100+ Birthday Wishes & Card Messages For Everyone

Happy birthday card ideas

Not as easy as blowing out the candles, but penning Happy Birthday wishes might be easier than you think. Print it, text it, email it, or send it by carrier pigeon, but if you remember a few guidelines, your greeting will be great!

  • Happy Birthday wishes should express an actual wish. A birthday card worth sending will include “me to you” words directed to the Birthday Person. Now feel free to add that quote or quote that pun!
  • A birthday message doesn’t have to be uber personal or high in word count. The people who populate your day range from the barely known to the closely connected, and it’s okay, even appropriate, for your birthday wishes to reflect the level of your relationship. Impact happens because you invested the time and effort to celebrate them with a card. 
  • Professionally-written birthday wishes are widely available, and there’s no shame in letting the pros do the writing while you do the choosing. But, really? You can do this. Here are some examples it’s likely you can equal. Or, okay, just use them. That, too.

Click on one of the birthday messages themes to prime your creative pump with sample ideas. Here’s to your “Happy Birthday” success:

FOR EVERYONE  – General messages 

Every day is a birthday for somebody! Jumpstart your brainstorming with these Happy Birthday wishes that are suitable for almost anyone.

  • Happy Birthday, Taylor! Wishing you a birthday that brings you happiness today and gives you memories to cherish.
  • Have a great day, Skylar! You make every year look its best!
  • May the day of your birth be filled with mirth, T.J.!
  • Happy Birthday, Kaitlin! Wishing you a beautiful day!
  • Wishing you a birthday that brings you happiness and leaves you smiling, Alex!
  • If you have the Birthday you deserve, Cam, get ready for showers of gratitude and admiration! Have a great day!
  • Cheers to your years!  Happy birthday, Jennifer!
  • Happiest of Birthdays, Pat! Greatest of years!
  • Happy Birthday! Bring on the cake!
  • Yay! It’s the day we celebrate you! Happy Birthday, Sam!

FOR A FRIEND

A friend is like a favorite relative you get to choose. Crazy, caring, creative, crotchety – there’s a birthday greeting that’s just right for every kind of friend! 

  • Happy Birthday, friend-to-the-end! Love you, Peyton!
  • May this year’s birthday be the best one ever, K.K.! Happy Day!
  • Wishing a beautiful person a beautiful day. Happy Birthday, Caroline!
  • Hey, birthday girl! You have The. Best. Day. Okay? See ya soon!
  • To a vibrant woman blooming with beauty! Happy Birthday, Val!
  • Do all your favorites, Lora, and enjoy your very own day!
  • Wishing you a year that’s just like you – wonderful, encouraging, delightful! Happy Birthday, Mykala!
  • Wishing you all the wishes, Jen! Happy Birthday!
  • Thinking of you on your special day, Kyle! Thinking of all the reasons I’m blessed to call you friend. Happy Birthday!
  • Cheers to a fabulous friend! Happy Birthday, Jason!

FOR DAUGHTER

She captured your heart and that was that! Let your daughter know how much she means to you with a Happy Birthday wish that’s just for her.

  • You light up the world, Sarah! Have a fantastic birthday!
  • From the day we knew you were on your way, I’ve held you in my heart. Happy Birthday, Terry!
  • Wishing you The Greatest Birthday on Earth, Abbie!
  • Today on your Birthday and every day for a lifetime, I wish you happiness, Sweetie!
  • You’re such an amazing daughter! Have a fabulous birthday, Becca!
  • Wishing you a birthday that positively blooms with happiness, Piper!
  • Wishing you twice-ing the icing on the year ahead! Happy Birthday, Haley!
  • Sparkles and rainbows to you, Ella! Have a magical day!
  • Your sunshine makes us all smile brighter! Have a wonderful birthday, Noelle!
  • Wishing you a year bright with promise and filled with success! Happy Birthday, Brianna!

FOR SON

You didn’t know you could love a tiny person so much, did you? At any age, your son’s birthday is a good time to let him know how much he means to you. Here’s a smattering of Birthday Wishes to get you started!

