175 Unique Get-Well Wishes to Write in a Card, Text, or Email

Sam Tetrault, BA in English

SE

Sam Tetrault, BA in English

Discover ideas for 'get well' wishes, including ones for parents, friends, family members, coworkers, and more.

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure.

Do you have a friend or family member who is sick or one who recently received a difficult diagnosis? Show your support by sending a card, text, or email. But composing get-well wishes can be tricky. You want to sound upbeat and genuine and let them know you’re there for them while respecting their boundaries. Here are some ideas of what to write in a get-well card, email, or text.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Before you fill the blank space of your sympathy message or greeting card, consider your relationship, the person’s condition, as well as your intentions. Writing a few thoughtful words shows the person in your life that you’re thinking of them in their time of need. The more personalization and warmth you add to your message, the better.

Here are some wishes to send in a card, email, or note to get you started.

Tips for Writing a Get-Well Card, Email, or Text

Image with tips for writing a get-well card, text, or email

It takes great skill to write a beautifully worded message of hope and support for someone who is sick. After all, there are a lot of things to consider. Here are a few tips to help you out.

Don't name the specific illness or condition

Your friend or family member may be devastated by a difficult diagnosis. As you write the get-well note, avoid using the name of the disease.

For example, consider writing, “I was so sorry to hear about your diagnosis” instead of “I’m sorry to hear you have cancer.”

Avoid giving treatment suggestions

A get-well card is not the right place to share information about a treatment option you read about online. It’s also not the right place to talk about your own experience with illness. It is the place to show your encouragement and support for someone not feeling their best.

Include religious messages if you know their beliefs

You probably know whether a Bible verse would be a welcome addition to a get-well message or something that will distract from your well wishes. Write a message accordingly.

If you can, send a hand-written note

Emails, texts, and direct messages will always be welcome. But handwritten cards and letters are extra special. If you have the time, try and send a hand-written note. Your effort will be appreciated.

Consider including a small gift

Flowers or balloons are lovely to include with a get-well card. Gifts of food are also sometimes appreciated – as long as the ill person has no dietary restrictions.

You may also consider acts of service, such as organizing a meal train or picking up prescriptions or grocery orders.

Short Get-Well Messages

Image with a short get-well message

It’s more common than ever to text or instant message someone your well wishes. Sending a message this way doesn’t have to be any less impactful. However, it’s not always clear where to begin. These short get well soon messages are ideal for a quick text or message.

Inspirational Get-Well Messages

Image with inspirational get-well message

There’s a common misconception that get-well wishes are depressing and sad. In reality, the purpose of these wishes is to inspire the reader and let them know how special they are.

These inspirational get-well wishes do just that and more.

Gift tip: Send an inspirational book along with your note. We recommend The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein or The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri.

Meaningful Get-Well Messages

Image with meaningful get-well message

When those closest to us get sick, we don’t always know what to say. As a friend, people look to you for cheering up and support. Be that warmth and kindness for your friend to help them get better quickly.

Gift tip: Give your friend or family member the gift of your company! If they aren’t contagious, bring over a nice meal, snack, or just you and talk to them. Can’t see them in person? Try scheduling a video chat and do an activity together, like making dinner or playing a digital game.

Funny Get-Well Wishes

Image with funny get-well message

Remember how we said “get well” wishes don’t have to be gloomy? It’s true, and these funny messages prove that laughter really can be the best medicine. Bring your kind words some relief in the form of joy.

Get-Well Bible Verses

Image with get-well Bible verse

Those who prefer religious messages might find comfort in their faith. Regardless of your beliefs, it’s important to honor the wishes of those you love the most. These religious get-well wishes below are sure to inspire them to feel their best.

Famous Get-Well Quotes

Image with famous get-well quote

Similarly, you might not know the right words to say when wishing someone healing. In this case, don’t reinvent the wheel. Borrow these famous’ get-well soon’ quotes from the top thinkers and writers. Inspiring and meaningful, they capture the best of what you’re trying to say.

What to Write in a Get-Well Card for Co-Workers

Image with get-well message for a co-worker

When a co-worker gets ill, you want to find a way to wish them well. Letting this person know that the office is thinking of them lifts their spirits and lets them know their presence is valued.

Whether you’re sending a message to a boss or co-worker, try these words of encouragement.

Gift tip: Have your co-workers all chip in and get your friend or family member a gourmet gift basket with comforting snacks, cheese, and crackers .

What to Write in a Get-Well Card for a Parent

Image with get-well message for a parent

While we think of our parents as the ones who care for us, sometimes the tables turn. Return the favor by caring for your parents and letting them know you’re always there for them, no matter what.

Gift tip: Buy them a nice pair of slippers to wear around the house, like these UGG slippers . You can also s end them a big snack box with their favorite treats . If they can’t eat snacks, gift them a streaming subscription, like Amazon Prime Video .

What to Write in a Get-Well Card for a Child

Image with get-well message for a child

It can be especially heartbreaking when children are sick or injured. Here are some phrases to use when sending well wishes to a child.

Gift tip: A sick kid will love an activity to keep them distracted. We recommend a DIY slime kit or a huge box of Legos to keep them occupied.

What to Write in a Get-Well Card for a Spouse or Partner

Image with get-well message for a spouse or partner

Having a partner or spouse feeling unwell is hard on any couple. Your partner is a source of strength, and you’re there for each other through thick and thin. Keep your partner in high spirits with these messages.

Gift tip: Does your partner have a luxe robe to wear around the house? If not, get them this long robe , stat.

Get-Well Messages for Cancer or a Serious Illness

Image with get-well message for cancer or a serious illness

While you might know how to handle a get-well card for someone who’s getting over the flu, some situations are more complicated. Writing a card for someone with terminal cancer or trying to think of a positive message for a cancer patient is a real challenge.

There’s often a fine line you need to walk between overstepping and staying positive. Use these words below when writing a note or card to someone with cancer or another serious illness.

Gift tip: Send a comforting gift, like this warm fleece blanket or a cozy fleece sweatshirt , to keep them warm during treatment or in the hospital.

Get-Well Wishes for a Surgery

Image with get-well message for surgery

Surgery is a scary thing for anyone. Wishing someone well before a big medical procedure lets them know you’re thinking of them and rooting for their speedy recovery.

Here’s what to say before or after surgery.

You can read our guide to “get well” wishes for surgery for more inspiration.

Gift tip: Put an extra smile on your friend's or loved one's face by getting them a get-well gift box to go with their a get-well card .

How to Sign Off a Get Well Card

Finally, how do you end a get well soon card? Though writing your message is easy enough when it comes from the heart, your ending should be just as impactful. This doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be meaningful to you. Consider these options below to end your card on a strong note.

Writing a Get Well Card: Words Can Go a Long Way

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but words still carry a lot of meaning. Kind words make the world seem a little less bleak when someone’s not feeling well. This is the kindness that motivates people to stay optimistic even in the darkest of times. Whether you’re sending a card, email, or note, these “get well soon” wishes above help you communicate authentic feelings without the stress.

Never find yourself at a loss for words again. Giving these messages with one of the top sympathy gift ideas or even just a warm smile is worth its weight in gold. It truly is the thought that counts, so make yours impactful.

We can’t predict what will happen in the future, and it’s never a good idea to take your health for granted. Start end-of-life planning today to prepare for anything.

Post-planning tip: If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, you will receive many sympathy and support messages; handling them all, plus the details of the loved one’s unfinished business, can be overwhelming. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one’s family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of.

Categories: