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Birthday Wishes: What To Write In A Birthday Card

Birthdays are a big deal — those special days in the year when we celebrate our favorite people for making another trip around the sun. Adding a personal happy birthday message in a birthday greeting card for someone is an awesome way to make them feel amazing on their special day.

It’s funny how you never realize how much your little bit of extra effort is worth it until you hear the person who received your birthday card tell you what a surprise it was and how happy it made them. So don’t let negative thoughts of not knowing what to say in a birthday card keep you from writing a birthday wish for the recipient. Here’s a tip: your happy birthday messages don't have to be lengthy; just sincere.

Check out these ideas from our card experts for wishing happy birthday.

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Happy Birthday Messages By Tone

Keep It Casual With Short And Simple Happy Birthday Messages

Check out these short and snappy b-day greetings that are sure to put a smile on their face.

  • I hope your celebration gives you many happy memories!

  • Enjoy your special day.

  • Have the best birthday ever!

  • Wherever the year ahead takes you, I hope it’s happy.

  • The day is all yours — have fun!

  • Thinking of you on your birthday and wishing you everything happy.

  • Today, the flowers are bloomier, the sun is sunnier and life is awesomer — all because it’s your birthday!

  • Hope all your birthday wishes come true!

  • It’s your special day — get out there and celebrate!

  • Wishing you the biggest slice of happy today.

Add A Compliment To Your Birthday Wishes

Who doesn’t love a compliment on their special day? Make them feel like a million bucks with one of these flattering greetings for a birthday card!

  • Hope your birthday is as special as you are.

  • Wishing you all the happiness someone as nice as you deserves.

  • If there’s anyone who should have a really perfect day — it’s you.

  • The world is so lucky to have you in it — here’s to a wonderful year ahead!

  • Your birthday is the perfect time to remind you what a wonderful person you are.

  • You get more amazing every year. Hope your birthday is, too!

  • You’re one of my most favorite people to celebrate. Happy, happy day to you!

  • Can’t think of anyone else that is more deserving of an incredibly happy day.

  • How do you keep getting older but looking younger? Just one of the many amazing things about you!

  • You were born and the world got better — everybody wins! Have a great birthday. (And thanks!)

Create a Heartfelt Connection By Sending a Thoughtful Birthday Message

Think about what they mean to you, what they’ve done for you, or your favorite memory of times you’ve shared together. These specific thoughts, emotions and memories are what make each relationship unique, so you can create a special birthday message.

  • One of the best parts of our friendship is celebrating you. You’re the best!

  • Wish I could be with you to celebrate like we did last year. I’ll be thinking of you and hoping your day is every bit as special as you are.

  • If it were up to me, your wishes would all come true. Have the best birthday ever.

  • Hope you know what a gift you are to the world (and to me).

  • I hope all the goodness you give away comes right back to you in the year ahead.

  • Today’s the perfect day to tell you how much you’re appreciated for all you do
    and how much you’re loved for the amazing person you are.

  • I’m so thankful for the great memories and moments we’ve shared, and I look forward to so many more. Have a wonderful birthday.

  • You do so much for so many people, so just let the world come to you today. Relax and enjoy!

  • Thanks for always being there and making life fun. Wish big today!

  • Wish we could see each other more, but I hope you know how much you mean to me. Sending you big hugs for your birthday!

Looking for more birthday message tips? Check out this article on how to write the perfect birthday message for a friend!

Throw Some Humor Into Your Happy Birthday Messages

Make someone smile and laugh with a cute, clever or hilarious birthday wish. We’ve rounded up some examples guaranteed to bring on the birthday giggles!

  • This used to be just an ordinary day … until you came along and made it awesome!

  • You’re not getting older; you’re just getting a little closer to the end. Happy Birthday!

  • You’re bound to have a happy birthday — it’s in the cards! (Especially this one.) Have a great day!

  • Aging is mandatory — adulting is optional. Let go and enjoy your day!

  • So glad you’re in the world. Thanks for that whole “being born” thing.

  • It’s your birthday — TREAT YO’ SELF!

  • Turning a year older pairs well with wine! (wink, wink; clink! clink!)

  • You’re how old? Sounds like fake news to me.