Birthday Wishes & Card Messages For Everyone photo card
Photo I.D. – Birthday Card
  • Flippin’ my lid ‘cause you’re such a great kid! Happy Birthday, Riley!
  • Your pursuit to live fully all the days of your life sets you apart, Jordan. I’m proud of you, son! Happy Birthday!
  • Sons are a second turn at great adventures! I’m so glad you’re my son, Brad. Happy Birthday!
  • Wishing you The Greatest Birthday on Earth, Aaron!
  • Zac, I’m thankful for you and for the man you have become and are becoming. Happy Birthday, Son!
  • From stinky socks to burping the alphabet, I love you, man. Happy Birthday, Todd!
  • Thinking of you always makes me smile, Michael! Proud of you, son. Happy Birthday! 
Birthday Wishes & Card Messages For Everyone old-timey bottle
Excellent Year – Birthday Card
  • You’re growing up, inside and out, and we couldn’t be prouder of you, Jason! Happy Birthday, Son!
  • We don’t have to see eye to eye to stand heart to heart. Love you always, Lucas! Happy Birthday!
  • Another excellent year of exceptional you, John! Happy 28th Birthday!

FOR HUSBAND

You know you love him. He knows you love him. But reminding him with a special birthday wish can’t hurt. You know you love his smile!

  • You’re my one true love, my very best friend. Happy Birthday, Jack!
  • Happy Birthday to my main squeeze! From your very happily squozen.
  • The day you were born brought me the best gift of my life. Love you, Josh!
  • Happy Birthday, Love. May today be as special as you are!
  • To the only one in the world who makes me feel prickly all over. Happy Birthday, Babe!
  • Happy Birthday, Logan! Celebration ahead!
  • With love on your birthday and love all year through, Dave. Smooch!
  • Who needs Chippendales when a girl’s got Chip’n’Dip? You’re so fun to be with, Max! Happy Birthday!
  • Another excellent year of exceptional you, Babe. Happy 34th Birthday!
  • How glad I am that you were born into a path that merged with mine. Happy Birthday, Rob!
  • Every day is a new celebration with you, but today is extra special. Happy birthday my love!

FOR WIFE

You’ve seen her stash. Every card you ever gave her is tucked away. Time to add a new one! Maybe words from your heart that go something like this… 

  • Happy Birthday to The Best Wife Ever. For real. Love you, Babe!
  • Happy Birthday, Sugar Lips! No one is as sweet as you!
  • Today on your Birthday and every day for a lifetime, I wish you happiness, Jade!
  • Barb, I love your thoughtfulness, your generosity, your open heart. Your life enriches mine. Have a wonderful birthday! 
  • Happy Birthday, Love. May today be as special as you are!
  • No need here for a sommelier. We pair perfectly! Happy Birthday, Maria!
  • With love on your birthday and love all year through, Darci. Smooch!
  • Happy Birthday, Kaitlin! Wishing you a day as beautiful as you!
  • You’re the reason our life stays on track, stays sane, stays wonderful! Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!
  • Wishing the dreamiest of days to the girl of my dreams! Happy Birthday, Baby!

FOR NIECE

Every niece is a sparkle of joy to her aunts and uncles! Birthday wishes just for her are going to have to be special, but they’re already in your heart.

  • Having you for a niece keeps my joy tank filled, Piper! Happy Birthday!
  • All the days and years of you celebrated in one Big Day of fun and frosting! Happy Birthday, Natalie!
  • You’re the greatest niece ever, Ellie! (Polls were taken.) Happy Birthday!
  • Wishing you a birthday that makes you smile all day! Happy B-Day, Kelly!
  • You’re a remarkable person, Maria! Happy Birthday, Super-Niece!
  • The music of you makes the world ring with joy, Grace! Have a wonderful birthday!
  • Getting you for a niece? Jackpot! Happy Birthday, Abbie!
  • Wishing a beautiful niece a beautiful birthday! All the best, Caroline!
  • Hey, Sara! Have the Greatest Birthday on Earth! Or turn in your Niece Card.
  • Wishing you twice-ing the icing on the year ahead! Happy Birthday, Haley!

FOR NEPHEW

Nephews take the family energy to a whole new level! Aren’t you glad you have yours? Let him know with birthday wishes that make him smile. Tee him up for another great year!

