Happy Birthday Wishes | 132 Messages & Quotes

Happy birthday wishes make birthdays exciting and memorable. They spread joy and make people feel appreciated on their special day.

Whether you’re writing to a best friend, family member, or coworker, there are many different ways to say “Happy Birthday.” A birthday wish can be anything from a short and simple text message to a heartfelt email or special handwritten card.

These examples of 132 happy birthday wishes and birthday quotes will help you create the perfect birthday greetings for the different people in your life. The QuillBot Paraphraser can also add sparkle to birthday greetings of any kind.

Simple happy birthday wishes

Many birthday wishes are short and simple, but they’re still meaningful. You can think of each short birthday wish like a sprinkle on a cupcake. By itself, a simple “happy birthday” on social media might seem small, but together, all the birthday wishes add up to a fun and exciting day!

• Happy Birthday, [Name]! Cheers to another trip around the sun.
• Wishing you a wonderful birthday and great year ahead.
• I hope your birthday is as incredible as you are.
• I want to wish you the happiest birthday, [Name]! You deserve it!
• Sending lots of love and extra special happy birthday wishes!
• Hurray! It’s your birthday! Cheers to you and your special day.
• I hope this is your best birthday and your best year yet.
• Thanks for always bringing the good vibes and warm energy. Happy Birthday, friend!
• Enjoy your birthday, [Name]! I hope it’s the most wonderful day.
• Warmest birthday wishes, [Name]! You are such a special and amazing person!

Best friend birthday wishes

Everyone loves a happy birthday message from their bestie! These are just a few different ways to help a close friend or your best friend have a happy birthday.

• Happy Birthday to my best friend and favorite person. I’m so excited for another year of you!
• Happy Birthday to my oldest and dearest friend. Let’s make some memories today!
• Cheers to another year of friendship, [Name]. I love you like a sister/brother and can’t wait to celebrate with you.
• I saw this quote today and thought of you. “Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” Thank you for always being a true friend. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.
• Happy Birthday to my lifelong friend. I am in constant awe of your courage and creativity. I can’t wait until we see each other again.
• To quote the Beatles, I really do get by with a little help from my friends, especially you. Happy Birthday to the best friend I could ever hope for.
• Happy Birthday, Bestie! I’m so grateful for your friendship, and I will always have your back.
• Your friendship has been the greatest gift I have ever received. I hope you feel special today and every day.
• Happy Birthday, Queen! You are the most beautiful person I know inside and out, and I hope you feel special today.
• Happy Birthday to one of my favorite people. Let’s make this year the best one yet.

Funny birthday messages

Funny birthday wishes work well for people with a great sense of humor. Just make sure you don’t mock someone for getting older (unless you’re certain they would appreciate that type of humor).

• Studies show that people who have the most birthdays live the longest. Here’s to many more years of celebrating you!
• Happy Birthday! In case you didn’t know, you can’t change the past, you can’t predict the future, and I didn’t get you a present.
• Happy Birthday! Owl see you later at the party. It’s gonna be a real hoot!
• Don’t worry about getting older! You’re still younger than you’ll be next year!
• Let’s get this party started! I look forward to your 29th birthday every year!
• You’re not old! You’re a classic! Happy Birthday!
• Have fun on your birthday, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do! Oh wait …

Short birthday messages

Sometimes a short birthday message is all you need! When you’re pressed for time or want to keep it short and sweet, try one of these.

• Enjoy your special day!
• Have a great birthday!
• Lots of love on your birthday!
• Have a fantastic birthday!
• Wishing you the best birthday ever!
• Cheers and Happy Birthday!
• Sending birthday hugs and lots of love!
• Best wishes for your birthday!

Heartfelt birthday wishes

Sometimes you need a heartfelt birthday greeting to show how deeply you care. Examples like these will make your closest friends and relatives feel special.

• Happy Birthday to one of my favorite humans. Your kindness and unwavering support mean all the world to me. Wishing you a year filled with joy and success.
• Wishing you a birthday filled with love, happiness, and everything your heart desires. I cherish our bond more than words can say.
• Happy Birthday to one of the most genuine and compassionate people I know. Your empathy and understanding make the world a better place. You’re a true inspiration!
• Happy Birthday to a truly special person. You have a heart of pure gold, and I’m lucky to know you.
• I’m so grateful for all of the wonderful memories we’ve shared. May your birthday be as special as you are.

