The best birthday cards are those crafted with a personal message that shows the recipient how much they mean to you. A heartfelt message is a great start, but it’s also important to be personal and unique. Use these tips and examples as inspiration for your next birthday card!
Before you get started, think about your recipient’s preferences. If they’re close to you and would be overjoyed at a traditional card sent through the mail, then think of what they’ll feel seeing one from you!
We have a great list of birthday prayers for sons that work great for cards as well.
But if you prefer something digital or virtual, that’s perfectly fine as well. No matter what route you take, it’s important that each birthday wish comes from the heart.
Whether you need a card for an adult birthday party or just need a quick message to write to your family member on Facebook, we’ve got you covered with what to say!
Tips for crafting unique birthday wishes
Here are 18 tips for what to write on a birthday card and how to make it unique and personalized for the receiver, and then scroll down further to find sample greetings you can use in a birthday card for specific people in your life as well!
1. Use your creativity to tell the person exactly why they’re amazing.
Examples:
– You are a shining light in my life!
– Your smile brightens up my day!
– Every year, you give me another reason to smile!
2. Come up with something specific about them that makes them incredible.
Examples:
– I especially appreciate your ability to always know exactly what to say when someone needs it most!
– Anytime I’m down, you’re here with a hug and perfectly timed quip that gets me through the day.
3. Jot down some humorous memories you’ve shared together.
Examples:
– I can’t believe the time you burned dinner…and insisted it wasn’t all that bad!
– The look on your face when we went skiing for our first time. Priceless!
– Remember how much trouble I got into after borrowing your car for prom? Good times.
4. Tell them what light they bring to your life.
Examples:
– You are my sunshine on a rainy day!
– You make me so happy, even when it’s raining. Thank you for being the ray of sunshine every day brings!
5. Reread all of your messages from past birthdays and pick out a few choice words or phrases or mention inside jokes.
Examples:
– You are my “other half”!
– I am so grateful for your support, whether it is falling don the stairs in public or holding my hand through during a scary movie, I know I can count on you!
6. Use the examples below to inspire your own birthday card. Any of these would make a great message for someone who means a lot to you and deserves to be recognized and appreciated every day!
– I could never thank you enough for your love and support throughout the years. You have been a true friend, and I am so grateful to have you in my life.
– The fact that you are in my life is one of the luckiest things I’ve ever experienced! I cannot wait to see what adventures our future holds.
– You are my sunshine, and I can’t wait to follow you into each day!
– From the first time we met until the end of our journey, I am so grateful for everything you’ve brought into my life. Thanks for being such an amazing friend! Happy birthday!
7. Write down some quotes or famous messages that really resonate with you.
Examples:
– “A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” – The Wizard of Oz
– “Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” – Zora Neale Hurston
8. Write down age-appropriate song lyrics that remind you of the recipient.
Examples:
– “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine! You make me happy when skies are gray!” – Sunshine on My Shoulders by John Denver
– “I’m walking on sunshine, wooah! I feel the love, oh yes I feel the love…” – Walking on Sunshine by Katrina & the Waves
9. Use a quote from your favorite book as inspiration for a birthday message.
Examples:
– “Don’t forget to fall in love with life every day.” – Love, Rosie
– “You’ll always be my first best friend and the closest thing I’ve ever had to a sister. I love you more than anyone in the world.” – The Fault in Our Stars
10. Write down some of your favorite memories of the person, and why they mean so much to you.
Examples:
– “Remember to thank god for this beautiful day! Happy birthday!” – Finding Nemo
– “When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.” – Winnie the Pooh
– “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu
11. Use quotes from some of your favorite musicians for inspiration on birthday wishes.
Example:
– “Today, as you celebrate your birthday with those who love and remember you, I hope that you find serenity and fulfillment.” – The Beatles
12. Think of the most important things that you love about the recipient, and what you would say to them if they were standing right in front of you.
– “Every day is such an amazing gift! I hope yours is wonderful!”
– “You are my everything, and I am so grateful for you.”
– “Thank you for being such an awesome part of my life and making it so much better.”
13. Think about what thee person has really taught you over the years, and try to encapsulate that into a birthday card message.
