Great Collection of Sample SMS/Messages

Last Thanksgiving, I sent a simple "thankful for you" text to my college roommate. She called me crying—not from sadness, but because she'd been having the worst week and my message reminded her she wasn't alone. According to research from the University of Pennsylvania, expressing gratitude to friends increases relationship satisfaction by 25% and creates lasting positive memories.

Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels

Last Thanksgiving, I sent a simple "thankful for you" text to my college roommate. She called me crying—not from sadness, but because she'd been having the worst week and my message reminded her she wasn't alone. According to research from the University of Pennsylvania, expressing gratitude to friends increases relationship satisfaction by 25% and creates lasting positive memories.

Finding the right words to thank friends can feel overwhelming. You want to sound genuine without being overly sentimental, funny without being inappropriate, and personal without oversharing. Whether you're texting your ride-or-die bestie or posting a group message, the perfect Thanksgiving wish exists for every friendship dynamic.

This collection features over 150 carefully crafted messages for every type of friend and situation. From heartfelt notes for your closest confidants to hilarious group texts that'll have everyone laughing, you'll find messages that perfectly capture your gratitude and strengthen your friendships this holiday season.

Best Friend Thanksgiving Messages

Your best friend deserves messages that acknowledge the unique bond you share and the countless ways they've enriched your life throughout the year.

Best friend Thanksgiving messages should celebrate the deep connection, shared memories, and unwavering support that defines your closest friendship, making them feel truly valued and appreciated.

• "This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for a best friend who knows all my secrets and still chooses to hang out with me. You're the peanut butter to my jelly, and I can't imagine life without you! 🦃💕"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thank you for being my person through every crazy adventure, midnight crisis call, and spontaneous road trip. Having you as my best friend is the greatest blessing I could ask for this Thanksgiving."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Grateful for 15 years of friendship, countless inside jokes, and a bestie who still laughs at my terrible puns. You make every day brighter, and I'm so thankful our paths crossed! Happy Thanksgiving!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "To my best friend: Thank you for being my therapist, my cheerleader, my partner in crime, and my voice of reason all rolled into one amazing person. This Thanksgiving, I'm most grateful for YOU."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Some people search their whole lives for a best friend like you. I'm thankful I found mine early and get to keep you forever. Happy Thanksgiving to the most incredible human I know! 🍂"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for a best friend who celebrates my wins like they're her own and supports me through failures without judgment. You're pure gold, and I love you endlessly."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thank you for being the friend who remembers my coffee order, my mom's birthday, and exactly what to say when I'm having a meltdown. You're a treasure, and I'm so grateful for our friendship!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Grateful for a best friend who makes ordinary moments extraordinary and turns every gathering into an adventure. Thank you for filling my life with laughter and love. Happy Thanksgiving!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

Tip: Consider pairing your heartfelt message with a personalized photo album or scrapbook featuring your favorite memories together.

Group Text Thanksgiving Messages

Group messages bring everyone together and create inclusive celebrations that acknowledge your entire friend circle's collective impact on your life.

Group Thanksgiving texts work best when they're inclusive, mention shared experiences, and encourage group participation in holiday festivities while making everyone feel valued and connected.

• "Thankful for the best friend group a person could ask for! You all make life so much more fun, and I'm grateful for every group chat, spontaneous hangout, and shared memory we've created together! 🦃"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm counting my blessings, and our friend group is at the top of the list! Thank you for being my chosen family and making every day an adventure. Love you all! 💕"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Grateful for friends who turn ordinary Wednesdays into unforgettable nights and make every celebration twice as fun. Thank you for being the most amazing group of humans! Happy Thanksgiving!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "To my favorite people: Thank you for group chats that make me laugh until I cry, for always having my back, and for creating the most incredible memories together. Thankful for each of you!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This friend group is proof that chosen family is just as important as blood family. Thank you for accepting me exactly as I am and making life infinitely better. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Grateful for friends who make every gathering feel like a celebration and every challenge feel manageable. You're all incredible, and I'm so thankful our paths crossed! 🍂"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thank you for being the friend group that supports each other's dreams, celebrates every success, and shows up when it matters most. I'm blessed to call you all my friends!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for group texts that brighten my day, friends who make me laugh until my stomach hurts, and memories that will last a lifetime. Love you all!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

• 150+ Cute Happy Thanksgiving Messages and Quotes to Warm Hearts This Holiday Season
• 100+ Cute Thanksgiving Wishes and Heartfelt Messages for Every Relationship in Your Life
• 75+ Happy Thanksgiving Greetings: Messages for Family & Friends

Funny Thanksgiving Messages for Friends

Humor strengthens friendships by creating shared laughter and lightening the mood while still expressing genuine appreciation for your friends' presence in your life.

