What to Write in a Birthday Card
Ah, birthdays – the one day of the year when confetti is required and cake for breakfast is a perfectly reasonable life choice. When you’re sending a gift, it’s easy to feel the pressure of what to write in a birthday card. Writer’s block happens to the best of us! As retail florists, we hand-write our customers’ birthday messages every day – sharing sentimental memories to inside jokes and everything in between.
Every birthday greeting deserves a sprinkle of magic, and a whole lot of heart. Here are our pro-tips for writing a memorable birthday message that will stand out and make their day extra special.
Picking the Perfect Birthday Card
Greeting cards are so much more than folded paper, they are a tiny vessel for big feelings. It’s your opportunity to make someone’s special day even brighter. We carry dozens of birthday cards on our shelves, but how do you choose the right one?!
You can opt for a card that matches their interests: maybe they're a devoted dog-lover, a fan of bumble bees, or a cool cat lady! Or perhaps your birthday bud has a major sweet tooth, and would love a card that speaks to their sweet tooth?
You could also select a card that reminds them of a shared experience: a special road trip you shared together, or making dirty martinis in college! From ‘Happy Birthday Month’ to ‘Happy Bee Day Queen’, every card in our collection is ready to help your loved one feel celebrated.
Fun fact: in the United States there are more birthdays in September than any other month of the year! Stock up to be card-ready!
Tips for Writing a Birthday Card
Whether your note is silly or heartfelt, the right words can turn a simple card into a keepsake. Birthdays are the perfect excuse to tell a friend how much they truly mean to you, revel in inside jokes, or reminisce about how far you’ve come together. Deciding if you want your note to be sincere and emotional, playful and light (or a combo of the two) will help you craft your message.
What to Write in a Birthday Card for your Significant Other
- “I’m so glad you were born, because I can’t imagine life without you!”
- “Happy birthday to my best friend, and my better half.”
- “Every year gets better and better with you. Happy birthday, my love.”
Birthday Card ideas for a Parent
- “To the one who taught me how to blow out candles and make my own wishes come true, may all yours come true, too.”
- “Here’s to another year of you lighting up every room you walk into and inspiring everyone lucky enough to know you.”
- “Thank you for filling my life with positivity, kindness, and light. Wishing you a birthday as amazing as you are.”
What to Write in a Birthday Card for your BFF
- “Remember that time we both dumped our boyfriends at the same time and moved to Irvine together? I hope this year brings even more moments we will never regret!”
- “The last drink was a bad idea, you were not. Happy birthday hot stuff!”
- “This year has been rubbish, let’s kick up our heels and celebrate!”
Birthday Messages for a Sibling
- “The world is more fun, more colorful, and more you because you’re in it. Happy birthday, superstar!”
- “Wish I could be there to celebrate, but sending you a confetti explosion in the mail!”
- “Here’s to more adventures, laughing till we cry, and cake catastrophes together.”
Birthday Card ideas for a Grandparent
- “Grandma, I wouldn’t be who I am without you. I’m grateful for all the love you’ve shown me – I hope you’re feeling all the love returning to you on your birthday.”
- “Happy birthday to the best grandpa of all time: you’re a hall of famer!”
- “Can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you (and your famous chocolate layer cake!) Happy birthday!”
Birthday Greetings for a Co-Worker
- “Happy birthday to my favorite teammate! Another year wiser – what would we do without you?”
- “To our MVP: so grateful to have you on the team!”
- “May this year be filled with many post-work happy hours together!”
What to Write in a Belated Birthday Card
- “Eeep, sorry I missed your big day! Celebrating you today, and always!”
- “Older, wiser… and hopefully more forgiving? Sorry I’m late – happy belated birthday!”
- “Belated birthday wishes to you, my friend – let’s keep the celebration going a little longer!”
If You’re a Little Extra
A birthday card doesn’t have to be just words on paper. It can be a little gift in itself. With a few extra touches, you can turn something simple into something that feels personal, thoughtful, and unforgettable. These easy ideas will help make your card stand out and feel even more special:
- Address the card with a nickname or inside joke.
- Embellish the envelope or the inside of the card with doodles + drawings.
- Fill the card with confetti - yes it will make a mess, but it will also make them smile!
- Include a hand-made voucher or coupon (especially thoughtful for those who love receiving acts of service).
- Tape or glue dried pressed flowers, or add one of our stickers to where the envelope is sealed.
- Bonus: We’re biased, but we think pairing a special card with a bundle of blooms is the finishing touch that will bring it all together!
When figuring out what to write in a birthday card, it’s not about just filling the page; your words hold the power to spread love and turn birthdays into unforgettable moments.