– “Every day spent with you is a great adventure! Happy birthday!”
– “You have taught me so much over the years, and I am grateful for your friendship.”
– “I am lucky to have gotten to know you. Thanks for all of your advice throughout the years!”
14. Think about how much brighter or happier that person makes other people’s lives, and try to incorporate that into a birthday wish.
– “Another year has gone by, but this celebration is for you! I hope it’s wonderful.”
– “Happy birthday to the most influential person in my life!”
– “The world is a brighter place because of you. Happy birthday!”
15. Think about how much the recipient would do for somebody that they care about, and try to incorporate that into a birthday message.
– “Thank you for always being there for me when I need you the most.”
– “Your love makes this world an even better place!”
– “You are such an amazing person! Thank you for everything that you do.”
16. Write down some of your favorite memories of the person, and why you cherish them so much.
– “You are the most incredible friend I could ever ask for!”
– “I am so glad that we get to spend this birthday together.”
– “You mean everything to me, and there couldn’t be a better way to celebrate than with you!”
17. Think of the most important things that you love about the recipient, and what you would say to them if they were standing right in front of you.
– “I am so grateful for our friendship.”
– “Happy birthday! You are such an amazing person, and I’m so glad we’ve had this time together.”
– “I cherish our time together. Thank you for being such a wonderful person.”
Above all, make your message personal. The best thing about handwritten birthday cards is how personal they are. There’s no better way to let someone know how much you appreciate them than by showing it with your own words.
Tell them something unique about yourself or your relationship that they might not have thought of before – it will be a great memory for both of you!
Happy Birthday Greetings—What to write in birthday cards
Here are some examples of birthday wishes to include in a birthday card or social media post for specific family members and friends that you can include in your card message.
These messages are great for starting or wrapping up cards when combined with ideas from above, or as a short message on social media or in a card as well!
Short Birthday Wishes/ Instagram Birthday Wishes/ Facebook Birthday Post Ideas
- Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!
- Happy Birthday! Hope you get to relax and enjoy the day!
- Have a wonderful birthday! Enjoy spending some time with your family on your special day.
- Hope everything turns out exactly how you want it today and hope you have a fantastic birthday!
- May your birthday be as wonderful as you are.
- May your day be as wonderful as you are!
- The older you get, the more candles you need on your cake – but that just means you’re getting better with age! Happy Birthday!
- Wishing you a fantastic birthday full of all the things that make you happy!
- I hope this birthday is as wonderful as you are.
- May your birthday be beautiful in every way.
- Wishing you a very happy birthday! Celebrate in style!
- Happy Belated Birthday! Hope it was a great one!
Birthday Wishes for a Friend
- Best wishes on your special day my friend!
- Happy Birthday, dear friend! I hope this day is as wonderful as you are.
- May your birthday be a joy-filled one!
- Wishing you all the happiness your birthday can hold!
- Sending lots of love your way on your special day my friend!
- I’m so grateful to have you in my life – happy birthday dear friend!
- Your birthday is a good time to remind me how much I cherish our friendship. So thankful for you today and everyday!
- You’ve brought so much light into my life – I wish the same for your birthday!
- Sending you lots of love on your day, friend! Have a good one!
- Happy birthday, my amazing friend! I hope this day is as wonderful as you are!
Funny Birthday Card Greetings
Get them laughing with these funny birthday messages
- Getting older is a privilege denied to many people, so enjoy it while you can! Happy Birthday.
- Shortest birthday wishes are the best ones. Have a great one!
- My IQ goes up on your birthday because I get to celebrate with you! Haha. Happy Birthday!!
- Hope you get lots of cake for your birthday, and maybe the day off too!
- Hope the people who underestimate you on a daily basis realize what a big mistake they’re making today. Haha. Happy Birthday!
- Here’s to another year of pretending to be young while our age keeps climbing! Happy Birthday!
- May your birthday be one you can’t remember and the hangovers be worth it.
- Wishing you a day that’s as fun as you are!
- Hope this birthday is as wild as you are!
- The older you get, the more candles you need on your cake – better call the fire department just in case!
- They say we, like wine, get better with age. Not sure we all agree with that but I’ll toast to you with a vintage any day!
