The end of the school year is a time for reflection, celebration, and capturing memories that will last a lifetime.
And there’s no better place to preserve those memories than in a yearbook.
But what should you write? How can you make your message stand out and be remembered for years?
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore:
- Why yearbook messages matter and how to make yours memorable
- 20 unique and impactful ideas for what to write in a yearbook
- Tips for personalizing your message for different relationships
- Mistakes to avoid so your words have the intended effect
So grab your pen, and let’s craft a yearbook message that will be cherished forever.
1. A Heartfelt Thank You
One of the most meaningful things you can write in someone’s yearbook is a sincere expression of gratitude. Think about how that person impacted your life this year. Maybe they were always there to lend an ear or gave great advice. Perhaps they made you laugh when you needed it most or pushed you to be your best self.
Let them know how much their friendship and support meant to you. Be specific about what you’re thankful for. “Thank you for being an amazing lab partner and always double-checking our calculations” is more powerful than a generic “Thanks for everything!”
Keep in mind that the most memorable thank yous often involve shared experiences. Reminiscing about a funny moment or an inside joke can make your message even more special.
2. An Inside Joke
Speaking of inside jokes, including one in your yearbook message is a surefire way to get a laugh and make your note unforgettable. Maybe it’s a silly nickname, a quirky catchphrase you coined together, or an embarrassing moment that still cracks you up.
The key is to ensure it’s an inside joke that the recipient will understand. You don’t want to confuse them or make them feel left out. And obviously, keep it appropriate for publication.
Aim for something that will instantly transport them back to that hilarious memory every time they read it. Oftentimes, the more niche and nonsensical the inside joke, the more delightful it is to be reminded of it.
3. A Meaningful Quote
Is there a particular quote that sums up your friendship or your shared values? Maybe it’s a line from a movie you both love, lyrics from a song that always makes you think of them, or a saying that became your mantra this year.
Including a meaningful quote in your yearbook message shows that you put thought into finding the perfect words. It can also be a source of inspiration or comfort for your friends as they move on to future challenges.
Choose a quote that resonates, not just something that sounds cool. And don’t forget to cite your source if it’s not super well-known. The most impactful quotes are often the simplest ones that speak a universal truth.
4. Your Favorite Memory Together
What’s your most treasured memory with this person from the past year? Was it an epic adventure, a heartwarming moment, or a hilarious escapade? Describing that memory in your yearbook message is a wonderful way to reflect on an experience you’ll never forget.
Paint a vivid picture that will bring that memory to life all over again. Include little details that will transport them right back to that moment. What were you wearing? What did you talk about? How did you feel?
The more specific, the better. “Remember when we got hopelessly lost on that hike, ended up discovering that incredible waterfall, and realized we had cell reception just in time to call for a ride home?” beats “Remember when we went on that hike?”
5. An Emoji Rebus
Want to make your friend smile and scratch their head at the same time? Create a message that swaps out some of the words with emojis that sound similar or represent the idea. It’s like a little brainteaser that leads to a sweet payoff!
For example: ☀️[sun] + 🌈 [shine] + 🌞 [bright] in what➡️ you do👉 [point] your 🏹 [arrow] in the 🌳🌲🌴🏝️[trees] ahead! (Translation: Sunshine bright in what you do. Point your arrow in the direction ahead!)
Have fun getting creative with emoji puns and symbolism, but make sure it still makes sense. You might want to write out the full message below as a “key” so they don’t have to guess too much.
Avoid getting too obscure or using symbols they might not be familiar with. The cleverness should lead to an “Aha!” moment, not an “Um, what?” moment.
6. Memories of How You Met
There’s something so special about reflecting back on the very beginning of a friendship. What were your first impressions of each other? Was it friendship at first sight or did it take some time to click?
Recounting the story of how you met is a sweet way to show how far you’ve come and how much that originating moment means to you. You could even frame it like a mini fairytale: “Once upon a time, a shy girl mustered up the courage to ask the cool new kid to be her partner for the science fair…”
Including little details can really bring the memory to life. What were you thinking in that moment? Did you instantly bond over a shared interest? Did one of you say something hilarious?
