Every birthday is an opportunity to show a loved one just how much you care. You can bake a cake from scratch, throw a party, or buy a thoughtful gift to celebrate the birthday boy or girl. But the celebration simply wouldn't be complete without a birthday card that includes a heartfelt message inside.
It's fair to say that after celebrating so many birthdays in your life, it can be hard to come up with new lines or wishes to fill a card. And that pretty much goes for anyone, whether it's a friend, sibling, or partner. Heck, it can be a head-scratcher even if you haven't known someone that long! Before you skip writing one altogether, pause and read our collection of birthday card messages that will work for just about anyone in your life.
We've collected the best birthday wishes for best friends, coworkers, and siblings. Here's the thing—when you're figuring out what to write in a birthday card, the audience is everything. A card for a sister should be a little more heartfelt and personal than a card for a coworker! If the card is for a grandpa who loves dad jokes, go for a funny birthday message that will earn you brownie points. These sweet, funny, simple, and touching birthday messages are fit for any type of birthday card, store-bought or homemade.
Funny Birthday Messages for Anyone
- Funny, stylish, smart, and doesn't look a day over 25? How she/he does it, we'll never know. Happy birthday!
- My presence in your life is a gift in itself. You're welcome, and happy birthday!
- A real friend remembers your birthday, but not your age. Happy birthday!
- Happy birthday! Remember to count the blessings, not the wrinkles.
- Isn't it funny we used to be young? Oh well, happy birthday!
- You don't look a day over 20! From a distance... with my eyes closed. Have a great birthday!
- Happy birthday golden girl. Since gray hairs symbolize wisdom, I guess you're the wisest one in the room!
- Have a grate birthday! I decided not to write something too cheesy.
- I'd wish you a happy birthday, but after all these years, it's starting to get old!
- Very glad you were born because my life would be infinitely less exciting. Happy birthday and keep up the good work getting older!
Birthday Wishes for Mom
- Happy birthday, Mom! Your love is the guiding light that brightens our lives every day.
- Wishing the most wonderful birthday to the woman whose warmth and wisdom make every moment special.
- To the queen of our hearts, happy birthday, Mom! Your grace and strength inspire us daily.
- Mom, your birthday is a celebration of the incredible person you are—loving, caring, and simply amazing.
- Happy birthday to the woman who makes our home a haven of love and laughter. We cherish you, Mom.
- Celebrating the extraordinary woman who not only gave us life but also fills it with joy and love.
- Mom, your birthday is a reminder of the love and kindness you bring to our lives. Wishing you a day as beautiful as you are.
- Your unwavering support and boundless love make you the heart of our family.
- Cheers to the woman who taught us to dream big and love even bigger.
- On your special day, Mom, may you feel the warmth of the love you've given us throughout the years.
Birthday Wishes for Dad
- Happy birthday, Dad! Your strength, wisdom, and endless support shape the hero you are in our lives.
- Wishing a fantastic birthday to the man who leads our family with love and inspires us with his courage.
- Dad, your birthday is a celebration of the incredible role model you are—wise, strong, and filled with love.
- Happy birthday to the anchor of our family, whose presence brings joy to our every day.
- Celebrating the amazing man who not only provided for us but also enriched our lives with love and laughter.
- Dad, your birthday is a reminder of the love and guidance that make our family strong. Here's to you, today and always.
- Happy birthday to the man who taught us to persevere, dream big, and never underestimate the power of a good dad.
- Cheers to the father whose love and sacrifices have built the foundation of our family.
- On your special day, Dad, may you feel the appreciation and gratitude we hold for the incredible man you are.
- Your presence is a gift, and your love is a treasure that enriches our lives every single day.
Birthday Messages for a Friend
- I don't know what I'd do without you, but I do know your friendship means the world. Happiest of birthdays to you.
- I'm so grateful you came into my life when you did! Here's to so many more years tied at the hip.
- My favorite person just turned a year older! Words cannot describe all that you mean to me. Happy birthday, friend.
- Long-distance relationships got nothing on us! No matter how far apart we live, you're still the closest to my heart.
- Happy birthday to the best friend a person could ask for! I love you to the moon and back!
- Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, you're always there. You handle yourself with such poise, and I feel grateful to call you my friend.
- I can't wait to gossip with you in the nursing home—happy birthday!
- Thank you for always being the best friend. Happy, happy birthday!
- Happy birthday, sweets! Here's to another year of laughter, fun, and shenanigans!
- Thanks for all the wonderful memories this year and every year! Happy birthday, bestie!
Short and Simple Birthday Messages for a Coworker
- Happy birthday to the person who keeps me chugging along!
- Thanks for being the best coffee-run coworker. Here's a little something to celebrate you!
- Have the best, best celebration! Promise me you won't work today?
- I hope you enjoy your special day and live it to the fullest. Happy Happy you day!
- Today is all about you! Thanks for always keeping me sane at work.
- Happy birthday! I don't know what I would do without my favorite work buddy.
- Wishing you a wonderful birthday and an even better year ahead.
- I hope your day is full of light and love. Time to celebrate you!
- To the most hardworking person I know—it's time to eat cake!
- It is always such a joy working with you. May all your birthday wishes come true!
Sweet Brother and Sister Birthday Messages
- Nobody can make me laugh, cry, and get so mad like you do, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Happy birthday, sis/bro.
- To the kid who drove me absolutely crazy growing up—happy, happy birthday.
- Siblings are one of God's greatest gifts. I feel particularly blessed that you were born.
- When in doubt, I always call you. Happy birthday to the best mentor a person could ask for.
- Happy birthday from your favorite sibling!
- Happiest of birthdays! Thank you for always protecting me and leading the way.
- Thank you for being the best vault for all my secrets year after year. What are siblings for?
- Another birthday, another year spent surviving our family's crazy. Thanks for being my sib!
- To the world's best bad influence—tonight we keep the party going!
- Happy birthday to the best person! On your special day, I just want to thank you for always being older than me.
Touching Happy Birthday Messages
- Happy, happy birthday! You inspire me every day with your wisdom, grace, and ability to listen.
- Wishing you a day filled with as much love and joy as you've brought to my life.
- Every day I celebrate you, but today especially. Thank you for always being there.
- No one in my life compares to you. I hope you have the best birthday, you deserve it.
- I am beyond grateful for everything that you do for us. So today, we’re celebrating you. Happy birthday!
- To my greatest inspiration, may you have a blessed birthday and a fruitful year.
- Happy birthday to my favorite person! You're the reason I'm where I am today, and how wonderful is that?
- How can words capture all that you mean to me? They're insufficient, so for now, I'll say happy birthday.
- Knowing you is one of the greatest blessings in my life. You set an example for everyone you meet, and I hope to always live up to that.
- There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. You're quite simply the best. Happy birthday.
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
