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What To Write In A Birthday Card For A Friend

What would we do without our friends? Whether it’s the funny friend who keeps things light, the helpful one who gives advice, the co-workers we vent to, our book club gals, our weekend pals, the cool new friend we instantly clicked with or our childhood bestie whom we can still talk to about, well, everything — there’s something unique, special and important about every good friend we have. And on their birthday, we want to make them feel that way, right? So we go the extra mile and we pick out a great birthday card that sums up our friendship perfectly.

But wait — if the card already says it all, then what on earth do we write inside a birthday card for a friend? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think to add that perfect personal touch to a birthday wish for a friend.

Birthday greetings for best friends follow pretty much the same three guidelines as buying a great gift: make them feel unique, appreciated and loved. Below are some ideas for wishing happy birthday to a friend!

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Unique Happy Birthday Wishes for a Friend

If you were to describe this friend in a few words, what would they be? What are some personal jokes or experiences you’ve shared? What makes this friend different from others? The examples below might make you think of your bestie or could help you personalize your own unique birthday wish for a friend.

  • Happy Birthday to my most creative and talented friend! What a gift you are to everyone you know — especially me.

  • From phone calls over coffee to crazy nights out — our friendship makes life better in so many wonderful ways!

  • You’re my partner-in-crime, my voice of reason, my confidant, my comic relief … and the BEST best friend I could ask for.

  • [Twenty] years of friendship. Countless amazing memories. And many, many more adventures to come!

  • In honor of your birthday, you should totally go viral online. You bring the moves, I’ll bring the camera and confetti!
  • Some friends just feel like home. Thanks for always making me feel welcome.

  • Happy birthday to someone who doesn’t follow trends but sets them. You’re an icon.

  • We’ve shared so many eras together — each one better than the last. Can’t wait to see what our next one brings.
  • Happy birthday to someone who gives everyone they meet the warm fuzzies, a soul glow-up and a happy face — especially me!
  • If our friendship had a playlist, every song would be a hit. Happy birthday to a friend who rocks!
  • Here’s to living life deliciously — and starting with cake!
  • Happy birthday to the kind of person who restores everyone’s faith in humanity. Seriously —protect at all costs.

Appreciative Birthday Greetings for a Friend

When you think of this friend, what are you thankful for? What are some helpful things they’ve done or said? Why are they important in your life? Here are a few examples to help you find the words:

  • Thanks for always being there with a listening ear and great advice — I don’t know what I’d do without you.

  • Your birthday is celebrated once a year but having a friend like you is something to celebrate all year long!

  • You have a magical way of making work fun. Thank you for that!

  • Forever young. Forever friends. Forever grateful for you.

  • I’m grateful for you, the good times we share and all the laughter along the way.

  • Friend — such a simple word for one of life’s greatest gifts. So glad we’re friends!
  • This birthday wish is from someone who treasures you and hopes your day is amazing.
  • Happy Birthday! (Truth is, I celebrate you all year long — today just comes with cake.)
  • For all the laughs, talks and memories we’ve shared — thank you for being you.
  • Hope you feel loved and appreciated today — because you are, more than you know.
  • Wishing you a birthday as thoughtful, genuine and wonderful as you are.
  • You’ve been with me through every high and low — and I’m so thankful for you today and always.
  • The best part of friendship is knowing someone gets you completely. That’s what we have — and I’m so grateful.

Thoughtful Birthday Greetings for a Friend

When you want to write thoughtful happy birthday messages for a friend, a simple rule of thumb is to speak from the heart. Think about what makes your friendship special — the laughter, the support, the memories and above all, the person who makes life feel a little better just by being in it.

  • You were born to be amazing, and today we celebrate the day it all began. Happiest Birthday!
  • You’ve always had my back, and I hope you know I’ll always have yours, too. Happy Birthday, my friend.
  • You’ve been my go-to for [advice / sarcasm / random adventures], and I can’t thank you enough.
  • Hope your day has laughs in it, hugs in it, joy in it and love in it. You deserve it all!
  • You’re more than a good friend — you’re good people. Hope your birthday’s the best yet.
  • Every time you take a trip around the sun, you come back a little brighter. Here’s to your next glow-up! Happy Birthday!
  • Happy birthday to someone who brings good vibes everywhere they go.
  • You make everything better just by showing up. Wishing you an awesome birthday!
  • Happy birthday to one of the real ones — loyal, funny and always up for anything.
  • Happy Birthday! So glad we’ve shared [that road trip to ____ / all those late-night talks that went off the rails, etc.].
  • Wishing you a birthday as beautiful and one-of-a-kind as your taste in [perfume / art / life itself].
  • Here’s to another year of [coffee dates / walk and talks / spontaneous plans / late-night hangouts] with one of my favorite people.

