Birthday card wording templates

The tricky part of a birthday card is not the greeting, it is knowing how warm to be. These templates set the tone for you, so all you have to add is the detail.

Swap anything in brackets, cut anything that does not sound like you, and stop while it still fits on the page.

For a parent

• "Happy birthday [Mum/Dad]. Thank you for [thing they always do]. I hope you get a proper day off."
• "To the person who taught me [skill] - have a brilliant birthday."
• "Another year of you doing everything for everyone. Today it is your turn."

For a friend

• "Happy birthday to the person who [funny shared thing]. Never change." Shop this card
• "[Number] years of friendship and you are still the first person I text about [thing]."
• "Have a great one. Drinks on me, within reason."

For a colleague

• "Happy birthday [name] - hope you get out of here on time for once."
• "From all of us in [team]. Enjoy your day, we will cover the inbox."
• "Wishing you a great birthday and a quiet afternoon."

For a milestone

• 18th: "Legally an adult. Emotionally, we will see. Happy 18th."
• 40th: "Forty and finally old enough to say no to things. Enjoy it."
• 60th: "Sixty years of being brilliant at [thing]. Happy birthday." Shop this card
• 80th: "Eighty years, and still the best storyteller in the family."

For a child

• "Happy birthday [name]! You are [age] - that is nearly grown up."
• "Hope your day is full of cake, presents and absolutely no bedtime."
• "[Age] today! Have the best day ever."

All birthday cards

How to write it so it lands

• Match the tone to how you actually speak to them.
• For a group card, leave the top half clear for everyone else.

Where to shop next

• Card message templates you can fill in
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Frequently asked questions

What do you write in a birthday card for someone you barely know?

Keep it warm and short: "Happy birthday [name] - hope you have a great day." Sign your full name if they might not place you.

Should you mention their age?

Only if they mention it themselves. Milestones are usually fair game, everything in between is safer left alone.