If you’ve been friends for a long time, it can be especially meaningful to remember the early days and marvel at the strength of your bond. Just be careful not to embarrass them with any cringe-y anecdotes from those awkward years!
7. Song Lyrics That Describe Your Friendship
Is there a song that perfectly captures your friendship? Maybe it’s an anthem you belt out together in the car, a sentimental ballad that makes you think of all you’ve been through together, or a peppy tune that matches your partner-in-crime energy.
Quoting a few lines from the song can be a creative way to express what your friend means to you. Bonus points if you work their name or an inside joke into the lyrics!
Make sure you choose a song they also know and love. It won’t have quite the same impact if they’ve never heard it before. And avoid super long quotes or lines that might lose their meaning out of context.
The most memorable musical message is one that will make them grin and cue up the song for a nostalgic listen. Who knows, it might even become “your song” for decades to come.
8. Goals and Dreams for the Future
The end of a school year is often a time of looking ahead and imagining all the possibilities to come. Why not use your yearbook message to cheer on your friend’s goals and dreams for the future?
Let them know that you believe in their ambitions and you’ll be rooting for them every step of the way. “I know you’re going to rock that robotics internship this summer!” or “Can’t wait to read your bestselling novel someday!”
Be their biggest hype man and make it clear that you see their potential. At the same time, avoid putting too much pressure on them or accidentally implying that you have expectations they need to live up to.
The most impactful encouragement is both sincere and open-ended. Focus on their strengths, not just specific accomplishments. “I’m so excited to see you continue growing as an artist in whatever medium calls to you.” Let them know that you’ll be proud of them no matter what.
9. Words of Motivation
We all need a little pep talk sometimes, especially when facing a big life transition or heading into unknown territory. Your yearbook message can serve as an uplifting reminder whenever your friend needs a boost.
Think about the challenges or doubts they’ve shared with you. What words of motivation do you think they need to hear? Maybe it’s “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” or “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”
Aim for a healthy balance of encouragement and realism. You want to instill confidence without minimizing their struggles or invalidating their feelings. Sometimes the most motivating messages are the simplest ones: “You’ve got this” or “I’m here if you need me.”
Steer clear of cliches or overly cheesy platitudes. The best motivation is both comforting and energizing. It’s a warm hug and a gentle push forward.
10. A Quirky Superlative
Superlatives are a classic yearbook tradition, but they can sometimes feel a little generic or popularity-based. Put your spin on it by giving your friend a quirky, highly specific superlative that celebrates what makes them unique!
Think about their signature traits, skills, or moments. Are they the “Most likely to befriend a squirrel” or “Best at making math puns”? Maybe they’re the “Champion of cheering you up with dog videos” or “Least likely to turn down karaoke.”
The more authentic and personalized the superlative, the more special it will feel. Show that you really “get” them and appreciate their one-of-a-kind personality.
Just be sure to keep it positive and affirming. Avoid any superlatives that might come across as backhanded compliments or joking jabs. When in doubt, aim to make them laugh and feel good about themselves.
11. Nicknames and Code Words
Do you and your friend have any funny nicknames, code words, or made-up phrases? Including them in your yearbook message is a playful wink to your bond and a way to immortalize your secret language.
Maybe you call each other by the names of your favorite TV duo, shorten an inside joke to just a single word, or have a signature silly voice you use. Whatever it is, it’s a little piece of your friendship history.
Be mindful of the yearbook audience and avoid any code words that might be misunderstood or raise eyebrows. You want your friend to be able to look back on your message and smile without any hint of embarrassment.
The best nicknames and code words to include are ones that you can see yourselves still using and laughing about for years to come – a special slice of your friendship that stays constant no matter how much life changes.
12. An Acrostic Poem
Want to take your yearbook message to the next creative level? Try crafting an acrostic poem using your friend’s name! It’s a clever and thoughtful way to spell out what makes them so awesome.
For each letter of their name, come up with a word or phrase that represents something you love about them. It could be an adjective that describes their personality, a memory you shared, or an inside joke.
For example, for the name “LISA”: L is for the laughter you bring to you every day I is for the incredible friend I’ve found in you S is for the sunshine you radiate to everyone around you A is for the amazing adventures I know you’ll have in the future!
