. Dear Graduate, I am so proud of you for graduating with high honors! It's no surprise to me though, because there is no one more deserving of that recognition than you. I've seen how hard you've worked towards your goals, and you always approached your education with a positive attitude and motivated your classmates to succeed, too. I will miss having you in the neighborhood when you go off to college. But I will be looking forward to you returning with stories of your new achievements, and hearing about the new relationships you make along the way. You are a person of many talents, and you have many great things ahead in your life to look forward to. I know I am excited to see what your future holds! Congratulations.
  3. Dear Graduate... You did it! It's such an exciting time for you as you graduate from high school and begin a career in retail! I've always admired your winning personality and how you always make others feel better about themselves. Those attributes will help you go far in life and in your career. I wish you many more successes! Congratulations on your high school graduation.
  4. Dear Graduate... I'm so proud of you for earning your bachelor's degree in education. I've observed how great you are at working with kids and know you will be a loved teacher in the classroom. May your teaching career be full of successes as you build great relationships with other teachers, students, and parents. Wishing you the best!