  • There’s something really special about your birthday … and I’m pretty sure it’s you. 

  • Most things don’t get better with age. Except you.

Make Their Day Brighter With Inspirational Happy Birthday Messages

When you want to lift someone’s spirits and celebrate who they are, inspirational birthday wishes are the perfect way to do it. These heartfelt messages remind them how far they’ve come, how much they’re loved and how bright the future can be. Share one to make their special day a little more meaningful — and a lot more hopeful.

  • Another year, another chance to dream bigger, love deeper and shine brighter.
  • Wishing you a birthday filled with gratitude for where you’ve been and excitement for what’s ahead.
  • May this year bring you courage to follow your heart and joy in every step of the journey.
  • The world is brighter because you’re in it — keep spreading your light wherever you go.
  • Each year is a fresh page in your story — write it with passion, purpose and love.
  • Celebrate today knowing that your presence makes life more beautiful for everyone around you.
  • Here’s to new beginnings, new adventures and endless reasons to smile.
  • Here’s to another year of growth, grounding and glowing from the inside out.
  • You’re in perfect harmony with the universe — keep following what lights you up.
  • Wishing you balance, peace and purpose in every season ahead.

Happy Birthday Messages By Recipient

Happy Birthday Wishes For Her

Celebrate all the special ladies in your life, from relatives like mom, grandma, sister and aunt to your wife, best friend, co-worker and more. They all deserve a birthday greeting that’s one-of-kind, just like them! Need a little writing inspiration? Here are some sweet, funny and cute happy birthday message ideas she’ll love.

  • Happy Birthday, my friend — you always know how to make me smile!

  • Treat yourself all day and all year — a friend like you deserves to!

  • Wishing you a birthday as sweet and lovely as you.

  • Every day with you is a celebration! Happy birthday, [Name]!

  • Hope your special day is full of the sweetest, happiest moments.

  • Wishing you the funnest, awesomest birthday of all, [Name]!

  • I’ll be toasting you on your birthday with the best wine from the year you were born. You know, vintage. And fine.

  • I want to list all the reasons I love you in this card. Sadly, there’s just not enough room. Happy birthday, sweetheart!

  • You’re my one and only, forever and ever. Happy birthday, honey!

  • “I think all this talk about age is foolish. Every time I’m one year older, everyone else is, too.” — Gloria Swanson

  • “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” —Oprah Winfrey

Happy Birthday Wishes For Him

Whether he’s your husband, son, dad, grandfather, brother, boyfriend or bromance, send every man in your life birthday wishes personalized just for him! For idea starters, here are some funny, heartfelt and complimentary birthday messages.

  • Awesome guy. Awesome friend. And you deserve an awesome year!

  • Wishing you a birthday that’s just as wonderful as you are!

  • You were born, and the world became a better place.

  • I’ll be thinking of you on your birthday and wishing you all your favorite things.

  • This wish is for your birthday. The love is for the whole year.

  • Wishing you a happy and healthy year ahead!

  • I’m glad we’re friends. I think the others were scared. Happy Birthday!

  • It’s your birthday, kick back and have a good one — you deserve it!

  • Cheers to you on your birthday!

  • You’re not older — you're just more distinguished.

  • I remembered your birthday and forgot your age. You’re welcome.

Happy Birthday Wishes for Mom & Dad

Parents are our biggest supporters, our first teachers and often our favorite people to call. Their birthdays are the perfect chance to slow down and tell them just how much they mean to you. Whether you want to say something simple and sweet, heartfelt and sincere, or lighthearted and fun, these happy birthday messages will help you share your love in your own words.

  • Wishing you the happiest birthday, Mom! Take time for yourself today — you deserve all the joy and relaxation in the world.
  • Happy birthday, Dad! Thanks for the laughter, lessons and love that have shaped who I am. You’re simply the best.
  • No matter how old I get, I’ll always need my parents. Thank you for everything, and happy birthday to the most amazing Mom/Dad ever!
  • To the parent who raised me right but still lets me be a little weird … thanks and happy birthday!
  • Here’s to you, Mom/Dad! May your coffee stay hot, your cake slice be big and your phone stay silent (unless it’s me calling).
  • Happy birthday to the cool parent (don’t worry, I won’t tell the other one).
  • You’ve given me so much love and guidance over the years, and I hope today gives some of that love right back to you.

