Have a wonderful birthday! Hope your special day is amazing! Hope you have an enjoyable birthday! You deserve it. I’m so glad to know you and hope you have an amazing day. Enjoy your next trip around the sun![1] X Research source
For example, you could say something like, “This past year you succeeded at starting your own business, and I look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the year to come. Happy birthday!” Examples of milestones include learning how to drive, graduating from high school or a higher education program, buying a home, growing a family, getting a new job, getting married, moving, starting a new business, and meeting a personal goal, like running a marathon or reading 50 books in a year.
Taking the time to handwrite a message is a gift in and of itself. Most communication happens quickly via the Internet or the phone, so a handwritten note will be something the birthday person can hold onto for a long time.
Try saying something like, “Just when I think it can’t get any better, you surprise me with the amazing way you love me. Happy birthday. ” Or “Wishing my love a birthday that is just as beautiful and wonderful as you are!”
You can say something like, “Words just don’t come close to saying how thankful I am that you’re my parent. Happy birthday!” Or try something like, “I know who I am today is because of who you have been in my life, thank you—and I hope you have the happiest birthday!” If you have a parent who has passed, their birthday can be a painful reminder of that loss. You can take time to remember them, visit a spot that was special to them, or look at old photographs to honor their memory.
“I hope your birthday is as sweet as the cake and that the year to follow is filled with as much joy as you bring your friends!” and “Be who you are, because who you are is amazing—happy birthday to my best friend!” are both great examples of something you can say that is short and sweet. [7] X Research source
Make sure to sign your name beneath your greeting to make it more personal.
For example, saying “Happy birthday” in Spanish, Italian, or Japanese is a fun and unique way to tailor your greeting.
If you don’t plan on seeing the person on or near their birthday, mail the card a few days before the date so they will have it in time. Sending a card is a great way to show you care because it takes time to purchase or make a card.
Because texting can be more impersonal than a letter or in-person exchange, be intentional with your message and put some thought into what you’re saying.
You can find out where the person will be by asking something simple, like “Do you have any plans for the week of your birthday? I know I usually take my birthday off and spend it at home. ” This will start a conversation where they can tell you if they plan on doing anything out of the ordinary. Make sure to include a note with the flowers/gift basket that includes your name. The website or person taking your order will ask you what you would like the note to say. You could even arrange to have their favorite take-out meal delivered to them for a special birthday treat.
If you are mailing a dessert, like cookies, put them into an airtight container or bag to keep them fresh. Include a card along with the dessert and put a note inside that says something like “I know you love carrot cake and wanted you to have something special on your birthday. I hope you enjoy!”
Plan on paying for the meal for your friend if you do take them out. A surprise meal that they end up having to pay for themselves isn’t a great surprise.
Some simple ideas are to make them a playlist of their favorite songs from that year or buy them a guide book for a trip they are planning. You could even purchase a gift certificate for a massage or a spa visit for a relaxing experience for your friend. Bonus points if you make it something the 2 of you can do together for some quality time!