Funny Thanksgiving messages should balance humor with genuine appreciation, using shared experiences, friendly banter, and lighthearted observations as the foundation for comedic connection.

• "I'm thankful for friends who won't judge me for wearing stretchy pants to Thanksgiving dinner... again. You're the real MVPs for accepting my elastic waistband lifestyle! 🦃"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for friends who are just as weird as I am. Thank you for making my crazy seem normal and for never questioning my questionable life choices!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thankful for friends who understand that 'I'll just have a small plate' at Thanksgiving is code for 'I'm going back for thirds.' You know me too well, and I love you for it!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "I'm grateful for friends who still hang out with me even though I quote The Office constantly and think I'm way funnier than I actually am. You're saints, honestly."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for friends who help me eat my feelings and then help me work them off at the gym... eventually. You're the best enablers a person could ask for!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thank you for being friends who laugh at my jokes even when they're terrible, pretend my cooking is edible, and still invite me places despite my social awkwardness. Happy Thanksgiving!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Grateful for friends who understand that my love language is sending memes at 2 AM and who respond with equally ridiculous content. You complete my weird sense of humor!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "I'm thankful for friends who are just as obsessed with food as I am and who plan entire hangouts around trying new restaurants. You're my favorite food partners in crime! 🍽️"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

Tip: Share your funny message alongside a humorous Thanksgiving-themed meme or GIF to amplify the laughter and create an even more memorable moment.

Heartfelt Thanksgiving Messages for Friends

Sincere messages create deeper emotional connections by acknowledging specific ways your friends have positively impacted your life and personal growth.

Heartfelt messages resonate most when they mention specific examples of how your friend has positively impacted your life, creating authentic emotional connections that strengthen your bond.

• "This Thanksgiving, I'm reflecting on how much you've shaped who I am today. Your kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support have helped me become a better person. I'm eternally grateful for your friendship."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thank you for being the friend who sees potential in me even when I can't see it myself. Your belief in me has carried me through my darkest moments and celebrated my brightest victories."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "I'm grateful for a friend who listens without judgment, loves without conditions, and supports without expecting anything in return. Your friendship is a gift I treasure every single day."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I want you to know how much your friendship means to me. You've been my anchor in storms, my cheerleader in victories, and my comfort in uncertainty. Thank you for everything."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Grateful for a friend who has taught me what unconditional love looks like through your actions, your words, and your presence in my life. You're a blessing I never take for granted."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thank you for being the friend who celebrates my successes as if they were your own and mourns my losses with genuine empathy. Your heart is beautiful, and I'm so thankful for you."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for a friend who has walked beside me through every season of life, offering wisdom, comfort, and joy exactly when I needed it most. You're irreplaceable."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "I'm thankful for a friend who has shown me that true friendship isn't about perfection—it's about acceptance, growth, and choosing to love each other through every imperfect moment."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

Thanksgiving Messages for Long-Distance Friends

Distance can't diminish true friendship, and these messages help bridge geographical gaps while maintaining the emotional connection that keeps long-distance friendships strong.

Long-distance Thanksgiving messages should emphasize that physical distance doesn't diminish the strength of your friendship bond, while acknowledging the unique challenges and celebrating the enduring connection.

