160+ Funny & Heartfelt “Happy 12th Birthday Wishes” for Boys and Girls

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Make your preteen feel loved on their special day with these messages
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Do you know someone about to celebrate their last birthday before their teen years? We’re here to help you wish them a happy 12th birthday with humor, sincerity, and genuine affection. This article includes over 160 messages and quotes for boys and girls that you can use to wish them a happy birthday. Plus, we spoke with family health and psychology experts to show you how a touching birthday message can help your preteen navigate this new and exciting time in their lives.

Top Happy 12th Birthday Wishes

  • Don't grow up... It's a trap! Happy 12th!
  • It’s your 12th birthday, and I get cake! Everybody wins!
  • Smart, good-looking, and funny—but enough about me! Happy 12th birthday!
  • Awkward phase: activated. Happy 12th birthday and good luck, kid!
  • “Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake.” — Edward Morykwas
Section 1 of 13:

Happy 12th Birthday Wishes for Girls

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  1. According to social worker Sabrina Grover, it’s important to focus on a child’s strengths when you want to build their confidence. So, go ahead and tell her what you admire about her to make her feel extra awesome on her birthday! Check out these 12th birthday greetings for inspiration:
    • “On your 12th birthday, I wish you all the happiness in the universe. You deserve it, sweet girl.
    • Hope your special day is full of the sweetest, happiest moments…at least until next year when they’re even better! Happy 12th birthday!
    • Every day with you around is a celebration! Happy 12th birthday, sweet girl!
    • You’re queen for a day, birthday girl! Make sure it’s for the full 24 hours. You deserve it!
    • Hope your special day brings you all that your heart desires! Here’s wishing you a day full of pleasant surprises! Happy 12th birthday!
    • Wishing a dazzling 12th birthday to a truly special girl! Hope the celebration is as radiant as you are.
    • Have the best 12th birthday! You’re the coolest gal I know and you deserve all the success and happiness in the coming year.
    • Sending you smiles for every moment of your special day. Have a wonderful time, and a very happy 12th birthday!
    • Wishing you a 12th birthday as sweet and lovely as you!
    • Sending the happiest of wishes to the birthday girl! May your 12th birthday be full of light—just like you!
    • Here’s to happiness, laughter, and love on your 12th birthday…and all year long!
    • Happy 12th birthday to a truly wonderful girl! May all your wishes come true.
    • Happy 12th birthday, precious girl. Keep chasing your dreams like you always have!
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Section 2 of 13:

Happy 12th Birthday Wishes Boys

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  1. This point in a boy’s life can be weird. He might have a huge growth spurt, a cracking voice, and hair in new places. It can be a confusing time. [1] Remind him that you think he’s awesome with one of the 12th birthday wishes below:
    • Happy 12th to a legend in the making! Let’s tear into that cake and celebrate.
    • Spider-Man, Batman, and Superman were all kids like you once. Happy 12th birthday to the most courageous boy I know.
    • Happy 12th birthday to the most adorable, charming, and funkiest kid!
    • Twelve years old and already a legend! Keep on being your awesome self. Happy birthday, dude!
    • Twelve years down, forever more to go! I know you’re going to do amazing things with your life.
    • Don't grow up... It's a trap! Happy 12th!
    • It’s your special day today, birthday boy! Just don’t let all of the attention go to your head because, after today, it won’t hang around for long!
    • Happy 12th birthday! Here’s to being immature for a lifetime.
    • Happy birthday to the best guy ever. You make 12 look good! Enjoy your special day.
    • Happy 12th birthday to the coolest boy in the world. May your day be filled with so much fun and presents.
    • May you be blessed with the best in everything, birthday boy. Happy 12th birthday!
    • Happy 12th birthday to the future superstar! Someday you’ll be a global icon.
    • Happy 12th birthday to the greatest guy around! Looking forward to more fun (and mischief) in the future.
Section 3 of 13:

