21st birthday wishes to celebrate adulthood and new adventures.

Turning 21 marks the start of new freedoms, bold adventures, and a few “responsible” firsts. It’s the perfect time to celebrate with 21st birthday wishes that go beyond the generic “Happy Birthday” and actually reflect the excitement of stepping into adulthood.

Whether it’s a heartfelt message, a hilarious toast, or a creative digital tribute, your 21st birthday wishes should capture the thrill of this new chapter. Use the birthday wishes on this list to craft a message that’s personal, unforgettable, and fun. Add them to showstopping creative projects like birthday cards, posters, and banners using Adobe Express.

This guide will help you find new creative ideas and the best 21st birthday wishes.

Thoughtful 21st birthday wishes to make their day more memorable.

Welcome to adulthood, where freedom meets responsibility and fun knows no limits. Turning 21 is a huge milestone, and what better way to celebrate than with heartfelt and unforgettable wishes?

Make their 21st birthday unforgettable with a touching tribute. Design a stunning birthday card that makes use of the celebrant’s throwback photos or infuse humor that reflects their personality. Whether you’re making a personalized birthday card, an inspiring poster, or a cute photo collage, a well-thought-out tribute transforms a simple greeting into a cherished memory.

• Cheers to 21 years of incredible you! May your journey ahead be as remarkable as the steps you've already taken.

• Welcome to the age of freedom and responsibility. May your 21st year be filled with adventures that tell your unique story.

• As you turn 21, may each day be a canvas for your dreams and every moment an opportunity to express your true self.

• Embrace the joy of being 21 with courage and an open heart. May your path be lit with laughter and love.

• At 21, the world is your stage. Dance to the rhythm of your passions and the beat of your own drum.

Create a playlist-inspired birthday banner. Make it look like a Spotify playlist, with song titles replaced by 21st birthday wishes from loved ones and the celebrant’s name as the “artist.”

To make a custom banner, launch Adobe Express. Choose from vertical or horizontal template layouts. Customize the template by adding design assets, tweaking the color palette, and experimenting with unique fonts.

Adobe Express also has a generative AI feature that lets you create images and text effects using prompts. Click Generative AI on the left-hand navigation pane and choose from Image, Template, or Text effects.

You can also generate unique text effects by selecting the text you want to zhuzh up and clicking the pencil icon under Generate text effects. Write your prompt or use the premade effects that you can find under Inspirations.

• May your 21st chapter be a masterpiece of moments that celebrate your authenticity and diversity.

• As you step into your 21st year, may you forge connections that resonate with the melody of your soul.

• Celebrate 21 years of life's tapestry, woven with threads of joy, challenges, and triumphs.

• May your 21st be as vibrant and colorful as the spectrum of experiences that await you.

• On your 21st, may you find strength in your roots and wings to soar to new heights.

• Revel in the beauty of turning 21, a milestone that marks the beginning of a journey as unique as you are.

• Happy 21st Birthday! May your spirit continue to shine brightly as you embrace this new chapter with confidence.

21st birthday wishes for a girl.

She’s fierce, fabulous, and officially 21. Whether she’s your daughter, best friend, or sister, this is a birthday she’ll never forget.

Celebrate her journey into adulthood with meaningful wishes that uplift, inspire, and bring joy. Want to make her day extra special? Create a beautiful birthday card with a playful, vibrant theme. Experiment with bold typography, delicate patterns, and eye-catching graphics to make your design—and message—pop. Add these 21st birthday wishes for a girl to complete your card.

• To a girl who embodies grace and resilience, may your 21st year be as splendid as your smile.

• Happy 21st Birthday to a girl whose spirit is as free and fierce as the wind. May your dreams take flight.

• On your 21st, may you be surrounded by love and laughter, and may your days be as radiant as your heart.

• As you celebrate 21 years, may you continue to inspire with your authenticity and shine with inner beauty.

• To a girl who's 21 today, may your journey be filled with stories of love, courage, and connection.

• May your 21st birthday be a reflection of the woman you've become: strong, compassionate, and full of life.