Heartfelt Birthday Greetings for a Friend

Remembering your friend on their birthday with a card already shows you care, but if you love them like family, or they truly are your best friend, don’t be afraid to tell them so. Here are a few ways you can remind your friend how much you love them:

  • You’re more than a friend, you’re family to me — and I’ll always be here for you.

  • You were my “BFF” long before it was abbreviated! And you always will be.

  • We can totally be ourselves with each other — I love that about us.

  • Just thinking what a wonderful friend you are and hoping you have a beautiful birthday.

  • Even when we’re apart, you’ll always be one of my closest friends. Miss you — and we’ll celebrate soon!

  • You’re my chosen family — and I couldn’t be more grateful for you.

  • You’re like a [sister/brother] to me, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life.
  • You’re my person — the one I count on, laugh with and can always be myself around.
  • Happy Birthday to my ride or die — the one who’s seen it all and still sticks around.
  • I hope your birthday reminds you just how loved and appreciated you are — not just today, but every day.
  • Some people make life easier. You make it better. So grateful for you.
  • Through every up and down, we’ve always had each other — and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
  • You mean more to me than words can say — but I’ll start with this: I love you, my friend.
  • Happy Birthday to the person who always understands me, believes in me and brings out my best.
  • No matter where our adventures take us, you’ll always be my heart’s compass.
  • Love our friendship. Love you. Happy Birthday!

Short and Simple Birthday Wishes for a Friend

Sometimes a simple message is all you need for the best friend who understands you better than anyone. If that sounds like your friendship, then keep it frank with birthday sentiments like these.

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

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

  • Here’s to another amazing year of you! Cheers, my friend!

  • Yay, a day dedicated to my favorite person!! Celebrating you to fullest on your birthday!

  • Happy Birthday to the coolest person and best friend ever. (Cue slow clapping.)

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

  • Best friends like you don’t come along every day. Happy Birthday!

  • You make every day better just by being in it. Hope your birthday’s the best one yet!
  • Happy Birthday to the one who always brings the fun!
  • Hope your day’s filled with good vibes, good food and great company.
  • Happy Birthday! Can’t wait to celebrate all the good times ahead.
  • You’re one of a kind and totally irreplaceable. Happy Birthday, my friend!
  • Feel that? I’m giving you a birthday hug in my head right now.

Funny Birthday Wishes for a Friend

One of the easiest ways to put the happy in a friend’s birthday is to say something funny! You don’t even have to be a comedy writer to get big birthday laughs. Start with an inside joke, remind them of a funny memory, pull out a pun or tease them with a classic “over the hill” gag. Here are some cute and fun examples for inspiration:

  • Friend, don’t let your age get you down on your birthday. Truth is, you’re younger than you'll ever be again!

  • It’s my bestie’s birthday! Go ahead, take a bow!

  • Cue the confetti and celebrate every bit of your birthday!

  • Happy birthday to my best friendy!

  • Hope your cake day is filled with extra layers of happy!

  • We may not have mastered adulting, but we’ve nailed the friendship part. Happy Birthday!

  • WOO-HOO! If ever there were a day to make noise, this is it. Happy Birthday!
  • Let’s be honest: every day’s your day. This one just comes with frosting. Happy Bday!
  • My presence? Priceless. My presents? Optional. Happy Birthday!
  • [Insert age] looks good on you. Happy Birthday, Beautiful!
  • Eat cake like it’s your job — because today, it is. Enjoy the sugar rush and have a sweet birthday!
  • If friendship had an hourly rate, I’d owe you big time. Happy Birthday!
  • Here’s to you, [Name]. You’re a good dude — what else is there to say? Happy Birthday!
  • Happy Birthday to a friend who’s talented, witty and charming — no wonder we get along so well!

Religious Birthday Wishes for a Friend

When you’re thinking about how to send happy birthday wishes for a friend who shares your faith, a few deeply felt words can make your message even more meaningful. Celebrate their special day by reminding them they’re loved by God — and by you.

