Kids' Birthday Cards, Sorted By Age
Birthday cards for children, from a first birthday through to the teenage years where nothing is ever cool enough. Every design is drawn in house, printed in the UK and posted first class in a kraft envelope. They are blank inside, so there is room for the message, the age, and a note to the parent if the card is going in the post rather than to a party.
By age
For one, two and three year olds, the card is really for the parents, so bright, simple designs and a big number work best. Four to seven is the age where the child recognises their own card, which is where animals, dinosaurs, space and silly faces do the work. Eight to eleven wants a joke they can repeat at school. Twelve and up wants something that does not look like it was chosen by an adult, which usually means a dry gag rather than balloons and bunting.
Cards for parties and for posting
If the card is going to a party, the child will open it in a stack of fifteen, so the front matters more than the message. If it is going in the post to a niece, nephew or grandchild, the inside matters more, because it will be read out loud and probably kept. Posting it a couple of days early is worth doing: first class is usually next working day but it is not guaranteed, and second class can take up to five days.
Making it feel like more
A card plus a small thing beats a bigger card on its own. Our birthday badges are pin badges small enough to send alongside a card in one order, and they get worn all day. Table confetti and cake toppers ship in the same parcel if you are helping with the party too. For everything else, see birthday cards and first birthday cards.
What to write in a child's birthday card
Short, specific and about them. Mention the age, one thing they love right now, and something you will do together. "Six! Nobody knows more about sharks than you. Let's go to the aquarium in the holidays." That gets kept on a shelf far longer than "Happy birthday, love from".
Frequently asked questions
What do you write in a kid's birthday card?
Say the age out loud, mention something they are into right now, and add a plan to do something together. Keep it to two or three short lines they can read themselves.
What birthday card suits a 10 year old?
Something with a joke they can repeat. By eight or nine most children want funny rather than cute, and they want a card that does not look babyish.
How much money do you put in a child's birthday card?
In the UK, £5 to £10 is normal for a school friend, £10 to £20 for a niece, nephew or godchild, and more for your own children. There is no expectation to include money at all.
Are your kids' cards blank inside?
Yes, every card is blank inside so you can write your own message and add the age.
How soon should I post a child's birthday card?
Post three to four working days ahead. First class is usually next working day but is not guaranteed, and second class can take up to five days.
