What to Write in a 50th Birthday Card: 165 Wishes for Friends, Family & More

PDF download Download Article
Plus, the best sayings to write on a 50th birthday cake!
PDF download Download Article

Turning 50 is a major milestone that's exciting and precious. If you know someone who’s entering this new decade, sending them a birthday wish is one of the best ways to make them feel cherished. In this article, we’re providing the ultimate list of wishes you can copy and paste to celebrate their “golden” birthday. Whether you’re celebrating your friend, partner, parent, sibling, or colleague, you’re sure to find the perfect 50th birthday wish below.

Best 50th Birthday Wishes & Quotes

  • Here’s to 50 years of awesomeness!
  • Wishing you a fantastic, fun-filled 50th!
  • Life begins at 50. Enjoy every moment!
  • You’re still shining brighter than ever at 50!
  • You put the “hot” in hot flashes. Happy 50th!
  • “You don't get older, you get better." —Shirley Bassey
  • A toast to 50 incredible years and many more to come!
Section 1 of 12:

Short 50th Birthday Wishes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sending a short and sweet message is one of the best ways to spread cheer, especially on a milestone birthday. Whether you’re writing a card , sending a quick text, or saying your wish in person, tell your loved one that you’re thinking of them and wish them well for the upcoming decade.
    • You’re 50 and fabulous!
    • Have a fabulous 50th birthday!
    • Best birthday wishes for the big 5-0!
    • Here’s to 50 years of awesomeness!
    • Wishing you a fantastic, fun-filled 50th!
    • Life begins at 50. Enjoy every moment!
    • I can’t believe you’re 50! Congratulations!
    • 50 cheers to 50 years. Let the party begin!
    • Happy 50th birthday to an absolute legend.
    • I hope your 50th is your favorite so far. HBD!
    • May the next 50 be even better than the first.
    • Welcome to the 50s club. The best is yet to come!
    • May your 50th birthday shine as brightly as you do.
    • A toast to 50 incredible years and many more to come!
    • Remember, you’re not getting older—you’re getting better.
    • Sending you all my love for this milestone birthday. Happy 50th!
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 12:

Funny 50th Birthday Wishes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Crack a joke about getting older to lighten the mood. Trying to add a touch of humor to your wishes? Throw in a witty joke or one-liner about aging to make the other person smile. It’s the perfect way to lift their spirits, especially if they seem a little sad about getting older and entering a new decade. [1]
    • You put the “hot” in hot flashes. Happy 50th!
    • Happy 25th anniversary of your 25th birthday!
    • I hate to use the F-word, but…you’re fifty (gasp)!
    • You only turn 50 once. Make the hangover worth it!
    • Don’t count the years. Count the hairs left on your head!
    • You’re not really 50…you’re 21 with 29 years of experience. HBD!
    • Here’s to 50 years of wisdom…and forgetting where you put your keys!
    • Cheers to 50 years of greatness (or at least 30 great years and 20 that were meh)!
    • Fifty, fabulous, and only 10 years away from the senior citizen discounts. Happy birthday!
    • Don’t let your age bring you down…because it might be difficult to get back up. Happy 50th!
    • 50 is the age when you start lying about your age…or is it 60? Wait, how old are you again?
    • Don’t worry about getting older. Pretty soon you won’t be able to remember your age anyway!
    • You know you’re 50 when someone offers you a seat on the bus and you don’t refuse. Happy birthday!
    • Dye your hair blue, get a tattoo, learn something new, and let the midlife crisis (adventure) ensue!
    • Who cares about getting older? There’s nothing plastic surgery can’t fix these days! Happy 50th birthday!
    • You’re approximately eighteen thousand, two-hundred and sixty-three days old. Turning 50 doesn’t sound so bad anymore, right?
    • You’re never too old to blow out candles on a birthday cake, but we might need to keep a fire extinguisher handy this year. Happy 50th!
Section 3 of 12:

