I have an embarrassing confession: The vast majority of the time, I sign off my emails with "Thanks!" It doesn't matter if I have anything to show appreciation for or not--it tends to be my default signature.

When I'm not busy expressing my gratitude for absolutely nothin'? I go with a standard "Best" at the end of my messages. Isn't my creativity just astounding?

It's not that I don't want to cap off my email with something great. It's just that I often find myself drawing a blank. Are there even any options aside from those two widely accepted favorites?



If you need something formal

  1. All My Best
  2. Best
  3. Best Regards
  4. Best Wishes
  5. Congratulations
  6. Cordially
  7. Faithfully
  8. Goodbye
  9. Looking Forward
  10. Regards
  11. Respectfully
  12. Sending You the Best
  13. Sincerely
  14. Sincerely Yours
  15. Speak With You Soon
  16. Take Care
  17. Warm Regards
  18. Warm Wishes
  19. Warmly
  20. Wishing You a Wonderful Day
  21. Yours
  22. Yours Truly

If you want something friendly

  1. Cheers
  2. Enjoy Your [Day of the Week]
  3. Good Luck
  4. Happy [Day of the Week]
  5. Have a Good One
  6. Have a Great Day
  7. Here's to a Great [Day of the Week]
  8. Hope This Helps
  9. Hope You're Making It Through [Day of the Week]
  10. Make It a Great Day
  11. Pleasure Catching Up With You
  12. See You Tomorrow
  13. Sending Good Vibes
  14. Talk Soon
  15. Until Next Time
  16. You're the Best
  17. Your Friend

If you need to show appreciation

  1. All My Thanks
  2. I Can't Thank You Enough
  3. I Owe You
  4. Many Thanks
  5. Much Appreciated
  6. Thank You
  7. Thank You for Everything
  8. Thank You in Advance
  9. Thanks a Million
  10. Thanks for Reading
  11. Thanks for Your Consideration
  12. Thanks for Your Help
  13. Thanks So Much
  14. With Appreciation
  15. With Gratitude
  16. You're a Lifesaver

If you're feeling funny (or cheesy)

  1. Anonymously
  2. Bye, Felicia
  3. Congrats on Reading This Whole Email
  4. Don't Stop Believin'
  5. I Need Coffee
  6. Keep On Keepin' On
  7. Later Alligator
  8. Live Long and Prosper
  9. Looking Forward (to Friday)
  10. One Step Closer to Friday
  11. Peace Out
  12. So Long, Farewell
  13. Tag, You're It
  14. The End
  15. Toodles

Again, not all of these will be appropriate for every single email you send. Just as in spoken communication, the words you use with your boss or an important client will be much different from the ones you'd use with a close friend or co-worker.

So, make sure to think through the message and the circumstances before adding your signature--particularly if you're thinking of using a snarkier one. Feeling stuck? This handy guide can help you determine whether or not you can drop the formalities.


Did I miss your favorite one? Tweet me and let me know what it is!

--This post originally appeared on the The Muse.

Published on: Jul 28, 2017