Romantic birthday wishes

When your romantic partner or spouse has a birthday, write a romantic birthday wish to show your love and devotion. A romantic happy birthday wish can be short like these examples or more elaborate like a love letter.

• Happy Birthday to the person I love most! Every year with you has been a gift.
• Happy Birthday, sweetheart! I fall more in love with you every day and can’t imagine life without you.
• Happy Birthday to my amazing husband/wife! You are the most generous and kind-hearted person I know, and you deserve to be celebrated!
• How do you get more beautiful every year? Happy Birthday to the love of my life.
• Celebrating you today and every day! I couldn’t ask for a better partner and hope your birthday is wonderful.
• Happy Birthday to my soulmate and best friend. To quote a famous movie, you complete me in every way.
• Cheers, Babe! Here’s to another year of love and laughter together.
• Happy Birthday, my love! Each day with you is better than the last, and I feel so lucky to share this journey with you.
• I hope your birthday brings you as much joy as you bring me every day.
• Here’s to many more birthdays and special memories together.
• Happy Birthday to the one who has made all of my wishes come true. Let’s grow another year older together, shall we?

Birthday wishes for different family members

A birthday is a perfect time to reach out to family. Different family relationships require different approaches to birthday wishes. To wish a family member a happy birthday, share something you are grateful for, or acknowledge all the time you’ve shared together, even if it’s just in a couple of short sentences.

Heart-touching birthday wishes for sisters

• Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister, who I also consider my best friend.
• Happy Birthday, [Name]! I will always treasure our childhood adventures and our friendship today. I’m so lucky to have a sister like you.
• How time flies with a sister as amazing as you. I’m so glad you’re part of my life and hope you have a fantastic birthday.
• Wishing a happy birthday and a wonderful year ahead to the best older sister in the whole world.
• Happy Birthday, Sis! Thank you for making me feel so loved. You deserve all the joy and happiness in the world today.

Heart-touching birthday wishes for brothers

• I’m so lucky to have a brother like you, [Name]. Thanks for always being there for me, and Happy Birthday!
• It seems like yesterday we were building forts and running wild in the neighborhood. You’ve always made life more fun, and I’m so grateful you were born. Much love on your birthday.
• How are you X years old today? I’m so lucky to have a brother like you. Enjoy your celebration!
• Happy Birthday to my favorite superhero and fearless little brother.
• Happy Birthday, Buddy! I’m so lucky to have a brother who is also a true friend.

Special happy birthday wishes for Mom

• Mom, you always take such good care of us and know exactly how to make everything better. Now it’s our turn to celebrate YOU! Happy Birthday!
• Your love and support mean all the world to me, and I feel so blessed to have a mother like you. I hope your birthday brings you endless happiness.
• To my mom and my hero, I love you and hope you have an incredible birthday filled with all of your favorite things.
• Dear Mom, I hope all of your birthday wishes come true today and every day.
• Happy Birthday to a mom who’s always been there, no matter what. You always know just what to do and how to make us feel loved.

Special birthday wishes for Dad

• Wishing you a great birthday, Dad. I hope your birthday brings you as much joy as you give to everyone around you.
• Happy Birthday, Dad. Thank you for shaping me into the person I am today.
• Here’s to another year of adventures and memories, Dad!
• Cheers to you, Dad! I admire your passion for life and appreciate your unwavering support.
• I’m so lucky to have a dad like you, and I hope your birthday is extra special.

Special birthday wishes for Grandma

• Happy Birthday, Grandma. I love you to the moon and back.
• I hope you feel special today and every day, Grandma. Happy Birthday!
• Grandma, you have a heart of gold that touches everyone you meet. I’m sending you lots of love for your birthday.
• Grandma, I am sending you special wishes for a wonderful birthday. I am so lucky to be your granddaughter/grandson.
• To my dear, sweet grandmother: You are the strongest and most inspiring person I have ever met, and I admire you more and more each day.

Special birthday wishes for Grandpa

• Hi, Grandpa! I want to wish you Happy Birthday and tell you how much you mean to me. I hope you are having a wonderful day.
• Dear Grandpa, Having you in my life is the greatest gift, and I hope you’re enjoying your special day.
• Grandpa, thank you for believing in me and setting such a great example for all of us. My greatest wish is to live a life as full as yours. Happy Birthday!
• Happy Birthday, Grandpa! Thanks for all your love, support, and wisdom.
• Happy Birthday to the man with the funniest jokes and the best stories. We love you and hope you get to enjoy lots and lots of cake!

