What to Write in a Birthday Card — 50 Birthday Messages to Make Anyone Smile

Now we know what to write in a happy birthday card for your lover isn’t going to be the same as what to write in a birthday card for dad. So below we’ve made a nifty list so that you know precisely what to write for each big day. We’ve made it so easy you could even copy-paste them into one of our beautiful GroupTogether cards. We make signing group cards a breeze, it takes just two minutes to set and we have a variety of cards to choose from. Easy peasy, like love should be!

The Milestone Birthday

Whether it's a dirty 30 or a 60th, milestone birthdays mark significant moments in a person's life. They often symbolise a transition into a new chapter, the reminder that we’re not as young as we used to be and prompt us to be grateful for getting this far. Whatever the age, your loved one deserves some recognition and a bit of ‘hey you’re great!’, so here’s what to write in a friend’s birthday card:

• Reflect on achievements: Celebrate your fave human’s accomplishments and personal growth. Highlight how far they’ve come, their resilience, wisdom, and the positive impact they have made on others.

• Share inspiring quotes: We love a meaningful quote here at GroupTogether. When thinking about what to write in a birthday card, look for a meaningful quote that encapsulates the spirit of who they are. It could be something about embracing new adventures, cherishing memories, or looking forward to the future.

• Express excitement for the future: Encourage your person to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Wish them continued success, health, and happiness as they embark on this new phase of life. If you’re thinking about what to write in a birthday card funny, for milestone birthdays we think you should go with a witty card, then write something heartfelt inside.

If you need a helping hand for what to write in a friend’s birthday card, here are a few you can take inspiration from:

• "Happy 50th birthday! You have lived a life filled with incredible achievements and remarkable moments. Your perseverance and wisdom are truly inspiring. As you step into this new chapter, may it be adorned with even greater adventures, abundant joy, and endless blessings. Cheers to the next 50 years!"

• "You're officially halfway to 100! Happy 50th Birthday! They say that life begins at 50 so here's to five more decades of awesome adventures, unforgettable memories, and the wisdom that comes with each passing year. Have an unforgettable celebration!"

• "You're officially halfway to 100! Happy 50th Birthday! They say that life begins at 50 so here's to five more decades of awesome adventures, unforgettable memories, and the wisdom that comes with each passing year. Have an unforgettable celebration!"

• "Holy moly, you're 18! Welcome to adulthood, my dear! It's a wild ride, but you've got this. Remember to have fun, stay curious, and embrace all the amazing opportunities that come your way. You know what they say, "Age is just a number, and maturity is optional!" So, go ahead and enjoy being 18. Happy Birthday!"

• "Congrats on hitting the big 4-0! Here's to four decades of epic moments, laughter, and maybe a few questionable fashion choices. Wishing you a day filled with joy, surrounded by loved ones, cake (lots of cake), and perhaps a toast (or two) to the next fabulous forty years ahead! 🥳 Cheers to you!"

• "Happy 60th Birthday! 🎉 You're a living legend with six decades of wisdom and jokes so let's party like there's no tomorrow and celebrate your never-ending charm and wit. Here's to many more years of joy and unforgettable memories. And don't forget, you're not old; you're vintage – like a fine wine, getting better with age!"

The Importance of Birthdays

Now, when it comes to what to write in a birthday card for a friend, it’s gotta be a mix of heartfelt and hilarious. It can get easy to get stuck on what to write after years of cards and pressies. Think about your best memories together, inside jokes, and how much they mean to you. Keep it real, keep it fun, and most importantly, make them feel like the amazing human they are!

Here are a few ideas for what to write in a friend’s birthday card:
 

• Celebrate their uniqueness: There’s only one of your bestie! So tell them that! Highlight the qualities that make your friend special and express how grateful you are to have them in your life.

• Inside jokes and shared experiences: These will take your friend back to some of your best memories together. Incorporate stories and inside jokes that will bring a smile to their face. If you’re thinking what to write in a birthday card funny, then add some hilarious anecdotes of night outs or not-so-great decisions you can both laugh about now.

