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Updated Mar 06, 2025The Sweetest Happy Father's Day Messages for Your Father-in-Law
From heartfelt notes to witty quotes and more.
Photo: Stocksy | Design: Tiana Crispino
Mark your calendars because Father's Day is coming up! While you may have already picked out the perfect gift for your father-in-law, deciding what to write in his greeting card is just as important. If you're looking for tips on how to say "Happy Father's Day, Father-in-Law" that go beyond the obvious, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of appropriate messages, quotes and even a poem you can include to show your spouse's father some love.
Whether he's your future FIL or you've been part of the family for years, these thoughtful Father's Day messages for your father-in-law will serve up plenty of inspo.
In this article:
- What to Write to Your Father-in-Law This Father's Day
- Funny Father's Day Messages for Your Father-in-Law
- Sweet Father's Day Messages for Your Father-in-Law
- Good Father's Day Quotes for Your Father-in-Law
- Happy Father's Day Messages From Daughters-in-Law
- Happy Father's Day Messages From Sons-in-Law
- Happy Father's Day Messages to Future Fathers-in-Law
- Example Father's Day Letter for Your Father-in-Law
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Example Father's Day Poem for Your Father-in-Law
What to Write to Your Father-in-Law This Father's Day
There are several things to consider when deciding what to write in your father-in-law's Father's Day card, like your relationship with him, his personality and how he likes to be celebrated. Thinking about how well you get along with your FIL is an excellent starting point when crafting your message. If you're still getting to know him, noting a characteristic or two you admire is a great place to begin—especially if you're feeling unsure. Alternatively, if you're super close, you can talk about a favorite memory you've shared or how much you appreciate your unique relationship.
You'll also want to consider his personality when composing your Happy Father's Day greeting for your father-in-law. If he's constantly cracking dad jokes or loves a good pun, you can definitely include a funny message or quote in your card. On the other hand, if he's a real softie who is always going in for a hug when he sees you, a heart-touching saying may be the best approach. Don't forget to wish him well and let him know you appreciate him, just like you would if you were writing a birthday message for your father-in-law.
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Ready to put pen to paper? Check out our ideas for writing a Father's Day card for your father-in-law below.
Funny Father's Day Messages for Your Father-in-Law
Design: Tiana Crispino
There's nothing like a silly note to keep things lighthearted, especially if your father-in-law appreciates a good pun. Tickle his funny bone (and show off your goofy side) with a humorous message that'll have him laughing out loud. Be warned: these funny Happy Father's Day messages may inspire your FIL to start cracking jokes right back at you.
- 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!
- Thanks for passing on your problem child to me—can you please take [spouse's name] back now? Just kidding, have a great Father's Day!
- To my golf-obsessed FIL, I hope this Father's Day is the best by par!
- 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!
- To my bonus Dad, I promise a really good present is hiding under this card. Cheers to a great Father's Day!
- May your Father's Day be FIL-led with love, joy and good whiskey!
- There are so many things I wanted to write, but I know you're impatient so I'll keep it short. Happy Father's Day!
Sweet Father's Day Messages for Your Father-in-Law
If he's the type of guy who always calls to check in, helps with home repairs or takes the grandkids out for the day, you can't go wrong with a sweet and thoughtful message for your father-in-law. Show your appreciation and love with a touching message this Father's Day.
- I'm so lucky to have a father-in-law who is as caring, thoughtful and patient as you. Wishing you the best 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!
- Happy Father's Day to one of the most caring, hardworking people I know!
- It's easy to see where [spouse's name] gets all their good traits. Happy Father's Day to a wonderful FIL!
- Thank you for making this family so much fun to be a part of. Happy Father's Day!
- You're such a kind and reliable soul who's always caring for others—now let us treat you this Father's Day!
- We wanted to let you know just how happy we are to have you in our lives. Thanks for always being there.
- I couldn't have asked for a kinder, funnier or sweeter guy to call my father-in-law. Happy Father's Day to you!
- You've made me feel welcome in this family since day one. Thank you for everything. Happy Father's Day.
- Thanks for raising my best friend—I'll always be thankful [spouse's name] had you as a role model. Have a great Father's Day!
Good Father's Day Quotes for Your Father-in-Law
If you're still not sure how to say "Happy Father's Day" to your father-in-law, a well-chosen quote can express your gratitude and respect when you can't find the words yourself. From meaningful maxims to simple sayings, check out these thoughtful "Father's Day quotes for a father-in-law" below.
