What to Write on a Postcard

The best postcard messages aren't clever — they're specific. You have roughly 30–50 words of space, which is exactly enough for one real moment and a warm sign-off. Here's a formula, then examples you can borrow.

The formula

Greeting → one specific detail → one connection to them → sign-off.

The specific detail is what makes a postcard worth keeping. "Having a great time" is forgettable; "We ate breakfast next to a man whose parrot ordered for him" is a postcard someone pins to their fridge.

Vacation postcards

"Dear Mom — The ferry here was so windy my hat is now property of the Pacific. Thought of you at the tide pools; you'd have named every creature. Love, Dana"

"Hi Marcus! Day 3: I have eaten my body weight in dumplings and regret nothing. You'd love it here. Wish you were splitting the bill. — Theo"

To grandparents or grandkids

"Dear Grandpa — I made it to the top of the hiking trail you told me about. You were right about the view (and about bringing extra socks). Love you, Maya"

"Hi Ellie! Grandma here. The tomatoes you helped plant are now taller than the fence. Come see them soon — one has your name on it. XO, Grandma"

Thinking-of-you and everyday postcards

You don't need a trip to send a postcard. Some of the best ones are ordinary:

"Saw a dog wearing rain boots today and knew you needed to know. Miss you. Coffee soon? — J"

"No reason for this card except that mail is better when it isn't bills. Proud of you. — Dad"

A few tips

Write smaller than you think you need to — space runs out fast. Skip anything private; a postcard has no envelope, so anyone handling it can read it. Date it — postcards get kept, and future-them will want to know when. And if your handwriting is a lost cause, you can type your message and send a printed card instead: here's how to mail a postcard online.