What to write in a maternity leave card (with 40 examples)
By the Cheerly team · Updated · 7 min read
A colleague is heading off on maternity leave and the card is going round. It's a happy moment, but it's easy to freeze. Do you mention the baby? Work? Sleep? Here are messages that strike the right tone, plus a few things to avoid and a simple way to make the team's card and gift feel special.
What to focus on
Keep the message about them and the baby, not about the work they're leaving behind. Wish them rest, health and joy. Let them know they'll be missed and welcomed back, without any pressure about when.
Simple, warm messages
- "Wishing you and your little one all the love in the world."
- "Enjoy every cuddle. We'll be here when you're ready."
- "So happy for you. Rest up and soak it all in."
- "Your baby is lucky to have you. Congratulations!"
- "Don't think about work once. That's an order."
Funny messages
- "Sleep now. That's all the advice we have."
- "Finally, a boss who's even more demanding than ours."
- "Your new co-worker is tiny, loud and doesn't do handovers. Good luck!"
- "We'll keep your chair warm. Possibly with snacks on it."
For a close friend at work
- "I'm going to miss our coffee runs so much. Send baby photos daily, please."
- "You're going to be an amazing mum. Call me when you need adult conversation."
- "Lunch won't be the same. Can't wait to meet the little one."
For paternity or shared parental leave
Same rules apply. Congratulate them, wish them sleep, and tell them to switch off properly.
- "Congratulations, Dad! Enjoy every minute."
- "Switch off your work email. We've got this."
What to avoid
- Comments about their body or weight.
- Questions about whether they'll come back.
- Horror stories about birth or sleepless nights.
- Anything that sounds like they're leaving the team behind.
A group card and gift the whole team can join
With hybrid teams, the paper card often misses half the people. A Cheerly page solves that. Pick the "new baby" occasion, add a photo and share the link. Colleagues record a short voice message, which is lovely to play back during quiet night feeds, and anyone who wants to chip in for a gift can pay by card in their own currency. The gift goes straight to the new parent, and nobody needs to see who gave what.
For gift ideas, UK charities like the NCT have good guides on what new parents actually find useful. Vouchers for meal deliveries and practical items usually beat another soft toy.
Common questions
Is it okay to mention work in a maternity leave card?
Lightly, as in "we'll miss you". Avoid anything about deadlines or when they'll return.
Should the team give a maternity leave gift?
It's a common and kind gesture. Keep contributions optional and private.