• Fun and uplifting messages: Keep the tone light and fun. Use humour, puns, or funny anecdotes to make them laugh and feel appreciated.

As promised, for those of you who are literally lost for words on what to write in a friend’s birthday card check out a few we’ve written below:
 

• "Happy birthday to my partner-in-crime and the master of unforgettable adventures! I'm grateful for every laugh, every tear, and every moment we've shared together. May your day be filled with laughter, joy, and all the chocolate cake you can handle. Here's to another year of epic memories! <3 you!"

• "Happy birthday, you ancient fossil! You know you're getting older when your candles cost more than the cake. But hey, you're still my partner in crime, and we'll continue causing mischief together! Cheers to another year of wrinkles and laughter!"

• "Happy birthday to my ride or die, the Kath to my Kim, the peanut butter to my jelly! You know you're my partner in crime, and you can't escape me now – we're stuck like glue! Here's to more shenanigans and late-night conversations that make no sense. Love you to the moon and back, you goofball!"

• "Congratulations, you've officially levelled up to another year of wisdom (and questionable life choices)! I'm so lucky to have a best mate who's as ridiculous as me. Here's to another year of adventures, bad dance moves, and inside jokes only we understand. Happy birthday, you magnificent weirdo!"

• "Happy birthday, my friend! We've been through it all – tears, laughter, and way too much embarrassing moments. But you know what? Life would be so boring without you! May your birthday be filled with laughter, joy, and an abundance of cake (don't forget to share!). Here's to many more years of being weird together!"

What to Write in a Birthday Card for Dad

Ooof…what to write in a birthday card for dad, this can be tricky! You want to joke around, but you also want to be respectful and show you care.

We’ve come up with a few things for what to write in a birthday card for dad:
 

• A Warm Greeting: Start with a fun and lively greeting that sets the tone.

  • “Hey Dad, Happy Birthday to the most awesome guy ever!”

• Personal Touch: Mention something specific and personal that shows your connection.

  • “Thanks for teaching me how to drive, even if I did crash into the garage! I hope your nerves have recovered”

• Appreciation: Express your gratitude for his role in your life.

  • “I’m so grateful for all the advice and those legendary dad jokes. I’m lucky to have a father whose always been there for me.”

• Humour: Add a dash of humour to keep it light and fun.

  • “Remember, age is just a number. In your case, a really high one!”

• Heartfelt Message: Share a sincere and loving message.

  • “You’re not just my dad, you’re my hero and my best friend. Love you heaps”

• Future Plans: Suggest something fun to look forward to.

  • “Can’t wait to celebrate you at the surf club, cut shapes and make more epic memories together!”

• Closing: End with a cheerful sign-off.

  • “Cheers to you, Dad! Here’s to another lap around the sun!”

A few templates for you to choose from for what to write in a birthday card for dad (you can thank us later!!):
 

• "Happy Birthday, old man! I hope this card finds you kicking back and having a blast on your special day. 🎉 Thanks for all the wisdom, dad jokes, and endless support you've given me throughout the years. On your birthday, take a break from being the responsible one, and let loose a bit! Eat an extra slice of cake, have a cold one (or two), and do something fun that makes you happy. You deserve it! Here's to many more years of laughter, love, and memories. I love you, Dad! Enjoy your special day."

• "Happy Birthday to the coolest guy I know! Thanks for all the epic advice, the dad jokes (some of which are actually funny), and always having my back. You're not just a year older, you're a year more awesome! Let’s celebrate like the legends we are. Love you heaps!"

• Wishing you the happiest of birthdays! You've always been my rock, my guide, and my partner in crime. From fixing things around the house to sharing life lessons, you’re the best. Here’s to more adventures, laughs, and unforgettable moments. Love you tons!

• Happy Birthday! I can't express how grateful I am for all the times you've been there for me. Your wisdom, kindness, and sense of humour make you the incredible person you are. Let's make today as amazing as you are. Cheers to you and another fantastic year ahead!

