Dads are not always easy to write for. They shrug off a fuss, they say they do not need anything, and then they keep every card their kids ever made. That is exactly why the words matter. A good Father's Day message says what dad would never ask you to say out loud.

Here are more than 40 Father's Day messages, sorted by who they are for and the tone you want. Borrow one, add a memory, and make it his.

Simple messages a young child can copy

Happy Father's Day, Daddy. I love you to the moon and back.
You are the best daddy in the whole world.
Thank you for all the piggyback rides and bedtime stories.
I love you bigger than the sky, Daddy.
Happy Father's Day to my favourite superhero.
You give the best hugs, Daddy. I love you.

Heartfelt Father's Day messages

Thank you for being my steady, my safe place and my biggest supporter.
Everything I know about being strong and kind, I learned from you.
You make being a dad look easy, but I know it is not. Thank you.
I hope I make you as proud as you make me. Happy Father's Day.
You have always believed in me, even when I did not. Thank you, Dad.
Thank you for every lesson, every laugh and every late-night chat.
You are the measure I hold every good man to. Happy Father's Day.

Funny Father's Day messages

Happy Father's Day to the king of dad jokes and questionable dance moves.
Thanks for the wisdom, the lifts and the wifi password. Happy Father's Day.
You are basically Google, but with more opinions. Happy Father's Day.
Happy Father's Day. Thanks for pretending to like the gifts we made you.
Thanks for teaching me to drive and only gripping the seat a little. Cheers, Dad.
Happy Father's Day to the man who taught me everything, except how to fold a map.

Messages for a new dad

Happy first Father's Day. You were made for this.
Watching you become a dad has been the best. Happy Father's Day.
Your little one is so lucky to have you. Happy first Father's Day.
You are already a wonderful dad. Enjoy your first Father's Day.

Messages for grandad

Happy Father's Day to the grandad who spoils us best.
Thank you for the stories, the jokes and the endless patience. Happy Father's Day.
Happy Father's Day, Grandad. You are the heart of our family.
Wishing the best grandad a day as wonderful as the memories you give us.

Messages for a stepdad or father figure

Thank you for choosing to be there. It has meant everything. Happy Father's Day.
You did not have to step up, but you did, every time. Thank you.
Happy Father's Day to a man who has been a true dad to me.
Family is about love, not labels. Thank you for yours. Happy Father's Day.

Short Father's Day messages

Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you.
The best dad, today and always.
So grateful for you, Dad.
Thank you for everything, Dad.
Happiest Father's Day to my hero.
For my dad, with all my love.

Father's Day quotes to share

Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.
A father's love is the compass that guides us through life.
Behind every great kid is a dad who believed first.
Dads hold our hands for a while and our hearts forever.
A good father is one of the most unsung heroes there is.

Pair the words with a keepsake

Dads keep the personal things. To make the message last beyond the day, families often turn it into a personalised book for dad where he is the hero alongside his kids. You can see our story books to find the right one.

Frequently asked questions

What can a small child write for Father's Day?

Keep it short and sweet, like "Happy Father's Day, Daddy. I love you." A drawing makes it even better.

What do you write for a first Father's Day?

Acknowledge the new chapter and reassure him: "Happy first Father's Day, you are already an amazing dad."

Want a gift he will treasure? You can create a personalised book for dad in minutes.