Milestone Birthday Wishes
- Happy 40th Birthday! Over the hill mean the downhill part get easier right?
- Happy Sweet 16 to the sweetest girl we know!
- Happy 50th Birthday! Today i just the first day of the rest of your life!
- Hope you have a birthday cake the size of your house and that it’s delicious! Happy 70th, Grandma!!
- 50 candles for 50 years… Send lots of love to a wonderful person who means so much to us today! Happy 50th Birthday!
- Hooray! It’s your Golden birthday!
- Congrats on turning 18 and having to live like an adult for real all the time now!
- Cheers to you on your 21st birthday!
Belated Birthday Wishes
- Happy Belated Birthday!
- sorry I’m late—hope your birthday was great!
- I couldn’t find the right card (ok I’m late to the party).
- Sorry I missed your birthday—hope you had a good day anyway!
- If I had known it was your birthday, this would have arrived much sooner!
- Didn’t get this to you on time for your birthday, but there’s always next year 🙂
- So sorry I missed your birthday!
- Hope you had a great day.
- I wish I’d sent this sooner, but I wanted to still wish you a great birthday, even if that is a belated one!
- Belated Happy Birthday Wishes
- Sorry I missed it! Hope your special day was awesome!
Birthday messages for certain people
Birthday Wishes for a Friend
- Best wishes on your special day my friend!
- Happy Birthday, dear friend! I hope this day is as wonderful as you are.
- May your birthday be a joy-filled one!
- Wishing you all the happiness your birthday can hold!
- Sending lots of love your way on your special day my friend!
- I’m so grateful to have you in my life – happy birthday dear friend!
- Your birthday is a good time to remind me how much I cherish our friendship. So thankful for you today and everyday!
- You’ve brought so much light into my life – I wish the same for your birthday!
- Sending you lots of love on your day, friend! Have a good one!
- Happy birthday, my amazing friend! I hope this day is as wonderful as you are!
Sample Birthday wishes for your best friend (female)
- “This is to let you know that, even when we aren’t together, I’m sending my love your way on your birthday! I hope it’s wonderful, bestie!”
- “You are so dear to me and I’m thankful for all of our time together. Here’s to another year filled with laughter, love, and great memories!”
- “I hope you know how much joy and happiness you bring to my life. You’re a wonderful person, and I’m so happy we’ve been friends for all these years.”
Sample Birthday wishes for your best friend (male)
- “Hope this birthday is just what you need– an extra-good one! And hopefully, it won’t be the last one of ours together. I’ll always love you, pal!”
- “What would I do without you? You are my very best friend and I will forever cherish this friendship. Happy Birthday!”
- “I’m so lucky to have a great friend like you in my life. You’ve helped me through so much and I’m so grateful for that! Hope this year is everything it should be!”
Birthday Wishes for Boyfriend/Girlfriend
- “There are so many things I love about you, but one I am so grateful for is your dedication to our relationship. Happy Birthday!”
- “I hope this birthday is everything you want it to be and more! You deserve nothing but happiness.”
- “I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I can’t wait for the year ahead. I love you dearly.”
Birthday Message for Wife
- The happiest of birthdays to my beautiful wife! You are everything to me, and I love you more than words can say.
- You’re my best friend, my lover, and the one person who makes me feel complete. Thank you for being by my side, and I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
- Happy Birthday to the best person I know. Hope your day is filled with love and excitement – just like you!
- You mean so much to me, and I’m grateful every single day that we found each other. Happy Birthday sweetie!
Birthday Wishes for Husband
- Sending you all my love on this day, my amazing husband. I’m so grateful to spend life with you by my side!
- I hope this birthday is as wonderful as you are my husband!
- Happy Birthday to my favorite guy! I love you so much!
- Happy Birthday to my favorite husband! You are so incredibly special, and I am so lucky to have you in my life.
- You were there for me from the beginning, and you’ve been there ever since. Thanks for always being by my side. Happy Birthday, sweetheart!
- Wishing you everything happy this birthday! Thank you for being the most amazing husband I could ask for!
Birthday Message for Significant Other
- Happy birthday to my amazing significant other! I hope this day is as wonderful as you are!