• Another year, another birthday! You make aging look like a piece of cake. Thanks for being the best dad—wise, funny, and always supportive. Let’s celebrate your day with lots of laughter and fun. Here’s to many more epic birthdays together!

What to Write in a Birthday Card for Mom

Mums are the best! They literally gave birth to us and kept us alive through it all. They deserve to be celebrated, so if you’re stuck on what to write in a birthday card for mom, we’ve got the inside scoop from two reliable mums (Ali & Julie).

First things first for what to write in a birthday card for mom:

• A Warm Greeting: Start with an affectionate and upbeat greeting.

  • “Dear Mum, Happy Birthday to the most amazing woman ever!”

• Personal Touch: Mention something specific that shows your bond.

  • “Thanks for all those late-night chats and for always knowing how to make me feel better.”

• Appreciation: Express your gratitude for everything she’s done.

  • “I’m so grateful for your endless love, support, and the million little things you do.”

• Humour: For what to write in a birthday card funny, add a bit of respectful fun and humour to lighten the mood of a big birthday.

  • “You’re like fine wine, Mum—getting better with age. So no need to panic and buy out half of Sephora.”

• Heartfelt Message: Share a sincere and loving message.

  • “You’re not just my mum, you’re my inspiration and I’m so proud to have you as a role model. I love you.”

• Future Plans: Suggest something fun to look forward to.

  • “Can’t wait to celebrate with you and make more wonderful memories together. So keen to get away to X”

• Closing: End with a warm and cheerful sign-off.

  • “Here’s to you, Mum! Heres to another fabulous year!”

• "Happy Birthday to the most amazing and incredible woman in the world! 🎉🎂 You're not just my mum; you're my best friend and my rock. I don't know how I'd survive without your love, support, and the occasional kick in the butt when I need it. I hope this birthday brings you lots of joy, laughter, and all the things that make you happy. You deserve the world and more. So here's to another fantastic year with you, Mum. I love you to the moon and back! Happy Birthday, Mum! 🎈"

• “Happy Birthday to the most amazing woman ever! Thanks for all those late-night chats and for always knowing how to make me feel better. I’m so grateful for your endless love, support, and the million little things you do. You’re not just my mum, you’re my best friend and my hero. Can’t wait to celebrate with you and make more wonderful memories together!”

• “Wishing you the happiest of birthdays! You’re like fine wine—getting better with age. Your love, kindness, and wisdom are my guiding stars. Here’s to you, the woman who does it all and looks fabulous while doing it. Let’s make this birthday as incredible as you are!”

• “Happy Birthday! I can’t express how much you mean to me. Your endless love, support, and those special moments we share are everything. Let’s celebrate your special day with lots of laughter and joy. Cheers to you, my wonderful mum, and to another fantastic year ahead!”

• “Another year, another fabulous birthday! You make everything look so easy and glamorous. Thanks for being the ultimate mum—loving, supportive, and always there for me. Let’s have a blast and celebrate you in style. Here’s to many more epic birthdays together!”

What to Write in a Birthday Card for Your Significant Other

Lovers! When it comes to what to write in a birthday card for your lover, things can get tricky. Are we writing a romantic novel? Are we still freshly dating and playing it cool? Or have we been dating or married for millennia? Regardless of how long you’ve been together we’ve got you covered on what to write in a happy birthday card for them.

• A Warm Greeting: Start with a happy and affectionate greeting.

  • “Dear X, Happy Birthday babe!”

• Personal Touch: Mention something unique and special about your relationship.

  • “From our first date to our latest adventure, every moment with you is a dream come true.”

• Appreciation: Express your gratitude and admiration.

  • “You light up my life in so many ways. Thanks for being my rock, my partner, and my best friend.”

• Humour: What to write in a card funny for your partner that will go down like a treat by being playful and fun.

