Deciding what to write in a Mother's Day card can be tricky – do you keep it simple, try to be witty, or go for something heartfelt and sweet?
Whatever you want to say, a thoughtful Mother's Day card message is a lovely way to celebrate how important Mum is in your life.
But if crafting the perfect greeting is proving difficult, we can help you come up with something that's just right. We've got 50 ideas below that you can use as they are or personalise to suit you.
So read on to find out what to write in a Mother's Day card to make a Mum, step-mum, mother figure or mum-to-be smile!
Main image: Photo by Ijaz Rafi on Unsplash
What to write in a Mother’s Day card
We've broken up our guide to Mother's Day card sayings into sections so it's easy to find what you're looking for. Scroll down for timeless, sentimental and humorous messages, plus ideas for mums-to-be and step mums.
Classic Mother's Day card messages
A thoughtful message doesn't have to be long or flowery. Keep it simple with these timeless Mother's Day card messages.
- Sit back and relax, today is your day!
- Mum, you’re my number 1! Have a happy Mother's Day.
- Happy Mother's Day! May your day be as special as you are.
- Happy Mother’s Day to the best Mum in the whole world!
- I’m so lucky you're my Mum! Have a wonderful Mother's Day.
- Love you to the moon and back, Mum!
- Mum, you’re the best! Happy Mother’s Day.
- You’re amazing, Mum! Relax on your special day.
- I love you more than words can say! Happy Mother's Day.
- You're a Mum in a million. Happy Mother's Day.
- Mom, mama, mummy… No matter how you say it, you're the best!
Heartfelt Mother's Day card messages
Bring a tear to their eye with a heartfelt, sentimental message. Keep it short and sweet, or tell them a bit more about why they're so special – why not mention your favourite things you've done together over the last year?
- I love you to the moon and back on Mother's Day and always.
- Wishing you all the love in the world. Happy Mother's Day, Mum.
- To my wonderful Mum, thanks for everything you do for me.
- Thanks for being my best friend. I love you Mum.
- Thanks for always being there for me, Mum. Happy Mother's Day.
- To my favourite human. Thank you for everything, Mum.
- I am who I am because of you. Thank you Mum.
- Sending you love today and every day. Happy Mother's Day.
Funny Mother's Day card messages
Not the sentimental type? No problem! Bring a smile to Mum's face with witty, silly and funny Mother's day card sayings that she's sure to love.
- Happy Mother's Day from your favourite child.
- I’ll never be old enough to stop needing my Mummy! Lots of love.
- I owe you so much (literally!). Happy Mother's Day to the Bank of Mum.
- Happy Mother's Day. Now about my inheritance…
- Smart, funny and good looking… You’re lucky to have a child like me.
- Happy Mother's Day to one of my favourite parents.
- Congratulations Mum, I’m brilliant!
- I didn't get you a present because being my Mum is enough of a gift! Happy Mother's Day.
- Happy Mother's Day to my favourite taxi driver.
- I love you more than [insert something you like: TikTok, football team, shopping etc]… almost.
- Happy Mother's Day from your 24/7 tech support team (also known as your [insert: son/daughter])
- Like mother, like [insert: son/daughter]… that must make me awesome.
- You're not only the best at [insert activity: helping with homework, being a taxi driver, tidying my room], but you're also the best Mum!
Pick up a pen
Make your message stand out (and even sparkle or smell delicious!) with a colourful gel pen. Find your favourite with our guide to the best gel pens.
Mother's Day card messages for a mum-to-be
If you and your partner have a little one on the way, give a card from the bump to surprise the mum-to-be on Mother's Day.
- Happy Mother's Day from the bump! I can’t wait to meet you!
- To Mummy with love from the bump on Mother's Day.
- You're going to be an amazing Mum. Happy Mother's Day!
- The adventure begins! I'm so happy to be a parent with you. Happy Mother's Day.
- Happy Mother's Day to a special mum-to-be.
- I'm too little to get you a card, so Daddy [or adjust for same sex couples] did it for me. Happy Mother's Day!
- Happy Mother's Day, Mummy! I can’t wait to meet you.
- Sorry for kicking you in the ribs, Mummy! Have a lovely Mother's Day.
- Here's to your last peaceful Mother's Day! Love from the bump.
- I can't wait to meet you in a few short [insert: days/weeks/months]. Happy Mother's Day, Mummy.
Mother's Day card messages for step mums and mother figures
Find out what to write in a Mother's Day card for other important maternal figures in your life. Show how much you appreciate their inspiration and guidance with a thoughtful handwritten message.
- You put the mum in step-mum! Happy Mother's Day [insert name].
- I'm so glad you're part of our family. Happy Mother's Day!
- Happy Mother's Day [insert name]. Thank you for being there for me.
- You're like a mum to me. Happy Mother's Day with love.
- I'm so lucky to have you in my life. Thanks for being like a mum to me.
- I don't know what I'd do without you! Thank you for supporting me.
- Thinking of you on Mother's Day. With lots of love.
- Thanks for everything you do for me. Happy Mother's Day.
Mother's Day cards to buy
Find the perfect card with five of our favourites for Mother's Day.
Mum quote Mother's Day card
Mums are our guides, confidants, teachers, and so much more! Say thanks with this cheerful foil embossed card emblazoned with the words: 'Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a Mum.'
- Buy the Mum quote Mother's Day card from Not on the High Street
Blooms of Love card
You can't go wrong with a classic floral card, so why not take it up a notch with these pretty dried flowers? ADCcrafts' beautiful blooms make a lovely keepsake, and the card is blank inside so there's plenty of space for your message.
- Buy the Blooms of Love card from Etsy
Floral Mother's Day card
With its brightly coloured paper and cut-out message, this card has plenty of impact! You can choose the colour of the insert, so pick Mum's favourite shade or match it to your gift wrap for a coordinated look.
- Buy the Floral Mother's Day card from Not on the High Street
"Can I have a snack?" card
Guaranteed to make mums of small children chuckle, this fun card from Heather Alstead Design captures snack time perfectly! There's also a personalised version if you'd like to adjust the text – so you can make one for Dad too.
- Buy the "Can I have a snack?" card from Etsy
"Mama since…" card
Relive one of your favourite memories with this beautiful custom card from Aballone Studio. Add a black and white photo and change the "mama since" date to create a truly special card for Mum.
- Buy the "Mama since" card from Not on the High Street
When to write your card
Mother's Day is marked all over the world, but the dates depend on where you live, so check your calendar before you decide what to write in a card!
In much of Europe, Mother's Day is based on the traditional religious celebration of Mothering Sunday, which takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent. It typically falls in mid March.
In the US, Mother's Day is much easier to remember – it's always on the second Sunday in May.
Discover what to write in a Mother’s Day card with Gathered
Mother's Day is the time to show your appreciation for Mum, whether that's with a sentimental note or a joke that will make her laugh out loud.
Writing your own can be tricky, so we've done all the hard work for you! Pair the perfect card with the perfect message for a 'thank you' that she'll treasure forever.
Find a card to make her smile
You've found the right words to tell Mum how much you love her – now it's time to find a card to match. Show you care with our handmade Mother's Day card ideas.