Have fun playing around with different words and phrasings to create your poetic masterpiece. If you get stuck on a tricky letter, get creative! You might even learn some new positive words in the process.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be a perfect rhyming poem. What matters most is that it comes from the heart and captures the essence of your friendship.
13. Teacher Shoutouts
Some of the most influential figures in our school years are the teachers who inspired us, believed in us, and helped shape us into who we are. Why not give them a special shoutout in your friend’s yearbook?
Think about the teachers you know your friend connected with the most. Maybe it was the English teacher who encouraged their love of writing, the coach who pushed them to be a leader, or the math teacher who spent extra time helping them prep for the AP exam.
You could write something like “I know how much Mr. Johnson’s mentorship meant to you. Here’s to many more years of chasing your biology dreams!” or “I’ll never forget watching Ms. Kim’s face light up with pride when you nailed that piano solo.”
The key is to focus on the impact that the teacher had on your friend’s life, not just generic praise. What specific qualities did your friend admire in them? How did they help your friend grow or discover new passions?
Avoid any comments that might come across as disrespectful or overly personal. Keep it uplifting and appreciative. A little teacher appreciation can go a long way!
14. Playful Predictions
While it’s great to encourage your friend’s dreams for the future, it can also be fun to make some playful predictions about where you imagine them ending up. Think of it as a creative snapshot of how you could see their life unfolding.
“I predict that in 10 years, you’ll be running your own wildly popular YouTube baking channel and inspiring the next generation of cake bosses!” or “Calling it now: Someday you’re going to be that cool teacher who gets every kid excited about reading.”
The tone should be light, humorous, and ultimately complimentary. Focus on their strengths and passions, not random guesses. The goal is to paint a picture of a future where they’re thriving and doing what they love.
Be careful not to imply that you have fixed expectations for their path or that you’ll be disappointed if they choose a different direction. Frame it more like an imaginative “wouldn’t it be cool if…” daydream.
The most memorable predictions are both clever and kindhearted – a sweet glimpse of the exciting possibilities you see for them, no matter what the real future holds.
15. Wise Words They Taught You
Has your friend ever shared a piece of wisdom or advice that stuck with you? Maybe it was a pep talk that got you through a tough time, a new perspective that shifted your outlook, or a motto that became your shared words to live by.
Reflecting that wisdom to them in your yearbook message is a way of showing how much you value their insights and how they’ve helped you grow. It’s like saying “Hey, you know that brilliant thing you once told me? I carry it with me every day.”
You might write something like “Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, I think back to what you told me about just focusing on the next right step. You always know what to say to keep me moving forward.” or “I’ll never forget when you said ‘You can’t control everything, but you can control your reaction to everything.’ That nugget of wisdom has gotten me through so many challenges!”
The most meaningful examples are ones that demonstrate the real, lasting impact of their words. How did their perspective or advice shape your own? In what situations do you find yourself coming back to it?
Just be sure you’re sharing something they said, not projecting your idea of “wise words” onto them. The magic is in the authenticity of it being a little piece of them that lives on through you.
16. Shared Fandom Moments
Are you and your friend die-hard fans of the same band, TV show, book series, or sports team? Bonding over a shared passion is one of the purest joys of friendship. Give a shoutout to your fandom connection in your yearbook message!
You could write about your favorite memories of cheering on your team together, staying up late to stream the latest album drop, or geeking out over fan theories. “I’ll always treasure our post-game tradition of dissecting every play over burgers and milkshakes. No matter the score, those were the best moments.”
Include little references or inside jokes that only a true fan would understand. “Maybe the real treasure was the friends we made along the way… and all the hours we spent yelling at Damon to just kiss Elena already!”
You could even frame your message as a nod to your fandom’s signature song, catchphrase, or storyline. “If our story could be summed up by the final line of ‘I Want It That Way,’ I’d say we had it that way.”
The key is to capture the joy and connection you felt in sharing this interest. It’s a bond that goes deeper than just casual enjoyment – it’s a little world you built together.