• "Even though miles separate us this Thanksgiving, you're always close to my heart. Distance means nothing when friendship means everything. Missing you and grateful for our unbreakable bond! 💕"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for a friend who proves that distance is just a number. Our friendship transcends time zones and geography, and I cherish every text, call, and video chat we share."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Grateful for technology that keeps us connected and a friendship strong enough to survive any distance. You may be far away, but you're always present in my thoughts and heart."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thank you for being the friend who makes long-distance friendship feel effortless. Your consistent love and support across the miles means more than you'll ever know. Happy Thanksgiving!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm missing your physical presence but feeling your love from afar. Distance has only made me more grateful for the incredible friend you are and the bond we share."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "I'm thankful for a friend who makes every reunion feel like no time has passed and every goodbye feel temporary. Our friendship is proof that true connections know no boundaries."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Grateful for late-night phone calls, surprise care packages, and a friend who remembers important dates despite being thousands of miles away. You're amazing, and I miss you!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for a friendship that has grown stronger with distance and deeper with time. Can't wait until we're sharing the same table again! Missing you! 🦃"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

• 150+ Cute Happy Thanksgiving Messages and Quotes to Warm Hearts This Holiday Season
• 100+ Cute Thanksgiving Wishes and Heartfelt Messages for Every Relationship in Your Life
• 75+ Happy Thanksgiving Greetings: Messages for Family & Friends

Thanksgiving Messages for New Friends

New friendships deserve recognition and encouragement, and these messages express appreciation while respecting the developing nature of your relationship.

Messages for new friends should express genuine appreciation while maintaining appropriate boundaries for the relationship's current stage, focusing on positive early experiences and future potential.

• "This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for new friendships that have already brought so much joy to my life. Thank you for welcoming me into your world and making me feel like I belong!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "I'm thankful for meeting someone who feels like an old friend even though we've only known each other a short time. Your warmth and kindness have made such a positive impact already!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Grateful for new beginnings and the wonderful friend I've found in you. Thank you for making me laugh, sharing great conversations, and adding brightness to my days. Happy Thanksgiving!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm appreciating how quickly you've become such an important part of my life. Thank you for being genuine, fun, and exactly the kind of friend I was hoping to find."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "I'm thankful for unexpected friendships that bloom naturally and beautifully. Getting to know you has been one of the best parts of this year, and I'm excited for more adventures together!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thank you for being the new friend who makes me feel comfortable being myself from day one. Your acceptance and enthusiasm for our friendship means the world to me."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for fresh perspectives, new inside jokes, and a friend who brings out the best in me. Thank you for adding such positivity to my life!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "I'm thankful for the courage to make new friends and the luck to find someone as wonderful as you. Here's to building many more memories together! Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

Thanksgiving Messages for Work Friends

Professional friendships require a delicate balance of warmth and appropriateness, acknowledging both workplace collaboration and personal connection.

Work friend messages should balance professionalism with genuine appreciation, acknowledging both work and personal aspects of the relationship while maintaining appropriate workplace boundaries.

• "This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for colleagues who became friends and made work feel less like work and more like hanging out with people I genuinely enjoy. Thank you for the laughter and support!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thank you for being the work friend who makes Monday mornings bearable, coffee breaks enjoyable, and stressful deadlines manageable. You're a bright spot in my workday!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "I'm thankful for a work friend who celebrates professional wins with me and provides encouragement during challenging projects. Your friendship makes everything better. Happy Thanksgiving!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for someone who understands work stress and life balance while bringing positivity to both. Thank you for being an amazing colleague and friend!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thank you for being the work friend who remembers personal details, shares great lunch spots, and makes the office feel like a friendlier place. I'm lucky to work alongside you!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "I'm grateful for work friendships that extend beyond office hours and create genuine connections. Thank you for being both a professional ally and a personal friend."
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for a colleague who makes collaboration enjoyable and teamwork feel effortless. Your friendship and professionalism inspire me every day!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thank you for being the work friend who brings out my best professional self while keeping me grounded and laughing. I'm grateful for our friendship inside and outside the office!"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

Tip: Consider organizing a workplace potluck or team lunch to celebrate Thanksgiving together and strengthen professional relationships in a relaxed setting.

Thanksgiving Image Messages for Friends

Visual messages combine heartfelt words with memorable images, creating shareable content that celebrates friendship across social media platforms and messaging apps.

Image messages should be concise, visually appealing, and complement rather than compete with the visual content they accompany, enhancing the overall impact of your gratitude expression.

