What to Write in an Anniversary Card for Your Son or Daughter

June 17, 2026

There's something lovely about buying an anniversary card for your child. A chance to tell them — and their other half — that you noticed. That you're rooting for them. That this little family unit they've built makes you quietly, enormously proud.

The only snag is knowing what to write in it.

Too gushing and it's embarrassing. Too short and it feels like an afterthought. And if you're buying for your son and daughter-in-law, or your daughter and son-in-law, you want something that feels warm to both of them — not like you slightly forgot one of them exists.

Here's a collection of anniversary messages for every situation — with a special focus on that magical first anniversary, because if they've made it through year one, that genuinely deserves celebrating.

What to Write in a First Anniversary Card for Your Son or Daughter

The first anniversary is a big one. Here's how to mark it properly.

One whole year — and what a year it's been. Wishing you both so many more. We love you.
Happy first anniversary! You make each other so happy and that makes us so happy. Here's to many more years of that.
One year down, a lifetime to go — and you two are already brilliant at it. Happy anniversary.
To our son and daughter-in-law on your first anniversary — watching you build your life together is one of our greatest joys.
Happy first anniversary to our daughter and son-in-law. You were made for each other — and we knew it before you did.

Warm and Heartfelt Anniversary Messages for Your Child and Their Partner

For any anniversary, when you want to say something that really means it.

Watching you two together reminds us exactly what love is supposed to look like. Happy anniversary.
Happy anniversary — you make each other better, and that's the best thing a marriage can do.
Another year together, another year of being grateful you found each other. We love you both.
To two of our favourite people — happy anniversary. This family wouldn't be the same without either of you in it.
You chose each other, and you keep choosing each other. That's everything. Happy anniversary.

Funny Anniversary Messages (That Won't Cause a Family Incident)

Light-hearted but affectionate — perfect if your family trades in gentle humour.

Happy anniversary! Another year of us pretending we don't have a favourite. (We don't. Probably.)
Congratulations on another year of putting up with each other — we're very proud of you both.
Happy anniversary to two people who are somehow even more annoying together than they are separately. We mean that lovingly.
Another year down. The in-law jokes are officially retired. Happy anniversary.

Short Anniversary Messages When You Want to Keep It Simple

Happy anniversary — we love you both so much.
Wishing you a wonderful anniversary. Here's to many more.
Happy anniversary to two brilliant people. So proud of you both.
Another year, and you're still our favourites. Happy anniversary.

What to Write for a Milestone Anniversary

A 10th, 20th or 25th anniversary deserves something a little extra.

Ten years! You've built something really beautiful together — happy anniversary.
Twenty-five years and you still make each other laugh. That's the whole secret, right there. Happy anniversary.
Happy 10th anniversary — a decade of love, and still going strong. We couldn't be prouder.

A Note on Signing From Both of You

If you're signing from both parents, a simple "with all our love" or "love from us both" works beautifully. You don't need to overthink it — they know.

And if you want to add a little extra, a specific memory or observation goes a long way: "We still remember the day we knew you were the one for them." That kind of detail is the bit they'll keep forever.

Find the Perfect Anniversary Card

Once you've got your words sorted, you'll want a card worth keeping. Our anniversary cards include cards made specifically for sons, daughters, and their partners — printed on 300gsm smooth matt card and delivered across the UK.

Looking for something with a bit of personality? We have funny anniversary cards for husband and funny anniversary cards for wife if you'd rather raise a smile than a tear. Or browse our full range of greeting cards for every occasion.