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“Only the best for new additions to the family” Ideas and tips for expressing personal congratulations
Wonderful news, the Müllers’ new baby has arrived! You’ve just picked up the announcement of little Laura’s birth from your letter box and now have to send your congratulations. But how do you write a personal card or put together a delightful letter? Expressing our congratulations in writing does not come naturally to all of us. Don’t worry – follow these pointers to ensure your best wishes come across well.
Giving your letter a personal touch – tips on choice of words
- Express your delight. Show your joy and explain why you’re over the moon for them. This gives the impression that your congratulations really mean something and that you’re not simply going through the motions.
- First and foremost, congratulate the parents. But why not include the baby too? Or perhaps an older sibling?
- Choose personal words. You may wish to mention a memorable event in your life that links you with the family you’re congratulating. After all, the family knows all about their own baby and will have received plenty of cards containing the usual empty phrases.
- Words of encouragement: offer your support if you wish to lend the parents a helping hand. Think about what the young family might need. Perhaps somebody to look after the older children? They may simply appreciate a visit.
Two examples for inspiration
Dear Tanja and Reto
Dear Chloé, welcome to the family.
Wow! 4.3 kilos – somebody’s going to grow up to be strong and healthy. We’re delighted to hear your news and wish you well as you embark on a wonderful new chapter in your lives. While everything’s going to be new for Chloé, some big changes also lie in store for you as parents. We’ll be there to help out if you need us. Just let us know if we can do anything at all: we’ve still got two boxes full of baby clothes belonging to Laila and Rani, we’d be happy to cook for you and can also offer you two pairs of big and two pairs of small helping hands.
We can’t wait to meet up at your place in Blumenweg or at ours in Chriesigasse – whatever suits you best. The children are dying to meet Chloé as of course are we. But there’s absolutely no rush – take your time.
Here’s to wonderful moments, oodles of love and leak-proof nappies!
All the very best
Eveline, Ismail, Laila and Rani
PS.: The red thing on the far left of the drawing is Chloé, not a fire hydrant! Laila thought we definitely needed to point that out.
Hi Liam
You’re already signed up for the football club, pencilled in for drumming lessons and on the waiting list for a berth at the boat club in Wädenswil. Perhaps you’ll prefer chess, harmonic singing or will want to join the circus school one day? You won’t always find life easy with your parents. Especially your ambitious father who thinks he knows exactly what’s best for you. You’ll need to show strength of character right from the off and stick to your guns. But try not to be too hard on Stefanie and Michael. After all, your parents do mean well. But they make mistakes, are sometimes put under pressure by their bosses and need a rest every now and then.
There are three things I wish for you: I hope you learn to talk quickly so you can express your desires and needs. I hope your sister Mia likes you – she has lots of experience of dealing with parents, nursery, playground friends and the paediatrician. Together you’ll make a formidable pair. Finally, I hope you develop good taste in music and grow up quickly so we can go to watch the Rolling Stones live in concert together.
I can hardly wait!
Your godfather Peter
Handwritten, yet personal – tips on design
- Use your best handwriting to pen the letter. Read our tips on handlettering.
- Design your own card – you’ll find no end of creative craft tips online. Also consider the feel and aroma of the card. Go for it with the creative design: the envelope with your letter or card can be up to 2 cm thick, including any cardboard or bubble wrap used as protective packaging that may be needed depending on the contents.
- Opt for a high-quality envelope – strong paper, maybe with lining and a slightly textured surface. Stick a beautiful stampTarget not accessible on the envelope.
- Add a little something: a cash gift humorously incorporated into the card, a tiger-shaped voucher for a first visit to the zoo or a photo of you and the new dad together from childhood days.