What to write in a birthday card

For a best friend

Warm, a little sentimental, and very much you two.

• Happy birthday to the person who knows all my stories and still likes me. Here’s to another year of us.
  Use this messageCopy
• Another trip around the sun, and you’re still my favorite person to laugh with. Happy birthday!
  Use this messageCopy
• I hope this year brings you as much joy as you bring everyone around you.
  Use this messageCopy
• Happy birthday! Thank you for every late-night talk, every inside joke and every “I’m on my way.”
  Use this messageCopy
• You make getting older look like a lot of fun. Can’t wait to celebrate with you.
  Use this messageCopy
• Wishing you a year of good news, great food and people who love you as much as I do.
  Use this messageCopy

For a coworker or boss

Friendly and professional, never awkward.

• Happy birthday! Thanks for making the workdays a lot more fun.
  Use this messageCopy
• Wishing you a relaxing day and a fantastic year ahead.
  Use this messageCopy
• Happy birthday! Hope today comes with cake and zero meetings.
  Use this messageCopy
• It’s a pleasure working with you. Have a wonderful birthday!
  Use this messageCopy
• Happy birthday to a great teammate. Enjoy every minute of your day.
  Use this messageCopy

Funny birthday messages

For the people who would rather laugh than cry about their age.

• Happy birthday! You’re not getting older, you’re just leveling up.
  Use this messageCopy
• Don’t worry about the candles. That’s what smoke alarms are for.
  Use this messageCopy
• Age is just a number. In your case, a pretty big one. Happy birthday!
  Use this messageCopy
• I got you the best present: a card with absolutely no singing.
  Use this messageCopy
• Happy birthday to someone who is still younger than they’ll be next year.
  Use this messageCopy

Milestone birthdays

For the big ones: 18, 30, 40, 50 and beyond.

• Happy 30th! The best chapters are still ahead, and I can’t wait to see them.
  Use this messageCopy
• Forty looks fantastic on you. Here’s to the most exciting decade yet.
  Use this messageCopy
• Half a century of being wonderful. Happy 50th birthday!
  Use this messageCopy
• Happy 18th! The world is yours. Go easy on it.
  Use this messageCopy
• Every year you just get better. Happy milestone birthday!
  Use this messageCopy

Belated birthday messages

Missed the day? It happens. A warm message still makes them smile.

• I’m a little late, but the wishes are just as big. Happy belated birthday!
  Use this messageCopy
• Your birthday may be over, but the celebrating doesn’t have to be.
  Use this messageCopy
• Happy belated birthday! Consider this an extension of your special day.
  Use this messageCopy
• Late to the party, but bringing extra love. Hope it was a wonderful day.
  Use this messageCopy
• I didn’t forget you. I just wanted your birthday to last a little longer.
  Use this messageCopy

Tips for a birthday card they’ll keep

What turns “Happy birthday!” into something they remember.

• Start with their name. It makes even a short message feel personal.
• Add one wish for the year ahead. “I hope this is the year you finally take that trip” shows you listen.
• Match the tone to the person. Funny for the friend who laughs at everything, heartfelt for your mom.
• Schedule it. With Petal You you can write it today and have it arrive at 8 am on the day.
• Late? Own it lightly. A cheerful belated message works better than a long apology.

Ready to send it?

Pick a birthday card, and your message will be waiting in it. You can schedule it to arrive right on the day.

Choose a birthday card

More ideas: Just because cards · Thank you cards