Beyond the obvious two—‘happy’ and, of course, ‘birthday’—it can be hard to find the right words to let a loved one know just how much they mean to you on their birthday. However, if you’re looking for some ideas for what to write in a birthday card, Zazzle is, as always, here to provide assistance! We’ve put together a handy list of birthday messages that will not only help you express your feelings but also make you look like a wonderfully eloquent blend of poet, philosopher, and comedian in the process. Follow our advice and you can be sure that when they blow out their candles this year, they’ll be wishing they had more friends just like you!
Funny Birthday Wishes
It might sound like a cliché, but there’s no better birthday gift than the gift of laughter. With that said, here’s a selection of funny greetings sure to give them a good chuckle and get their birthday off to the perfect start!
- Forget about the past, you can’t change it! Forget about the future, you can’t predict it! Forget about the present, I didn’t get you one!
- Aging is mandatory—adulting is optional!
- You’re old. But at least you woke up today! Happy birthday!
- You’ve reached that age when “Happy Hour” means… a nap.
- If you lick the frosting off a cupcake it becomes a muffin, and muffins are healthy. You’re welcome!
What to Write in a Birthday Card for a Friend
As the saying goes, “friends are the family we choose for ourselves,” so make sure your bestie feels every bit as loved and valued as a member of your immediate family with a thoughtful message on their birthday!
- It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters. I’m so lucky to have you in mine. Happy birthday dear friend!
- Thank you for always being a rainbow to my cloud. You truly deserve the happiest of birthdays!
- Happy birthday to an amazing friend. Here’s to another year of us laughing at our own jokes, dealing with stupid people and keeping each other sane.
- My sweetest adventures always include you.
- Happy birthday to my brother from another mother.
Birthday Wishes For Family
And now, of course, your actual family—the ones who love you unconditionally. We may not choose them for ourselves, but we are, nevertheless, delighted to have them in our lives… most of the time.
What to Write in a Birthday Card for Dad
- I smile because you’re my dad. I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it! Happy Birthday Dad!
- Thanks for always being there. You always show how much you care. Thanks for everything you do. There is no better DAD than you.
- I know that there’s one person I can always count on, and that’s you, Dad. Happy Birthday!
- Dad, you’ll always be my favorite superhero! I hope you have the greatest birthday.
What to Write in a Birthday Card for Mom
- Happy birthday Mom. Wishing you a very happy birthday and a year filled with love and laughter.
- Happy birthday to the world’s best mom. You taught me everything I know!
- Forever proud to call you my mother. Wishing you the most wonderful birthday!
- Happy Birthday from your favorite son!
What to Write in a Birthday Card for a Sibling
- You and I are sisters/brothers. Always remember that if you fall I will pick you up… As soon as I finish LAUGHING!
- Happy birthday! Being my sibling is the only gift you’ll ever really need, just sayin’.
- For my sister on her birthday. If I had a rose for every time I thought of you, I’d be picking roses for a lifetime.
- Brothers like you are special and few. That’s why I’m so glad I’m related to you!
What to Write in a Birthday Card for Other Family Members
- My sweet baby boy/girl, you are my everything. I hope your birthday is every bit as special as you are!
- Best birthday wishes to a one-of-a-kind grandma/grandpa. We adore you!
- To the greatest aunt/uncle I could have ever been blessed with, happy birthday!
What to Write in a Birthday Card for a Significant Other
They really are very significant, these ‘others,’ and so the pressure is on to deliver something deep and truly meaningful on their birthday. That you’ve stolen your beautiful words straight from Zazzle Ideas won’t detract from their power one bit… as long as nobody finds out, that is.
- If you live to be a hundred, I hope I live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you. I love you with all my heart. Happy birthday!
- “Rare as is true love, true friendship is rarer” – Jean de La Fontaine. Thankfully, we have both. Have a wonderful birthday my true love and best friend!
- I met you. I liked you. I loved you. I’m keeping you. Forever yours…
- How wonderful life is… while you’re in my world! Happy Birthday!
- If I know what love is, it is because of you. I am totally in love with my best friend and I will love you forever.
What to Write in a Birthday Card for Coworkers
Whether your relationship is purely professional or you’ve actually forged a strong friendship that transcends the workplace, you’ll find a suitable birthday message in the shortlist below!
