205 Happy Birthday Wishes and Messages To Share With Anyone in Your Life

Happy Birthday Wish and Message on a cake

Getting older isn’t everyone’s favorite topic to think about. If this sounds like you, you might not look forward to your birthday—and many people don’t. However, a message from a loved one can turn the entire day around. After all, we all want to know that people are thinking about us on our special day.

But what happens when you need to send a happy birthday wish or message? For some, coming up with something is natural; for others, not so much. But whether you’re looking for a quick text to send a coworker or a longer, more thoughtful message to put on your spouse’s birthday card, finding the right birthday greeting can be tricky.

As you begin to craft the perfect happy birthday wish, think about all the ones people have sent you throughout the years. Were there any that stuck with you or were really thoughtful? What made the message so memorable? If your memory fails you, it’s time to get creative and research.

Aside from your typical “over the hill” jokes, there are hundreds of ways to wish someone a happy birthday. This list has a birthday wish for just about anyone in your life, from family members to coworkers. 

Related: 63 Happy Birthday Memes to Make Everyone Feel Better About Growing Older (and Wiser!)

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Best Happy Birthday Wishes

  1. Wishing you lots of joy, laughter and unforgettable moments as you celebrate another birthday!

  2. I hope your birthday is as fantastic as you are!

  3. Happy birthday! May this year be the best one yet.

  4. Sending you my warmest wishes this year for your birthday.

  5. Congratulations, you’ve made another trip around the sun!

  6. Today is your special day. I hope you’re surrounded by the people you love the most and that your heart is full of joy.

  7. Wishing you another year filled with love, success and everything else you deserve—happy birthday!

  8. Sit back, have a drink and celebrate. It’s your birthday. Have a blast!

  9. Today is a gift, that’s why they call it the present. Happy birthday!

  10. Your birthday is the one day of the year when you can have your cake and eat it too.

  11. Here’s to another year filled with health, wealth and happiness. Happy birthday!

  12. This year’s going to be the best one yet for you, I know it! Your birthday is only the start.

  13. New age, new you? Not quite. You’re amazing the way you are. Happy birthday!

  14. Eat cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner, just because you can! Happy birthday.

  15. Life is a gift, and you’re unwrapping it with joy today! Have an amazing birthday.

  16. Who said getting older had to be boring? Let’s throw a party! Happy birthday.

  17. Time to party like it’s your birthday. Oh wait, it is!

  18. Happy birthday! Celebrating you is the best part of the year.

  19. They say nobody’s perfect, but I say you’re pretty close. Today, I celebrate everything YOU!

  20. Happy birthday! You’re older, wiser and stronger than ever.

  21. Today’s agenda includes eating cake and making memories. Happy birthday!

  22. Today is all about you! Take advantage of it and have a blast.

  23. It’s time for cake, confetti and everything else that goes along with being the birthday star of the day.

  24. You’re not getting older; you’re timeless. Happy birthday!

  25. Another chapter of your life starts today. Make this year the best one yet.

Related: 'They Say It's Your Birthday!' 33 Best Happy Birthday Songs To Celebrate Your Big Day

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Happy Birthday Wishes for Parents

  1. Being a parent isn’t easy, and we know that. Today is all about you. We can’t wait to give you a wonderful day, just like you’ve always done for us!

  2. To the woman who taught me life’s most important and valuable lessons, happy birthday, Mom!

  3. Dad, you’ve always been there for me. This year, I hope I can support you as well as you’ve supported me—starting with giving you the best birthday ever.

  4. Happy birthday to the world’s greatest Mom/Dad!

  5. A parent as outstanding deserves a birthday to match. I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

  6. I don’t say this enough, but it’s true—I love you! I’m so lucky to call you my parent. Happy birthday!

  7. Today is a day to celebrate all the hard work and love you’ve put into those around you. Your investment in us means more than anything. From all your kids, happy birthday.

  8. You’re not only my parent, but you’re my hero.

  9. I love you every day, but today is extra special—it’s your birthday!

  10. Not a day goes by that I don’t remember how thankful I am for having you as a mom. Happy birthday to the most amazing woman I know!

Related: You’ve Likely Heard of a Golden Birthday, but More and More People Are Talking About Platinum Birthdays—Here’s What That Means

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Happy Birthday Wishes for Grandparents

  1. Happy birthday, Grandma! Your strength, resilience and love have profoundly shaped our family. I hope your day is as remarkable as the legacy you’ve created.

  2. If I had to pick the most memorable lesson you’ve taught me, it would be always remembering to live each day like it’s your last. Today, it’s time to follow your own advice! Have a wonderful birthday, Grandpa.

