Best birthday card messages: What to Write

So, you bought a birthday card. Your pen is poised, ready to write something fabulously wise or funny, and you go blank. It happens. Suddenly you're under pressure, and you go for the old "Happy Birthday, have a great day"! There's nothing memorable, inspirational or funny in that. Will that card make the memory box? More likely, the compost bin. 

To write the best birthday card message, you need to know a little about the personality of the person receiving the card. What are their likes and dislikes? Do they use slang? How old are they? Do they have a sense of humour? Do they need inspiring? What gift are they getting? Can you offend and still be friends?

Funny birthday card messages

Writing funny stuff on a card can be risky but comes with great rewards. for example, "I asked Siri how old you are? She just laughed!" or "You're not old, you only Twenty, plus shipping and handling!" or "Happy Birthday thanks for always being older than me."

Birthday messages for co-workers

In saying that, it can be more challenging to figure out exactly how to communicate how you feel about a friend or loved one or how grateful you are for them. Sometimes crafting a note to a co-worker or an older relative is even more difficult. Being thoughtful, kind, and engaging while staying professional can be difficult as well.

Here are some clues on what to write to a co-worker. "Glad to be working together, wishing you a wonderful day." or "Wishing you a wonderful, relaxing birthday (and an empty inbox!) or "Love your work. Have a stress free day."

Beautiful words for your partner

The best way to write something that will tug at your loved one's heartstrings is to remind them of a story about them. "When we first met, I never thought I would be so lucky to make you mine. You were so beautiful. I still remember what you were wearing. Ten years later, you are even more beautiful." Even if the gift fails to hit the mark, your words will. 

Family and friends

When writing for siblings, relations or friends, you can combine sincerity, fun and a little inside knowledge. For your brother, the message could be. Happy Birthday, man child, still a little unhappy you weren't my sister. Enjoy." To your best mate, song lyrics always come in handy (It's always nice to quote the artist), "Happy Birthday mate. Tramps like us baby, we were born to run."

Whoops I forgot your birthday card

We'll leave our advice on writing the best message with the dreaded belated. The whoops, I forgot your birthday card. It happens. When it happens, there are only two ways to go, funny or sucky. "Happy Birthday. I wanted this card to arrive late so you would remember me the most. Surprise." or "I know this is late, but I couldn't miss a chance to say Happy Birthday to one of my favourite people. Hope your day was perfect."

Short and sweet works a treat

Whoever you're writing for, don't feel pressured to write a novel. Keep it short and to the point. If you're scribbling handwriting is challenging to understand, think about writing block letters. Short messages can still be meaningful, "Another year older, another year better. Happy birthday." or "Have the best day ever", or "I hope today is as unique to you as you are to me. 

Finally, so you and the person celebrating their special day don't forget when you gave it to them, write the year in the bottom corner of the card.