- Today, may your inbox be empty and your coffee cup always be full! Happy birthday to a wonderful colleague!!
- Happy birthday from all the team! Here’s to another great year ahead!
- Only a boss as wonderful as you could have an employee as awesome as me. Happy birthday!
- Thanks to you, I always see a friendly face each day. And always have someone to turn to when things don’t go my way. You’re better than a day off. You’re as good as a raise. And thanks to you, I always look forward to Mondays! Have a wonderful birthday!
- Happy birthday to an equally overqualified and underpaid co-worker. You just make it all better.
Belated Birthday Message Ideas
Uh-oh, you’ve missed their birthday! In the age of Facebook reminders, that’s even harder to excuse. However, it’s nothing that a sincere and heartfelt apology, or a little humor can’t fix. And by the way, if you’re looking for a fabulous last-minute birthday gift, we highly recommend a Zazzle gift card!
- So very sorry I missed your birthday, but I hope it was the best one yet! Warmest wishes…
- Let’s just pretend this was the postal service’s fault, shall we? Hope you had a great birthday!
- I didn’t forget. I’m just slooow. Happy belated birthday!
- An elephant never forgets but alas I am only human and so I am very sorry I forgot. Happy birthday!
- The road to wishing you a happy birthday is paved with good intentions and then buried in an avalanche of procrastination. Happy birthday (a little late).
Birthday Wishes For Special Birthdays
When someone reaches a milestone birthday, like a sweet 16, a 21st, or a 50th, you need a birthday message that’s extra special. Just like these ones!
- You know what they always say, the first 30 years of childhood are always the hardest. Happy 30th birthday!
- Your whole life is still ahead of you, and we hope it’s filled with laughter, love, joy, and dreams come true! Happy 21st birthday!
- If your sweet 16th birthday is as special and amazing as you are, you are going to have one earth-shattering, amazing, fantastic birthday!
- Let’s drink red, red wine because UB40!
- [NAME] you are fabulous at 50. Nobody sparkles like you do! Happy birthday.
How to Design Your Very Own Birthday Card
We hope our list has provided you with the ideas and inspiration that you were seeking. If so, the next step is to customize your chosen message and card to add that personal touch. To do so, click on any card linked above and then hit ‘Personalize’ to access our easy-to-use design tool. From there, you’ll be able to add your own photos, edit text, and experiment with a wide variety of other wonderful design features.
Time needed: 15 minutes
If you’ve seen a birthday message you like, but the existing card designs aren’t to your taste, create your very own custom card from scratch. To do so, follow this handy step-by-step guide.
- Head straight to our main greeting cards hub.
You’ll find a wide selection of different types of cards. Whether you’d like a folded card or a postcard, this is the spot to find a card of your liking!
- Select a blank card template.
Scroll down to the ‘Create Your Own Design’ section and select a blank template to work with from a variety of different styles.
- Enter Zazzle’s free design tool.
Click ‘Add Image’ or ‘Add Text’ on the right-hand side of the page to access the design tool.
- Add your own design elements.
Use the options on the left-hand side of the design tool to upload your image files, write your own message, and add icons or elements.
- Adjust any colors or fonts.
Change the background color or text colors using the options on the right-hand side – Pro tip: Find more help and shortcuts when using Zazzle’s design tool under the ‘Help’ tab in the bottom left corner of the menu bar at the top.
- Click done & purchase.
When you’re satisfied with your design, hit ‘Done’ at the top of the page and then ‘Add to Cart.’ Congratulations, you’ve just created your first birthday card from scratch!
That’s it folks, we’ve reached the end of our list of birthday wishes & messages. If you’re still not sure what to write in your birthday card, our final piece of advice is just to keep it simple and speak from the heart. In the end, no matter what you write, your card will be a simple reminder to the recipient that you’re thinking of them, and that’s all that really matters.
Ella is a content specialist from Cork, Ireland. Her passions include spending time with her two energetic dogs, film photography and trying new vegan food! She enjoys writing articles, especially about weddings, because she is a romantic at heart!
How can I purchase a gift card?
Hi Mary! You can purchase a gift card here: https://www.zazzle.com/gift+cards