52 Messages to Write in a Birthday Card for a Friend

In both good and bad times, a quality friend shows up for us, and these relationships are something we cherish deeply. So when their birthday rolls around, the opportunity arises to express our love and appreciation for who they are and why we appreciate their friendship. 

Traditionally, whether it is part of a birthday gift or a way to acknowledge the occasion, a birthday card is a common item to receive on one’s birthday. However, it isn’t the card that matters; it is the message you decide to write inside. A well-crafted birthday message has the power to uplift spirits, bring smiles, and strengthen relationships. 

Below are ideas of what to write in a birthday card for a friend. We hope these ideas inspire you to craft the perfect message and birthday well wishes to celebrate. 

What to Write in a Birthday Card for a Friend and Coworker

The amount of time spent at work is usually more than the time spent with our loved ones and friends. Work becomes more like home and enjoyable when a coworker becomes a friend. If you are lucky enough to call a coworker a friend and need to write a message for the office group birthday card, consider using one of these messages: 

1. “On your special day, I want to celebrate with you not just your birthday but the friendship we’ve built. Thank you for being my friend. Happy birthday!”
2. “Happy birthday to someone who’s a fantastic coworker and an even better friend.”
3. “Honestly…I’m not sure I would be able to wake up for work in the morning if I didn’t have you. Thanks for that, and happy birthday!”
4. “They say a good coworker can make all the difference between a perfect workday and the worst workday of your entire life. Lucky for me, your sense of humor makes every day better. Happy Birthday!”
5. “Birthday greetings! You are more to me than just a coworker. You are also one of my friends, and I am grateful to have you in our office. I hope that every minute of your life is filled with love and happiness.”
6. “Every day (and today especially), I’m beyond grateful that we work together. Without you, who would I laugh with? Cheers to the incredible person who’s just my right kind of crazy. This is why we work so well together. Have an incredible birthday!”
7. “Thanks for always being someone I can vent to, as well as a helpful friend when it comes to cleaning up workplace messes. I know I can always count on you. You should treat yourself today and enjoy some time off when you can. Happy Birthday!”
8. “Happy birthday to my dearest friend. I hope this day brings you all the prosperity and happiness in your life. Being a senior colleague, thanks for teaching me everything so beautifully.”
9. “If you weren’t my colleague, my working life would be tragic. You have my sincere gratitude for numerous reasons. Happy birthday to the most incredible coworker ever!”
10. “Happy birthday to my best friend and colleague of mine! Without you at work, I wouldn’t have been as successful as I have been. May your day be filled with endless possibilities and endless joy.”

Funny Birthday Card Messages For a Friend

Consider injecting humor into your digital birthday card if your friend enjoys a good laugh. Share an inside joke, a funny memory, or a playful remark that showcases your shared sense of humor. Here are some examples of humorous birthday messages: 

11. “Happy Birthday! Remember when we thought 30 was ancient? Now, it’s just a warm-up. Here’s to more laughs and fewer wrinkles!”
12. “Happy Birthday to the one who adds a dash of craziness to my life! Here’s to another year of laughter, adventures, and trying to become an adult without much success. Cheers to being fabulous at any age!”
13. “Older? Yes. Wiser? Not so much. Happy Birthday, bestie!”
14. “Friend, take it easy on the dance floor. I wouldn’t want you to break a hip or anything.”
15. “Welcome to middle age, when happy hour is nap time. Happy Birthday!”

16. “They say the older you are, the smarter you become. At your age, you must be a genius! Happy birthday!”
17. “Don’t worry, they are not gray hairs; they are wisdom highlights. You just happen to be extremely wise!”
18. “Happy birthday to my ride or die! I can’t wait until we’re old enough to terrorize the nursing home together!”
19. “One minute, you’re young and fun. The next, you have a favorite burner on the stove. Happy Birthday!”
20. “For your birthday, I wanted to give you something absolutely wonderful, but then I remembered you already have me.”

