Birthdays are always occasions filled with love and joy, but even more so when celebrating a special person or milestone moment – like celebrating a first birthday or congratulating a centenarian. When it comes to sending the perfect birthday card, what you say inside matters just as much as the design on the front. So we’ve rounded up our favourite ways to show them you know them, this year and always.

Celebrating a milestone? Find a birthday card message to match

What to write in a 1st birthday card

They may be little, but a first birthday card is a keepsake treasured by both parent and child, once they’re old enough to understand your love-filled words.

• "Happy first year, (name)! Here’s to many more years filled with adventures, laughter and love”
• “Never forget how much we love you.”
• "To the world, you may just be one, but to us, you are our world.”
• “Happy first birthday! We can’t wait to see who you become.”
• “You won’t remember this joy-filled birthday, but we always will.”

What to write in an 18th birthday card

Whether it’s a first night out dancing or dinner with the family, make their 18th birthday feel magical with a card that captures their coming of age.

• “Dream big for a fabulous life ahead of you. Happy 18th!”
• “I hope your new chapter brings everything you wish for”
• “Sending all the party vibes your way on this special day!”
• “Welcome to adulthood! Whatever awaits in your future, we’re sure it will be fabulous!”
• “Get on your best shoes, we’re going out to celebrate!”

What to write in a 21st birthday card

For that first big milestone to kick start their twenties, make sure they know you’re by their side to celebrate the moment. 21 is for having fun, so share a message that starts the year as it should go on…

• “Your twenties are a wild ride, buckle up!”
• “Happy 21st birthday! May your year be one filled with travel, friends, fun, and adventure!”
• “Happy 21st birthday to our favourite person. We’re so proud of who you’ve become.”
• “Hello 21! The world is your oyster – go get ‘em”
• “21 years and shining brighter than ever before. We love you.”

What to write in a 30th birthday card

It seems like just yesterday they turned 21, but here you are, at the dawn of their next decade. Let them know their thirties will be the best ever with words of wisdom, love, and celebration.

• “Thirty years and you keep getting better. Now let’s go make a new decade of memories.”
• “30 looks SO good on you. I’ve got a feeling this one might be your best yet.” *“Wishing you a wonderful 29+1. Just like me, you’ll be twenty-something forever!”
• “Happy 30th to my best friend EVER. Thanks for sticking by me through the decades”
• “Thirty, flirty and thriving – today is all about celebrating YOU!”

What to write in a 40th, 50th or 60th birthday card

Big birthdays are made for reflection, but always with a lot of love, cake and caring way less about the little things. Tell them they're getting better every decade with a message made for a memorable milestone.

• “They say life starts at 40, now go prove them right!”
• “Another decade full of achievements and adventures, we can’t wait to see what the next one holds for you.”
• “Stay young at heart and never lose your sparkle!”
• “Another decade – go you! Put your feet up and relax, you deserve it.”
• “The best thing about new decades is the chance to start again, it’s never too late to do everything you’ve dreamed of.”

What to write in a 70th, 80th or 90th birthday card

They’ve already brightened the days of so many, but a message for a special someone celebrating a 70th, 80th or 90th birthday can let them know that there are years of wonderful moments yet to come.

• “You’ll never know how much you’ve inspired us all over the years. Happy birthday to you!”
• “Happy birthday, we love you. Now sit back and enjoy a day all about you!”
• “You’ve been there for me for all my life, now let us celebrate you – we can’t imagine a world without your love.”
• “A remarkable milestone for a remarkable life. The lessons you’ve shared have shaped who I am.”
• “What an icon you are to look up to, another decade past and looking better than ever!”

What to write in a 100th birthday card

The ultimate milestone – 100 times around the sun. Alongside a timely telegram from His Majesty, make your birthday card message something the whole family will truly cherish forever.

• “100 years young, you don’t look a day over 21! What an inspiration.”
• “100 years well lived, and so loved. Keep being who you are – you’re amazing!”
• “Happy Birthday! We could listen to stories of your adventures for another 100 years!”
• “It’s an honour to celebrate 100 with you. May you continue to seize the day and enjoy life’s adventures.”
• “100 years and still putting everyone else first. Today, just relax. We’re all here to celebrate you.”

Birthday card messages for all kinds of family

Here are some heartfelt ways to say happy birthday to those you know best.

A birthday message for mum or dad

*“Thanks for always being there for me, you deserve the best day ever.”
* “You’re always thinking about us, this one’s all about YOU!”
* “You're not just my (mum/dad) you're my hero, my inspiration and my friend. I'll always be grateful for you”

Birthday card messages for a son or daughter

• “Happy birthday to you! I'm so proud of the strong, determined, and courageous person you’re growing up to be.”
• “Lovely daughter, may your birthday day be as full of joy and fun as you are."
• “You’ve been brightening our days for so many years, we wish you nothing but the best for your next.”

Say happy birthday in a card for a sibling

*“Wow, another birthday – we’ve been through so many celebrations together! Let’s party.”
* “No matter how old you get, you’ll always be my baby (brother/sister). Happy Birthday!
* “Happy birthday to the one who knows ALL my secrets!”

Birthday wishes for grandmas and grandads

• “If there’s one person that deserves to be celebrated, it’s you! Happy birthday to my favourite.”
• “Thank you for the way you take care of us all, no matter how grown up we get! Your wit and wisdom brighten our days.”
• “No matter how many years go by, you’ll always be the one getting me in trouble! Happy birthday (Gramps/Granny).”

Birthday card messages for partners and friends

Ways to say happy birthday to the ones you can’t imagine life without.

Birthday love notes for new boyfriends and girlfriends

• “Happy birthday! Hope your day is as beautiful as you”
• “I can’t believe this is the first time we’ve spent your birthday as a couple! Relax and have the best day ever, you deserve some time out.”
• “Happy Birthday. Let’s pop some champagne!”

Messages for long-term partners, fiancés and fiancées or husbands and wives

• “You get better every year. Happy birthday, you’ll always be the one for me.”

• “You are my everything. Wishing you a birthday that’s as brilliant as you”

• “With each year that passes, I love you more.
  Happy birthday, let’s start our next adventure today!”

Birthday ideas for best mates and friends that feel like family

• “SO many birthdays celebrated with you, and still we find new ways to make memories we’ll laugh about forever. Happy birthday, bestie.”
• “Friendships like ours are so hard to come by, and I appreciate you today and every day! Happy birthday, bestie.”
• “Birthday wishes for the best around. Now, where are we going to celebrate tonight?! Love you.”

Need a place to jot down your best birthday wishes? Shop our collection of blank personalised birthday cards.

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