• Cheers to a girl who's 21! May your year ahead be as adventurous and lively as your spirit.

• On this special day, may you embrace 21 with the confidence of a queen and the heart of a warrior.

Make their princess dreams come true with a super cute paper crown. Follow this tutorial from @deryatavas (Derya) on Instagram to make DIY crowns. For a more sustainable option, use pages from old books or magazines.

• Happy 21st Birthday to a girl who paints the world with her creativity and kindness.

Speaking of creativity, why not design a poster that features some of her original artworks? Have it framed for her to keep as a reminder of her talent and artistry? Remember to add this sweet birthday wish to a card to go with the poster.

To make a poster with Adobe Express, choose a theme or start your design from scratch. Upload original images and use a collage layout if you’re featuring several works. Alternatively, look to exhibit posters for inspiration and use one artwork as the poster’s focal point.

• May your 21st year be a celebration of the diversity and richness of life, just like the woman you are.

• As you turn 21, may your days be sprinkled with joy and your nights sparkle with dreams come true.

• To a girl who's turning 21, may your voice echo with strength and your steps lead to extraordinary places.

21st birthday wishes for a boy.

He’s finally 21. This is the perfect time to raise a toast (legally.) Whether he’s your son, brother, or best mate, turning 21 marks the beginning of a new adventure.

Celebrate his big day with 21st birthday wishes for a boy that are bold, empowering, and full of excitement. Go beyond just words and create a dynamic and awe-inspiring birthday poster, banner, or party flyer with Adobe Express. In a few clicks, you can make scroll-stopping digital tributes to make treasured memories last for a lifetime.

• To a young man stepping into 21, may your year be marked by victories, both big and small.

• Happy 21st Birthday to a boy whose courage and creativity carve a path of true distinction.

• As you turn 21, may your life be an adventure of discovery, growth, and the pursuit of your passions.

• Celebrate 21 years of life with the gusto and determination that define the remarkable man you are becoming.

A great birthday poster isn’t just about beautiful design or finding the right words. It also serves as a heartfelt reminder of love, laughter, and the journey ahead.

To design a birthday poster with a unique edge, explore different design styles. Try incorporating techniques like posterization or linocut printmaking, which you can achieve using software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. This Adobe tutorial shows you how to make a linocut look using Illustrator. Meanwhile, this Adobe guide teaches you how to posterize images with Photoshop.

Play around with color and typography. For example, choose eye-catching colors and apply a duotone effect to create a striking contrast. Select bold, sans serif fonts like League Gothic or Poppins Bold if you want to convey a message with clarity and impact. Adjust the size and emphasis of the poster’s visual elements to up its dramatic effect.

• May your 21st birthday be the start of a journey filled with bold dreams and exciting challenges.

• To a boy who's 21 today, may your spirit of adventure and zest for life never fade.

• On your 21st, may you find joy in the simple moments and strength in the love that surrounds you.

• Happy 21st Birthday! May your year ahead be as dynamic and impactful as your aspirations.

• As you embrace 21, may your days be a canvas for your unique expression and boundless creativity.

• To a boy who's turning 21, may your heart be brave, your mind be sharp, and your life be extraordinary.

• Celebrate your 21st with the confidence of knowing that you are a beacon of hope and a force of change.

• On this milestone, may your 21st year be a testament to your resilience and a celebration of your individuality.

Mark a newfound independence with these Happy 21st birthday wishes.

Cheers to 21 years of amazing memories and countless more to come. Whether you want to send a heartfelt note or a hilarious birthday message, finding the right words matters.

Make any birthday celebration more meaningful with Adobe Express. Design elegant greeting cards, stylish birthday banners, or fun flyer invites. Or, go the extra mile with a cute photo collage featuring the celebrant’s best moments from childhood to now.

• Happy 21st Birthday! May your day be as bright and sparkling as the future that lies ahead.

• Wishing you a 21st filled with laughter, love, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.

• On your 21st, may happiness be your constant companion, and may each new day bring you closer to your dreams.

