Perfect Father’s Day Wishes: Heartfelt Messages for Every Dad

15th January, 2026

Read time - 9 mins

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Interflora

A team of flower, style and design experts and enthusiasts. We love sharing advice on all things floral and offering top tips on expressing yourself and your emotions.

A team of flower, style and design experts and enthusiasts. We love sharing advice on all things floral and offering top tips on expressing yourself and your emotions.

Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to let your dad know what often goes unsaid. Words matter, which is why finding the right things to say in a card can be tricky. Whether it’s a heartfelt, funny, or sentimental message, it’s important to make your dad feel appreciated in a way that reflects your unique relationship.

That’s why we’ve put together this handy list of meaningful messages and inspirational quotes to help you craft memorable “Happy Father’s Day” wishes.

Whether he’s your dad, like-a-dad, a new or expectant dad, or even your lovely grandad, you are sure to find a little inspiration to help you create that perfect Father’s Day message for your father figure. Let’s get writing.

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How to Write the Perfect Father’s Day Message

When it comes to “Happy Father’s Day” messages, writing something heartfelt and personal isn’t always easy. Sure, they know you love and appreciate them, but how do you express how you feel sincerely? Here are some top tips to help you:

  1. Consider his personality: Do they enjoy banter? Do you share any hobbies or interests? The best messages are always personal, so writing about the things you love about them and what you share is a great way to make them feel special. This includes specific memories or jokes you share.
  2. Tailor your message: Is your father figure your biological dad, stepdad or grandad, or are your wishes for an expectant dad or partner? Make sure you consider this before you start.
  3. Keep it simple: Sometimes less is more, and the perfect message is simply about creating something meaningful. Think about what they mean to you, and the words will soon follow.

If you’re struggling to find the right words, Interflora is on hand to help you connect emotionally with hand-crafted bouquets and Father’s Day gifts.

Heartfelt Father’s Day Wishes for Every Dad

“Happy Father’s Day” wishes can be emotional, short and sweet, traditional or funny, or you could even lead with a Father’s Day quote. Whichever genre of message you choose, make sure it’s appropriate for them.

So, without further ado, let’s explore the very best “Happy Father’s Day” messages for every type of father figure.

For your dad

  • You taught me how to be strong and stand on my own two feet. Thanks for everything, Dad.
  • For the dad who always fixes the things we break, who never fails to have a laugh and who supports our decisions, no matter how dumb they may seem. This is for you. We love you, Dad.
  • Thanks for being the type of dad I aspire to be one day.
  • The older I get, the more I realise how important it is to have a dad like you. Thank you for your support and guidance.
  • You’re not just my dad, you’re my friend, mentor, counsellor and everything in between. I love you.
  • For all the wonderful things you do that I might not always notice – thank you!

For stepdads and father figures

  • We may not share the same blood, but you are the best dad I could ever wish for.
  • Thanks for being there when I needed someone most.
  • I realise you’re technically not my dad, but I don’t think I could function without you, so that deserves a card.
  • I may not call you my dad, but you are still my father. Happy Father’s Day.
  • As each year passes, I learn more and more from you. Thank you for playing an important role in my life.
  • For years, I dreamed of having a father figure like you in my life. Thank you for always being there for me. You’re the best.

For grandads

  • All your years of wisdom are starting to rub off…sort of. Thanks, Grandad!
  • You really are GRAND. Love you, Grandpa.
  • You hold a special place in our hearts, right where the love is. Have a great Father’s Day, Grandad!
  • Grandad, thanks for being in all my favourite memories.
  • Happy Father’s Day. Sorry for being a little troublemaker, but let’s be honest, I’m an angel compared to my dad!
  • To the best father figure I could have ever asked for. You’re one in a million, thanks, Grandpa.

For New Dads and Dads-to-Be

  • Daddy, thanks for wiping my bum and getting up for my night feeds.
  • I know I’m new to the world, but I already know you’re the best dad in it!
  • You may be new to this ‘dad’ thing, but you’re already pretty great at it.
  • Being a father is the most important job a man will ever have. Happy Father’s Day.
  • Being a dad isn’t easy, but you’ll get the hang of it.
  • Wishing you all the wonder and joy that fatherhood brings. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness.

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For Husbands/Partners

  • Thank you for helping me through the sleepless nights, terrible tantrums and taking your fair share of nappy changes. Happy Father’s Day!
  • I couldn’t imagine a more caring father than you. I’m so happy we chose this life together.
  • Being a fantastic dad only makes me love you more.
  • Whatever parenthood throws at us, you never fail to be an amazing dad.
  • It’s true, a man can look hot while holding a nappy bag. I would know, I married you!
  • I didn’t think I could love you any more, and then I saw what a fantastic dad you are. We are lucky to have you.

