When it comes to signing birthday cards, there are people who have no problem picking up a pen and adding a warm, personal message. Then there are those of us who sometimes have trouble getting beyond “Happy Birthday.” Wherever you fall on that inspiration spectrum, we have ideas to help you write a more meaningful message in your card. Show
In this guide, Hallmark writers offer birthday-message tips and inspiring examples. Just click on the category that interests you below to go straight to the birthday wishes you need. Or feel free to read the whole guide and mix and match until you feel like your birthday message has just the right vibe. We hope our tips help with the next birthday card you sign…and many more!
Happy Birthday WishesWhen the card has already said it all or you just feel like keeping things short and sweet, a few short, sweet words might be the way to go. Here are some ideas for adding a little extra warmth and personality to your mighty little message. Examples
Writing tip: One Hallmark writer said she chooses her cards very carefully for each birthday person so that she doesn’t have to add much in the way of a personal message. In other words, it’s fine to let the printed message and design do most of the talking for you. Even professional writers do it! Milestone BirthdaysThe milestone birthday person might not wake up feeling like this birthday is particularly special or different from any other. So, it’s your job to let him or her know what a big deal it is to have a nice, round-number birthday! Examples
Writing tip: Ages 16, 18, 21, 30, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 and 100 are traditionally considered milestones. Cards specific to these birthdays will feature the age number prominently in their design, but you can make any card a milestone card (or any birthday a milestone birthday) by writing that shiny new age number somewhere in your personal message. Also keep in mind that milestone birthdays vary by culture. Thirteen is considered a milestone birthday for Jewish boys who become a bar mitzvah. Jewish girls are celebrated when they become a bat mitzvah at 12 or 13. Quinceañeras, when young girls turn 15 and begin to enter womanhood, are milestone birthdays in Latinx culture. And in some eastern Asian cultures, like in China and Korea, the first 100 days of a child’s life is cause for huge celebration, as is the first birthday. Funny Birthday WishesSharing a laugh in a funny birthday card is a great way to personalize a card for someone you know well. Wisecracks about getting older, jokes about over-indulging, gags about gifts (or the lack thereof)—all are good possibilities for funny messages. Examples
Writing Tip: Try to sound like you do when you’re talking. Like, if you say “like” all the time, write “like” a lot. It’s OK and it’s, like, more personal and the person can kind of hear you talking and from there, you can refer to something funny that happened and they’ll laugh because, like, it totally reminds them of when the funny thing happened! BelatedLate really is better than never! If life, memory lapse or alien abduction has interfered with the timely delivery of your card, send it anyway. You can include a sincere or humorous apology…or just frame it as your way of extending the birthday fun! Examples
Writing tip: Cards made specifically for belated birthdays are good for when you remember the birthday after the fact. However, if you already have the card but just didn’t get it delivered on time, stick with what you’ve got. You can mention its lateness in your personal message—or not. It’s really your call. For a FriendSometimes you just want to tell someone, “Thanks for being a good friend.” A birthday card is a great way to do just that. (And we’ve got even more birthday wishes for even more friends here.) Examples
even more ideas for birthday wishes for friends. Writing tip: If you’ve chosen a blank or just-for-fun card simply because you know your friend would like it, you can easily make it a birthday card by mentioning birthday somewhere in your personal message. Friendship is flexible like that! For MomWhat you write to your mother on her birthday will depend on the kind of relationship the two of you share. In general, love, appreciation, and upbeat wishes are a good bet. If she’s got a healthy sense of humor, feel free to make her laugh. You can always keep it light one year, and go more heartfelt the next. Examples
Want even more birthday message ideas for Mom? Check out this article with more than 100 ideas just for her, including options for stepmoms, mother-in-laws and more! Writing Tip: Sharing a birthday memory can be a fun idea for mom, too: “I still remember you all dressed up to go out for your 40th birthday. I thought I had the prettiest mom in the world. I still do.” For DadLove, thanks, and warm wishes make good birthday messages for dad, too. Again, let your relationship be your guide, and write from the heart. Examples