  3. You’ve taught me that love is the language that transcends generations. On your birthday, I hope you know how much I love you!

  4. Happy birthday to the best grandparent on the planet!

  5. Throughout my life, you’ve always set an example of how to live a life full of adventure, success and intention. Happy birthday, and thank you for everything you’ve taught me!

  6. [Grandma/Grandpa], on your special day, we want to honor the legacy you’ve created. Happy birthday, and may your heart be filled with as much love as you’ve given to us all these years.

  7. After everything you’ve done in your life, you deserve to enjoy your golden years. I hope you get some R&R this birthday!

Related: Time To Celebrate! Here Are the Best 135 Birthday Freebies You Have To Take Advantage Of!

Happy Birthday Wishes for Cousin

  1. You’re not only my cousin; you’re also my friend. Thank you for sticking by my side for all these years. Happy birthday!

  2. We’re cousins by birth but friends by choice. Happy birthday to my best cousin!

  3. God made us cousins because he knew our parents couldn’t handle us as siblings. Happy birthday!

  4. This birthday wish may be short, but the list of cherished memories I have with you isn’t. I can’t wait to celebrate your birthday and make some more.

  5. Happy birthday, cousin! The day you were brought into the world was a blessed day, and you’ve blessed my life by being the best cousin ever.

  6. Although our childhood antics might be over, that doesn’t mean we still can’t have fun. It’s time to celebrate you and relive our old shenanigans. Happy birthday, cuz!

  7. When they say that cousins help you hang onto a little bit of childhood, they aren’t wrong. Thanks for giving me some of the best memories as a kid. Happy birthday!

  8. Happy birthday to my long-distance cousin! Your address may be miles away, but I keep our bond as cousins close to my heart.

  9. On your birthday, today marks the beginning of a new year and the conclusion of an old one. I can’t wait to be with you through many more chapters as your cousin and your friend.

  10. Happy birthday, dear cousin! It’s been a while since we’ve talked, but that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about you on your special day. It’s time to celebrate like we used to.

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Happy Birthday Wishes for Nephew

  1. Today, we celebrate the amazing person you’ve become and who you will be in the upcoming year. Happy birthday, nephew!

  2. Isn’t it crazy how fast the years go by? You’re not the little boy you used to be. Now, you’re a man! Happy birthday, nephew.

  3. You’re the son I never had, nephew. Happy birthday. I hope you have a wonderful day!

  4. Until you were born, I didn’t know what I was missing. Being your aunt/uncle has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Happy birthday!

  5. Happy birthday to my favorite nephew! You’re like a son to me, and I am so grateful for you.

  6. Every day, I learn something new from you, nephew. Thank you for teaching me how to be adventurous and curious and to see the world with fresh eyes.

  7. I am so incredibly fortunate to be a part of your journey to adulthood. Being your aunt/uncle has been one of my favorite parts of life from the moment you were born to now. Happy birthday, and here’s to many more cherished moments.

Related: 150 of the Sweetest Birthday Wishes for Your Niece to Remind Her How Special She Is

Happy Birthday Wishes for Sister-in-Law

  1. Happy birthday, and welcome to the family!

  2. Now that you’re a member of our family, it feels complete. Here’s to celebrating more birthdays in the future.

  3. Happy birthday to my new sister-in-law! I’m so excited to have you as a part of my family.

  4. Since you joined our family, you’ve always celebrated and supported everyone. Now, it’s our turn to celebrate you! Happy birthday.

  5. Happy birthday to my sister from another mister!

  6. I’ve always dreamed of having a sister, and now I have you! Happy birthday, sis.

  7. We may have only known each other for a short time, but it doesn’t feel like it. Happy birthday, sister-in-law!

Related: Celebrate Another Year Around the Sun with These 100 LOL-Worthy Birthday Jokes

Birthday Wishes for a Sibling

  1. Happy birthday! How are you this old already? Just yesterday, we were toddlers.

  2. You don’t choose your family, but if you did, I’d always choose you. Happy birthday!

  3. Happy birthday. You’re the best [brother/sister] anyone could ask for.

  4. I’m the luckiest person alive to get to call you my sister. Happy birthday.

  5. From the time we were kids, I always knew you’d grow up to be something great. You deserve all the happy birthday wishes in the world!

  6. Happy birthday, sis! Don’t forget, I know all your secrets—save me an extra piece of cake.

  7. Happy birthday from your favorite (and only) sibling!

  8. Remember when you called me old on my birthday? Now, you’re catching up.

  9. I didn’t have to go to Vegas to hit the jackpot. That happened the day you were born. Happy birthday to you, brother!

  10. As your younger sibling, I’ve always looked up to you. You’ve taught me everything I know, and I can’t thank you enough for that. I hope your birthday is as great as you are!

