25 Treasure-Worthy Happy Father's Day Messages For Your Father-in-Law

From words of thanks to funny one-liners, show some love for your father-in-law this Father's Day.
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by
Rylee Johnston
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Rylee Johnston
The Knot Contributor
  • Rylee is a contributing writer who has written gift guides for weddings, anniversaries and milestone moments. .
  • Before contributing to The Knot Worldwide, Rylee was a shopping writer at BuzzFeed.
  • Rylee has a degree in journalism and resides in New York City.
Updated Apr 23, 2023

Mark your calendars! Father's Day is coming up. While you may have the perfect gift for your father-in-law already picked out, the happy Father's Day message for your father-in-law is just as important. He's the dad of your partner and helped raise them into the loveable person they are today, which more than earns him a shout out. If you're feeling the pressure or need some inspiration to get you started, we've compiled a list of messages you can write in his holiday card, ranging from goofy to sentimental. Whether he's your future FIL or you've been part of the family for years, take a look at our sample notes below to learn how to write the best Father's Day wishes for your father-in-law.

In this article:

What to Write in Your FIL's Father's Day Card

Here are a few things to consider if you're wondering what to write in your father-in-law's Father's Day card: Before putting your pen to paper (or in this case, cardstock) to compose your Father's Day greeting for your father-in-law, think about your relationship with your FIL. This will help determine how sentimental you should be when crafting your message. If you're still getting to know him, then noting a characteristic or two you admire is a great place to start—especially if you're feeling unsure. Now, if you've known him for years, then calling out a favorite memory or delving into how much you appreciate and treasure your relationship is okay to call out.

You should also take into account his personality while planning out your happy Father's Day message. If he is someone who is always cracking dad jokes or loves a good pun, you should definitely include a funny message. Now, if he's always going in for a hug when he sees you and your partner or loves to get nostalgic with stories of your boo as a child, then a heartfelt line or two is a must. Don't forget to call out how much you appreciate all that they do for the family and end the card on a sweet note to make him feel loved and appreciated. If you take all of these elements into consideration, it'll be almost impossible for your father-in-law not to keep this card on display year-round. You'll be an expert on what to write to a father-in-law on Father's Day in no time.

Funny Father's Day Messages for Your FIL

There's nothing like a silly note to keep things lighthearted—especially if your FIL appreciates a good pun. If he's the first to make a dad joke, tickle his funny bone with a goofy message that'll have him laughing out loud. Just don't be surprised when he starts cracking jokes back after your father-in-law reads your funny happy Father's Day message.

  • I'll try not to make this too cheesy, but I hope you have a gouda Father's Day—from your favorite [son/daughter/child]-in-law.

  • Yes, [spouse's name] is lucky to have me, but they're even luckier to have you. Happy Father's Day!

  • Happy Father's Day to my favorite (and only) father-in-law!

  • Happy Father's Day! Thanks for teaching [spouse's name] how to have great taste.

  • I'm so lucky to have an in-law who's smart, funny, caring and thoughtful — and then there's you. Happy Father's Day!

Sweet Father's Day Messages for Your FIL

You can never go wrong with a sweet and thoughtful message from the heart—especially if your father-in-law is the type of guy who always calls to check in, take the grandkids (if you have children) for the day or is your go-to for home repair advice. Show some love with a little message that'll earn you a smile and your card a center spot on the mantle.

  • I'm so lucky to have a father-in-law who is as caring, thoughtful and patient as you. Happy Father's Day!

  • Thank you for everything you do and all that you provide for this family! We love and appreciate you. Happy Father's Day!

  • Thank you for making this family fun to be a part of. Happy Father's Day!

  • Happy Father's Day to one of the most caring, hardworking people I know!

  • You've made me feel welcome in this family since day one. Thank you for everything. Happy Father's Day.

Father's Day Messages From Daughters-in-Law

It doesn't matter if you're still getting to know your FIL or have been a regular fixture at Sunday dinner for years. As their daughter-in-law, you can still leave a little note expressing your love and admiration for them that they're sure to appreciate. Let these Father's Day messages from a daughter-in-law be your guide.

  • Happy Father's Day! Thank you for raising such an incredible [son/daughter/person].

  • It's no surprise that you've created such a warm and loving family—thank you. Happy Father's Day!

  • I'm so lucky I get to call you family. Happy Father's Day!

  • You truly feel like a dad to me. I'm so thankful to have you and [spouse's name] in my life. Happy Father's Day!

  • Happy Father's Day to another one of my favorite men! I'm thankful for all that you do for our family.

Father's Day Messages From Sons-in-Law

You don't have to be best friends with your FIL to leave them a thoughtful little message. No matter how close the two of you are (or are becoming), add a little note of appreciation to make them feel seen on their special day with these Father's Day messages from a son-in-law.

  • Happy Father's Day! Thank you for helping to bring [spouse's name] into the world.

  • You set the "best father-in-law" bar high. I hope I can come close to it one day. Happy Father's Day.

  • I'm thankful to call you family and a friend. Happy Father's Day.

  • Happy Father's Day to a great dad, grandfather and in-law. I appreciate all that you do for us!

  • Happy Father's Day! I hope you take today to relax.

Father's Day Messages for Your Future Father-in-Law

While they may not officially be your FIL now, you can still spread your love and appreciation for him with a card message that touches on his future-father-in-law status.

No matter how long you've known him—whether it be over the course of a years-long relationship or a brief meeting post-engagement, these words of love and praise will definitely make his (Father's) day.

  • You've made me feel like family since even before [partner's name] and I got engaged. Happy Father's Day!

  • I'm so thankful for your [son/daughter/child]—and that I've gotten to meet you. Happy Father's Day!

  • There are no words to describe how excited I am to soon be a part of your family. Happy Father's Day!

  • Happy Father's Day to my future father-in-law! I can't wait for all the memories to come.

  • Happy Father's Day! Thank you for always being there when [partner's name] and I need you.

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