Heartfelt Birthday Messages for a Friend

For friends who appreciate deeper sentiments, convey your emotions in a heartfelt manner. Share your appreciation for their friendship, reminisce about special moments, and express your wishes for their future. An example might be:

21. “On your special day, I want you to know how grateful I am to have you in my life. Your friendship is a treasure, and I wish you a year ahead filled with joy, love, and endless adventures.”
22. “Dear friend, As you celebrate another trip around the sun, I want you to know how much your friendship means to me. Your kindness, warmth, and unwavering support light up my world. May this year bring you the joy and fulfillment you deserve. Happy Birthday!”
23. “Happy Birthday, [Friend’s Name]! Life with you is always an adventure, from epic adventures to inside jokes. Here’s to another year of laughter, love, and making memories. May your day be as fantastic as our friendship!”
24. “You’re more than a friend; you’re family to me — and I’ll always be here for you.”
25. “Your birthday is celebrated once a year, but having a friend like you is something to celebrate all year long! I hope you have a wonderful birthday.”
26. “I’m so proud of the life you’ve built and so happy to be a part of it. Happy Birthday!”
27. “A friend who can make you smile on your darkest day is a bright light that can never be diminished. I’m so grateful for you. Happy birthday!”
28. “When I think about some of my favorite memories, you’re always a part of them. Cheers to more fun times together. Best wishes on your birthday!”
29. “You have no idea how much your friendship means to me. I may not say it often, but I love you and wish you nothing but happiness today and always. Happy birthday!”
30. “Since we first met, you’ve always had my back. I cannot thank you enough for the late-night chats and weekends full of laughter. My life would not be the same without you. Happy Birthday!”

Birthday Quotes for a Friend’s Digital Birthday Card

If you have someone who enjoys language, reading, or learning about public figures, a birthday quote is a great addition to your digital birthday cards. Beginning a message with a birthday quote can be the perfect jumping-off point for your message in a birthday greeting card. Here are some quotes about birthdays:

31. “Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.” -Fred Astaire.
32. “Your birthday is the beginning of your own personal new year. Your first birthday was a beginning, and each new birthday is a chance to begin again, to start over, to take a new grip on life.” — Wilfred Peterson
33. “You were born an original. Don’t die a copy.” — John Mason
34. “Today you have added another candle of knowledge and wisdom to your life. May it give you the power to enlighten the whole world. On your birthday, I wish you joy and happiness.” – Debasish Mridha
35. “You’ve logged so many miles in the voyage of life that you’ve been upgraded to first class!” — Evelyn Loeb
36. “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” — John Lennon
37. “You don’t get older, you get better.” — Shirley Bassey
38. “Each 10 years of a man’s life has its own fortunes, its own hopes, its own desires.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
39. “Today is the oldest you have been and the youngest you will ever be again. Make the most of it!” — Nicky Gumbel
40. “Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest.” — Larry Lorenzoni.

Simple Birthday Wishes for a Friend

Who said a birthday wish needs to be a long emotional message? If you are someone who would instead celebrate them with a birthday gift or birthday party, the birthday message may matter less to you. For simple but effective happy birthday wishes, use one of these examples:

41. “Awesome person. Awesome friend. And you deserve an awesome year!”
42. “I can’t imagine life without my best friend. Happy Birthday!”
43. “Happy Birthday to my gorgeous, smart, and loyal friend. Live your best life!”
44. “Here’s to 24 hours of fun-filled birthday partying! Happy birthday!”
45. “I can’t believe it’s your birthday! You make getting older look real good.”
46. “Our age is merely the number of years that the world has enjoyed you!”
47. “Life is more fun by your side — happy birthday!”
48. “Happiness is seeing your best friend grow up with you! Happy birthday!”
49. “Cheers to the nights that turned into mornings and the friends that turned into family. Happy birthday!”
50. “I feel so blessed that we’re friends. Happy birthday!”
51. “May your birthday be filled with happiness, blessings, and plenty of cake!”
52. “Happy birthday! I love you a whole lot. Now it’s time for birthday cake.”

A Birthday Wish Will Make Their Birthday Special

Writing a birthday card message for a friend is an opportunity to express your appreciation, share joy, and celebrate the unique bond you share. Whether you choose a humorous or sentimental tone, the key is to make your message personal and genuine.

Remember, it’s not just about the words on the card but the heartfelt sentiment behind them that truly makes the birthday wish special.