- You’re everything to me, and I love you more than anything in the world. Thank you for being by my side, and may your birthday be everything you want it to be!
- The best thing that’s ever happened to me is finding you. I love you so much! Happy Birthday to my soulmate, my partner in crime, and the love of my life!
- Happy birthday to my new adventure buddy! I’m looking forward to all our adventures together. You are an incredible person, and I hope you have a great day!
- My best friend who became more than that. My world, my love and my life. I love you. Happy Birthday!
- Wishing you a wonderful birthday, my love! You are everything to me and I hope this day is as perfect as you are!
- You’re my one and only and I’m so grateful for that. Wishing you a very happy birthday!
- Today is your day so let’s celebrate big! Have a totally awesome birthday, baby.
- Love you to the moon and back! Happy Birthday, my darling!
Birthday Wishes for Brother
- Happy birthday, brother! I love you so much and am so grateful for you!
- I hope your birthday is as great as you are, brother!
- Love you Bro! Have a great birthday.
- So proud of the man you have become. Happiest of birthdays Brother!
- Thinking of you on your birthday, brother! I hope you have a great day!
- Ain’t no brother like the one I’ve got! Love you to pieces! Happy Birthday!
Birthday Wishes for Sister
- Wishing you a day full of all the things you love!
- Sister, you mean the world to me and I’m so grateful for you!
- I hope your birthday is as wonderful as you are my sister!
- I wish you nothing but happiness on your birthday!
- Sending you lots of love today sister!
- It has been great growing so close to you the past few years, and I am looking forward to many more!
- Happy birthday to my favorite sister! I hope your day is as special as you are!
- I hope this birthday is everything you’ve ever wished for, because you deserve it all! Happy Birthday, sis!
- Have the most fantastic birthday possible, little sister. I love you so much and wish I could be there to celebrate with you!
- Wishing my big sister the best birthday ever! You’re amazing and I hope you have a day that’s as wonderful as you are!
Birthday Wishes for Mom
- Mom, you’re the best and I hope your day is as wonderful as you are!
- Happy birthday to the most wonderful mother in the world! I hope this day is as special as you are!
- Wishing you a fantastic birthday, Mom! You deserve it more than anyone!
- I love you mom, and I hope your birthday is as wonderful as you are!
- Here’s to another fun year! Happy birthday, Mom!
- Birthday Wishes for Dad
Birthday Wishes for Dad
- Happy Birthday to the man who has always believed in me. I hope you have an amazing day!
- You are my rock and I love you so much for it! Have a wonderful birthday again this year!
- Dad, hope your day is as great as you are!
- Wishing you a very happy birthday, Dad. I hope you have a fantastic day and get everything that makes you happy!
- Love you, Dad! Have an amazing birthday!
- I’m so grateful to have such an amazing dad in my life. I hope your special day is all about you!
- Thinking of you on your birthday, Dad. Wishing you all the happiness in the world!
- Happy birthday to an incredible dad! You are everything to me and I hope this day is as special as you are!
- A truly happy birthday to my amazing dad! Thank you for being everything to me!
What to Write in a Birthday Card for Daughter/Son/Kids
- You are amazing in every way, and I’m so happy to be your mom. Hope you have the best birthday ever sweetie!
- To my beautiful daughter, hope your birthday is as special as you are.
- You’re such a wonderful child and I’m so blessed to be your mom. Happy birthday!
- Happy birthday, sweetie! I hope this year brings you lots of fun and joy!
- I’m really proud of the young woman/man you’ve become and I hope this year brings you everything your heart desires!
- To my son, I hope your special day is the best ever. You deserve it!
- You are so full of life and love, and I’m so proud to be your mom/dad! Happy birthday sweetie!
- Happy birthday to our wonderful child! We’re both so blessed to have you in our lives. May your birthday be filled with all sorts of wonderful surprises!
- Happy Birthday, my dear child/children! I hope this day is great and brings you everything you deserve!
- Happy birthday to the greatest kids ever! You are so special to us and we love you very much. Hope your day is full of fun and happiness!
Wishes for Niece or Nephew on Birthday
- Happy birthday to my amazing niece/nephew! I hope this day is as special as you are!
