How to write cards for co-workers

As a two woman team here at The Nonsense Maker, writing greeting cards for co-workers isn’t something we have to do very often, but that doesn’t mean we don’t sympathise with our friends in big offices writing 50 Christmas cards to colleagues each December. We’ve been there, done that.

With that in mind, we’ve put together our go to tips for navigating the tricky world of writing cards for co-workers to get you through another year of farewells, babies, birthdays, and season’s greetings.

How much should you write in cards for co-workers?

How much you should write in a greeting card really depends on how well you know the recipient. Are they your work wife/husband sitting at the desk next to you who you simply couldn’t live without? Or is it Dave from accounts who you know mostly through emails and polite lunch room chitchat?

As a general rule, a few lines is all you need when writing a greeting card to an acquaintance (like Dave from accounts). Just a little more than “Dear Dave, Seasons greetings, from Jenny”. Adding in one more line will elevate your card game from Grinch to gracious, so it’s nice to have couple of go to greeting card lines up your sleeve specific to the occasion.

What to write in a birthday card for a co-worker

• Have the best birthday, you deserve it.

• I hope today is filled with fun and good vibes.

• Today is your day, enjoy it!

• I hope all your birthday wishes come true.

• You’re never too old to party!

• All the best for another year around the sun.

• Thanks for always being here when we need you.

• Thanks for always being the life of the party.

• Thanks for all the laughs we’ve had this year, here’s to many more!

What to write in a baby card for a co-worker

• The adventure begins.

• Welcome to the world little bundle of joy!

• Congratulations on your beautiful new baby, what an angel!

• You’re going to make the best parents, all the best.

• Here’s to the beginning of a wonderful journey.

• Welcome to mum / dad life, you’re going to love it.

• I can’t believe he/she is here already.

• I hope you are well rested, you are going to need it!

• Hello tiny person, welcome to the world.

What to write in sympathy card for a co-worker

• Sending my love.

• I hope you are surrounded by love in this difficult time.

• I am so thankful to have had such an amazing person in my life.

• [Name] lived an incredible life, they will be missed dearly.

• My thoughts are with you and your family during this trying time.

• I hope you find comfort knowing [name] was loved by all.

• I am so sorry for your loss.

Hint: If you have trouble thinking of nice things to write in sympathy cards try reading our blog on what to write on a sympathy card for a more detailed guide.

What to write in a farewell card for a co-worker

• Good luck on your next endeavour.

• Congratulation on your new job, you will be missed.

• Wishing you all the best for the future.

• Take me with you!

• I hope your new job is as much fun as here!

• All the best with your new role.

• What will I do without my work wife/husband?

• Thanks for everything you taught me.

• You made it look so easy!

What to write in a Christmas card for a co-worker

• Woohoo! Santa Claus is coming to town!

• I hope your stocking and belly are stuffed full this year.

• Bring on the silly season!

• Have a holly jolly Christmas.

• I hope your holidays are long and bright and full of cheer.

• Naughty or nice, I hope your holidays are as a blast!

• Warmest wishes for your holiday season, see you in the new year.

• Happy holidays, see you on the other side!

Hint: Take a look at our blog post on what to write in a Christmas card for more seasons greetings and card writing ideas!

What should you write in cards for co-workers (and what not to write)?

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous or sentimental, or the greeting card is going to someone you know quite well, we recommend throwing in an extra line to make it more personal. Use the occasion to reflect on your relationship and what that individual means to you. Take the opportunity to tell that person how much you appreciate them. For more tips on how to write a greeting card that is more personal take a look at our blog post, what to write in a greeting card. 

Here are a few extra tips to live by when writing a more in-depth greeting card for your co-workers. Stick with these and you can’t go wrong!

Do be sincere

If your co-worker is the best person you know, a birthday card is a lovely place to let them know! Likewise, if you’ve got nothing good to say don’t say anything at all. If you can’t be genuine about how much you love spending time with someone, or how much they inspire you, stick with a few generic lines instead of writing a long spiel of questionable truths.

Don’t be too personal

No matter how close you are with a particular co-worker, embarrassing stories and awkward in-jokes can be left out. This is especially relevant if your other co-workers, (or worse, your boss!) is likely to read it.

Do say something funny (and appropriate)

Everyone loves a laugh! The key to a good office greeting card joke is to be funny, without compromising your professionalism (or being totally cringe-worthy). It’s a tough balancing act, but totally worth it if you can pull it off.

Don’t assume your co-worker’s religion

Not everyone celebrates Christmas, so unless you are absolutely sure of someone’s religious beliefs never assume. If you’re unsure opt for a miscellaneous all occasion greeting card, rather than a classic Christmas card design, and swap out “Merry Christmas” with “Happy Holidays", or “Seasons Greetings”.

Greeting cards for corporate gifts

Writing cards for co-workers is one thing, but how about for special clients? Send something unique that aligns with your brand’s values, and resonates with your clients.

So how can you stand out? Try a custom illustration by an Australian artist! This will give you the edge on the competition and make sure customers remember you next time they are shopping! For more information and enquires visit The Nonsense Maker’s corporate gifts page!