What to write in a birthday card

Most birthday cards fail in the same way: they are addressed to a birthday rather than to a person. The fix is one detail only you would know — something they did this year, a running joke, a thing you admire. Put that in the middle and let the greeting do the rest. Length is not the point; specificity is.

Warm

Friendly, unfussy, safe with almost anybody.

• Happy birthday. Being around you makes the year better, and I hope today returns the favour.
• Another year of you, which is the best news on the calendar. Happy birthday.
• Happy birthday to someone who makes ordinary days worth showing up for.
• Here’s to you, today and all year. Happy birthday.
• Happy birthday. I hope the day is full of people who are glad you exist. Starting with me.

Funny

A joke with affection behind it. Read the room first.

• Happy birthday. Statistically, this is your best year yet. I have not checked the statistics.
• Happy birthday. I was going to write something clever and then I remembered you’d only quote it back at me.
• Another year of you being the most sensible person in every room. Exhausting, and much appreciated.
• Happy birthday. I did consider a gift, but nothing in the shop was as good as this sentence.
• Happy birthday. Same time next year, same excellent company.

Heartfelt

For the people you would actually say this to out loud.

• Happy birthday. I’m grateful for you in a way that doesn’t fit on a card, so this will have to do.
• You have been a steady thing in a year that wasn’t. Thank you, and happy birthday.
• Happy birthday. I hope you know how much room you take up in the lives of the people who love you.
• Of all the people I could have ended up knowing, I’m glad it was you.
• Happy birthday. May this year give you back some of what you give everyone else.

Simple

When short is the right answer, and it often is.

• Happy birthday!
• Happy birthday — have a wonderful one.
• Wishing you a very happy birthday.
• Happy birthday, with love.
• Have the best day. Happy birthday.

What to avoid

• Don’t mention their age unless you are certain they find it funny. You cannot take it back.
• Don’t write about yourself for more than one line. It is their day.
• Don’t use a quote where a sentence of your own would do.
• Don’t finish with “anyway” — it tells the reader you ran out of things to say about them.