Happy birthday messages for daughters

• Happy Birthday to my beautiful and loving daughter. Watching you grow into such a talented and hard-working person has been the greatest joy.
• Happy Birthday, sweet girl! You fill our hearts with so much joy, and you light up every room. We hope all your birthday wishes come true.
• Happy Birthday, [Name]. I love you and your beautiful heart.
• I am so honored to be your mom/dad and hope the next year brings you all the love and happiness in the world.
• Cheers to our favorite girl. We’re so proud of the person you’ve become and can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Happy birthday messages for sons

• I can’t believe you are X years old today! Where did the time go? I’m so proud of you and hope you have a great birthday.
• Happy birthday to my amazing, hard working, and talented son.
• You’re a wonderful son and an even better dad who amazes us every day. Happy Birthday!
• How lucky am I to have such a thoughtful and creative son like you? I hope your birthday is everything you hope for.
• Happy Birthday to our special guy! You have the biggest heart and the brightest future.

Birthday wishes for different milestones

Happy birthday wishes are especially important when a friend or relative has a milestone birthday—such as 21 or 40.

50th birthday wishes

• Happy 50th Birthday, [Name]! If 50 wasn’t already the new 30, it is now!
• Congratulations on the big 5-0! I hope your birthday is as fun and fabulous as you are.
• Here’s to another 50 years of happiness and memories.

40th birthday wishes

• Happy 40th Birthday, my fabulous friend!
• Wishing you a fantastic, fun-filled 40th!
• Congratulations on four fantastic decades. You make such a difference in the world, and I’m so lucky to call you a best friend.

30th birthday wishes

• Cheers to 30 years, [Name]! The best is yet to come!
• Happy 30th Birthday, [Name]! I can’t wait to see what the next decade brings for you.
• Wishing you an amazing 30th birthday. I’m so excited to see where life takes you next.

21st birthday wishes

• Happy 21st Birthday, [Name]! This is your time to shine!
• Cheers to endless possibilities and your bright future, [Name]! I hope your 21st birthday is a blast.
• I’m wishing you an epic 21st birthday and a wonderful year ahead.

Best birthday wishes for coworkers

Whether your coworker is taking the day off or eating cake in the break room, messages like these will show your appreciation. Tell your colleagues “Happy Birthday” in person or write something nice in an instant message or a group card.

• Happy Birthday, [Name]! I hope your day off has been fun and relaxing. Thanks for all of your great advice and support over the years.
• I hope you’re having a wonderful birthday, [Name]. I’ve learned so much from you and couldn’t ask for a more insightful colleague.
• Working with you is a true joy, and I hope you have a great birthday.
• Happy Birthday to the best work buddy I could ever hope for! Let’s grab coffee soon, my treat!

Best birthday wishes for managers

When you wish your supervisor a happy birthday, consider sharing what you admire or appreciate about their leadership. These birthday messages should be slightly more formal than the ones you write for friends or family.

• Happy Birthday to the world’s best boss! Your dedication and leadership are truly inspiring, and I look forward to learning more from you with each passing year.
• I hope you have a wonderful birthday, [Name]! Our team is so lucky to have such an inspiring leader. I wish you all the happiness and success in the coming year.
• I’m wishing you the best birthday and a successful and prosperous year ahead. I’m so lucky to be part of your team!
• It has been a true pleasure being part of your team, and I hope you have a fun and relaxing birthday.

Birthday quotes from different authors

Some of the best happy birthday wishes include short quotes from famous authors. These are just a few possible quotes to make a birthday message more special.

• “All the world is a birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much.” —George Harrison
• “Live long and prosper.” —Spock
• “With mirth and laughter, let old wrinkles come.” —Shakespeare
• “Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! —Dr. Seuss
• “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22.” —Taylor Swift
• “We turn not older with years but newer every day.” —Emily Dickinson
• “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” —Bob Marley
• “Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual. —Ernest Hemingway
• “Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.” —Groucho Marx
• “The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting for.” —Will Rogers
• “The years teach much which the days never knew.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing.” —Oliver Wendell Holmes

Belated happy birthday wishes

If you missed an important birthday, it’s not too late to wish that special someone a happy belated birthday. In belated birthday messages, use the past tense (e.g., “I hope you had a great birthday”).