• Happy 21st Birthday! Here's to a year of making bold choices and celebrating every victory, big or small.

Use this birthday wish as a springboard to craft a message that acknowledges the celebrant’s growth, resilience, and dreams. Add your message to a striking birthday card featuring elegant typography, a soft color palette, and delicate patterns.

• May your 21st birthday be just the beginning of a life full of wonder, joy, and meaningful connections.

• Wishing you a 21st that's as special as you are, filled with moments that resonate with your true self.

• Happy 21st Birthday! May your heart be light, your spirit free, and your journey an amazing story.

• On this significant day, may your 21st year be a symphony of experiences that reflect your unique essence.

• Happy 21st Birthday! Embrace the beauty of becoming, the joy of evolving, and the thrill of the unknown.

• Wishing you a 21st that's as vibrant and full of life as the incredible person you've grown to be.

• Happy 21st Birthday! May your days be painted with the colors of love, creativity, and authentic expression.

• On your 21st, may you be surrounded by the warmth of friends, the comfort of family, and the excitement of new beginnings.

Funny 21st birthday wishes that bring on the laughs.

Turning 21: when you finally become an adult (but still don’t feel like one). This milestone is the perfect time for laughter, inside jokes, and witty birthday wishes that make the day extra fun.

Pair these 21st birthday wishes that are funny with an original design for a meme-style card, poster, or banner. Want to relive all their funniest moments? Why not include photos of the celebrant’s childhood bloopers and candid snapshots of their teenage years in your creative projects?

• Congrats on being legal to do all the things you've been doing since you were 16! Happy 21st!

• Happy 21st Birthday! Remember, the best way to remember your 21st birthday is not at all. Drink responsibly!

• You're 21 now, so you can drink. But just because you can, doesn't mean you should. But hey, who am I to stop you? Cheers!

• Welcome to the age where your back goes out more than you do. Happy 21st!

• Happy 21st Birthday! It's all fun and games until someone figures out the actual cost of a cocktail.

• You're 21 and finally able to legally do everything you've been doing since 1Stay classy!

Pair this funny 21st birthday wish with a cute and colorful illustration to bring it to life. Aside from memes, try illustrating puns or inside jokes for a card that’ll make them laugh out loud.

• On your 21st, let's toast to the fact that you're still young enough to say you'll do it "someday"!

• Happy 21st Birthday! You're now at an age where you can decide which is worse: a hangover or being sober.

• Congrats on hitting 21! The age where you can still remember your childhood but can't remember last night.

• Happy 21st Birthday! May your Facebook wall be filled with messages from people you never talk to.

• You're 21! If you were a car, you'd almost be eligible for classic insurance. Almost.

• Happy 21st Birthday! It's time to start buying anti-aging cream; you'll thank me later.

21st birthday wishes for a daughter to mark her incredible growth.

She’s 21, independent, and ready to take on the world. This birthday is a defining moment, and as a parent, you want to send a message that’s as special as she is.

Express your love and pride through beautifully designed creative projects like birthday cards and banners. Make this a birthday she’ll never forget by writing a heartfelt letter using the letter templates from Adobe Express. Add personal touches to your letter by including a photo collage that tells the story of her journey so far. Fill the collage with photos, family mementos like tickets to Disneyland, and messages from her loved ones.

• To our beloved daughter, may your 21st year be as bright and beautiful as the love you've brought into our lives.

• Happy 21st Birthday, sweetheart! Your journey is just beginning, and we're so proud of the woman you are becoming.

• As you turn 21, remember that you are loved for the unique and wonderful person you are. Shine on, our dear daughter.

• To our daughter on her 21st, may your heart always be filled with the courage to pursue your dreams.

• Happy 21st Birthday to our precious daughter! May your days be as joyful and vibrant as your spirit.

• On your 21st, we celebrate the amazing daughter you are and the incredible life that awaits you.

• To our daughter, who's turning 21, may your year be a tapestry of love, laughter, and memorable adventures.

• Happy 21st Birthday, daughter! May your life be a reflection of the love and happiness you bring to others.

