You’ve found the card. You’ve got the pen. And suddenly, writing get well soon feels harder than choosing the card in the first place.
Perhaps a friend has a horrible cold, a family member is recovering from surgery or someone you care about is facing a longer illness. You want to say something kind, but you don’t want to sound too formal, make a joke at the wrong moment or promise that everything will be fine when you can’t know that.
The good news is that you don’t need a perfect message. You need a few words that sound like you. Here are 50 get well soon messages to borrow, adapt or use as a starting point.
How to make a get well message feel personal
There’s no magic formula, but three small choices can make a big difference: use their name, mention something you genuinely share and match your words to what they’re going through. A joke about daytime television might be perfect for your best friend with flu; it’s probably not the right opening for someone who has just received difficult news.
If you want to offer help, be specific. “I can pick up your shopping on Friday” is easier to respond to than an open-ended offer. And if they’re exhausted or unwell, it’s fine to add “No need to reply.”
Short get well soon messages
For a card, a text or a note tucked inside a parcel, a few sincere words are often enough.
- “Thinking of you today. I hope you’re getting the rest you need.”
- “Sending a little love and a lot of good wishes.”
- “Hope today brings some comfort and a few easier moments.”
- “Get well soon. I’m looking forward to seeing you when you’re ready.”
- “Sorry you’re feeling so rough. Sending a big hug.”
- “Wishing you a gentle recovery and some proper rest.”
- “A little note to say you’re very much in my thoughts.”
- “Hope you’re being well looked after. You deserve it.”
Get well soon messages for a friend
With a friend, you can sound like yourself. A shared joke or a small promise of company often feels more personal than a formal wish.
- “The group chat isn’t the same without you. Rest up — we’ll save all the gossip.”
- “Wish I could pop round with tea and something ridiculous to watch. Sending love until I can.”
- “You don’t need to be entertaining or upbeat. I love you in your pyjamas too.”
- “If you fancy company, I’ll bring the biscuits. If you fancy sleep, I’ll leave them at the door.”
- “Just checking in to say I miss you, not to ask for an update.”
- “We’ve got plenty of catching up to do, but there’s no hurry. Get yourself comfortable first.”
Get well soon messages for family
These work for a parent, sibling or another relative. Change a word or two so the message sounds like something you would really say.
- “You spend so much time looking after everyone else. I hope you’re letting us look after you for a change.”
- “Home isn’t quite the same without your voice in it. Sending all our love.”
- “I’m thinking of you every day. We can take the practical bits off your plate.”
- “Hope today is a more comfortable one. There’s a hug waiting when you want it.”
- “We love you very much. Nothing else needs saying.”
Get well soon messages for a partner
You don’t have to be poetic. Familiarity, affection and the promise of a cup of tea can do the job beautifully.
- “I’d swap places with you if I could. For now, the kettle’s on and I’m here.”
- “You can have the duvet, the remote and the last biscuit. That’s how much I love you.”
- “It’s no fun seeing you feel rubbish. We’ll take the days as they come, together.”
- “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than looking after you, even with your terrible choice of daytime telly.”
Professional get well soon messages for a colleague
Keep it warm, but respect their privacy. A colleague doesn’t need to explain why they’re off or feel hurried back to work.
- “Wishing you a comfortable recovery. We’re thinking of you.”
- “Take the time you need to recover. We’re keeping things ticking over here.”
- “Sending best wishes from all of us. We look forward to seeing you when you’re ready.”
- “Hope you’re able to put work out of your mind and focus on yourself for a while.”
- “The office tea round misses you, but nobody expects a comeback before you’re ready.”
What to write in a get well soon card after surgery
Recovery after an operation can take time. Avoid predicting when someone will be back to normal, even when you’re trying to sound encouraging.
- “Thinking of you after your operation. I hope you’re comfortable and being well cared for.”
- “Here’s to small steps, plenty of rest and a recovery at your own pace.”
- “You’ve had a lot to deal with lately. Wishing you some calmer days ahead.”
- “If you’d like a lift to an appointment, I’ve got Thursday afternoon free.”