Happy Birthday Wishes For Siblings

Siblings share a special bond built on love, laughter and a lifetime of memories — even if there’s a little teasing along the way. Whether your relationship is filled with heartfelt talks or hilarious inside jokes, your happy birthday message is the perfect chance to tell your brother or sister how much they mean to you. Keep it warm, sincere or funny — whatever feels most you.

  • Happy birthday to my lifelong sidekick, my built-in best friend and the only person who truly gets our family’s sense of humor.
  • No matter how old we get, you’ll always be my favorite (and occasionally most annoying) sibling. Love you lots!
  • Wishing my incredible [brother/sister] a day full of laughter, love and everything that makes you happiest.
  • From childhood adventures to grown-up dreams, I’m so proud to call you my sibling and my friend.
  • You make life brighter just by being you — have an amazing birthday and an even better year ahead!

Happy Birthday Wishes For Co-workers

Whether you’re celebrating a close teammate or a colleague you see in meetings, a thoughtful birthday message is a great way to brighten their day. Keep it friendly, light and professional — or add a touch of humor if that fits your relationship. These happy birthday messages for co-workers will help you strike just the right tone.

  • Happy birthday! Hope your day is filled with good vibes, great cake and zero work stress.
  • Wishing you a fantastic birthday and a year of success, laughter and well-deserved coffee breaks.
  • Enjoy your day, [Name]! You’ve earned a break from the emails, meetings and deadlines.
  • Working with you makes the office a brighter place. Hope your birthday is just as awesome as you are!
  • Here’s to a year of great projects, fun team moments and plenty of celebrations — starting with today.

Birthday Quotes

Inserting a favorite quote is a great way to make your greetings for a birthday card stand out. Whether it’s from a poet, an artist, a historical figure or a beloved fictional character, the options are endless!

  •  "And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
        —Abraham Lincoln

  • "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” —C.S. Lewis

  • “Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words.” —Plautus

  • “We turn not older with years, but newer every day.” —Emily Dickinson

  •  “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” — J.R.R.Tolkien

  •  “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” —William Shakespeare, "The Merchant of Venice"

  •  “The older the fiddler, the sweeter the tune.” —English proverb

  • “It takes a long time to become young.” —Pablo Picasso

Personalize Birthday Ecards With Your Own B-day Greetings

Make your happy birthday messages extra special with a personal touch! Add a heartfelt note, funny line or thoughtful wish that fits your friend perfectly. Write your own message or let our AI assistant help you create one in seconds — just answer a few quick questions and get a custom birthday message that feels totally you. You can even upload a favorite photo to make it one-of-a-kind.

Add A Digital Gift Card To Your Happy Birthday Message

Pair a digital gift card with a personalized birthday ecard for an extra surprise for the recipient. Simply select the retailer you’d like to purchase a gift card from, and then you’ll enter the name and email of the recipient and send. If you’re an American Greetings member, you only pay the amount of the egift card. We also have a "checkout as guest" option for a $1.99 fee. Browse our selection of retailers, including Sephora, Nike, Starbucks, Fandango, Target and more!

Step 1. Choose the perfect birthday ecard

Choose the perfect ecard to share your birthday wishes

Step 2. Add a gift card

Pick a gift card from one of their favorite retailers or restaurants to add to your birthday ecard.

Step 3. Send if off

Personalize your birthday message and deliver a gift they’ll love.

Send A Birthday Ecard With A Gift

You can never go wrong with simply jotting down a line or two about the person or telling them you hope they enjoy their day. It’s so much more meaningful to someone than just seeing a name scrawled at the bottom. Now that you’ve got some ideas in your back pocket, browse our selection of birthday cards below to start personalizing our happy birthday message.

Brought to You by the Writers of American Greetings
We are a team of writers and editors with decades of experience creating happiness, laughter and love for American Greetings. When we’re not writing greeting cards and other celebrations content for the company, we are award-winning authors, bloggers, world travelers, singers, photographers, parents, grandparents and pet owners. Most of us live in Cleveland, Ohio, home to American Greetings Corporate Headquarters for over 100 years.