What to Write on a Gift Tag for a Friend

A gift tag holds about ten words, so every one counts. Here are short lines written for this page, sorted by occasion and tone: Christmas, birthdays, funny, sweet, one-word tags, and better ways to say "to" and "from" than "to" and "from". Copy the one that sounds like you and like her.

Three tricks before you write

• Write it before you tie it on. A tag written on top of wrapping paper always comes out crooked.
• Use the name only you call her. "To Sam" says little; "To Saturday Sam" says everything.
• If it doesn't fit, it doesn't belong. The long thoughts go in a card. Here's what to write in a Christmas card for your best friend for the big card.

For Christmas

Open after the eggnog.

To my favorite present this year: you.

Not quite what you deserve, but close.

Merry Christmas from your partner in crime.

Don't return this one. Okay, do, but don't tell me.

Wrapped in a hurry, chosen slowly.

To the one who makes every party a party.

May your Christmas come with leftovers.

For her birthday

Another year of putting up with me. You earned this.

Happy birthday to half of my best stories.

To the one who doesn't age, just improves.

Open this one first. The others can wait.

Another year together. That's the gift. This is extra.

Funny

If you don't like it, it was someone else's idea.

For the friend who saves my day, and sometimes my reputation.

Warning: contains affection. Possibly chocolate.

Open carefully. I wrapped it myself, and it shows.

You know what you did. That's why this.

I'd say it was on sale, but you'd never let me forget it.

Sweet

Thank you for staying.

For every time you said "I'm on my way."

You make everything easier.

With you, even Tuesdays are good.

To the one who always picks up.

The best thing this year gave me was you.

One or two words

Always you.

My person.

Yours, always.

Thank you, friend.

Ours.

Better than "To" and "From"

Instead of "To: Ana / From: Laura", try:

To the one who always brings dessert. From the one who's always late.

To my Capy. From your Bara.

To the calmer half of this friendship.

From the one who knew you before the bangs.

Not sure whether she's a Capy or a Bara? There's a quiz: are you a Capy or a Bara?

Tags ready to write on

If you want the tag to look as good as the words, we have eight free printable Christmas gift tags with Capy and Bara, to print at home and fill in with these lines. And if you're wrapping for a whole group, here are Christmas gifts for a group of friends.

When the gift has words too

We make prints of Capy and Bara, two capybara best friends, with lines like the one in the photo: "We have seen it all. Still choosing each other." Add one name or both, pick the color, and collect it with Same Day Pickup at a store near you, or have it mailed free to any address in the 50 states. See the prints.