- “No need to reply. I just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you while you recover.”
- “Take things as slowly as you need. The catch-up can wait.”
Funny get well soon messages
Best for a cold, minor injury or a friend who enjoys a joke. When the news is serious, let the person set the tone first.
- “I would send you my best jokes, but you’re poorly enough already.”
- “A note from your official rest supervisor: the washing-up can wait.”
- “Wishing you a speedy return to complaining about the usual things.”
- “I hope the sofa, snacks and telly are at least doing their jobs.”
- “Get well soon. You’re far too entertaining to be out of action.”
What to say when someone has a serious or long-term illness
Sometimes “get well soon” doesn’t fit. If recovery is uncertain, kindness without a prediction is often the more thoughtful choice.
- “I’m thinking of you, today and on the ordinary days in between.”
- “You don’t need to put a positive spin on things with me. I’m here for all of it.”
- “There isn’t a perfect thing to say, but I wanted to say I care.”
- “I know this isn’t something that disappears overnight. I’ll keep checking in.”
- “I can bring dinner on Tuesday and leave it at the door if that’s easiest.”
- “We don’t have to talk about appointments or treatments. We can talk about absolutely anything else.”
- “Sending love for wherever today finds you. There’s no need to reply.”
Messages for someone struggling with their mental health
If someone is dealing with anxiety, low mood or burnout, avoid treating their experience as something they should simply snap out of.
- “I know things have been a lot lately. You don’t have to explain anything to me.”
- “You matter to me on the difficult days just as much as the easier ones.”
- “I can sit with you, go for a quiet walk or just send the occasional silly photo — you choose.”
- “Thinking of you. We don’t have to solve anything today.”
What not to write in a get well soon card
Even well-meant words can feel a little awkward when someone is having a hard time. It’s worth avoiding:
- Promises about recovery: “You’ll be back to normal in no time” might not be true.
- Unsolicited advice: a card isn’t the place to recommend supplements, diets or miracle cures.
- Pressure to feel cheerful: “Stay positive” may not match how they feel.
- Questions that demand an update: “What did the doctor say?” can wait until they choose to talk.
If you’re unsure, keep the focus on care rather than recovery. You could simply write, “Thinking of you and sending love.” There’s nothing inadequate about that.
Sending a get well gift? Your words still matter
A gift can be a lovely way to brighten a slow afternoon, especially when you can’t be there in person. But the message tucked inside is often the part that makes it feel like it really came from you.
Our Get Well Soon Gift Box brings together comforting little treats, cosy socks, tea and a grounding stone, with the option to add your own personal message. If you’re considering other gestures, you might also like our guide to get well soon gifts instead of flowers.
A little comfort, delivered
A thoughtful way to say “I’m thinking of you”
Explore our Get Well Soon Gift Box and add a message in your own words.
Get well soon card questions, answered
What if I don’t know the person very well?
Keep it simple and respectful: “Wishing you a comfortable recovery. Thinking of you.” You don’t need private details or a long message to show you care.
Is it okay to send a funny get well soon message?
Yes, if you know they enjoy that kind of humour and the situation is light enough. If you’re unsure, choose warmth over a punchline.
What if they may not get better?
You don’t have to use the phrase “get well soon”. A message such as “I’m thinking of you. I care about you, and I’m here” offers support without making promises about the future. Our thinking-of-you card message ideas may also help.
Should I send a card or a text?
Either can be kind. A text reaches someone quickly; a card is something they can keep and revisit. Choose what feels right for your relationship and what they would find easiest to receive.
The best message is one that sounds like you
If you're still staring at that blank card, don't overthink it. Borrow a few words from this page, make them your own and add something personal. A silly memory, a little joke or the promise of a cuppa together when they're feeling up to it.
And if you can't find the right words, that's okay too. Sometimes a simple "I wish I could give you a hug right now" says everything.
Because when someone's feeling poorly, knowing that somebody cares enough to reach out can make even the most miserable day feel a little brighter.
And isn't that really what sending a get well soon card is all about?
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