Heartfelt 50th Birthday Wishes

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you want to make the other person feel moved, explain why they’re so important to you. Mention qualities you admire about them, or get specific about how they’ve inspired you over the years. A sweet and sincere message will make their 50th even more memorable!
    • Your presence has changed our lives for the better. Happy 50th birthday!
    • The world is so much more beautiful to have had you in it for 50 years. Happy birthday!
    • In the story of your life, 50 is the chapter where it all starts to make perfect sense. Happy birthday!
    • I’m celebrating every one of the 50 years that have made you the smart, strong, and incredible person you are. Happy birthday!
    • May your 50th birthday be filled with boundless love, light, and positivity. You deserve it more than anyone else in the world!
    • 50 years of love, laughter, and memories—what an incredible journey it’s been! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness with the ones you love!
    • Celebrating 50 years of life is such a privilege. I hope you know how loved and cherished you are by everyone around you. HBD!
    • I’ve cherished every moment we’ve shared over the past few years, and I can’t wait to make even more amazing memories together. Happy 50th birthday!
    • Happy 50th birthday. You have a gift for bringing out the best in people, and I am so grateful to know you. Here’s to another year of good health and happiness!
    • When I look into your eyes, I see someone who’s lived a spectacular and wondrous life. I hope to tread the same path as you, and I wish you a very special 50th birthday.
    • 50 years of good times and great company. You’ve got so much to show for your time here on earth…and the best is yet to come! I hope each day is as happy and joyous as this one.
    • Happy 50th to someone who makes life better for everyone around them. Your strength, kindness, and patience is truly inspiring, and I hope today and every day is just as wonderful as you are. You deserve it!
    • On this special day, we celebrate not just your age but all the love, wisdom, and beautiful moments you’ve brought into the world. You’re a gift to everyone who knows you, and I’m so grateful to be part of your life.
    • Words cannot describe the value you add to our lives. Thank you for all the love, care, and wisdom you’ve bestowed onto us. We want you to know that it does not go unnoticed, and we love you very much. Happy 50th birthday!
    • Happy 50th birthday to my biggest role model in life. You’ve taught me the meaning of love, strength, and integrity, and I’m so grateful to have you in my life. Thank you for having my back through thick and thin. Words can’t describe how much it means to me.
    • Imaginative and intelligent. Full of warmth, care, and sound advice. A person who leads with love and isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. These are just some of the things I admire about you, and I’m so blessed to know you. I hope your 50th birthday is absolutely wonderful!
    • May your 50th birthday be filled with boundless love, light, and positivity. You deserve it more than anyone else in the world!
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 12:

Sweet 50th Birthday Wishes for Her

PDF download Download Article
  1. Boost her confidence with a sweet and supportive birthday wish. Turning 50 is a major milestone that can spark various feelings—some people are worried about aging, while others are looking forward to starting their next chapter in life. [2] Whatever the case may be, aim to make the birthday girl feel valued and supported, and let her know that she’s glowing and gorgeous!
    • Fifty never looked so good!
    • You make 50 look amazing!
    • You’re the youngest 50-year-old I know!
    • You’re still shining brighter than ever at 50!
    • Wishing you life’s finest things. Happy 50th!
    • 50? You don’t look a day over GORGEOUS!
    • Pop the prosecco…because you’re 50! HBD!
    • You’re a timeless inspiration. Happy 50th birthday!
    • If you’re the new face of 50, then it’s going to be stunning!
    • You have so much to be proud of at 50. Enjoy your special day!
    • Happy birthday—you’re nifty, fifty, and more fabulous than ever!
    • Fifty years young, and still as radiant, vibrant, and full of life as ever!
    • You made it to the half-century mark in style. Congrats on turning 50!
    • Happy 50th to the most beautiful soul. You make each year more exciting!
    • You’re not just aging gracefully—you’re setting the standard for what 50 should look like!
    • Welcome to 50—you’re just hitting your stride! Wishing you all the happiness you deserve in this new chapter!
Section 5 of 12:

