Gift tag messages: short words for every present
A gift tag needs only who it’s for, who it’s from and a few warm words – usually under ten. “To Gran, with love from Ella” is perfect; add a short wish like “Merry Christmas!” or a playful line if there’s room. Below are short tag messages for Christmas, birthdays, weddings, thank-yous, children and more.
What do you write on a gift tag?
The standard layout is:
- To: the recipient’s name (or nickname).
- A short message – optional, but it turns a label into a little keepsake.
- From: your name, or everyone in the household.
Christmas gift tag messages
- Merry Christmas!
- Happy Christmas, with love.
- Sleigh it! Merry Christmas.
- Season’s greetings.
- Something special, just for you.
- Do not open until 25 December!
- Wrapped with love (and too much tape).
- Have a holly jolly Christmas.
- Peace, love and joy.
- Merry everything!
- Cheers to you this Christmas.
- For someone who’s been very nice this year.
Writing the card too? See what to write in a Christmas card.
Gift tags from Santa
Many families use special tags – sometimes in different handwriting or wrapping paper – for presents from Father Christmas.
- To [name], from Santa. Keep being kind!
- Delivered by sleigh, with love from Father Christmas.
- The elves made this one especially for you.
- Ho ho ho! For a very good girl/boy.
- From the North Pole, with a reindeer kiss.
- Rudolph helped choose this one!
More ideas for keeping the magic going are in our guide to keeping the magic of Santa alive.
Birthday gift tag messages
- Happy birthday!
- Have the best day.
- For the birthday star.
- Another year more fabulous.
- Party time!
- Many happy returns.
- Something to unwrap with cake.
- Hip hip hooray!
Funny gift tag messages
- I hope you like it. I’ve got the receipt.
- You’re welcome.
- Shake gently. Guess wrongly.
- Not socks. (Probably.)
- Open with low expectations.
- This cost me a parking ticket. Enjoy.
- Better than a gift card. Just about.
- I wrapped this myself. It shows.
Gift tag messages for children
- For my favourite little monster.
- Lots of love and big squeezes.
- For a super star!
- Have fun with this one!
- To the best big sister in the world.
- For our little explorer.
Gift tags for weddings, babies and anniversaries
| Occasion | Tag ideas |
|---|---|
| Wedding | To the happy couple. · For your first home together. · Happily ever after starts here. |
| New baby | Welcome, little one. · For tiny hands. · For the newest member of the family. |
| Anniversary | Here’s to us. · Another year of you. · Still my favourite. |
| Engagement | Congratulations on the big news! |
| Housewarming | For your new home. · Home sweet home. |
For full card wording, see our wedding card and new baby card guides.
Thank-you gift tag messages
- Thank you for everything.
- With grateful thanks.
- A little thank-you for a big help.
- Thanks for being amazing.
- (For a teacher) Thank you for a brilliant year.
- (For a host) Thank you for having us.
Secret Santa gift tag messages
Keep your identity hidden and the tone light:
- From your Secret Santa – no peeking at the handwriting!
- Guess who?
- From someone who knows you better than you think.
- Merry Christmas from a mysterious elf.
Romantic gift tag messages
- All my love.
- For my favourite person.
- You and me, always.
- To my forever valentine.
- Picked out with a lot of love.
Gift tag tips
- Use a pen that won’t smudge on glossy tags – a fine permanent marker works well.
- Include everyone’s names on a family present so relatives know who to thank.
- Attach tags securely to parcels being posted, and write the full address on the outer packaging, not just the tag.
- Short is best: if your message won’t fit on the tag, it belongs in a card.
Questions people ask
What is a simple gift tag message?
“To [name], with love from [your name]” is the classic. Add a two- or three-word wish such as “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy birthday!” if you like.
Do you need a card as well as a gift tag?
Not always. A tag is enough for most family and friend presents. Add a card for milestones, weddings and occasions where you’d like to write more.
What do you write on a gift tag from Santa?
Keep it short and magical, such as “To Ellie, from Santa – keep being kind!” Many parents use different handwriting or wrapping paper so Santa’s gifts look distinct.
What do you write on a Secret Santa tag?
Write the recipient’s name and a playful line that doesn’t give you away, for example “From your Secret Santa” or “From a mysterious elf”.
Gift ideas to go with the tag
Still wrapping? See our stocking fillers for adults, Secret Santa gifts, small Christmas gifts and personalised Christmas gifts.
More card messages: Christmas card messages · Birthday card messages · Wedding card messages