The personal touch
Mention one real thing. A shared joke, something they did this year, a plan you're looking forward to. One true detail is worth more than a paragraph of good wishes.
Then keep it short. Two to four sentences, written the way you'd say them out loud. A card isn't a letter.
For a best friend
Happy birthday, Jo. Twenty years of you being right about everything. Dinner's on me this time.
Another year of voice notes that are far too long. I wouldn't change a single one. Happy birthday.
For a partner
Happy birthday to my favourite person. This year was better because you were in it. Every year is.
To the one who still makes me laugh before coffee. Happy birthday, love.
For Mum or Dad
Happy birthday, Mum. Thank you for the lifts, the advice and the soup. I still need all three.
Happy birthday, Dad. I hope today is as relaxed as you always tell me to be.
For a colleague
Happy birthday, Priya. Thank you for making Mondays bearable. Hope you're properly spoiled today.
Wishing you a lovely birthday and a quiet inbox. Have a great day.
For a child
Happy 7th birthday, Leo! Seven is a very good age for dinosaurs, cake and staying up late.
Happy birthday to our favourite footballer. We're so proud of you.
For the big birthdays
30th
Happy 30th. The best bits are still ahead, and I can't wait to be there for them.
40th
Happy 40th, Tom. Here's to the swimming, the terrible puns, and forty more years of both.
50th
Fifty looks wonderful on you. Happy birthday, and thank you for being such a good friend for so long.
60th and beyond
Happy 60th. Sixty years of making the people around you feel looked after. Today it's your turn.
When you're late
Own it lightly, then make it about them.
Sorry this is late. Honestly, I wish someone would invent an app for remembering these things. Happy birthday, and let's celebrate properly soon.
What to leave out
- Jokes about age, unless you know for certain they won't take it the wrong way.
- Anything that needs explaining.
- A long sign-off after a long message. Sign it the way you always do, and stop.