  • “You’re aging like a fine wine, and I’m so glad I get to be your favourite vintage!”

• Heartfelt Message: Share your deepest feelings and love.

  • “I love you more than words can say. Here’s to many more birthdays together, filled with love and laughter.”

• Future Plans: Suggest something exciting to look forward to.

  • “Can’t wait to celebrate you today and every day. Let’s make this year our best one yet!”

• Closing: End with a warm and loving sign-off.

  • “Happy Birthday, my love! Cheers to us and the amazing journey ahead. So glad we get to do life together.

What to write in a birthday card for the lover who can’t quite find the words:

• “From our first date to our latest adventure, every moment with you is a dream come true. You light up my life in so many ways. Thanks for being my rock, my partner, and my best friend. You’re aging like a fine wine, and I’m so glad I get to be your favourite vintage! I love you more than words can say. Here’s to many more birthdays together, filled with love and laughter.”

• “Happy Birthday to the one who makes my heart skip a beat! Every day with you is a new adventure, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. You bring so much joy, love, and laughter into my life. Let’s celebrate you today and look forward to many more amazing years together. I’m so lucky to have you by my side.”

• “Wishing you the happiest birthday ever! You’re not just my significant other, you’re my best friend, my confidant, and my everything. Your love and support mean the world to me. Let’s make today unforgettable and cherish every moment. Here’s to us and the incredible future ahead.”

• “Happy Birthday! You make every day brighter and every moment sweeter. I’m so grateful for all the laughter, love, and amazing times we’ve shared. You’re the most incredible person I know, and I’m so lucky to call you mine. Let’s celebrate like there’s no tomorrow and make this birthday one for the books!”

• “Happy Birthday Babe! Here’s to you and all the wonderful things you have achieved. I’m so glad I get to be the one to put up with your farting and random scattering of tools each day. You make my life that little bit brighter.”

What to Write in a Birthday Card for Your Coworker

Birthdays at the workplace are an excellent opportunity to strengthen professional relationships and show appreciation, but sometimes it can be difficult to strike the right tone. When thinking of what to write in a birthday card it’s crucial to remember no one wants to end up with an HR violation. So here are a few tips to include:

• A Warm Professional Greeting: Start with a friendly and upbeat greeting.

  • “Hey [Name], Happy Birthday!”

• Personal Touch: Mention something specific about your working relationship.

  • “It’s wonderful having you on the team, your positivity and hard work is truly inspiring.”

• Appreciation: Express your gratitude for their contributions.

  • “Thanks for being an amazing team player and always bringing your A-game.”

• Humour: Add a touch of fun to lighten the mood - remember when thinking of what to write in a birthday card funny, it needs to be professional!!

  • “Here’s to another year of coffee runs, office jokes, and crushing deadlines together!”

• Heartfelt Message: Share a sincere wish for their special day.

  • “Wishing you a fantastic birthday filled with joy, laughter, and everything you appreciate.”

• Closing: End with a cheerful and professional sign-off.

  • “Cheers to you and a great year ahead! Happy Birthday!”

• "Happy birthday! Wishing you a fantastic day filled with joy and laughter. Your hard work, expertise, and positive attitude make a significant difference in our team's success. May this year bring you new opportunities for growth and fulfilment. Enjoy your special day!"

• "Happy Birthday, work buddy! Today's your day to kick back, relax, and forget about those pesky spreadsheets. Enjoy every moment, and may the office coffee always be strong and meetings brief."

• "Time to break out the confetti and balloons! Happy Birthday to our favourite colleague with the best sense of humour. Thanks for keeping us entertained during the toughest days at work. Have a blast and don't worry, we won't reveal your dance moves from last year's office party!""Time to break out the confetti and balloons! Happy Birthday to our favourite colleague with the best sense of humour. Thanks for keeping us entertained during the toughest days at work. Have a blast and don't worry, we won't reveal your dance moves from last year's office party!"