17. Doodles and Drawings
Want to add some visual flair to your yearbook message? Try illustrating it with little doodles and drawings that represent your friendship! It could be silly stick figures acting out an inside joke, a sketch of your go-to coffee shop order, or an artistic representation of a quote that inspires you both.
You don’t have to be a master artist to create something meaningful. Even the simplest doodles can bring a smile and a flood of memories. Just aim for drawings that will make sense to your friend and feel special to your bond.
If you’re feeling extra creative, you could even turn your entire message into a comic strip or mini graphic novel chronicling your friendship adventures! Imagine the glee on your friend’s face as they flip through their yearbook and discover your one-of-a-kind creation.
As with any visual addition, be mindful of your yearbook’s guidelines and keep it appropriate for all audiences. Avoid any drawings that might be misinterpreted or make your friend uncomfortable.
The most impactful doodles and drawings feel like an extension of your unique connection – a secret language of lines and shapes that only you two truly understand.
18. Friendship Bucket List
The end of a school year can feel like the end of an era, but it’s
also the beginning of a new adventure! Use your yearbook message to dream up all the exciting things you want to do and experience together in the future. Think of it as your official friendship bucket list!
You could include both big goals and small joys you want to share. “Let’s road trip to all the weird roadside attractions in the state!” or “I can’t wait to have weekly movie nights when we’re little old ladies.”
Make it a mix of concrete plans and whimsical wishes. “First stop: Camping trip this summer to stargaze and make s’mores. Someday: Skydiving (if we can muster up the courage!)”
The most memorable bucket lists have a balance of adventures that feel achievable and aspirations that spark your imagination. Focus on experiences that tap into your shared passions and personality as a duo.
Consider ending with an open invitation for more ideas. “…And anything else we dream up along the way! Here’s to a lifetime of crossing things off this list together.”
19. Throwback to Younger You
Remember that adorably awkward phase of braces, questionable fashion choices, and thinking you had it all figured out? Take a little trip down memory lane in your yearbook message and marvel at how far you’ve come!
You could write something like “If 7th grade us could see us now, I think they’d be pretty darn proud. We survived the era of neon skinny jeans and learned to embrace our quirks along the way!”
Reflect on the ways you’ve grown together and supported each other through all the ups and downs of adolescence. “From those first shy days as locker neighbors to now, you’ve taught me so much about loyalty, laughter, and learning to love myself.”
Be careful not to dwell too much on cringeworthy moments or bring up sensitive subjects from the past. The tone should be warm and lightly self-deprecating, not critical or mocking.
The most heartwarming throwbacks are ones that celebrate the journey you’ve been on together and express gratitude for the bond that’s only deepened with time. It’s a reminder of how lucky you feel to have had them by your side through it all.
20. Rewriting Iconic Duos
Bert and Ernie, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Mario and Luigi – some duos are just iconic. Put a fun twist on your yearbook message by comparing your friendship to a famous pairing and describing why you’re the ultimate team!
You could write something like “We’re like the Thelma and Louise of high school – always down for an adventure and ready to take on the world together (minus the crime spree, of course).”
Get creative with your comparisons and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. “We’re the seltzer and lime of friendship – a perfect balance of bubbly energy and refreshing realness.”
The most memorable examples will capture both your personalities and how you complement each other. What makes your dynamic special and irreplaceable?
Just be sure your comparison is positive and affirming for your friend. Avoid any pairings that might have negative connotations or imply an unequal partnership.
At the end of the day, the real magic isn’t in the comparison – it’s in the one-of-a-kind bond you share. Your friendship is an iconic duo all its own.
The Power of the Pen
No matter what words you choose to write in your friend’s yearbook, the most important thing is that they come from the heart.
Your message doesn’t have to be perfect or profound – it just has to be authentically you.
Yearbook signing is a rite of passage that gives us a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and express our appreciation for the people who have impacted our lives.
It’s a chance to create a tangible time capsule of a moment in your friendship that you can look back on and cherish for years to come.
So let your personality shine through, get creative, and don’t overthink it.
The best yearbook messages are the ones that make your friend feel seen, valued, and excited about all the memories yet to be made.
Happy writing, and here’s to a lifetime of flipping through pages and smiling!