Happy 12th Birthday Wishes For Daughters

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  1. “Kids who feel connected with their parents… are going to have a slightly easier time managing their emotions” as they adjust to their preteen years, explains psychologist Chandler Chang. Her birthday is the perfect time to let her know you’ll always be there for her. Try one of these supportive messages to remind her how special she is to you:
    • I still can’t quite believe you’re 12 already, but here we are! On your special day, I wish you the best of everything. Happy birthday!
    • Happy 12th birthday, daughter dearest! From the day you came into our lives, you’ve made us proud and adoring parents—and today, we’re so very happy for you!
    • You have been the sweetest daughter a parent could ask for. Watching you grow over the past 12 years has been a delight. Happy birthday! We love you.
    • Happy 12th birthday! Having you as my daughter has been the greatest joy.
    • I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter. Happy 12th birthday, angel.
    • Happy 12th birthday to the girl who makes being a parent so fun. Much love
    • We’re so proud of all you’ve done and continue to do. Happy 12th birthday to the bravest and most selfless girl I know.
    • Twelve years ago, you changed my world, and I’ll forever be grateful. Love you to the moon and back!
    • To the best daughter a mother could ask for, happy 12th birthday! You are the light of my life, and I wish you nothing but the best on this special day.
    • Happy 12th birthday to my incredible daughter! It’s been an absolute blessing to watch you grow up.
    • 12 years ago, you came into my world, and it has been brighter ever since. Happy birthday to my very lovely daughter.
    • To my darling daughter: You’ve grown up into a wonderful young lady, and I’m so proud of you. Here’s to the happiest of 12th birthdays!
    • How does time fly so fast? From a single candle on a tiny birthday cake to 12, our little girl is growing up. Happy birthday!
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Section 4 of 13:

Happy 12th Birthday Wishes for Sons

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  1. Family therapist Moshe Ratson explains that parents have the opportunity to “build someone who has self-esteem [and] self-worth, which is related very much with self-confidence.” Use one of these 12th birthday wishes to help your son feel like a total superstar on his special day:
    • Happy 12th birthday! You fill my life with joy every day, and I’m so lucky to call you my son.
    • You have so much life ahead of you. Make the most of every moment, my sweet son. Happy 12th birthday!
    • Wishing my wonderful son the bestest of birthdays! I cannot wait to see what this next year has in store for you. It’s such a privilege getting to be your parent, and I’m endlessly proud of all you’ve accomplished.
    • Birthdays are magical and full of fun. Hope you have a very special one. Happy 12th birthday, son!
    • Happy 12th birthday! You’re smart, funny, thoughtful, and best of all, a terrific son!
    • How did I get so lucky with such a sweet, thoughtful son? Happy 12th birthday, love!
    • Who could have warned me just how much I would love you? What a joyful discovery 12 years ago. Happy birthday, son!
    • Happy 12th birthday! I’m so incredibly blessed that I was chosen to be your parent.
    • We really hit the jackpot with a son like you. Happy 12th birthday!
    • You are an incredibly amazing son, and we are blessed to have you. Happy 12th birthday! We love you!
    • Happy 12th birthday, dear son! Here's to celebrating you today and always. I’m proud of the person you are and the person you’re growing into.
    • Looking back on the 12 years we’ve had together, words can’t express how lucky we are to have you as our son. Congratulations on your 12th birthday!
    • Happy birthday to the most amazing almost -teenager I know. Words cannot even express how amazed I am by you.
Section 5 of 13:

Happy 12th Birthday Wishes for Granddaughters

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  1. Grandparents play an important role in their granddaughter’s life. You offer her words of wisdom, emotional support, and affection when she needs it the most. [2] Build a stronger bond with your granddaughter by sending her a 12th birthday message that reminds her how much you’ve enjoyed being part of her life, like the ones listed below:
    • Sweeter than candies and more precious than a pearl, happy 12th birthday to a lovely birthday girl!
    • For your birthday, I wish that you grow up to be a smart, wise, and tough girl. Happy 12th birthday, darling angel.
    • May your life be filled with fairytale moments. Happy 12th birthday, sweetheart!
    • Happy 12th birthday to our lovely granddaughter! You’ve survived another year with us as your silly grandparents—congratulations!
    • Thank you for all the laughter, games, fun times, and love you’ve given us over the years. We are so lucky to be your grandparents. Happy 12th birthday!
    • As you grow up, you’ll still always be the little girl who brought me flowers and read books with me all day long. I’m so grateful for our time together and your presence in my life. Happy 12th birthday, granddaughter!
    • Happy birthday, granddaughter! Never forget how much we love you. May this day mark the beginning of an extraordinary year ahead!
    • Happy, happy 12th birthday! We thank our lucky stars every day to be able to call you our granddaughter.
    • I’m so proud of how far you’ve come in life. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes and understand how unbelievably special you are to me. Happy 12th birthday, granddaughter!
    • Wishing a spectacular 12th birthday to the most wonderful granddaughter in the universe! May every moment of it be filled with joy and contentment.
    • Happy 12th birthday to my darling granddaughter. Close your eyes and make a lovely wish as we celebrate your special day.
    • Happy 12th birthday to my shining little star. Have a birthday full of surprises, laughter, and merry memories. We love you!
    • Happy 12th birthday to a granddaughter who makes every moment brighter. We love you!
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Section 6 of 13:

Happy 12th Birthday Wishes for Grandsons

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  1. Whether you live far away or next door to your grandson, it can be difficult to maintain a connection with him as he gets closer to adulthood. Use his birthday as a reason to give him a call, send him an email, or send a card by old-fashioned snail mail. [3] Don’t forget to include one of these 12th birthday wishes for grandsons below:
    • Happy 12th birthday to my youngest and kindest friend in the world—my grandson! I hope you get everything you wish for and more.
    • No matter how old you get, I’ll always love you like the sweet boy you are. Happy 12th birthday, and all the best for the year to come!
    • Happy 12th birthday, my dear grandson. You’re the best thing to happen to us in a long time (but don’t tell your mom I said that). May you get everything you wish for and more!
    • Happy 12th birthday, my beautiful grandson! Remember that you can tackle anything life throws your way. I love you, always.
    • Happy birthday, my dear grandson. I will always be here for you, even when you don’t need me to be. Wishing you another year of love, laughter, and happiness!
    • Cheers to 12 years of love and joy, grandson! May you make many new memories this year.
    • Happy 12th birthday, grandson! Keep on shooting for the stars and chasing your dreams; we’re always here to cheer you on! Love, your grandparents.
    • Happy 12th birthday to our smart, handsome, kind, determined, and brilliant grandson. You are everything we ever dreamed of and more. We’re so blessed to be your grandparents, and we can’t wait to watch you grow into an even more incredible man.
    • Grandson, you make the world a brighter place, and you deserve to have the best 12th birthday ever. Wishing you a wonderful year full of great memories!
    • Happy birthday to my amazing grandson. I love you more Minecraft, Fortnite, and whatever else you play on your game console. Wishing you the most fun-filled day!
    • Happy 12th birthday, dear. Our world used to be in black and white, but you’ve brought us Technicolor. Thank you for being the best grandson we could’ve ever asked for!
    • My love grows for you every year, and I’m so lucky to have such a kind, smart, and thoughtful grandson. Happy 12th birthday, dear!
    • Twelve is a special number, and I know this year will be just as special for you. Happy birthday, my dear grandson!
Section 7 of 13:

Happy 12th Birthday Wishes for Friends

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  1. During the school year, you probably spend more time with your friends than your family. So, tell your friend how great you think they are on their birthday—or write it in a card ! Here are a few examples of 12th birthday wishes for friends :
    • Happy 12th birthday, my dear friend! I’m so lucky to know someone like you. Wishing you a super special day with all the cake you can eat!
    • Happy 12th birthday to the coolest and funniest friend anyone could ever have!
    • How do pickles celebrate their birthdays? They relish them. Happy 12th birthday!
    • Wishing my best friend a very happy 12th birthday! Don’t spend all your birthday money in one place!
    • Twelve years of awesomeness and you’re just getting started! Happy birthday!
    • It's amazing how much of a difference there is between 11 and 12. Remember how immature you were back then? Sheesh!
    • It’s your 12th birthday, and I get cake! Everybody wins!
    • Forget about the past. You can’t change it. Forget about the future. You can’t predict it. And forget about the present. I didn’t get you one. Just kidding! Happy 12th birthday!
    • Happy 12th birthday! Remember, you’re not getting older—you’re leveling up!
    • Happy birthday, bestie! Remember to smile awkwardly as everyone sings “Happy Birthday” to you.
    • I am looking forward to many more years of friendship and birthdays with you. Have a fantastic 12th birthday!
    • Happy 12th birthday to my partner in crime! May your day be as fun and amazing as you are.
    • You were awesome before, you’re awesome now, and you’ll still be awesome 50 years from now. Happy 12th birthday!
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Section 8 of 13:

Short & Simple Happy 12th Birthday Wishes

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  1. Sometimes, the best birthday wishes are the simplest ones . The birthday boy or girl is sure to appreciate your message, even if you only use a few words to express yourself. Here’s a list of simple and straightforward 12th birthday greetings to help you get your point across:
    • Wishing you a day full of surprises and a year full of happiness!
    • May your 12th year bring endless smiles and tons of fun!
    • Happy 12th birthday! I hope all your dreams come true this year!
    • Hope you have an enjoyable 12th birthday! You deserve it.
    • Happy 12th birthday! Enjoy your next trip around the sun!
    • I hope this birthday is the best one yet!
    • Sending you my best wishes—happy 12th birthday!
    • Thinking of you today. Happy 12th birthday!
    • I’m so glad to know you and hope you have an amazing day. Happy birthday!
    • Have a wonderful 12th birthday!
    • Wishing you loads of fun and a year full of amazing memories!
    • Happy birthday to the coolest 12-year-old I know!
    • Another year older, another year more amazing. Have a fantastic 12th birthday!
Section 9 of 13:

Heartfelt Happy 12th Birthday Wishes

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  1. When you want to show someone you care, it’s important to be genuine in your affection. Emphasize how important they are to you by making them a card or photo album with pictures of your favorite memories with them. [4] Add one of the heartfelt birthday greetings below to help make it even more special:
    • Here’s to celebrating all the beautiful things you are. Happy 12th birthday
    • Sending love and hugs on your big birthday!
    • On your 12th birthday, never forget how much we all love you. You’re one in a million, and we feel so lucky to know you!
    • Here's to the birthday star, today and always. I hope you know how special you are to me, and how amazing you are!
    • Welcome to 12…a year to chase your dreams and make things happen!
    • A new chapter in your life begins today, and I’m so excited to be a part of the journey with you. Have a wonderful 12th birthday!
    • When you blow out your birthday candles today, I hope you think of the many people who love and cherish you. Happy 12th birthday!
    • In the story of your life, 12 is where the magic begins! Enjoy every moment!
    • Twelve shines with endless possibilities. Shoot for the stars! I know you can do anything you set your mind to.
    • Today, I hope you spend the day surrounded by love, laughter, and everything you've ever wished for. Happy 12th birthday!
    • Wishing you a 12th birthday filled with love and happiness!
    • Celebrating you today and always!
    • Wishing you another year of happiness and joy. Happy 12th birthday!
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Section 10 of 13:

Funny Happy 12th Birthday Wishes

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  1. Laughter can help bring even more joy to the birthday boy or girl’s special day. Plus, it can help strengthen your bond with them! [5] Crack them up with one of these hilarious 12th birthday wishes:
    • Happy 12th birthday, you wonderful person! I’m not sure how you turned out so great, but I’ll go ahead and take the credit.
    • Happy 12th birthday! May your day be filled with as much joy as finding extra fries at the bottom of the bag.
    • Now that you're 12, it's time to get a job. Your first task is to have a good birthday, and I'll pay you in cake.
    • Happy 12th birthday! Now, let’s turn up the MEWsic, and let’s get this PAWty started!
    • Smart, good-looking, and funny—but enough about me! Happy 12th birthday!
    • It’s your birthday, so let them eat cake! And by “them,” I mean “you.”
    • Awkward phase: activated. Happy 12th birthday and good luck, kid!
    • Another year older, wiser, and more like me. You're welcome. Happy 12th birthday!
    • I just wanted to be the first one to wish you a happy birthday, so I can feel superior to your other well-wishers. So, happy birthday!
    • Happy 12th birthday! Only 4 more years until you can drive. I’m already scared!
    • Happy birthday! Now that you’re 12, it’s time to start practicing your ‘I’m too old for this’ eye roll. You’ll definitely need it for next year when you’re officially a teenager.
    • Happy birthday! You’re officially twice as cool as when you were 6. Math doesn’t lie!
    • Older? Definitely. Wiser? Not so much. Happy 12th birthday, kiddo!
Section 11 of 13:

Belated Happy 12th Birthday Wishes

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  1. Turn your “oops” into an excuse for your favorite 12-year-old to celebrate for an extra day…or all month long! Tell them you hope they had a great birthday and all their wishes came true. Here are a few examples of belated birthday greetings to help you make it up to them that you missed their big day:
    • I’m so sorry for missing your birthday this year. But that just means my gift to you will be even better. Happy belated birthday
    • Happy belated 12th birthday! Sorry this message is coming a bit late—it got slowed down due to the weight of all the love and good wishes I put in here. Love you lots!
    • I’m sorry for missing your special day. I hope you were able to spend your 12th birthday with the people you love and that all of your wishes came true!
    • Wishing you a happy birthday on your actual birthday is so last year. I’m just starting a new trend by being fashionably late. Sending you all the best on your (belated) 12th birthday!
    • Don’t think of this as a belated birthday wish. Instead, think of it as me being the very first one to wish you a happy birthday for next year! Happy birthday!
    • Did you think I forgot your special day? I would never do that to you! This card is coming late because my dog ate the first one. Happy belated 12th birthday!
    • Happy belated 12th birthday! Even though I’m late, I would never miss the opportunity to express how grateful I am to know an amazing kid like you.
    • I’m sorry these words couldn’t reach you on your actual birthday but know that I was thinking of you and sending you lots of love.
    • I didn’t forget your 12th birthday. I just wanted to make sure you saved some of your birthday wishes for other days. You’re welcome!
    • Even though it’s not technically your special day, you deserve to hear how amazing and wonderful of a person you are every day, so I’m actually right on time!
    • I’m a bit late, but I hope your 12th birthday was full of fun, laughter, and smiles. Wishing you nothing but the best!
    • Better late than never, right? Happy belated birthday to the kid whose smile lights up the room and whose heart carries so much love (and forgiveness, hopefully). I love you and hope your 12th birthday was exceptionally special!
    • Sorry we weren’t able to celebrate your 12th birthday together, but don’t think for a second that I forgot about your special day! While this message may be coming a little late, I want to wish you the happiest belated birthday!
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Section 12 of 13:

Inspirational Happy 12th Birthday Quotes

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  1. Having a positive outlook can help them develop resilience and succeed in life. [6] Help them feel optimistic about their preteen years with a quote from their favorite movie, writer, or celebrity. Or share a quote that’s meaningful to you and how you feel about the birthday boy or girl. Here are a few great quotes to get you started:
    • “Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake.” – Edward Morykwas
    • “You don't get older, you get better.” – Shirley Bassey
    • “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” – Walt Disney
    • “The way I see it, you should live every day like it's your birthday.” – Paris Hilton
    • “Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
    • “Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul.” – Pamela Vaull Starr
    • “Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” – Mark Twain
    • “The older you get, the better you get, unless you are a banana.” – Betty White
    • “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West
    • “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” – Lucille Ball
    • “A little magic can take you a long way.” – Roald Dahl
    • “Is it your birthday, girl? ‘Cause you're looking like a present.” – Lizzo
    • “You are only young once, but you can be immature for a lifetime.” – John P. Grier
Section 13 of 13:

12th Birthday FAQs

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  1. 1
    Is 12 a milestone birthday? Your child’s 12th year is the last one before they become a teenager. They may begin to go through puberty, which can bring a whole host of physical and emotional changes that can be challenging for parents and kids to navigate. [7] Chang recommends that you “try to stay present and… connect with your values as a human and as a person and use that when you're parenting.” Other changes you might see starting at age 12:
    • They become more independent and focused on friendships.
    • They're more interested in their appearance, including clothing and body image.
    • They are more influenced by their friends.
    • They may express less affection toward you.
  2. 2
    What’s a golden birthday for a 12-year-old? A golden birthday is when the date of your birth matches your age. So, 12-year-olds who celebrate their birthday on the 12th of any month will have a golden birthday! [8]
    • Help your child celebrate by adding a touch of gold to the day with golden balloons, streamers, and candles on their cake.
    • Celebrate a double-golden birthday when the day of the month is double the date of their birth. A kid born on the 6th celebrates their double-gold birthday when they turn 12.
  3. 3
    What is a 12-year-old called? Kids between 8 and 12 years old are called tweens. [9] They may also be called preadolescents or pre-teens. The word “preadolescent” refers to the time in a child’s life before they start to develop into an adult. [10] “Pre-teen” is usually used for 11-12-year-olds. [11]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/stages-of-puberty-for-boys
      2. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/family/parenting/grandparenting-tips-how-to-be-a-better-grandparent
      3. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/family/parenting/grandparenting-tips-how-to-be-a-better-grandparent
      4. ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentTypeID=34&ContentID=21692-1
      5. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/laughter-is-the-best-medicine
      6. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/optimism.html
      7. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/child-development/positive-parenting-tips/young-teens-12-14-years.html
      8. ↑ https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/a63980986/what-is-golden-platinum-diamond-birthday/
      9. ↑ https://childmind.org/article/what-parents-should-know-about-tweens/
      1. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/preadolescence
      2. ↑ https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/pre-teen_1

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