• "Happy Birthday, workmate legend! You light up the office with your infectious smile and positive vibes. May your special day be filled with treats, laughter, and a well-deserved break from the daily grind. Keep shining bright!"

• "Happy Birthday! Thanks for making this place a lot more fun and a lot less like work. Your leadership is like Siri always guiding us in the right direction, even if it takes a few detours along the way. Enjoy your special day, Boss, and remember: age is just a number, and humour is the secret sauce of eternal youth (or at least it helps us pretend)."

Funny Messages to Write in a Birthday Card

When it comes to what to write in a funny birthday card, we think we’re pretty well… excellent at it! So here are a few templates you can copy and paste into our GroupTogether cards.
 

• "Happy Birthday! Just remember, you're not getting older, you're increasing in value – like a fine wine or a vintage cheese!"

• "Another year older, but hey, at least you're not as old as you'll be next year! Let's make this birthday epic!"

• "Happy Birthday! Here's to you, the only person I know who can get better with age and still manage to forget where they put their keys!"

• "Congrats on surviving another trip around the sun! Just think of all the wrinkles as marks of wisdom and experience. Or maybe just a sign you need more sunscreen."

• "Happy Birthday! May your day be as bright as your smile, as sweet as your cake, and as crazy as your party plans!"

• "They say age is just a number, but let's be real – it's also a reminder to check for grey hairs and invest in anti-aging cream. Cheers to being fabulous at any age!"

• "Happy Birthday! Remember, you're not over the hill, you're just enjoying the scenic route. Let's celebrate with cake, laughter, and maybe a few questionable dance moves!"

• "Wishing you a birthday filled with laughter, love, and fewer wrinkles than your candles suggest. You're not old, you're just well-seasoned!""Happy Birthday! Here's to another year of pretending to have it all together while secretly winging it. You're doing great, keep up the awesome!"

• "Congratulations on leveling up! May your birthday be filled with so much fun and laughter that you forget how old you're turning – at least until tomorrow!"

Don’t forget when you’re thinking of what to write in a happy birthday card, we have a whole bunch of funny card designs on our site for you to choose from.

Short and Simple Things to Write in a Birthday Card

For our final piece of advice on what to write in a happy birthday card, we often think less can be more so below you can find a few short and simple things for what to write in a birthday card.

• "Happy Birthday! Wishing you a day as amazing as you are."

• "Hope your birthday is filled with love, laughter, and lots of cake!"

• "Sending you smiles, hugs, and warm birthday wishes."

• "Cheers to another trip around the sun! Happy Birthday!"

• "May your birthday be as fantastic as you are. Enjoy your special day!"

• "Happy Birthday! Here's to making more wonderful memories together."

• "Wishing you all the happiness in the world on your special day."

• "Another year older, another year wiser. Happy Birthday!"

• "You're not just getting older, you're getting better. Have an awesome birthday!"

• "Sending lots of love and good vibes your way on your birthday. Enjoy!"

Birthdays are such a wonderful opportunity to spread love and joy to those who mean the most to us. Whether it's a milestone celebration, a colleague's special day, or a cherished family member or friend, taking the time to tailor your birthday card messages can make all the difference. Personalised and heartfelt messages show just how much you care and can truly brighten someone's day.

And why stop with just your own message? Organising a group birthday card where friends and family can all add their own wishes is such a lovely idea. It becomes a cherished keepsake that they can look back on for years to come. Plus, with platforms like GroupTogether, it's super easy to create. Just pick a design, share the link, and watch as everyone adds their own special touch – maybe even a photo or two!

So let's make those birthdays extra special with personalised messages and group greetings that truly show how much we care. After all, it's those heartfelt gestures that leave a lasting impact and create memories to cherish.

P.S. Don't forget to check out our blog filled with great gift ideas for any occasion. 🤭

Meet the experts

Ali + Julie

Co-Founders, GroupTogether.

Life’s busy. That’s why we’re here to make it easy for you to collect money from a group. Less wasted time, less packaging waste, and spending a little less but giving a lot better!