The Ultimate Guide: What to Write in a Birthday Card

what-to-write
7 min read
Celebratory 'Happy Birthday' Table with muffins, confetti and presents

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Celebrate the life you have! Birthdays are the one time of year we get to celebrate those closest to us and we should take the opportunity to let them know just how much they are appreciated.

We all know that a unique birthday greeting card is a great way to make the Birthday Person's day memorable. But let’s be honest. Even though it seems simple, writing a perfect birthday card sometimes isn’t the easiest thing to do.

How to Write a Birthday Card

Although some people have no trouble picking up a pen and writing a personal message, others may have difficulty doing so.

Finding the inspiration to write more than just “Happy Birthday” can be really hard, but using a less generic message makes any greeting card that much more special.

To write the ultimate birthday card, we’ve come up with a list of birthday wishes that will make your card more meaningful and memorable for the wonderful person you're sending it to. But, the best way to create the warmest wishes is to mix things up, adding a personal touch. Try bringing up a fond memory or an inside joke just between the two of you. After all, it’s the perfect time to remind someone special how much you value your relationship with them!

General Birthday Card Messages

What to write in a birthday card for a friend or co-worker? Here are a few ideas when "Happy Birthday" just doesn't cut it.

  • Hope your [30th] birthday is one to remember!
  • Warmest wishes and love on your birthday!
  • Wishing you a happy birthday and a blessed year ahead.
  • I’m so grateful that you were born. Happy birthday!
  • Wherever the year ahead takes you, I hope it’s happy.
  • Thinking of you on your birthday and wishing you everything happy.
  • Hope all your birthday wishes come true!
  • Wishing you all the happiness you deserve.
  • I hope your birthday is as special as you are!
  • Here is to you getting older and wiser!
  • Happy birthday to one of my favorite people in the history of ever.
  • Enjoy this special day in celebration of a most wonderful you.
  • Happy birthday to one of the few people whose birthday I can remember without a Facebook reminder.

Happy Birthday Milestone wishes with flowers background.

Milestone Birthday Wishes

Every birthday is special, but some deserve a little extra celebration. Injecting a little humor into a milestone birthday card is often the way to go.

  • A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journal. Enjoy your next trip around the sun!
  • Congratulations on making it through your first quarter century! Happy 25th birthday!
  • Did you know 40 is the new 30?
  • “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” - Mark Twain
  • Wishing you a very happy birthday! You make turning [30] seem so easy!
  • Happy [50th] birthday and welcome to the club.
  • Mid-life crisis around the corner… Happy birthday!
  • “Youth has no age” - Pablo Picasso

Funny Birthday Greetings

Whether the person has a great sense of humor or just doesn't really look forward to their birthday every year, it's hard to go wrong with a funny birthday card message. Everyone appreciates a good laugh!

  • You’re not getting older. You’re just getting a little closer to the end. Happy birthday!
  • It’s your birthday. TREAT YO SELF!
  • Congrats! You’re another year closer to that senior discount!
  • This day used to be ordinary, until you made it awesome!
  • Smart, attractive, and funny. But enough about me. Happy birthday!
  • Forget about the past because you can’t change it. Forget about the future because you can’t predict it. Forget about the present because I didn’t get you one. Happy Birthday!
  • Don’t think of another birthday as getting older, think of it as becoming vintage.
  • Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
  • It’s scientifically proven that people who have more birthdays live longer.
  • Happy center of attention day!
  • You’re now old enough to know better than to expect any present from me.
  • You might be getting older, but your humor will always be timeless.
  • They say with age comes wisdom. And you’re the wisest person I know.

Happy Birthday Mom Message with a colorful rainbow illustration

 

Birthday Wishes for Mom

Moms are the universal givers. Give her the gift of reminding her how much she is loved on her special day. It's the perfect way to wish her a lovely birthday!

  • Mom, thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve made for our family. I’m proud to call you my mom. Happy birthday.  
  • I might not say it enough, but know that I love you and feel so lucky to call you my mom.
  • Wishing a beautiful day for my beautiful mom.
  • I don’t know where I’d be without you and your love. Happy birthday, Mom.
  • Thank you for always being there for me. Happy Birthday Mom, I love you.
  • Every mom is special, but trust me, no other mom can compare to you. Happy birthday!

Birthday Wishes for Dad

Chances are your dad means everything to you and your family. Let him know just how much he means to you and how appreciated he is with one of there Heartfelt Messages. It will be sure to put a smile on his face!

  • You’re more than just my dad. You’re the greatest man I know.
  • Dad, you are my hero and my role model. Happy birthday!
  • Thank you for being the greatest pillar of strength in my life. Happy birthday, Dad.
  • Happy birthday to the man with all the answers. Have a wonderful birthday, Dad!
  • Happy birthday to the hardest working man I know. I’m so proud to call you my Dad.
  • I’m so glad to be able to spend your special day with you. Happy birthday to the best dad in the world!‍

 

Birthday Wishes for Son

Every son deserves to know how proud his parents are of him. His special day is the perfect time to let him know how impressed you are with the (young) man he’s become!

