Mango Postal
Build Postcard

What to Write on a Postcard (40+ Examples)

You have a gorgeous postcard, a pen, and absolutely nothing to say.

By Mango Postal Editorial Team · · 5 min read

Good news: figuring out what to write on a postcard is easier than it looks. The space is small on purpose. Here's a formula that works every time, and more than 40 messages you can use as they are or tweak.

The 3-sentence postcard formula

  1. Where you are or what's going on. "Writing this from a very small café in Montréal."
  2. One specific detail. "The croissants here would make you cry."
  3. Why you thought of them. "Saving you a seat for next time."

Writing this from a very small café in Montréal. The croissants here would make you cry. Saving you a seat for next time.

That's it. Specific beats long, every time. "Saw a dog that looked exactly like Biscuit" lands harder than a paragraph about the weather. Wondering why send postcards at all when a text is free? The numbers might surprise you.

How to start and sign off

Openers: Hi [name]! · Greetings from [place] · Guess where I am · Surprise · You'll never believe this

Sign-offs: Wish you were here · Miss you · See you soon · Love from [place] · Yours in postcard form · Write back (please)

Postcard messages for friends

  • "No reason for this card. Just wanted you to have mail that isn't a bill."
  • "Found this photo and laughed out loud on the bus. You're welcome."
  • "Official reminder that you're my favourite person to be chaotic with."
  • "This is a formal invitation to hang out soon. RSVP by text."
  • "Proof that I remember your address. Now you have to write back."
  • "Thinking of you and that terrible karaoke night. Never again (next week?)."
  • "A small rectangle of appreciation, delivered by a government agency."

Postcard messages for family

  • "Hi Grandma! Here's the latest on the kids. Spoiler: they're taller."
  • "Thought you'd like a real photo for the fridge instead of a text."
  • "Missing Sunday dinners. Save me a plate."
  • "Just wanted to say thank you for everything. Especially the snacks."
  • "Your favourite grandchild says hi (it's me, I'm the favourite)."

Travel postcard messages

  • "Greetings from [place]! The view is unreal and my feet hurt."
  • "Wish you were here. Mostly so you could carry my bags."
  • "Day 4: have eaten my body weight in [local food]. No regrets."
  • "It's beautiful here, but nobody laughs at my jokes like you do."
  • "Sent from the other side of the country, with sand still in my shoes."
  • "Found your spirit animal at the market. Photo attached (see front)."

Birthday postcard messages

  • "Happy birthday! Another year of being annoyingly great."
  • "Happy birthday to the only person I'd mail a postcard to."
  • "Old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyway. Happy birthday!"
  • "Consider this card your birthday cake. Calorie-free."
  • "Happy birthday! The front of this card is your gift. It's priceless."

Thank you postcard messages

  • "Thank you for having us. The house, the food, the company: 10/10."
  • "Thanks for being there when it mattered. It meant a lot."
  • "A real thank you, on real paper, because a text wasn't enough."
  • "Thank you for the gift. I think about it (and you) every time I use it."

Writing a longer note? Here's how to write a thank you note, plus the best photo to send with it.

Just-because postcard messages

  • "Happy random Tuesday."
  • "Nothing to report. Just like you."
  • "This card is a hug that the post office agreed to deliver."
  • "You crossed my mind, so you get mail."
  • "Not a bill. Not an ad. Just me."

Short messages when there's no space

If your photo takes up the whole front and the back is small:

  • "Wish you were here."
  • "Thinking of you."
  • "Miss your face."
  • "Look where I ended up."
  • "More soon. Love, me."

Before you mail it

  • Leave the right half of the back for the address and stamp. See how to address a postcard.
  • Remember that anyone can read it. Postcards are open mail. (Mango Postal cards ship in an envelope, so your message stays private.)
  • Keep it legible. Tiny cursive is romantic until nobody can read it.

Write it on your phone instead

With Mango Postal, you type your message and pick a pen style, from felt tip to typewriter. It prints looking handwritten, without the hand cramp. We print the card and mail it anywhere in Canada or the US for $4.99 CAD + $0.99 shipping.

Need a front to go with it? Turn your photos into one with our photo postcards guide.

FAQ

How long should a postcard message be?

Two to four short sentences. About three is ideal.

Do you write "Dear" on a postcard?

You can, but it's optional. Postcards are casual, so "Hi [name]!" works fine.

Where do you write on a postcard?

On the left half of the back. The right half is for the stamp and address.

Is it OK to send a postcard for no reason?

It's the best reason.

What do you write on a postcard to a friend?

Something short and specific: an inside joke, a shared memory or simply "No reason for this card. Just wanted you to have mail that isn't a bill." More in postcard messages for friends.

What do you write on a postcard to family?

A quick update and a reason you're thinking of them, like "Missing Sunday dinners. Save me a plate." More in postcard messages for family.

What do you write on a postcard from vacation?

Where you are, one specific detail and why you thought of them, like "Greetings from [place]! The view is unreal and my feet hurt." More in travel postcard messages.

Make one now

Design a postcard on your phone. We print it and mail it anywhere in Canada or the US.

Build Postcard

See how Mango Postal works · Pricing and delivery FAQ

Keep reading

Build Postcard