What to Write in a Friend’s Birthday Card (No Matter What Kind of Friendship You Have)
Choosing a Birthday Card for a friend is easy – especially if you shop at Salty Peach. But when it comes to writing the actual message inside? That’s where a lot of people get stuck. Do you keep it casual or go deep? Funny or heartfelt? What about someone you’ve only known for a short time? Whether you’re writing to your ride-or-die or someone you haven’t seen in ages, here are some ideas to help you with this year’s Birthday message.
For Your Best Friend
Your bestie deserves a message that’s just as iconic as your friendship. This is the moment to be honest, funny, nostalgic – or all three!
What to include:
- A funny memory or a reference to a favourite meme
- What you love most about them
- How much they mean to you (yes, even if you’re both bad at feelings – writing it down can feel less awkward)
Example messages:
- “Another year older, but still the one person I’d choose to be stuck in a lift with along with an impatient Great Dane. Love you!”
- “Happy Birthday to the person who knows all my secrets and still decides to be seen in public with me.”
- “Here’s to another year of being slightly unhinged, unapologetically fab, and fashionably late to everything.”
- “Thanks for being my emergency contact, my rock, my best friend in this life. I wouldn’t want to do it without you.”
For a Friend You Don’t See Often
Long distance friendships are still worth celebrating despite the miles. Whether life got busy or you’re both living in different parts of the country, a thoughtful Birthday message goes a long way.
What to include:
- A quick life update or memory
- A reminder that they’re still important to you
- An offer to catch up soon
Example messages:
- “Next time you’re in town, come check out my new place! We can eat way too much Birthday cake, binge a terrible movie, and avoid all our responsibilities.”
- “Even though we don’t talk all the time, I always smile when I think of you. Let’s make up for the miles with new and old memories – Birthday catch up?”
- “Sending you a BIG BIRTHDAY HUG from [city/country]. I miss you and our long chats, but when we finally catch up it’ll feel like no time has passed.”
- “We may not talk every day, but I’ll always show up with [favourite dessert]. Hope you feel all the love on your Birthday!”
- “I can’t wait to finally give you your Birthday hug in person – and yes, it’s going to be a long one!”
For a Funny Friend
If your friendship is 90% jokes and 10% actual conversation, why not lean into the chaos! Funny Birthday cards pair perfectly with cheeky and clever messages.
What to include:
- Light hearted roasting
- Sarcastic “wisdom”
- An over the top Birthday wish
Example messages:
- “Remember, age is just a number… A really big one in your case!”
- “Happy Birthday! May your hangover be mild and your cake be bigger than your existential crisis.”
- “Another year older, but somehow never wiser.”
- “At your age, candles cost more than the cake. Budget accordingly.”
For a New Friend or Casual Mate
When you haven’t been friends for long, or you’re just work mates or part of the same group, it’s best to keep things friendly and positive without getting too deep.
What to include
- A simple Birthday wish
- A kind note or compliment (and you should mean it)
- A light joke, if you know their humour
Example messages:
- “Hope you have the BEST Birthday – if anyone deserves it, it’s you!”
- “So glad to have met you. Wishing you a wonderful Birthday and a year full of good luck!”
- “Here’s to getting older, cake, and drinks that taste more expensive than they actually are!”
- “Wishing you a great day filled with your favourite foods, and hopefully a little time away from work emails. Happy Birthday!”
- “Happy Birthday! You’re always so generous with your time and advice, I hope you get the same kindness and good vibes back today. Here’s to a mate who makes work a bit more bearable!”
Remember to Be You!
No matter what you choose to write, the best message is one that sounds like you. Don’t worry about writing the perfect poem or constructing the funniest joke, just be sincere and speak from the heart (or funny bone), and let your friend know you care.
Drafted the message but need a card to match? Browse our full Birthday Card Collection to find the right card for every kind of friendship.