  • We’re so proud of the young man you’ve become. Happy birthday!
  • Always head in the direction of happiness and all your dreams and ambitions will come true. Happy birthday to the best son ever!
  • Another year closer to taking care of us when we’re older… Happy birthday!
  • Happy birthday! No matter how many birthdays you have, you will always be our baby boy.
  • You put a smile on my face every day. I hope your birthday is filled with joy, smiles, and laughs.

Birthday Wishes for Daughter

Nothing is more precious than a daughter. Now let your princess know she’s still the center of your world with a beautiful birthday message.

  • We are so happy to watch you grow wiser and more beautiful every year. We love you!
  • We are so grateful to watch our lovely daughter grow into an amazing young woman. Happy Birthday Princess!
  • A precious daughter brings sunshine to the day, joy to the soul, and love to the heart. Happy birthday!
  • Happy birthday to our ray of sunshine. We love you forever, happy birthday girl!
  • Having you as our amazing daughter has been life’s greatest gift. We wish you the most wonderful birthday and hope all your wishes come true!
  • We love you so much and hope you accomplish everything you want to in life. Happy birthday!

Birthday Wishes for Husband

He shows you how much he loves you and your family everyday through the sacrifices he makes. Remind him of why he’s the love of your life and how grateful you are to spend your life with a Special Person like him.  

 

  • You’re my strength, my anchor, my everything. I love you forever. Happy Birthday to my amazing husband!
  • Happy birthday to my true love and my best friend. I feel so lucky and grateful to be sharing life with you.
  • I fall more and more in love with you every day. Happy Birthday, Honey!
  • Happy birthday to the man I love most, who brings me sunshine on rainy days.
  • Here’s to another year of making memories together. Happy birthday!
  • Happy birthday to the kindest, most caring man I know. I’m so glad to have you by my side.

 

Birthday Wishes for Wife

She’s your everything: Your better half, your partner-in-crime, and your best friend. Tell the woman who has your heart what having her in your life means to you.

  • You make me a better man and husband every day. Thank you for being the best part of me. Happy birthday sweetie, I hope it's the best one yet!
  • My dear, may your birthday be as happy as you have made me.
  • The best parts of my day are those spent with you. I love you and wish you a happy birthday sweetheart!
  • To my angel, I hope this year will be filled with happiness and laughter. Wishing my beautiful wife the happiest birthday!
  • I thank God every day for blessing me with such a loving wife. You deserve to be happy today and every day. Happy birthday my love!
  • Happy birthday to my beautiful wife and my best friend. I’m the luckiest man in the world to have you by my side and I never take it for granted.
  • I fell in love with you the first time I held you in my arms. Happy birthday, my beautiful wife.

Happy Birthday Sister Quote with flower background.

Birthday Wishes for Sister

She's probably one of the most important and supportive people in your life and she's been through it all with you. Write her a touching card to let her know how loved she is.

  • You’re the reason my childhood was so wonderful. Happy birthday sister!
  • Happy birthday to a sister who constantly makes me smiles and brings me endless joy!
  • Even if you weren’t my sister, I’d want you as my friend. Happy Birthday to my lovely sis!
  • Happy birthday to mom’s second favorite!
  • I wish you all the very best and may you be blessed on your special day! Happy Birthday!
  • I always wondered how people make it through life without a sister. Happy birthday sis!
  • Sis, I hope your birthday brings plenty of reasons to smile!

 

Birthday Wishes for Brother

He's undoubtedly your favorite dude and he's the guy who always has your back. Celebrate everything about him with a sweet little birthday message.

  • I am forever grateful to have a brother like you. Happy birthday to the best brother anyone could ask for!
  • Thanks for being born and saving my childhood. Happy birthday to the best brother ever!
  • Happy birthday! The most incredible brother deserves all the happiness in the world today.
  • Thank you for being the one person I can be weird with. Happy birthday, brother. I love you so much!
  • I’m one of the few people to have their brother as a best friend. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.
  • The best memories of my life are with you. I hope you have the best birthday ever.

 

How to End a Birthday Card

Thinking about how to end the perfect card with a warm closing? We’ve got you covered.

  • Hugs,
  • Yours lovingly,
  • Cheers!
  • Hugs & Kisses,
  • Cheerfully,
  • Your favorite child,
  • Lots of love,
  • Celebrating You!
  • Much love to you,
  • Lovingly,

 

Send your birthday wishes on an eco-friendly card

Now that you've got inspired and know how to wish someone a happy birthday, why not do that on a sustainable greeting card? Our ever-growing selection of birthday cards features cards made from 100% recycled paper and printed with eco-friendly inks - the perfect little gift for someone who enjoys doing good for the environment.

Check out our latest cards: