What to Write in a Birthday Card: 100+ Messages for Everyone

You're in the right place for what to write in a birthday card. There are 37 ready-to-copy lines on this page, grouped into the three-line formula, short birthday messages and funny birthday messages, plus more below - pick one, change a detail so it sounds like you, and you're done.

Quick answer: open with "Happy birthday" and their name, add one personal line (a memory, a joke you share or something you admire), then finish with a wish for the year ahead and sign off. Three lines is plenty.

Most birthday cards go wrong because people try to write a speech. The ones that get kept on the mantelpiece are short, specific and sound like the person who wrote them. Below you'll find messages grouped by who the card is for and by tone, so you can copy one in as it is or use it as a starting point.

Writing for a milestone? Jump to our age guides for 18th, 21st, 30th, 40th and 50th birthday messages, linked at the bottom of this page.

The three-line formula

• Line one: Happy birthday, [name]!
• Line two: one personal thing ("Still can't believe you got us lost in Margate.")
• Line three: a wish ("Here's to a year of better navigation and bigger nights out.")
• Sign off: Love, Lots of love, Cheers, or All the best for colleagues.

Short birthday messages

• Happy birthday! Hope it's a brilliant one.
• Wishing you the best day and an even better year.
• Happy birthday. Cake first, responsibilities later.
• Have the loveliest day, you deserve it.
• Another year fabulous. Happy birthday!
• Cheers to you. Happy birthday!

Funny birthday messages

• Happy birthday! Don't worry about getting older, you're still younger than you'll be next year.
• I was going to get you something really special, then I remembered you've already got me.
• Happy birthday to someone who's aged like a fine wine. Mostly by spending time near wine.
• Age is just a number. In your case, quite a big one.
• Happy birthday! I've told everyone you're 29 again, so please keep up.
• You're not old, you're vintage. Vintage things are expensive and hard to look after.

Heartfelt birthday messages

• I hope you know how much brighter life is with you in it. Happy birthday.
• Thank you for being the person I can always call. Have a wonderful day.
• Wishing you a year as kind and generous as you are.
• Every year I'm more grateful you're in my life. Happy birthday.
• You make everyone around you better. I hope today gives some of that back.

For a friend or best friend

• Happy birthday to my partner in crime. Same time next year, same bad decisions.
• Thanks for another year of voice notes, terrible advice and brilliant company.
• Friends like you are rare. Have the best day.
• Happy birthday! I'd say you don't look a day older, but we promised never to lie to each other.

For mum or dad

• Happy birthday, Mum. Thank you for everything, especially the bits I never noticed at the time.
• Happy birthday, Dad. Still the best at fixing things, including me.
• To the best mum in the world (official, I checked). Have a lovely day.
• Happy birthday, Dad. I've finally realised you were right about most things. Don't let it go to your head.

For a husband, wife or partner

• Happy birthday to my favourite person. Every year with you is my favourite year.
• I'd choose you again every single time. Happy birthday, love.
• Happy birthday to the one who puts up with me. Today, I'll put up with you.
• You still make me laugh more than anyone. Happy birthday, gorgeous.

For a colleague or someone you don't know well

• Happy birthday! Hope you have a great day and get to leave on time.
• Wishing you a very happy birthday from all of us.
• Happy birthday, and thanks for keeping the office running (and the biscuit tin full).
• Have a lovely day and a great year ahead.

Browse funny birthday cards

How to write it so it lands

• Use their name; it instantly makes a card feel personal.
• One specific memory beats three general compliments.
• Write in pencil first if your handwriting needs a rehearsal.

Where to shop next

• 18th birthday messages
• 21st birthday messages
• 30th birthday messages
• 40th birthday messages
• 50th birthday messages
• Birthday card messages for mum
• Birthday card messages for dad
• Birthday card messages for wife
• Belated birthday messages
• Funny birthday cards
• What to write in a card: every message guide
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• Birthday badges & party pins
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Party bag ideas for adults
• How much helium do you need for balloons?
• Funny Father's Day cards
• Mother's Day gifts
• Thank you cards
• Thank you cards guide
• Pin badges
• All guides

Frequently asked questions

What do you write in a birthday card?

Say happy birthday with their name, add one personal line such as a memory or shared joke, and finish with a wish for the year ahead.

How long should a birthday card message be?

Two to four lines. Short and specific beats long and generic.

What do you write in a birthday card for someone you don't know well?

Keep it warm and simple: "Happy birthday, hope you have a lovely day and a great year ahead."

How do you sign off a birthday card?

Love or Lots of love for family and close friends, Best wishes or All the best for colleagues and acquaintances.

Is it OK to write a funny message?

Yes, if you know their sense of humour. A good rule is a joke followed by one sincere line.