A gift message isn’t an obligation – it’s a chance to tell the person you’re giving to that you care. Three sentences written “from the heart” mean far more than two pages of generic words. Take a look at the examples and steps below and learn to write messages that people actually remember.
What exactly is a gift message?
A gift message is more than just words on paper. It represents the moment you stopped, thought about the recipient and decided that this moment was worth your time.
On a birthday, anniversary or other milestone, the recipient won’t remember the price of the gift. But they will remember that you gave them your time and thought of them. And your message is the proof.
At Le Boxi, we know that the message is the heart of every thoughtful gift. After years of preparing gifts for Slovenian and European gift-givers, we know what really touches people – and it’s never a generic card.
Why the message matters more than the gift itself
A gift on its own is lovely; a gift with a personal message is precious.
Why? Because the message is the only part of the gift that is entirely yours. Choosing a gift is often logical – a little research, comparing prices, reading reviews. But the words you write on a tag or label? Those are your thoughts alone.
People remember words. Gifts are forgotten. A gift accompanied by a sincere, personal message becomes a memory – something the recipient treasures. Four years, eight years, twenty years later – it stays with them.
How to write a gift message that really means something
As gift specialists, we suggest a simple recipe:
5 steps to writing words that truly mean something.
1. Pause for a moment and think
Before you write anything, stop and think:
- What do you love about this person?
- What is their world like and what makes them happy?
- What have you experienced together?
- What do you hope for them in the year ahead?
2. Write naturally, as if you were talking
The biggest mistake is trying to sound “formal” when writing a gift message. The message is meant to be your personal note to the recipient, so put a bit of your relationship’s personality into it.
Instead of this:
“Happy birthday to one of my favourite people in the world!”
Write this:
“I’m always happy to see you because you make every day friendlier. I hope this year is full of moments that make you smile.”
The second one sounds like someone who knows you. The first – sounds like a message out of a book.
3. Keep the message short
The recipient will read your words more than once – the first time for the joy of reading them, the second because it’s emotional. But the text needs to be short enough that they still remember it two weeks later.
Three sentences are perfect; four or five is still lovely. Half a page – that’s a bit too much.
4. Be specific
The weakest messages? The ones that would work for absolutely anyone. “Happy birthday!” is nice, but generic. “I’m so glad to be part of your life” is a very personal message.
Gift message examples for different occasions
Heartfelt messages
These messages are written from the heart and stay in people’s memories:
For a birthday:
“Thank you for being you. You make the world more beautiful and funnier. I hope this year is unforgettable for you.”
“I’m so glad to be on this journey with you. Happy birthday and lots of luck with everything that’s coming!”
For a friendship anniversary:
“We’ve known each other for three years, and every day I’m grateful for you. Thank you for being you.”
For a new job:
“I knew you could do it. I’m proud of you – this year is going to be yours.”
For a recovery:
“We’re thinking of you. Get well soon – we need you.”
Source: Traditional Slovenian and European message phrasing
Funny and light-hearted messages
Sometimes a gift message should be funny. Humour is the universal language of friendship.
For a birthday (gentle humour):
“Today you’re the centre of attention. From tomorrow, it’s back to me.”
“May the calories from the cake go straight to your ( • )( • )”
How to use gift messages with our spring gift tags
Le Boxi has created some lovely, vibrant spring gift tags for you. How do you use them with a personal message?
Step 1: Print the tags
Download the PDF of gift tags in natisnite na papir od 120g do 200g. The paper needs to be sturdy enough to cut neatly without tearing.
Step 2: Cut out the tags
Use scissors or a craft knife to cut carefully around the outline of each tag.
Step 3: Punch a hole at the top
Use a hole punch to make a small hole at the top of the tag. This is where the string will go.
Step 4: Write your message
Write your message on the back of the tag, in the space provided. Take a moment as you write – these are your wishes turning into words.
Step 5: Thread the string
Thread the string through the hole at the top and tie the tag. The tag is now ready.
Step 6: Attach it to the gift
Simply tie the tag onto the wrapped gift with a simple knot. Your gift with a personal message is now ready.
How to personalise your message – examples and tips
Generic messages are… generic. What makes a gift message personal?
Comparison: generic vs personal messages
Generic message:
“Happy birthday!”
Personal message:
“Dear Marko, I’m so glad I’ve been your friend for 15 long years. Your jokes always brighten up my day. Happy birthday!”
The difference? The second message is about him – it’s more “yours”, or rather “ours”.
Three tips for personalising your message:
1. Use their name: “Dear Peter” or “Dearest Ana” – choose your own way of addressing the recipient.
2. Mention a specific moment or quality: “I’m glad to be part of your career journey”, “Your courage inspires me.”
3. Link the gift to the message: “I know you love a good cup of coffee, so I chose this – because a cup of great coffee beats a lie-in.”
Le Boxi – your gift message specialist
At Le Boxi, we know that the message is the heart of the gift. That’s why we offer you not just gifts, but also guidance on how to give them. Our spring gift tags are designed especially for your personal messages.
Find a gift that matches the recipient’s personality, write a message from the heart, and watch this simple gesture become a memory they’ll treasure for years and years.
If you’re looking for gift inspiration, browse our best-selling gifts for men orbest gifts for women and find something that suits the person you’re buying for.
Your next step
Sign up for our newsletter too, where we share new products and gift ideas.
