Kids' Birthday Cards: The Complete Guide
Kids' birthday cards: choosing one and what to write
Buying a birthday card for a child is easy to get wrong in both directions: too babyish and they're insulted, too grown up and they don't get it. Age matters more than anything else here, and it changes fast between four and fourteen.
This page sorts it out by age, gives you wording that works for each one, and links to the party, joke and games guides that usually come with the card.
Kids' birthday cards, posted today
Bright, funny birthday cards children actually like. Printed in the UK, blank inside, first class post.
You Old Bastard (Funny Birthday Card)
£3.87
Happy Birthday Papa (Happy Birthday Card) (Multiple designs)
£3.87
Happy Birthday Bab (Happy Birthday Card) (Multiple designs)
£3.87
Yoda Best Multi-Occasion Greeting Card
£3.87
Happy Birthday Handsome (Happy Birthday Card) (Multiple designs)
£3.87
Fifty & Even More Fabulous Than Ever (50th Birthday Card)
£3.87
Choosing a card by age
- Under 5: big numbers, bright colours, one simple joke. They're reading the picture, not the words.
- 5 to 8: silly beats clever. Anything with a rude-ish noise in it will be read out loud all day.
- 9 to 12: they've worked out sarcasm and they love it. Pitch slightly older than they are.
- 13 and up: treat them like an adult with better hair. Nothing with a cartoon bear on it.
What to write in a child's birthday card
- Happy birthday! Officially old enough to know better, still won't.
- Have the best day, eat too much cake, blame us.
- Another year older and somehow even louder. Happy birthday.
- Hope your birthday is as brilliant as you think it's going to be.
- Happy birthday. Spend the money on something your parents wouldn't buy you.
Pin badges to slip in the envelope
A badge costs less than a party bag and lasts a lot longer.
Where to shop next
- Buy a birthday card
- Kids' party games by age
- Party bag ideas for kids
- Jokes for kids
- Riddles for kids
- Funny rhymes for kids
- Shop kids' birthday cards
- Shop all birthday cards
- 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?
- Gifts to make someone smile
- Thinking of you gifts
- Birthday pin badges
- Funny Birthday Cards for Dad - shop the range
- Funny Birthday Cards for Her - shop the range
- Funny Birthday Cards for Him - shop the range
Frequently asked questions
What do you write in a child's birthday card?
Keep it to two lines, name their age and add one joke they'll understand. If money's going in, say what it's for.
How much money do you put in a child's birthday card?
In the UK, £5 to £10 for a friend's child, £10 to £20 for a niece, nephew or godchild, more for milestones like 13, 16 and 18.
What age do children stop wanting cartoon cards?
Usually around nine. After that, funny and slightly cheeky beats characters almost every time.
Do you sell cards with the age on them?
Yes, we have milestone designs alongside general kids' birthday cards.
When should I post it?
Two to three days ahead. First Class is usually next working day; Second Class is meant to be two working days but can take up to five.