  11. As a kid, I always wished for a sibling. Then, you came along. Happy birthday!

  12. When I’m feeling down, you’re always there to cheer me up. When I’m celebrating, you’re always there to cheer me on. Now, it’s my turn to celebrate you.

  13. You may steal my clothes, but I’ll look past it because I love you.

  14. Growing up, I couldn’t wait to get older and be just like you. Thanks for giving me something to look forward to. Happy birthday to the best big brother/sister around!

  15. We’ve celebrated many birthdays together as siblings, but I never tire of it. Can’t wait to celebrate this one with you!

  16. “A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, and a golden thread to the meaning of life.” (Isadora James) Happy birthday to my sister and friend.

  17. I’m lucky to have a big brother who’s always willing to look out for me. Thanks for always having my back! Happy birthday.

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Funny Birthday Wishes

  1. Did you know you have similarities with a glass of fine wine? The older you get, the more appreciated you are by people with good taste. Happy birthday, you old grape!

  2. You’re out of this world. Here’s to starting your next orbit around the sun!

  3. Cheers to another year of surviving!

  4. You know you’re getting older when your candles cost more than the cake.

  5. For you, this year’s birthday celebration isn’t just a party; it’s a fireworks celebration. More candles, more excitement, right? Happy birthday!

  6. Happy 25th birthday—again!

  7. May your birthday be as fabulous as your dating profile says you are.

  8. Congrats on surviving another year of adulthood without adult supervision. Happy birthday!

  9. Happy birthday! Remember, you’re not old; you’re vintage.

  10. Back in my day, we didn’t have emojis, Snapchat filters or TikTok followers, but we still knew how to party. Can’t wait to celebrate with you soon!

  11. Why do candles always go to parties? They’re always ready to bring the spark. Your spark lights up any room you enter, especially on your birthday.

Related: Yay, It's Your Birthday! Get the Party Started With These 100 Hilarious Birthday Puns

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Birthday Wishes for a Friend

  1. Throughout the years, you’ve always given me the best advice. Now that you’re another year older and wiser, I can’t wait to see the incredible wisdom and adventures this new chapter brings. Happy birthday, friend!

  2. Happy birthday to my favorite partner in crime! Here’s to another year of making memories and going on crazy adventures together.

  3. Thank you for being such an amazing friend! Words can’t express how thankful I am for you and our friendship, so I hope you know that on your special day.

  4. I hope your birthday is as fantastic as our friendship has been for all these years.

  5. Your birthday is a day to celebrate the one-of-a-kind friend you are!

  6. What is a best friend? Someone willing to support you through tough times, listen to you when you’re in need and laugh with you during moments of joy. Today, I celebrate all of these with you! Thanks for always being the friend I needed.

  7. In case I don’t tell you this enough, I’m so grateful for everything you do for me! Without you, life certainly wouldn’t be the same. Happy birthday!

  8. You make the world a better place just by being you. Cheesy, I know, but it’s true. I hope you have a fantastic birthday.

  9. Today isn’t any day, it’s your birthday. A day that a very special person, who I happen to call my best friend, was brought into this world.

  10. You’re the sister I got to choose. Happy birthday, sis!

  11. Happy birthday, bestie! I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and I can’t wait to see what you will do this year.

  12. Since [year], you’ve been a friend I could count on. Today, I hope I can throw you a party you can count on to be fun and fabulous—just like you! Happy birthday.

  13. Among all the ups and downs of life, you’re the only person who’s been there with me through it all. Happy birthday to my best friend, my person, my rock.

  14. Words can’t express how much your friendship means to me, so I’ll keep it short. Happy birthday, friend!

  15. Every year is a new chance to make new memories with the ones you love. This year, let’s commit to making tons more! Happy birthday.

  16. When we met, I instantly knew we’d be best friends. From that day until now, on your birthday, that hasn’t changed.

  17. Happy birthday to the only person who can make me laugh when I’m down in the dumps.

  18. Who knew that all these years later, we’d still be writing each other birthday cards? Happy birthday, friend!

Related: Turning the Big 5-0 Is Worth Celebrating! Show Your Love with These 100 Best 50th Birthday Wishes

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Romantic Birthday Messages For Your Spouse or Partner

  1. As we celebrate your birthday, I want you to know that my love for you grows deeper each year.

  2. Your birthday isn’t just another year of celebrating you; it’s a reminder that I get to spend another year as your partner. Happy birthday!