- I’m so proud of the person you’re becoming and I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you do in this coming year. Wishing you a very happy birthday!
- I’m so blessed to have you in my life and I can’t wait to see all your dreams come true. Happy birthday!
- Happy Birthday, little one! I hope this year brings you nothing but joy and happiness. You deserve it!
- You mean the world to us and we love you more than anything in the world! Wishing you a very happy birthday!
- Happy birthday to my super cool niece/nephew. You are completely awesome and I hope this day brings you lots of joy!
- May your day be filled with all sorts of wonderful adventures, munchkins. Happy birthday!
- You bring so much happiness into our lives and we love you so much. Wishing you a very happy birthday! lu in mycky to have you
Birthday Wishes for Family Members
- Happy birthday to the craziest, goofiest, most wonderful family member ever!
- Hope your birthday is as special as you are. You deserve it!
- This may not be exactly what I wished for you on your last birthday, but this year I hope it’s everything you want it to be. Happy birthday!
- May this new year bring you everything your heart desires. Happy birthday!
- You are the best aunt/uncle in the world, and I hope your special day brings you nothing but joy and happiness!
- I hope this year brings you all kinds of wonderful surprises, sweetie. Happy birthday to my favorite person ever!
- To our wonderful son-in-law/daughter-in-law, may your birthday be as great as you are!
- Wishing you a very happy birthday! You’re such a special part of our family and we love you very much.
Cousin Birthday Card Greeting
- Happy birthday, cousin! I hope this year is as great as you are!
- You’re one of the most special people in my life and I’m so glad you’re my cousin. Have a wonderful birthday!
- I don’t know what I’d do without you, cousin. You’re such a great friend and I hope your birthday is as amazing as you are!
- Happy birthday, cousin! I hope this year is as good as you are!
- I’m so glad we’re cousins and I hope your birthday is as much fun as you are!
Birthday Greeting for Boss
- Happy birthday, (Name)! I hope your special day is as great as you are. Cheers to another fantastic year!
- You mean the world to us and we’re so thankful for all you do. Hope this next year brings you everything your heart desires!
- Happy birthday, boss/coworker! Enjoy your special day!
- We all think you’re amazing and we’re so lucky to have you as our boss. Wishing you a very happy birthday!
- You are seriously the best boss/coworker ever! I hope your birthday is as great as you are!
- Thank you for always being so supportive and kind. Have a wonderful birthday!
What to write in a coworker’s birthday card
If writing in a group card for your colleague, a brief birthday greeting will usually suffice. A simple Happy Birthday “Name” or “wishing you all the best”, is perfectly fine if you are not overly friendly with a workmate.
If you want to rite something more personal, you could mention some of the good things you’ve noticed about your colleague. A simple statement like, “You are so important to our team,” is a great way to compliment someone while wishing them a happy birthday at the same time.
When writing in a personal card for your coworker, say something sweet that maybe they wouldn’t realize you appreciate or recognize in the office setting. For example, you could tell them how much you appreciate their encouragement in your personal endeavors or their support when times were tough.
Or try also mentioning something about their character or personality that you enjoy – maybe it’s their good-humored attitude towards the mistakes they make or the fact that they are always there to lend a hand when you need it most.
A birthday card for your friend is the perfect place to compliment them on something they may not have been told recently or lately enough.
If you’re not sure what to write in a coworker’s birthday card, try something like this:
- Hope your special day is as great as you are! Cheers to another fantastic year!
- I hope your birthday is full of fun and surprises. Enjoy your special day!
- To my favorite coworker, have a very happy birthday!
- Here’s to another year of laughs and good times. Wishing you a very happy birthday and all the best in the future! May your day be filled with joy and happiness.
- Thank you for always being so supportive and kind. Have a wonderful birthday! You deserve it!
- Happy Birthday to the only face I want to see on a Zoom ever again!
While there are many things to consider when writing a birthday card, the most important part is showing your recipient that they mean something to you.
These tips should help get you started on what to write in a birthday card for family members, coworkers, and bosses alike.
Whatever you choose to write to the birthday person, make sure it comes from the heart!