45 Thanksgiving greetings to thank family, friends, and colleagues

The roast turkey, tart cranberry sauce, and savory pumpkin pie may get most of our attention on Thanksgiving, but that’s not what we’re really thankful for. Our loved ones bring us so much joy and support throughout the year that it’s nearly impossible to tell them how thankful we are for them—even though we try with a few words across the table.

This Thanksgiving, let friends, family, and coworkers know exactly how much you appreciate them with written Thanksgiving messages that express your gratitude—whether you’re sharing a feast in November or not. Paperless Post’s Thanksgiving cards include designs for every sentiment—formal, funny, and everything in between—and our message suggestions below will add to each design’s charm to bring a warm smile to your loved ones’ faces.

Thanksgiving messages for friends

Friends are the family you choose, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to thank them for their presence in your life. Whether you’re hosting a Friendsgiving feast or you just want them to know you’re thinking about them, use these Thanksgiving greetings to get your message across.

Classic Thanksgiving messages to friends

Try these straightforward, classic greetings in your Thanksgiving cards this year. Plus, they look great in festive fall cards, such as “Thanksgiving Colette” by Rifle Paper Co.

1. Happy Thanksgiving! I’m so grateful for your friendship.
2. I’m so thankful to have you in my life.
3. Thank you for all you do, and for being my friend.
4. Wishing you the best of everything this Thanksgiving—food, friends, feast, and future tidings.
5. We may not be related, but we’ll always be family. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Heartfelt Thanksgiving messages to friends

For friendships that go deeper than words, use a few more to get your feelings across. Add one of the heartfelt messages below to this “Thankful” Card for a sweet and simple way to send your genuine Thanksgiving greetings.

6. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. On this day I think back to all the special times we have shared. Thank you for being such a good friend.
7. Words can’t express how grateful I am to have your friendship in my life. Thank you for supporting me, accepting me, and being a wonderful friend.
8. As we reflect on our blessings this year, your name comes to mind immediately. We are so grateful for your presence in our life.
9. Your friendship calms me down, lifts me up, and supports me year-round. That’s why I couldn’t be more grateful for you this Thanksgiving.
10. For the abundance of love and friendship you bring to us, we wish twice as much to you this holiday season.

Funny Thanksgiving messages to friends

If you and your friends get up to some hijinks every now and then, consider one of these funny Thanksgiving wording options. Your especially punny friends may enjoy the festive “Gourdgeous” Card by Hello!Lucky, as well.

11. Here’s to a Thanksgiving full of bounty, cheer, and food comas! 
12. If I had to choose between you and a pumpkin spice latte, I’d choose you. And then we’d go get pumpkin spice lattes. Happy Thanksgiving!
13. It’s always gourd times when we’re together, pumpkin! Happy Thanksgiving!
14. Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for never telling me how dry my turkey is.
15. Friends are the most wonderful present of all, and I am thankful for my gift. (You still need to buy me something for Christmas, though.)

Thanksgiving messages to family

Thanksgiving with family can be warm, chaotic, loving, stressful, amazing, dramatic—and often, all of the above. Tell your family that you love them no matter what with these Thanksgiving messages that range in tone from casual to formal to nostalgic.

General Thanksgiving messages to family

Use these messages to wish every family member a Happy Thanksgiving, whether they’re joining you at your table or you haven’t seen them in years. And with a “Hand Turkey” Card, your message is sure to add an extra dose of nostalgia.

16. Happy Thanksgiving! May your turkey be moist and your leftovers plentiful.
17. May your heart be glad on Thanksgiving Day. Best wishes and Happy Thanksgiving!
18. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and hearty Thanksgiving!
19. Here’s to a Thanksgiving full of bounty, cheer, and plenty of pie.
20. We have so many reasons to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and first on our list is our family.

Thanksgiving messages to distant family

If you’re writing a message to family members who won’t be joining you for a Thanksgiving celebration, consider these wording options. They pair well with the elegant “Golden Harvest” Card, especially when you add a Photo Gallery Block and include pictures that extended family members may not have seen.