  3. On your birthday, remember that your age may have changed over the years, but one thing hasn’t—my love for you.

  4. Happy birthday to my favorite person in the world!

  5. Being your partner is the best privilege I could ask for. Happy birthday.

  6. Fate brought me to you out of all the people in the world. Today, we celebrate not only your birthday but my unending love for you and the beauty of our relationship. Happy birthday.

  7. I planned the perfect birthday dinner for you and can't wait to celebrate everything that makes you, you.

  8. Your presence in my life is the most beautiful gift. I can’t wait to make your day as special as yours.

  9. Happy birthday to my love, my confidant and my best friend. Every moment with you is a celebration, but today is extra special.

  10. On your birthday, I want you to feel as loved as you make me feel every day.

  11. Happy birthday to my love, my soulmate, my life partner. I am so thankful I get to call you mine.

  12. Wishing you a birthday as incredible as the love you’ve given me.

  13. With each passing year, my love for you grows stronger. Today, we celebrate you and another year of our love growing deeper.

  14. You make my heart skip a beat, but I wouldn’t skip your birthday!

  15. Happy birthday to the person who colors my world with love.

  16. You’re not only my partner, but you’re my forever love! Happy birthday.

  17. You’ve always stuck by my side, and I can’t thank you enough. Happy birthday, love, and here’s to many more celebrations together.

  18. The years may pass quickly, but today, I’m taking all the time in the world to celebrate you. Happy birthday!

  19. Life with you is always an adventure, and one I look forward to each and every day—especially today on your birthday.

  20. Here’s a toast to you, the man who adds pizzazz to my life every day. Happy birthday!

  21. On your birthday, I hope you know how much you mean to me. I love you!

  22. Happy birthday to the person who knows me better than anyone else. There’s no one else I’d rather spend my life with.

  23. You are the flame that ignites my heart. Happy birthday!

  24. Your love is the sun that makes my life shine a little brighter—especially on your birthday. Happy birthday.

  25. Happy birthday to the [king/queen] of my heart!

Birthday Messages for Long-Distance Couples

  1. Even though we can’t be together on your birthday, know my heart is with you. I can’t wait to be home and celebrate with you soon.

  2. Since we’re not together, I’ll have to send my birthday wishes through the mail. Happy birthday!

  3. Distance can’t dim the love we share. Happy birthday. Here’s to closing the mileage gap between us and celebrating many more birthdays together.

  4. Although we’re miles apart, our hearts are always connected. I hope you have a day filled with love—even though mine’s coming far away.

  5. Distance means nothing when you have a partner as amazing as you. Happy birthday, I hope it’s as great as you are.

  6. Just as the stars illuminate the night sky, my love for you shines just as bright. Happy birthday, my love. You’re the distance that feels closest to my heart.

  7. Happy birthday to the person who makes the distance feel like a small detail in the grand story of our love.

  8. Distance can’t keep us from celebrating your entrance to the earth. Wishing you the happiest of happy birthdays!

  9. Cheers to another year of love and laughter with you. I’m counting down the days until we’re together again. Happy birthday!

  10. I may not be there for your birthday, but that just gives us another day to celebrate. Happy birthday, and I can’t wait until we’re able to throw a party together.

Birthday Wishes for Co-Workers

  1. Happy birthday! I hope your day is full of error-free spreadsheets and full coffee pots.

  2. Happy birthday to the glue that holds this office together. Without you, we wouldn’t accomplish as much as we do.

  3. As the office wordsmith, you’re used to being the go-to person to come up with birthday wishes. Now that it’s our turn, we’re keeping it simple—happy birthday to you!

  4. Your birthday is a day for self-care. Take a break from the office life and enjoy some well-deserved R&R.

  5. Happy birthday to the office comedian! We wish you a birthday filled with laughter and free of “reply all” email disasters.

  6. From all of us at the office, happy birthday! We wish you the happiest of birthdays and a great year ahead.

  7. Happy birthday! You are such a great asset to our team. We can’t wait to see what you do in the upcoming year.

  8. You make work a lot less like work. Thanks for all you do. Happy birthday!

  9. Happy birthday to my favorite coworker! I couldn’t imagine chatting with anyone else on Slack all day.

  10. Thanks for always being there to fill me in on meeting notes. I hope you get a much-deserved break today for your birthday!

  11. Finding a good manager is like finding a needle in a haystack; it isn’t easy. Thankfully, I have the best manager around! Happy birthday, boss.

  12. We all know how much hard work you’ve put in over the past few months. Believe us, it hasn’t gone unnoticed. We’re so thankful to have you as a member of our team. Happy birthday!