• As you embrace 21, our dear daughter, may your path be graced with opportunities to express your true self.

Is your daughter into horoscopes? Why not incorporate her interests into a cool zodiac-themed birthday photo collage? Feature their astrological sign with fun predictions for their 21st year. Make your gift more meaningful by including birthday wishes from family members and close friends.

• To our daughter on her 21st, may your spirit soar and your dreams take flight in this new chapter of life.

• Happy 21st Birthday, daughter! Your authenticity and kindness are gifts to the world. Keep shining!

• On this special day, our daughter, may your 21st year be as remarkable and inspiring as you are to us.

21st birthday wishes for a son to celebrate his strength and wisdom.

Watching your son turn 21 is such a bittersweet moment. He’s stepping into adulthood while still being your little boy at heart. This milestone birthday is a chance to express your love, pride, and excitement for his future, so make this moment count.

Whether he’s chasing big dreams or finding his own path, these 21st birthday wishes for a son will remind him of his strength, potential, and the love that surrounds him. Add these birthday wishes to a nice card or photo collage to encourage him to embrace this new chapter with confidence.

• Happy 21st Birthday to my incredible son! May your year be filled with adventures that match your wildest dreams and aspirations.

• To my son on his 21st: Your courage and authenticity inspire me daily. Here's to a year of making bold choices and embracing life's full spectrum.

• Cheers to 21 years, my son! May your journey be as unique and diverse as the world around you.

• On your 21st birthday, son, may you feel the deep connection of our family's love and the freedom to express your true self.

• Happy 21st, my son! Embrace every emotion this year brings, from joy to challenge, and know that you are loved through it all.

• To my son on this milestone birthday: May your authenticity shine and your dreams take flight.

Make an interactive birthday card for your son. Add a QR code to the card that links to video wishes from loved ones and close friends who can’t make it to the celebration. You can also use tools like Onirix to create an augmented reality card and bring your 21st birthday wishes to life.

• Celebrating 21 years of you, my son! May your path be marked by creativity, love, and the courage to be unapologetically you.

• Happy 21st Birthday! Son, your diversity of thought and emotion enriches our lives. Here's to celebrating every facet of who you are.

• Son, as you turn 21, remember that life's victories are sweeter when shared. May your connections deepen and your celebrations multiply.

• On your 21st, my son, may you find strength in your authenticity and joy in your personal victories.

• To my beloved son: Your 21st year is a canvas. Paint it with bold colors of experience and strokes of daring choices.

• Happy 21st Birthday, son! May your year be a masterpiece of moments that resonate with the depth of your spirit.

21st birthday wishes for a niece.

Your niece’s 21st birthday is a chance to celebrate the vibrant, inspiring person she is. Whether she’s creative, adventurous, or full of kindness, these 21st birthday wishes will add a touch of magic to her special day.

Add these birthday wishes to stunning birthday cards and inspiring posters to inspire her to chase her dreams and embrace new experiences.

• Happy 21st Birthday to my wonderful niece! May your year be as bright and colorful as your personality.

• To my niece on her 21st: May your days be filled with the joy of discovery and the warmth of connection.

• Cheers to 21 years, my dear niece! Embrace the diversity of life's experiences as you forge your unique path.

• On your 21st birthday, niece, may you find the courage to express every shade of your extraordinary character.

• Happy 21st, my niece! May your year be a tapestry woven with threads of creativity, love, and unending joy.

Design a handmade card featuring your niece’s favorite colors. Follow this tutorial from arttherapy.co to make a cute illustrated birthday card.

• To my niece on this special day: May your authenticity be your guide and your dreams your compass.

• Celebrating 21 years of you, my niece! May your journey be as inspiring and diverse as the stories you love to share.

• Happy 21st Birthday! Niece, your empathy and creativity light up our world. Here's to a year of meaningful connections.

• Niece, as you turn 21, cherish the emotions that shape you and the relationships that support you.

• On your 21st, my niece, may you dance to the rhythm of your own dreams and find beauty in life's simple pleasures.