Writing Tip: Even a dad who never gets mushy in person can still appreciate a warm and loving written message. Cards are a perfect vehicle for saying the heartfelt things that can be hard to say face-to-face. For a ChildIf you don’t like to write a lot on a birthday card, then send more cards to kids, because even those who have learned to read are often too excited to sit through a very long message. Keep your wish short, sweet and fun, and your card will be a hit with the birthday kid. Examples
Writing tip: Some adults might not want to be reminded of their new age, but kids will love seeing that you know exactly how old they are now! If it’s not already printed on the card, be sure to write the birthday kid’s age somewhere in your message. For a Spouse or Significant OtherIf you’re married to or dating the birthday boy or girl, this is a great opportunity to strengthen your relationship. Depending on your circumstances, it might also be a great chance for a little flirtatious fun. Examples
Writing tip: Using your private pet name for the recipient can instantly make a simple message more warm and personal. No matter what you say, use words that sound like you. For a Family MemberChances are, your family members will be getting a lot of birthday cards from you through the years, so you can mix it up and write a longer personal message some years and a shorter message others. Love, compliments and warm wishes all work nicely for family. So do “Proud of you” and “I’m glad we’re family” messages. Examples
Writing tip: If your card doesn’t specifically mention your family relationship with the recipient, include it in your personal message. You can either address the recipient by the title you use for them (Nana, Pop-Pop, Aunt Suzie, etc.), or mention the relationship (sister, cousin, etc.) somewhere in your message. Speaking of sisters, we have a whole article filled with birthday message ideas just for them! Complicated RelationshipsSometimes we want to send a birthday message but the timing or the relationship is complicated. Those are the times you can let the card do the talking—or you can write a simple, sincere message that says just enough. Examples
Helpful tip: When you need a simple birthday card for a complicated relationship, search by “Tone.” Try looking under “General Wish,” “Short and Simple” or “Simply Stated.” Tough TimesBirthdays are happy occasions that sometimes fall during tough times due to illness, job loss, bereavement or other challenging circumstances. A card is a great way to let the birthday person know you’re still thinking of (and celebrating) them even in the midst of a difficult year. Examples
Writing tip: Humor can be a great day-brightener even in the midst of a challenging time. If you know the birthday person appreciates a good laugh, feel free to choose a funny card and/or add a humorous personal message. Professional RelationshipsLet your relationship guide you when signing a birthday card for a co-worker. If it’s someone you’re close to, you can be as casual in your message as you would with nonwork friends. If it’s your supervisor or someone with whom you have a relationship that’s more strictly about work, then keep your message more formal. Examples
Writing tip: Do resist any urge to talk shop when signing a birthday card for a co-worker. Your card is a place for official birthday business only. Signing a Group CardHere are some ideas for when you’re the umpteenth person to sign the birthday card, and all the obvious messages (and most of the space) have already been taken. Examples
Warm ClosingsA warm closing before your signature is like the bow on top of the birthday gift. Choose one of ours, or come up with one of your own.
Keely Chace is a Hallmark Master Writer who loves reading, running and spending time with her husband and daughters. She shares writing tips in her "What to Write" series on Hallmark & Community. How do I say happy birthday to my dad?Short and Sweet Birthday Wishes for Your Dad. I'm the luckiest person to have a dad like you. ... . You're one-of-a-kind and I love you so much. ... . I love you today, tomorrow and forever. ... . Wishing the most wonderful dad the best birthday ever!. Happy birthday, dad! ... . Happy birthday to the best dad in the universe!. What should I say to my dad on her birthday?I wish you a birthday that is as perfect and full of joy as you made my childhood. Happy birthday to you, Dad. You'll always be my superhero. My wish for you on this birthday is that you know how very much I love and respect you.
What should I write on a birthday card?Adding a compliment will deliver some warm fuzzies
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!
What can I write in my dad's birthday card UK?Birthday Card Messages For Dad
Today is the right time for me to say, how grateful I am to you for always showing me the way. Happy Birthday, Dad! To me you're more than just a dad, you're my hero, inspiration and best friend. Happy Birthday!
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