  13. You deserve a vacation for all the shenanigans you put up with around the office. Thanks for your patience, dedication and mentorship. Happy birthday!

  14. Even though we’re a remote team, you’ve made such an impact and connection with each and every one of us. Your leadership and compassion make working for [company] a dream come true. Have the best birthday. You deserve it.

  15. Calling your coworkers family is usually cringy, but not with you. I truly value your presence in the office and the support you’ve given me. Happy birthday!

  16. Happy birthday, work bestie! See you at happy hour!

  17. Enjoying your birthday starts with taking the day off work. Get some rest and self-care on your break.

Birthday Blessings and Bible Verses

  1. May your special day be filled with serendipity, and may the coming year bring you many blessings, good health and endless opportunities for happiness.

  2. May the sun shine a little brighter on your birthday and the love in your heart multiply. Wishing you a day filled with unforgettable moments and a year ahead filled with many blessings.

  3. As you celebrate another year of life, I hope the love of friends and family surrounds you. May each moment be a treasure, and your day be filled with reminders of what a blessing it is to have treasured people in your life.

  4. Today is a special day…it’s your birthday! I pray that you find the strength to overcome challenges, the wisdom to make important decisions, and the courage to chase your dreams.

  5. When you’re wrapping up your birthday celebrations, don’t forget to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful memories from this year’s festivities.

  6. What a blessing it is to have you in my life. Happy birthday!

  7. On your birthday, may the Lord bless you with peace, joy and love. May your life be a testament to His grace and goodness.

  8. This birthday, may God’s grace continue to shower upon you.

  9. We wish you a birthday where God’s grace envelops you, His love surrounds you, and His peace fills your heart. Happy birthday!

  10. Happy birthday! This year, I hope you continue to walk in God’s light and welcome his blessings into your life.

  11. From our family to yours, we hope you experience the depth of God’s love and the peace that comes from knowing you are in His hands on your birthday.

Adding a bible verse to one of these birthday blessings adds another layer of sentiment to it. Here are some of my favorite birthday-related verses:

  1. "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15

  2. "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy." - Philippians 1:3-4

  3. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” - Jeremiah 29:11

  4. "For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life." - Proverbs 9:11

  5. "May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." - Psalm 20:4

  6. "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." - Numbers 6:24-26

  7. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your god is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Belated Birthday Wishes

  1. Oops! I’m late with your birthday wishes. But now you have a reason to celebrate twice. Happy birthday, buddy!

  2. Happy belated birthday! I’m not late, I just wanted to extend the festivities. Hope you have a great day.

  3. Age is just a number, so technically, I haven’t missed anything. Happy belated birthday!

  4. Happy belated birthday from your punctually challenged friend!

  5. Better late than never, right? Wishing you a belated happy birthday filled

  6. I lost track of time, but I didn’t forget you. Here’s a belated happy birthday. Use my late wishes to make your celebration last a little longer.

  7. Your birthday isn’t just a day, it’s an entire month! Celebrate for as long as you can; you deserve it! Happy belated birthday.

  8. I’m sorry for the delay, but my belated birthday wishes are well-intentioned. I hope you had an amazing day. Here’s to many more!

  9. Life got busy, and time slipped away from me, but that’s no excuse. Happy belated birthday, friend.

  10. Apologies for the late birthday wishes. I hope your birthday was filled with joy and your upcoming year is full of excitement.

  11. I’m not saying I forgot your birthday, but let’s just say your cake is in the mail—happy belated birthday!

  12. Even though it’s technically not your birthday, I still want you to know how much you mean to me!

Social Media Birthday Wishes

At a loss for what to write for a birthday post? Whether it’s your friend, family, coworker, or even someone you just met, coming up with the right caption is one of the hardest parts of maintaining a social media presence. Here are a few social media birthday wishes to keep in your notes app.

  1. You’re officially old enough to know better but not old enough to care.

  2. Cheers to celebrating [age] trips around the sun!

  3. Life is too short to not eat birthday cake. Have a slice for me!

  4. Is it really your best friend’s birthday if you don’t post a silly picture? Happy birthday, bestie.

  5. I’m just here for the cake. And to celebrate your birthday. But really, the cake is great.

  6. They say you should surround yourself with people who are more excited to celebrate your birthday than you are. That’s what I’m here for!

  7. Another year of adventures awaits you! Happy birthday!

  8. Celebrate good times, come on!

  9. Here’s a birthday toast to you!

  10. Another year older and still rocking it like a boss.

  11. You’re getting bolder, not older. Happy birthday!

Next: 85 Heartfelt Ways to Say Thank You for the Birthday Wishes