What to write in a pregnancy or baby shower card

Short answer: Keep it short, specific and about her. Try “So happy for you. You’re going to be brilliant at this”, or for a necklace “Wear it and hear the chime. We’re thinking of you.” Leave out advice and body comments.

Three tips

• Be specific. “I can’t wait to meet them” is better than “Congratulations on your news”.
• Keep it short. Two sentences is plenty.
• Skip advice and body comments. Leave out “get your sleep now” and anything about how she looks.

For a friend

• “So happy for you. You are going to be brilliant at this.”
• “Thinking of you both. Let me know what you need and I’ll be there.”
• “This is for you, not the baby. You deserve a treat.”

For your wife or partner

• “I am so proud of you. I can’t wait to meet our little one.”
• “Thank you for everything you are doing. Wear this and think of us.”
• “For the best mum-to-be I know.”

For a baby shower

• “Wishing you lots of love and very little sick.”
• “So excited to meet your baby. Lots of love.”
• “For mum, because you deserve a present too.”

For a colleague

• “Wishing you all the best. We will miss you and can’t wait to meet the baby.”
• “Congratulations from all of us.”

For a necklace gift

• “Wear it and hear the chime. We are thinking of you.”
• “A little keepsake of a very special time.”
• “For a bump with a name.”

If she has had a loss

Keep it simple and about her: “Thinking of you. No pressure to reply.” Avoid mentioning the baby’s sex, name or due date unless she has.

For gift ideas to go with your card, see gifts for pregnant women.

Questions people ask