21. Though we may be apart this Thanksgiving, we send our fondest wishes and most affectionate thoughts.
22. We feel an abundance of gratitude whenever you come to mind. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
23. Though we’ll miss you at the table this Thanksgiving, you’ll never be far from our thoughts.
24. Our family bond is strong enough to survive any distance. We love you and wish you a happy Thanksgiving.
25. For every mile that keeps us apart, we’re sending one happy thought for the holiday season—and a virtual hug. Happy Thanksgiving!

Inspirational Thanksgiving messages to family

For family members who hold a special place in your heart, send an especially sentimental Thanksgiving greeting to show them how you feel. For an extra considerate gesture, include these messages in the “Winter Perennials” Card, designed by Michelle Morin for Red Cap Cards.

26. As I reflect on my year, I can’t help but smile at the many memories of our life together. Thank you for being such a supportive member of my family this and every year. Happy Thanksgiving!
27. Your love and kindness throughout the years have been some of the many blessings in my life. This Thanksgiving, I’m struck by how thankful I am to have you in my life.
28. Wishing you a Thanksgiving as special as you are. Thank you for the positive impact you’ve had on my life, and for every moment we’ve shared together.
29. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
30. Memories of growing up with you fill my heart with joy. Though I’m always grateful to have you in my life, Thanksgiving gives me a wonderful reason to reflect on how much I love you.

Thanksgiving messages for employees & colleagues

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to let the people you work with know how much you appreciate them. Send some of these Thanksgiving messages suitable for colleagues, employees, and your boss to set a pleasant tone and instantly bring the holiday spirit to the workplace.

Thanksgiving well-wishes for colleagues

Without your favorite coworkers, Mondays would look a lot different. Use the “Quirky Turkey” Card for a not-too-serious-but-still-thoughtful greeting card for those special colleagues who have become a work family.

31. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and hearty Thanksgiving.
32. May your Thanksgiving be filled with blessings and warm, happy moments.
33. I’m thankful for the friendship we’ve developed after working together so long.
34. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Thanks for making work a fun place to be!
35. My best wishes for comfort, peace, and rest this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving messages for employees

Employees enjoy feeling appreciated by their supervisors and bosses during the holiday season. Even a short note of thanks goes a long way. Plus, this “Foliage Thanks” Card can turn your message into an attractive, fall-themed note for any employee on your team.

36. As we take time to reflect on what we are thankful for, please know that each of you are at the top of our list.
37. I sincerely appreciate for your hard work. With gratitude, [company name]
38. Happy Thanksgiving! Now more than ever, we appreciate you and all you do for the team.
39. Your generosity and contributions to the team make our company stronger. Happy Thanksgiving!
40. We hope you have an enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving, filled with good food and wonderful memories.

Thanksgiving messages for your boss

Some bosses are true leaders who inspire their teams. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these people in your chain of command, let them know how thankful you are for them this Thanksgiving with our message suggestions below and the “Forever Thankful” Card.

41. Thank you for motivating me to grow this year. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
42. This Thanksgiving, I’m especially thankful for the opportunities you’ve given me. Thank you for believing in me and making our company a wonderful place to work.
43. May your Thanksgiving be filled with warm blessings and delicious food this year.
44. Your guidance has been a true inspiration to me this year. Happy Thanksgiving, and I look forward to many more opportunities to work with you.
45. Thank you for being a leader and mentor to our team. We’re grateful for you this Thanksgiving and every day of the year!

Find the right Thanksgiving greeting with Paperless Post

Thanksgiving greetings are perfect for quick texts or emails, handwritten notes, or Thanksgiving cards. When you’re ready to send out your heartfelt, funny, or classic Thanksgiving messages, find the perfect card at Paperless Post to give your recipients a warm smile or a quick chuckle. Plus, you can schedule the send date and time so your customizable greeting card arrives closer to the holiday—because chances are, your friends will be very thankful to know you were thinking about them during the busy holiday season!

Thanksgiving cards

Send a festive card to everyone you’re thankful for with customizable designs that are as sweet as pie.

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Hero image: “Hint of Fall” by Paperless Post.