- "A father-in-law is the guiding light for the entire family." —Unknown
- "It is a wise father that knows his own child." —William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice
- "A child looks up at the stars and wonders. A great father puts a child on his shoulders and helps them to grab a star." ―Reed B. Markham
- "Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, singers of songs." —Pam Brown
- "A father carries pictures where his money used to be." —Steve Martin
- "Any fool can have a child. That doesn't make you a father. It's the courage to raise a child that makes you a father." —Barack Obama
- "It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons." —Friedrich Schiller
- "No man stands taller than when he stoops to help a child." —Abraham Lincoln
Happy Father's Day Messages From Daughters-in-Law
Whether you're still getting to know your father-in-law or have been a Sunday dinner regular for years, a heart-touching note can go a long way. As his daughter-in-law, you can still send a simple, cute message that shows your appreciation for the unique person he is. Let these Father's Day messages from a daughter-in-law help inspire you.
- Happy Father's Day! Thank you for raising such an incredible [son/daughter/person].
- I'm so lucky I get to call you family and that we hang out so much. Happy Father's Day!
- It's no surprise that you've created such a warm and loving family—thank you. 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 one of my favorite people ever! I really appreciate all that you do for our family.
- Thank you for welcoming me with open arms! So happy to be able to call you Dad.
- I hope you spend this Father's Day celebrating how great you are and all you do for this family. You deserve it!
- Hey, dad-in-law, Happy Father's Day! Thanks for teaching me how to [fish/golf/cook/etc.] —even though I still don't quite get it. Ha!
Happy Father's Day Messages From Sons-in-Law
Design: Tiana Crispino
You don't have to be best friends with your father-in-law to come up with a thoughtful Father's Day message. Whether you're close or still building your relationship, a simple note of appreciation can go a long way in making him feel celebrated. Take a look at these Father's Day messages from a son-in-law below.
- 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 and enjoy yourself.
- Happy Father's Day, big guy! Next round of beers is on me.
- I really appreciate all that you do for [spouse's name] and I—you're the best. Happy Father's Day!
Happy Father's Day Messages to Future Fathers-in-Law
Design: Tiana Crispino
While he may not officially be your FIL just yet, you can still celebrate him with a card message that nods to his future father-in-law status. No matter how long you've known him—whether it's over the course of a years-long relationship or a brief meeting post-engagement, these words of love and praise are ideas of things to say that 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. Have a great Father's Day!
- Happy Father's Day to my future FIL! I can't wait for all the memories to come.
- Thank you for always being there when [partner's name] and I need you. We are thrilled that you can be part of our wedding celebration. Happy Father's Day!
- Sending warm Happy Father's Day wishes to my soon-to-be dad-in-law! I'm so excited to join the fam.
- [Future father-in-law's name], you've lovingly embraced me as your own [son/daughter/child] and I'm so grateful. Have the best Father's Day.
Example Father's Day Letter for Your Father-in-Law
If you're looking for something longer than a quote or a poem, why not write a letter to your father-in-law on Father's Day? It's a sweet and thoughtful gesture he probably won't expect but is sure to leave a lasting impression. If you need some tips on how to start, use our Father's Day letter template below to guide you.
Dear [father-in-law's name],
I honestly couldn't have asked for a better father-in-law than you.
Since the first time [spouse's name] introduced us, you have always made me feel like family. You welcomed me with open arms and put me at ease right away. The speech you gave at our wedding is one of my favorite memories of the day—you really have a way with words! You're such an important part of our lives, and I want to thank you for all your kindness and support.
Here's to celebrating many more Father's Days with you!
Love,
[Your name]
Example Father's Day Poem for Your Father-in-Law
Want to really impress him? Composing a Father's Day poem for your father-in-law is a creative way to show him some love. While writing poetry may sound difficult, we're here to show you that a sweet and simple rhyme is more than enough. Check out our example of a Father's Day poem for a father-in-law below.
You're the king of jokes, the master of fun,
The one who makes life brighter for everyone.
With a heart of gold and a hand to lend,
You're our teacher, our guide and our best friend.
From fixing bikes to lending advice,
You make it all seem so easy and nice.
To my father-in-law, you're truly the best,
We're grateful for you and truly blessed.
Additional reporting by Shyla Watson