• Happy belated birthday! I’m sorry I missed it, but I hope you had a wonderful celebration!
• I hope your birthday was filled with many joyful moments and the people you love most. Cheers to you!
• I’m a day late and a dollar short, but I hope your birthday was as magnificent as you.
• Happy late birthday, [Name]! I hope you had an amazing day.
• Happy belated birthday to my best friend! I hope your birthday wishes came true, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you soon.
• I’m thinking of you during your birthday week, [Name], and wishing you all the happiness in the world!
• Happy belated birthday, [Name]! You shine so bright and deserve to be celebrated!
• I’m sorry I missed your special day, but I hope it was a great birthday! Thanks for being such a wonderful friend.
• I hope your birthday was everything you hoped for and that you celebrated exactly how you wanted.
• I heard it was your birthday yesterday, and I just want you to know that you are so loved. Happy belated, [Name]!

Thank you for the birthday wishes

After celebrating your own birthday, a nice gesture is to thank your well wishers with a social media post or personal messages. These are just a few ways to show others that you appreciate the kind words. Like a happy birthday message, this can be short and simple or effusive and heartfelt.

• Thank you everyone for all of the texts, calls, and messages on my birthday. I felt so loved.
• Many thanks to each and all who reached out to wish me a happy birthday. It really meant a lot, and I’m lucky to have all of you in my life.
• Thanks for the birthday love, everyone. I spent the day surrounded by family, eating my favorite foods, and enjoying all of your wonderful wishes. Cheers to all of you!
• Thank you for taking time out of your day to send such lovely happy birthday wishes.

Frequently asked questions about happy birthday wishes

How do I write belated happy birthday wishes?

When you want to write belated happy birthday wishes, try these tips to make your messages special and sincere.

• Start the message or greeting with “Happy belated birthday.”
• Use the person’s name (e.g., “Happy belated birthday, Carlos!”).
• Say that you hope they had a happy birthday with sentences in the past tense (e.g., “I hope your birthday was everything you hoped for and that you celebrated in style”).

QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can help you proofread belated happy birthday wishes before you send them to a best friend, family member, or virtually anyone who deserves to be celebrated.

What does happy belated birthday mean?

Happy belated birthday means “happy late birthday.” You can also say “belated happy birthday.” Both are appropriate happy birthday wishes when you missed the birthday but still want to acknowledge it and spread birthday cheer.

Happy belated birthday, Lily! You light up every room and make everyone’s lives better. I hope your party was amazing, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you this weekend.

If you’re looking for more ways to say “happy belated birthday,” QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you reword happy late birthday messages.

Is happy birthday capitalized?

Happy birthday is sometimes capitalized and sometimes not depending on the context. The capitalization rules for “happy birthday” and “birthday” are as follows:

• Capitalize “Happy Birthday!” when it’s part of a greeting (e.g., “Happy Birthday, Lynn!”).
• “Birthday” is not a proper noun like holidays such as Halloween or Thanksgiving, so the only other time it’s capitalized is when it begins a sentence or is part of a title (e.g., “Birthdays are special”).
• Don’t capitalize “happy birthday” when “birthday” is a noun that functions as the subject of a sentence (e.g., “A happy birthday doesn’t always need to include cake and parties”).
• Don’t capitalize “happy birthday” when it’s a direct object that receives the action in a sentence (e.g., “I hope you had a happy birthday yesterday”).
• Don’t capitalize “happy” or “birthday” when either or both of these words are adjectives that modify another noun (e.g., “I spent the entire afternoon reading my happy birthday messages on Facebook” or “We ate the entire birthday cake”).

A QuillBot Grammar Check can help you proofread happy birthday messages for capitalization errors.

What are some different ways to say happy birthday in English?

There are several different ways to say Happy Birthday in English. When you want to say something besides Happy Birthday, try these other English birthday greetings.

• Happy Birthday to you!
• Best wishes for your birthday!
• Have a wonderful birthday!
• I hope you have the best birthday!
• Cheers to you on your special day!
• I hope your birthday is as amazing as you are.

QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker will help you make sure that all of the different happy birthday messages you write are polished and error free.

Is it birth day wishes or birthday wishes?

The correct phrase is not *birth day wishes but rather birthday wishes because “birthday” is one word.

You can use the phrase “birthday wishes” in simple messages—such as “Thank you for the birthday wishes” or “I’m sending you wonderful birthday wishes on your special day.”

“Birthday” is considered a closed compound word like “playground,” “basketball,” or “cupcake.”

Whether you’re sending birthday wishes to a best friend, a family member, or a coworker, QuillBot’s free Paraphraser will help you choose the right words.