Birthdays only happen once a year, after all, so you're gonna want to make sure you leave your besties or loved ones the *perfect* birthday wishes to make them feel as special as they truly are. That's why we made a list of the best ways to say happy birthday to your friends and family. Wrap their gift in some fun paper, then grab a pen and a super cute card, or your phone to share a very special birthday note.
Thoughtful Happy Birthday Wishes
- Happy birthday! I hope all your birthday wishes and dreams come true.
- Sending your way a bouquet of happiness…to wish you a very happy birthday!
- Although I can't be with you on your birthday, know that you're in my thoughts today and every day.
- I can't believe how lucky I am to have found a friend like you. You make every day of my life so special. I hope your birthday is one of the most special days ever. I can't wait to celebrate with you!
- Sending you smiles for every moment of your special day! Have a wonderful time and a very happy birthday.
- Your birthday allows us to celebrate having you in our lives. Happy birthday!
- Happy birthday! May you be given more birthdays to fulfill all of your dreams.
- Today we celebrate you and the beautiful life you have. May your birthday be as wonderful as you are.
- Another adventure-filled year awaits you. Wishing you a very happy and fun-filled birthday.
- I hope you know how much you're loved, today and every day. Happy birthday!
- Wishing you a beautiful day with good health and happiness forever. Happy birthday!
- A one-of-a-kind birthday message for a one-of-a-kind person. I hope all your birthday wishes come true this year.
- Happy birthday to someone who makes the world a better, brighter place.
- It's a smile from me to wish you a day that brings you the same kind of happiness and joy that you bring to me. Happy birthday!
- Today I wish you abundant happiness and love. Happy birthday to one of the sweetest people I've ever known.
- Sending you a birthday wish wrapped with all my love. Have a very happy birthday!
- Happy birthday to a ray of sunshine in my life.
- It’s always a treat to wish a happy birthday to someone so sweet.
Funny Happy Birthday Wishes
- "It is your birthday." – The Office
- Happy birthday! May your Facebook wall be filled with messages from people you never talk to.
- Here's to you and all that this year has in store. Now bring on the gifts and cake!
- Remember to smile awkwardly as everyone sings you "happy birthday."
- Happy birthday to one of my best friends. Here's to another year of laughing at our own jokes and keeping each other sane! Love you and happy birthday.
- I love you even though you're a [insert zodiac sign here].
- Hope your birthday is just like you…totally freaking awesome.
- Cheers to another year! Hope your day is filled with love (and lots of birthday cake).
- Happy birthday to one of the few people whose birthday I can remember without a Facebook reminder.
- You look younger than ever! Happy birthday.
- You're not older...you're just leveling up. Happy birthday!
Short and Sweet Birthday Messages
- Enjoy your special day.
- Have the best birthday ever!
- Let's celebrate you all day long.
- Happy birthday to a real star.
- Best wishes on your birthday – may you have many, many more.
- Happy birthday! Go eat cake.
- Happy birthday to my fav [insert zodiac sign here].
- Sending you love on your birthday.
- There's no one like you. Happy birthday.
- Cheers to you for another trip around the sun!
- The day is yours. Happy birthday!
- It's your birthday! Make a wish.
- Happy, healthy, wonderful birthday to you.
- I hope all your birthday wishes come true.
- Warm wishes for a happy birthday.
- Hope your day is as special as you are.
Belated Birthday Wishes
- This is what happens when you're friends with someone as cool as me. You get your birthday wishes fabulously late!
- You know what they say about birthday wishes...better late than never! Happy birthday.
- It's still your birthday week, right? Happy late birthday!
- I'm sorry I missed your birthday, but I'm sure it was as wonderful as you are.
- You always say you love surprises, so...surprise! Happy late birthday!
- Even though these birthday wishes are a bit late, the happiness I wish for you is good on any date.
- Happiest of birthdays to the warmest, most fun, gorgeous, smart, and special friend. (Wasn't that worth waiting for?)
- This birthday wish isn't late. You're just old and confused. Happy birthday, right on time!
- You're my most fun friend, which means that the party is still going on and I'm not late for your birthday at all.
- Everyone else sent you birthday wishes yesterday. Bet they aren't thinking of you today like I am! Happy belated birthday.
Briannah Rivera
Editorial and Social Media Assistant
Bri is the editorial and social media assistant at ELLE.com. Before joining the team at ELLE, she worked as the editorial assistant for Seventeen.com and Cosmopolitan.com where she covered all things celebrity news and pop culture. You can probably find her sipping an oatmilk iced chai while searching for the best new makeup products or thrifting her entire wardrobe.
