I might visit a Web site for teens to find out how what phrases they're using when I'm writing something geared to them. Occasionally, when I go to a card stand, I'll stop and watch what people are buying. And what they're picking up and putting down. I've tried to avoid it, but the way English is constructed there aren't that many words that mean the same thing as special. It's such a great all-purpose word, but I do try to come up with other things.
Women are more open to buying different styles.
They also purchase the majority of greeting cards. You have to really know if this is a woman who would appreciate such a card and that she's not looking for something deeper or more romantic. If you just started dating, a sweet basic wish is good. You can always add your own special note to the card to personalize it more. My mother is still here so it can be somewhat uncomfortable to think about that.