• "Grateful for friends who make every photo worth taking and every memory worth keeping. This Thanksgiving, celebrating the beautiful souls who fill my life with joy! 📸🦃 #ThankfulFriends"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thankful for the friends who turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Every picture tells a story, and I'm grateful you're part of mine! #Thanksgiving2024 #FriendshipGoals"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, sharing gratitude for friends who make life picture-perfect. Thank you for being the highlight of every photo and the joy in every memory! 🍂💕"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Grateful for friends who are always camera-ready and life-ready. Thank you for making every snapshot special and every moment memorable! Happy Thanksgiving! #BlessedWithTheBest"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thankful for friends who make me smile in photos and in life. Here's to the beautiful people who make my world brighter every single day! 🦃✨ #ThankfulHeart"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "This Thanksgiving, celebrating friends who are picture-perfect inside and out. Thank you for being photogenic, authentic, and absolutely amazing! #FriendsgivingVibes"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Grateful for friends who make every group photo look like a magazine cover and every gathering feel like a celebration. You're all incredible! 📷🍂"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!
• "Thankful for the friends who are always ready for a photo op and a good time. Thank you for making life Instagram-worthy and heart-full! #ThankfulFriends #GratefulHeart"
  Copy Sample MessageCopied!

• 150+ Cute Happy Thanksgiving Messages and Quotes to Warm Hearts This Holiday Season
• 100+ Cute Thanksgiving Wishes and Heartfelt Messages for Every Relationship in Your Life
• 75+ Happy Thanksgiving Greetings: Messages for Family & Friends

Creating Your Own Thanksgiving Messages for Friends

Personalizing your Thanksgiving messages creates more meaningful connections and ensures your gratitude feels authentic and specific to each friendship relationship.

The most impactful Thanksgiving messages combine genuine emotion with specific details about your friendship, creating personalized expressions of gratitude that resonate deeply with recipients.

Start by identifying what you're most grateful for in each friendship. Consider moments when your friend supported you, made you laugh, or helped you grow. These specific instances become the foundation for authentic messages that go beyond generic holiday wishes.

Incorporate shared memories and inside references that only you and your friend would understand. Whether it's a funny mishap from last summer or a meaningful conversation you had recently, these personal touches make your message uniquely yours and demonstrate how much attention you pay to your friendship.

Match your message tone to your friendship dynamic. Some friends appreciate humor and lighthearted banter, while others prefer heartfelt sincerity. Consider your friend's personality, communication style, and the nature of your relationship when crafting your message.

Avoid generic language that could apply to anyone. Instead of saying "thanks for being a great friend," specify what makes them great: "thanks for always knowing exactly what to say when I'm stressed about work" or "grateful for your terrible jokes that somehow always make me laugh."

Consider timing and delivery methods for maximum impact. According to research from the American Psychological Association, gratitude messages have the strongest positive effect when they're unexpected and delivered through personal channels rather than public posts.

Conclusion

Authentic gratitude strengthens friendships and creates lasting memories that extend far beyond the holiday season. The perfect Thanksgiving message doesn't need to be elaborate or poetic—it just needs to be genuine and specific to your unique friendship.

Take time to personalize these messages with specific details, shared memories, and inside jokes that reflect your individual relationships. Your friends will appreciate the thought and effort you put into expressing your gratitude, and you'll strengthen the bonds that make your friendships so special.

Don't wait until the last minute to send your messages. Reach out now while the sentiment is fresh and your gratitude feels most authentic. Your friends will treasure these heartfelt expressions of appreciation long after the turkey is gone.

Remember to respect your friends' communication preferences and privacy settings when sharing messages publicly, and always include appropriate opt-out options when sending bulk messages in compliance with U.S. texting regulations.

How do I choose the right Thanksgiving message for different friends?

Consider your friendship's tone, shared experiences, and communication style. Match heartfelt messages to close friends, funny messages to humor-loving friends, and professional messages to work colleagues.

When is the best time to send Thanksgiving messages to friends?

Send messages 1-2 days before Thanksgiving for maximum impact, or on Thanksgiving morning. Avoid sending during dinner hours when people are likely celebrating with family.

Should I send individual messages or group texts to friends?

Send individual messages to close friends for personal impact, and group messages to friend circles for inclusive celebrations. Consider your relationship depth and message content when deciding.

How long should a Thanksgiving message to a friend be?

Keep messages concise but meaningful—typically 1-3 sentences for texts, or up to a paragraph for heartfelt notes. Focus on quality over quantity for maximum emotional impact.

Can I use the same Thanksgiving message for multiple friends?

Avoid identical messages for close friends, but you can adapt similar themes. Personalize each message with specific details, names, or shared memories to make each friend feel special.