20 Father’s Day messages from baby, toddler and you

Heartfelt, funny and ready-to-use messages for the dad who deserves it all.

Finding the right words to say “Happy Father’s Day” can feel surprisingly hard, especially if it’s your partner’s first Father’s Day, or your little one’s too small to say it themselves. 

Whether you're tucking a note into a personalised book or handwriting a card from your baby, we've rounded up the perfect mix of sweet, silly and tear-jerking messages for you to borrow.

These Father’s Day gift messages pair perfectly with a personalised keepsake - or make a lovely addition to a card, photo frame or print. And to make things even easier, we’ve included a free printable colouring-in card at the bottom. Just print, colour, and add your message. Because you've already got enough on your plate.

First Father’s Day messages from baby

Perfect for baby's first card - or paired with a keepsake like our personalised storybooks or custom portraits.

1. "I might not have words yet, but I know you’re my hero. Happy First Father’s Day, Daddy!"
   
   

2. "From the first cuddle to the midnight feeds - you’ve been there for it all. I love you, Daddy."
   
   

3. "You’re my safe place, my favourite face, and the best nap spot around."
   
   

4. "You may not have grown me, but you’ve grown into the most amazing dad."
   
   

5. "Let’s be honest… Mum did the card. But the drool on your shoulder? All me. Love you, Dad!"
   
   

Father’s Day messages from a toddler

A little cheeky. A little sweet. Just like them.

6. "Happy Father’s Day to the one who reads the same book 17 times in a row and still uses the voices."
   
   

7. "I love you more than dinosaurs. And I really love dinosaurs."
   
   

8. "You're the best tickle monster, snack sharer and fort builder. Love you loads, Daddy!"
   
   

9. "You're my superhero - even if you can’t find your keys half the time."
   
   

10. "Thanks for all the piggyback rides, shoulder lifts and bedtimes that somehow last forever."
    
    

Funny Father’s Day gift messages

Great for dads with a good sense of humour - or tired new dads who could use a laugh.

11. "Happy Father’s Day to the man who’s mastered nappy changes, but still can’t work the pram."
    
    

12. "Thanks for being the strong one, the silly one, and the one who can function on no sleep."
    
    

13. "Let’s raise a toast (and a toddler) to surviving another year of parenting together."
    
    

14. "You're doing a great job - even if the toddler thinks Mum’s still the boss."
    
    

15. "You make parenting look easy. (It’s not. We know. But you still look good doing it.)"
    
    

Sentimental messages for Dad

For the dads who deserve a proper tearjerker. Ideal for keepsakes or photo gifts.

16. "You’re not just a brilliant dad - you’re our constant, our calm, our everything."
    
    

17. "Every moment you spend with our little one shapes who they’ll become. And I couldn’t ask for a better role model."
    
    

18. "You make our home warmer, our days brighter, and our baby’s world better."
    
    

19. "Thank you for every nappy, every night feed, every giggle, and every moment in between."
    
    

20. "You are the dad I dreamed our child would have - and more."
    
    

Bonus: downloadable, printable add-on

To keep things simple, we’ve made a free A4 printable colouring-in card. Just print it out, colour it in, and handwrite the message that feels right. 

👉 Download your free printable card here!

Why this matters

The first few Father’s Days are more than just calendar dates - they’re milestone moments. Moments that mark a new identity, a growing bond, a changed heart.

At Letterfest, we believe in making those moments meaningful. That’s why our personalised gifts are more than just beautiful - they’re stories, told in ink and colour and care.

Pairing your gift with the right message takes it from special to unforgettable. So, whether you go for something funny, heartfelt or straight from your baby, we hope these ideas help you find the words.

Happy Father’s Day - from all of us at Letterfest. Need more inspiration? Browse our full Father’s Day range here.