What to write on a birthday card: meaningful, funny and heartfelt messages.

How to choose the right tone for your birthday card message.

Finding the right words for a birthday card depends on who you’re writing to and the relationship you share. A close friend might like a cheeky joke, while a family member may prefer a heartfelt note. Colleagues or professional contacts often appreciate a polite and respectful message. The tone should feel authentic, not forced. Ask yourself: what would make the recipient feel seen, appreciated or simply smile? That answer will help guide your message.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to write paragraphs. Sometimes a well-phrased line is all it takes to make an impact. Consider the occasion, the recipient’s personality, and how they prefer to be celebrated. Funny, sincere, formal or casual; each tone and style has its place. If you’re ever stuck, start with a simple “Happy Birthday!” and build from there. Whether you want your message to be touching or playful, Adobe Express can help you pair your words with a design that brings it to life.

Funny birthday messages to make them laugh.

Adding humour to a birthday card is a great way to make your message stand out. It’s personal, it’s memorable, and, if done well, it’s guaranteed to get a reaction. Think about inside jokes, playful exaggerations or light-hearted teasing that suits your relationship. Just make sure the humour is appropriate for the recipient. What works for a sibling might not land the same with a colleague. Keep it friendly and fun, and you’ll strike the right tone.

Here are a few classic types of funny messages to consider:

• “You’re not old; you’re just... well-seasoned.”
• “Age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying you.”
• “Another year older, but still none the wiser.”

Whether you’re designing a birthday card from scratch or using a ready-made template, pairing a funny message with playful visuals will only add to the charm. With Adobe Express, it’s easy to experiment with text, colours and illustrations to match the joke and make your design as witty as the message. Start by browsing a range of funny birthday card templates, including funny birthday cards for her and funny birthday cards for dads. Got a milestone birthday? Explore these funny birthday card templates for 30th birthdays, 40th birthdays, and 60th birthdays.

Thoughtful birthday card messages for family and friends.

When it comes to family and close friends, the best birthday messages come from the heart. Think about what this person means to you and why you’re grateful for them. Your message doesn’t have to be particularly long; instead, it just has to be sincere.

Here’s how to craft a thoughtful birthday message:

• Reflect on your connection. Whether it’s your sister, a parent or a lifelong friend, start by thinking about a shared memory or quality you love about them. You could bring this to life using Adobe Express templates and create matching elements like birthday banners or social media graphics that extend the celebration.
• Choose your message style. Decide whether you want your birthday card to be emotional, uplifting, or nostalgic, then tailor your message to the recipient. Send thoughtful wishes if they’re unwell and quarantined at home over their birthday, like “Wishing you a restful birthday and a speedy recovery – can’t wait to celebrate together soon!” Write a heartfelt note for your mum’s birthday: “Happy Birthday, Mum! Thank you for your endless love and support. I hope your day is as wonderful as you are.” or add a playful touch for your best friend: “Happy Birthday to my partner in crime! Here’s to more adventures, inside jokes, and unforgettable memories.” You can even opt for a fun, light-hearted card from the dog: “Happy Birthday to my favourite human! Thanks for all the belly rubs and treats. Love, your furry best friend.”
• Add a personal detail. Mention something only they’d understand: a phrase you both use, a favourite trip, or a moment that meant a lot to you both. Use a bold, clean font style to make these personal touches stand out. Perhaps upload a photo of a hilarious moment in your relationship or add a little promise to do that one thing they’ve been wanting to do for ages: the dance class, the theatre show, or the museum visit. Browse these photo birthday card templates to find the one that is perfect for your recipient.
• Keep the design meaningful. Don’t overcrowd the card. Let your main message do the talking, and use subtle design choices like colour palettes or layout spacing to create balance. Try using a simple, elegant template and focus on clarity. If you find yourself wanting more space to send a longer message, why not include a pull-out letter within the card? Use an informal letter template to get your thoughts down and keep your message in your birthday card short and sweet.

No matter the recipient’s style, there’s a birthday card for them just waiting to be customised with little details that will make them feel special on their big day. Explore birthday cards for every occasion and edit your favourite template in just a couple of clicks or taps. For even more simplicity, you can now design and print birthday cards directly through Adobe Express.

Short and sweet birthday card wishes for colleagues and teachers.

Short and sweet birthday card wishes for colleagues and teachers are often the most effective in professional or semi-formal settings. When writing for a colleague, manager, or teacher, aim for a warm yet respectful tone that feels personal without being overly emotional. Simple messages like “Wishing you a wonderful day filled with laughter and joy” or “Hope you take some time today to celebrate you” strike the perfect balance between professionalism and kindness. Keep things understated and formal with a birthday card for your boss or celebrate a quirky colleague with a unique birthday card design. For teachers, opt for a card in their favourite colour, be that pink, mint, plum or orange.

When crafting your message, it’s important to avoid language that’s too personal or sentimental; instead, focus on expressing appreciation and good wishes. For example, you might say, “Happy Birthday! Your dedication and hard work inspire us all” or “Wishing you a year full of success and happiness”. If the card is from a team or company, maintaining a cohesive design theme can enhance the card’s polish and thoughtfulness. Coordinating the card’s look with business cards or email headers helps keep branding consistent across formats. You could design a group greeting card for everyone to add messages to and sign. For teachers, you might wish to include appreciation quotes or a thank-you message. If you’re creating multiple cards or a complete birthday theme with posters and invites, Adobe Express helps you keep a consistent look and feel across everything.

Tips for writing a birthday card message that hits the mark.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to birthday card writing, but there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, take yourself out of the equation and think about your audience. Your tone and language will shift depending on whether you’re writing to a best friend, a 90-year-old neighbour, a granddaughter or a colleague. You also need to make sure this card is about them personally. You may love fishing, but if your best friend or boss doesn’t, then don’t give them a fishing-themed birthday card. Focus on what they like and try to incorporate it into the card. Avoid generic clichés and instead create something that feels genuine. Sometimes a plain card that’s written from the heart is best. If you don’t know what that sounds like, then write it as if speaking to them: “Jared, it’s always a pleasure working with you, have a great birthday, Dave.” Maybe add one specific detail, like something the person achieved this year, a trait you admire, or a funny habit. This can elevate your message, but try to avoid becoming overly gushy.

Next, consider how your words will pair with the design. A short and playful message works well with bold, bright templates, while heartfelt notes might suit a more elegant or minimalist layout. Don’t be afraid to write a few versions of your message until one feels right. And if in doubt, keep it simple. The best messages are the ones that feel natural. Find birthday card templates that celebrate special relationships, including brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters on Adobe Express.

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How Adobe Express can help you.

If there’s an important birthday coming up, you can figure out what to write in a birthday card with help from Adobe Express. Whether you’re wanting to write something funny, heartfelt or professional, start with free templates, add photos and your own personal message, then adjust the design to match your tone and recipient. Explore hundreds of design templates and create something truly personal with Adobe Express.