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For Dads Who Are Far Away

  • You may be miles away, but I’m still thinking of you. Happy Father’s Day.
  • Near or far, you’re still my dad, and I love you.
  • Missing you (but not the dad jokes).
  • I might not see you every day, but I want you to know that I love you all the same.
  • Happy Father’s Day from across the ocean.
  • While we might not be together for Father’s Day this year, I can’t wait to celebrate with you when we next see each other.

For Complicated Relationships

  • Our relationship hasn’t always been easy, but I’m grateful for the moments of effort and connection we’ve shared.
  • Even with the ups and downs, I recognise the role you’ve played in my life. Wishing you well this Father’s Day.
  • I’m thankful for the parts of you that helped shape who I am. Happy Father’s Day.
  • Father’s Day brings mixed feelings, but I hope today holds space for understanding and grace.
  • Thank you for the parts of your effort I could see, even when things were hard.
  • Our story is complex, yet I hold onto the good that exists within it. Hope you find some joy today.

For Bereaved or Remembered Dads

  • Thinking of you as you honour your dad today. May his memory bring warmth and comfort.
  • Father’s Day can be bittersweet. Sending love as you remember your dad and the moments that made him special.
  • Your dad lives on in the stories you tell and the love he left behind. Holding you in my thoughts today.
  • May today be filled with quiet remembrance and the kind of love that never leaves.
  • Sending strength as you navigate a day that can feel heavy. Your father was a great man.
  • Love doesn’t end, even when life does.

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Inspirational and Famous Father’s Day Quotes

  • “I’ve said it before, but it’s absolutely true: My mother gave me my drive, but my father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future.” – Liza Minnelli.
  • “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” – William Shakespeare.
  • “My father used to say that it’s never too late to do anything you wanted to do. And he said, 'You never know what you can accomplish until you try.” – Michael Jordan.
  • “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” – Jim Valvano.
  • “I am not ashamed to say that no man I ever met was my father’s equal, and I never loved any other man as much.” – Hedy Lamarr.
  • “Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes.” – Gloria Naylor.

Social Media Inspiration for Your Father’s Day Messages

Times have changed, and these days, many “Happy Father’s Day” wishes are shared on social media. Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X all offer creative ways to celebrate dads, whether you choose to post a story, share a video or even upload a series of pictures on your grid.

To reach a wider audience and make your dad “Instagram famous” for the day, here are some hashtag ideas:

  • #FathersDay
  • #DadAppreciation
  • #BestDadEver
  • #Fatherhood
  • #DadAndMe
  • #MadeByDad

Are you a TikTok fan? Father’s Day trends on the platform often include quick “Before & After” clips showing a childhood picture with your dad vs. now, day-in-the-life videos honouring hardworking dads, or humorous “Things My Dad Says” compilations.

To make your message stand out from the crowd, you could:

  • Share a specific memory or occasion
  • Add an inside joke
  • Include images and videos that capture your relationship
  • Add meaningful hashtags

FAQs: Father’s Day Messages

If your relationship with your dad isn’t very close, there is no harm in keeping your message short and simple. Succinct happy Father’s Day wishes that acknowledge his role in your life and say thank you are sometimes all you need.

Father’s Day wishes feel more personal when they mention something specific. This could be an inside joke, an anecdote, or a special shared memory. Think of words that will make your dad smile and help him feel appreciated, rather than relying on generic messages and quotes. Authenticity is always more meaningful.

Yes, using humour is often the best approach, especially if you feel a little awkward or laughter is important in your relationship. Jokes and puns help keep the tone positive and thoughtful. Funny Father’s Day quotes are another good option to keep it light.

Father’s Day isn’t just for biological dads, it’s for anyone in your life who offers support, love and guidance. Don’t let the fact that he’s not your biological dad put you off saying thanks. Whether it’s for a stepdad, grandad, uncle, or family friend, you can use the Father’s Day messages we have shared in this guide.

Give the Gift of Handcrafted Father’s Day Flowers

Thanks to our “Happy Father’s Day” wishes, you now have all the messages and quotes you need to feel inspired and get your creative juices flowing. We have every confidence that you can write a message he will love.

Perhaps you’d like to show even more appreciation this Father’s Day? With Interflora, you could pair your card with a beautiful handcrafted bouquet of flowers. Our expert florists tailor arrangements to suit any occasion, so you can treat your dad to a truly personal gift that speaks from the heart.

We provide same-day or next-day flower delivery, and we also deliver internationally for dads who live far away.