• To my cherished niece: Your 21st year is a garden. Cultivate it with seeds of ambition and blooms of success.

• Happy 21st Birthday, niece! May your year be filled with moments that resonate with the melody of your soul.

21st birthday wishes for a friend who’s like family.

Your best friend’s 21st birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. So, make it epic. Celebrate all the memories you’ve shared and the adventures still ahead with these 21st birthday wishes for a friend.

From sentimental to inspiring, these wishes reflect the unique bond you share. Make them laugh out loud with a funny birthday card featuring your funnies together, or make them tear up by crafting a letter from the heart. Add these wishes to any creative project and remind your friend that the best years of their life are just beginning.

• Happy 21st Birthday to a friend who embodies creativity and connection. May your year be as epic as our friendship.

• To my friend on their 21st: May your days be a celebration of diversity, laughter, and the authenticity that defines you.

• Cheers to 21 years, my friend! Let's make memories that echo with joy and resonate with the spirit of adventure.

• On your 21st birthday, friend, may you be surrounded by love and empowered to express your truest self.

• Happy 21st, my friend! Here's to a year of embracing every emotion and creating stories we'll tell for a lifetime.

• To my friend on this milestone: Your unique journey inspires me. May your 21st year be as remarkable as you are.

• Celebrating 21 years of friendship and fun! May your path be lit with the sparks of creativity and the warmth of connection.

Add metallic foil accents to the birthday card for a decorative touch.

If they happen to like art, use abstract brushstrokes for the background. This process video by @arthurbros (Arthur Brouthers) shows you a cool way to make abstract fluid art that you may want to use as design inspiration for your card. For example, instead of using the same tool as Brouthers, why not use everyday household items like old whisks, bench scrapers, or combs to create unique patterns?

If your friend likes cute designs, incorporate dainty watercolor flowers as borders or as the card’s background.

• Happy 21st Birthday! Friend, your empathy and courage are gifts to all who know you. Here's to a year of growth and happiness.

• Friend, as you turn 21, may your life be a canvas of vibrant experiences and heartfelt moments.

• On your 21st, my friend, may you find strength in your convictions and joy in the journey ahead.

• To my amazing friend: Your 21st year is a mosaic of possibilities. Piece together a year of triumphs and treasured memories.

• Happy 21st Birthday, friend! May your year be an odyssey of self-discovery, brimming with the essence of life's richness.

How to make milestone moments even better.

How do you make milestone birthdays, regardless of whether they’re the 21st or 50th, more magical? From better birthday wishes to more impactful creative projects, these tips have got you covered.

• Always personalize. For example, modify any of these 21st birthday wishes by mentioning the celebrant’s dreams, wishes, or the special memories you’ve shared. Also, inject humor when appropriate. This helps keep your message well-balanced. For example, follow up a joke with a reminder that you’ll always be there to support them or provide encouragement for the future.

• Keep it unique. Use creative formats instead of plain or generic greetings. For example, make a list of 21 things you love about the celebrant or write a flash fiction piece or poem dedicated to them.

• Encourage personal enjoyment. Sure, parties are great, but consider encouraging the celebrant to indulge in self-care activities or do something they love. What’s important is to give them the time and space to focus on their happiness. This not only makes their big day more meaningful but also lets them enjoy this milestone in a way that feels right to them.

• Mindful gifting. Aside from handmade greeting cards or photo collages, think about giving practical or thoughtful gifts. For example, give them a painting of their pets or a hand-knit scarf. Gifts that incorporate the celebrant’s interests also go a long way. For example, get them tickets to their favorite artist’s concert.

Make memories that last far beyond the birthday party with Adobe Express.

21 marks the start of an unforgettable adventure. From late-night laughs to brand-new opportunities, this milestone deserves a celebration that’s as bold and exciting as the person reaching it.

Whether you’re crafting a heartfelt message, planning a surprise, or just making sure their day feels more meaningful, these 21st birthday wishes go a long way. Add them to one-of-a-kind birthday cards, posters, and photo collages to make this 21st birthday one they’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Design with your wish