  • Happy Birthday to a dear friend who’s one of God’s greatest blessings in my life.
  • I thank God for the gift of your friendship — and pray this year brings you peace, joy and endless reasons to smile.
  • God made you wonderfully unique, and I’m so grateful He brought you into my life. Wishing you a beautiful birthday!
  • May your day be filled with reminders of how deeply you’re loved — by God and by everyone lucky enough to know you.
  • Praying this birthday marks the beginning of a year overflowing with grace, laughter and answered prayers.
  • God was smiling the day He made you, and I’m smiling today because you’re my friend. Happy Birthday!
  • May the Lord bless you and keep you in His care — today and always.
  • You shine God’s light in everything you do. Hope your birthday is as bright and full of love as you are.

Inspirational Birthday Wishes for a Friend

Looking for happy birthday wishes for a friend that speak from the soul? Whether your friend finds strength in faith, nature, energy or simple gratitude, these messages celebrate their light, purpose and the beautiful journey they’re on — perfect for people of all beliefs.

  • A lot can happen in a year — the earth circles the sun, the seasons shift and new stars appear. Imagine what wonders this year will bring to you.
  • Breathe deeply, dream boldly and celebrate the gift of your journey. Happy Birthday, my beautiful friend.
  • Breathe in peace, exhale gratitude — today and always.
  • Each year you shine brighter, love deeper and grow wiser. May this birthday mark another step in your beautiful evolution.
  • Happy Birthday to my one-of-a-kind friend — radiant, resilient and forever becoming.
  • Here’s to another trip around the sun — may it awaken your joy and renew your purpose.
  • May your birthday remind you how powerful, creative and full of possibility you truly are.
  • The universe put you here for a reason, and I’m so grateful our paths crossed. Shine on and celebrate yourself today!
  • This year, may you embrace your magic, follow your intuition and let your soul lead the way.
  • Trust the path you’re on — you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Happy Birthday!
  • You are light and laughter, stardust and spirit — and today the universe celebrates you.
  • You were born to shine — to move through this world with grace, courage and a touch of wild magic.

Milestone Birthday Wishes for a Friend

Every milestone birthday is something special — a time to look back on how far your friend’s come and get excited for everything still ahead. Whether they’re stepping into adulthood, thriving in their thirties or embracing the wisdom that comes with age, these happy birthday messages for a friend help celebrate every chapter along the way.

18th Birthday

  • Happy 18th Birthday! You’re officially an adult — but don’t worry, we’ll still have fun like kids.
  • You’re just getting started — dream big, trust yourself and enjoy every adventure ahead.

21st Birthday

  • You finally made it — 21! Time to toast to your best year yet.
  • Here’s to cocktails, confidence and chasing everything you want out of life.

30th Birthday

  • Here’s to thriving in your 30s and loving every second of it!
  • You’ve grown, learned and loved your way here, and life’s only getting better. Happy 30th!

40th Birthday

  • Life begins at 40 — and knowing you, it’s going to be amazing.
  • Cheers to 40 years of living, loving and laughing louder than ever.
  • Level 40 unlocked. Here’s to the best decade yet.

50th Birthday

  • Half a century of friendship, laughter and love — what an amazing story you’re writing.
  • You’re not getting older, you’re getting even more unforgettable.
  • Five decades in, and you’re still setting the bar for cool.

60th Birthday

  • Sixty looks good on you — but honestly, every age has.
  • Strong. Stylish. Still going full speed. Happy 60th!

70th Birthday

  • Seventy and still shining bright!
  • Here’s to seven decades of memories and many more to come.

80th Birthday

  • You’ve spent a lifetime uplifting others, and now it’s your turn to be celebrated.
  • Eighty never looked so inspiring. Here’s to you!

90th Birthday

  • You’ve touched so many lives with your warmth and wisdom — today we celebrate you.
  • Here’s to 90 incredible years of grit and grace.

100th Birthday

  • You’ve seen the world change a hundred times and made it better every step of the way.
  • You’re living proof that courage and character never age.

How Can I Send Happy Birthday Wishes for a Friend?

You can make every birthday feel personal with American Greetings birthday ecards for friends. Customize your card with a heartfelt message, favorite photos or even add their name and special details to make them smile. Once your message feels just right, you can send your ecard instantly by text, email or social post — it’s fast, easy and fun. With an American Greetings subscription, you’ll always have the perfect card ready to share. Start your free trial today and begin spreading birthday cheer in seconds.

Give Your Friend A Special Birthday Gift With Their Card

Surprise your pal by purchasing an egift card, too! Choose from a variety of stores, restaurants and experiences they’ll love, by adding an online gift card to your greeting or visiting our gift cards page.

 

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.