  • Nephew. What a funny word for such a great guy! Happy Birthday, Jaden!
  • Flippin’ my lid ‘cause you’re such a great kid! Happy Birthday, Riley!
  • Happy Birthday, Carter! You add so much joy to our family!
  • Wishing you a birthday that makes you smile all day! Happy B-Day, Kyle!
  • Stay WILD! Live HAPPY! Make your birthday EPIC, Mark! Don’t tell the family.
  • Your pursuit to live fully all the days of your life sets you apart, David. I’m proud you’re my nephew! Happy Birthday!
  • Wishing you The Greatest Birthday on Earth, Aaron!
  • “Nephew: an excellent source of fun.” Happy Birthday, Logan!
  • The day you were born, we were all so happy! We still are. Have a Great Birthday, Grayson! 
  • Another excellent year of exceptional you, John! Happy 27th Birthday to a great nephew!

FOR BOSS

You know remembering your boss’s birthday is on The List. Offer your regards in a tone that fits their personality and your level of connection. Even a formal greeting can be warm and sincere and generate a smile, and you warmly and sincerely want your boss to be happy!

  • Happy Birthday! May your birthday be a day of affirmation and encouragement, Ms. Wilson. Your expertise and skillful management make us a better team!
  • With warmest wishes for a Happy Birthday, Alex.
  • Happy Birthday, Mr. Barkley. May the year ahead be one of happiness and fulfillment.
  • If we were in charge of the Birthday Department, you would definitely have a top-of-the-line Birthday, Ms. Combs! Enjoy your special day! 
  • You were born to be a great boss, Matt! Happy Birthday!
  • Wishing you a year bright with promise and filled with success. Happy Birthday, Ms. DeLong.
  • All the best to you today and all year, Mr. Stephens.
  • The crew thinks its true that we’re better with you! Happy Birthday, Paul!
  • You are appreciated and respected every day, Jim. Today is a good opportunity to remind you. Happy Birthday!
  • Your life inspires us, Mrs. Phillips, and we wish you every happiness today and always.

MILESTONE

People are hitting those milestones, and you need a card! Consider their personality and the level of relationship you share when deciding on formal, funny, or flattering. The best “Happy Birthday” message speaks to their heart in your unique voice. 

  • You’re not 40. You’re 18 with 22 years of experience! Happy Birthday, Chris!
  • Forty and Fabulous! That’s you, Amanda! Happy Birthday!
  • Aren’t you glad the old Big 4-0 turned into the New 20? Happy 40th, Lynn!
  • The mirror still thinks you’re 29, so there’s that. Happy [40th] Birthday, Kate!
  • [50] years of you celebrated in one Big Day of fun and frosting! Happy Birthday, Rachel!
  • You make half a century look easy, Chris! Go for the whole one!
  • [60] looks good on you! Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Sue!
  • You’re haulin’ [60] now? Still runnin’ strong! Happy Birthday, Tim!
  • Happy 60th Birthday, Terry! Enjoy your New 40’s!
  • Didn’t see that coming. You DO NOT look your age, Kathy! Happy [60th]!

FUNNY

Tickle their ribs! Have fun with a pun! Add to the happy of their birthday with humor that fits their personality and parameters for good taste. Also, sending a smile is a great gift! 

  • It’s your birthday, Reese! Be wild! Be weird! We have phone cameras.
  • Birthdays are nature’s way of telling us to eat more cake! Fork or spoon, Gabe?
  • Say “cheese” for the birthday camera, Megan! Drink wine for the birthday girl!
  • You’re a year older, but there’s good news. You never thought unicorn poop was a thing. Happy Birthday, Robin!
  • To one Cool Cat. Which of your nine lives is this? Happy Birthday, Tay!
  • Celebrate this birthday to the max, Carey! You’ll be even older next year.
  • The mirror still thinks you’re 29, so there’s that. Happy Birthday, Kate!
  • You’re not old, Marty, until your birthday candles are visible from space! Oh.
  • Happy Birthday to my main squeeze! From your very happily squozen.
  • I’m so happy you were born, Sandy! We like the same kind of cake.
  • Hopefully you don’t need glasses to read this card! Happy birthday you old geezer!