50th Birthday Wishes for Your Friend

PDF download Download Article
  1. A lot can happen in a single year, let alone 50 years, so take the opportunity to celebrate everything your friend has accomplished. You could highlight specific moments throughout their life, such as getting married or starting a family, or simply remind them that you’re rooting for them and they should be proud of making it this far!
    • Wishing you peace and love on your special day, friend.
    • Here’s to FIFTY: Fun, Incredible, Fabulous, Thrilling and Youthful!
    • Sending endless love to you on this special day. Cheers to 50 years!
    • 50 years young and at the top of your game. Happy birthday, best friend!
    • Fifty years of life is definitely something to celebrate. Happy birthday, buddy!
    • You have so much to be proud of at 50. Congrats and enjoy your special day!
    • A true friend remembers your age but not your age. Happy birthday, dear friend!
    • Cheers to 50 years! I hope your day is filled with cake, wine, and good company!
    • Well, would you look at that—you’ve managed to hit another milestone. Happy 50th!
    • Happy 50th to a charming, intelligent, and all-around awesome guy/girl. It takes one to know one!
    • Happy 50th birthday, friend. Have a glass of wine for me on your special day! Or two…or four!
    • I’ve watched you create an amazing life with a beautiful family. Congratulations on 50 years, my friend!
    • May the candles on your cake remind you of the light you shine on everyone around you. Happy 50th!
    • Wishing the happiest of birthdays to the kindest person I know. I hope you have a fantastic 50th, my friend!
    • It’s not the number of candles on your cake…it’s the smiles you bring. And you bring even more than you’ll ever know!
    • Happy 50th birthday! I’m so grateful for your friendship and all the fun times we’ve shared over the years. Here’s to many more!
    2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 12:

50th Birthday Wishes for Your Partner

PDF download Download Article
  1. Make your partner feel good about aging with a sweet or silly message. Whether you’re celebrating your wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend, it’s important to tell them that they make your heart flutter after all these years. Reflect on your favorite memories as a couple, and highlight what your partner brings to the table. It’s sure to reignite the spark in your relationship, and get them excited for what’s to come!
    • Happy 50th birthday, dear. Love, the best decision you ever made.
    • Happy 50th birthday to my better half. You’re my forever and always.
    • Here’s to spending the next half-century together. Happy birthday, darling!
    • Half a century of you, and my love keeps growing. Happy birthday, my love!
    • You make 50 look easy and loving you even easier. Happy birthday to my heart!
    • Happy birthday to my heart, my home, my everything. Fifty never looked so good!
    • It’s your 50th birthday, and you deserve everything and more. I love you, sweetheart.
    • Cheers to 50 years of love, growth, and adventure. I can’t wait to see what the future brings!
    • Like fine wine, you’re getting better with time. Happy 50th birthday to my silver fox/vixen!
    • Happy 50th birthday to my heart. You make every year better than the last, and I love you so much!
    • Every year with you is a gift. Thank you for being such an amazing partner and parent, and happy 50th. Love you always!
    • Happy 50th birthday to my favorite person in the whole wide world. You make my life so much sweeter, and I love you more than words can describe.
    • Since the moment I met you, I knew that we would be partners for life…and now, look at us! Here’s to another 50 years of being in love with my best friend.
    • Happy 50th, my love. You’ve filled my heart with so much joy, and I’m so lucky to call you mine. I can’t wait to check all the things off our bucket list together!
    • To the love of my life, happy 50th birthday. This milestone is the perfect opportunity to admire your strength, passion, and determination. Let’s make this year one to remember!
    • Happy 50th birthday to my soulmate. Every year is better with you by my side, and I’m so grateful to celebrate this milestone with you. Here’s to the next chapter of our beautiful journey together!
Section 7 of 12:

50th Birthday Wishes for Your Sibling

PDF download Download Article
  1. Take a trip down memory lane and remind your sibling of all the fun and memorable moments you’ve shared together. Most people reflect on their lives when entering a new decade, so bringing up fond memories is a wonderful way to help them close out their 40s. By highlighting the best moments of their life, your sibling might feel more excited to start their next chapter! [3]
    • Oh, brother/sister! Congrats on turning 50!
    • Wishing the best brother/sister in the world a very happy 50th birthday.
    • There’s no brother/sister like you! Hope you have the best birthday ever!
    • These have been the most amazing years, haven’t they? Here’s to many more!
    • Cheers to 50 years of being the best sibling anyone could ask for. I love you to bits!
    • Happy 50th to a brother/sister who’s funny, smart, charming…and reminds me a lot of myself!
    • You’re proof that age is just a number…because you’re still as cool and awesome as ever. Happy 50th!
    • Happy half-century! Thanks for all the love, laughs, and memories we’ve shared. Love you, brother/sister!
    • Happy 50th birthday to the sibling who’s always been my biggest supporter. I’m so grateful to have you in my life!
    • Getting older doesn’t have to be boring, and you certainly aren’t. Thank you for filling my life with 50 years of fun and excitement!
    • You’re 50 today, but you’ll always be my big/little sibling at heart. Thank you for being my constant source of love and laughs. Love you!
    • I know they say, “with age comes wisdom,” but you’re the prime example that being older doesn’t make you wiser. Happy 50th birthday, brother/sister!
    • Here’s to 50 amazing years. You’ve been my rock, my rival (at times), and my best friend (always)...and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love you so much!
    • Happy 50th birthday to my incredible sibling. You’ve brought so much joy into our lives, and we’re wishing you endless happiness and success in this new decade.
    • Happy 50th to my greatest friend, partner-in-crime, and supporter. You’re the best brother/sister I could have ever asked for, and I’m so excited to celebrate your special day!
    • From graduating high school to getting married and having kids, we’ve celebrated so many milestones together. I’m so happy to celebrate another big moment with you, and I’m wishing you the most wonderful 50th birthday!
    2. Advertisement
Section 8 of 12:

50th Birthday Wishes for Your Parents

PDF download Download Article
  1. Celebrate their milestone birthday with a warm or witty message. If your mom or dad is turning 50, remind them of all the beautiful things to come in the new decade. Aim to make them feel loved and supported, and craft a message that matches their personality. If your mom is a softie, for example, you could talk about the qualities you admire most about her. If your dad is a jokester, stick to a funny message about him “being ancient.”
    • Happy birthday, mom/dad! I promise you don’t look a day over 30!
    • You’re eternally young, mom/dad…and forever loved and cherished.
    • You’re the best parent in the whole world. Happy 50th birthday, mom/dad!
    • Happy 50th birthday, mom/dad. You have no clue how much I look up to you.
    • Health, happiness, and success—all my best wishes on your 50th, mom/dad.
    • It’s great to see you in such good health as you turn ancient, mom/dad. Happy 50th!
    • Congrats on reaching 50 with almost all of your (grey) hairs in place! HBD, mom/dad!
    • Happy 50th Birthday, mom/dad! You make life brighter, better, and full of love every single day.
    • Happy 50th birthday to the man/woman who brought the most amazing person (ME) into the world!
    • Happy 50th to the MVP of our family. Wishing you the best birthday and a fabulous start to a new decade!
    • As you turn 50, please know you’re loved and valued by us all. We hope you get everything you wish for and more!
    • Are you really 50 or is that just the number of times you ask me for help on your phone each day? Happy birthday mom/dad!
    • Happy 50th birthday, mom/dad! You’re officially a member of the old-person club, but you’re still the coolest parent on the block.
    • On your 50th birthday, I wanted to let you know how much you mean to me and how lucky I feel to have you in my life. Love you always!
    • Happy 50th birthday, mom/dad! I hope your day is full of wining and dining, opposed to the whining and dining you had to deal with when I was a kid.
    • Happy 50th, mom/dad! You’re not just a parent—you’re a superhero, a role model, and my biggest inspiration. Love you more than words can describe.
    • Happy 50th to my hero, my best friend, and my biggest supporter. I’m so grateful for all the time we’ve spent together, and I’m so lucky to call you my mom/dad. Love you!
Section 9 of 12:

50th Birthday Wishes for Your Coworker

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sending a birthday card to your boss or colleague is one of the best ways to make them feel valued in the workplace. Depending on your relationship, you can include a witty joke about working together, or highlight a few of their best qualities. Just make sure your message is appropriate and professional!
    • Happy, happy birthday. Wishing you many salary raises!
    • I hope you have a happy and restful 50th birthday—you deserve it!
    • The office wouldn’t be the same without you. Happy 50th birthday!
    • You make this place tolerable—and that’s not easy! Happy 50th birthday!
    • Happy 50th birthday to a coworker who has the world’s greatest coworker!
    • Happy 50th! I hope your next chapter is just as inspiring and fulfilling as the first.
    • Happy 50th birthday, boss. You deserve a long vacation for putting up with all of us!
    • Wishing you health, happiness, and success as you celebrate this milestone birthday!
    • Happy 50th birthday! Your hard work, dedication, and determination inspire everyone around you.
    • Thank you for all the amazing work you’ve produced over the years. Have a wonderful 50th birthday!
    • Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone! Here’s to continued success and happiness!
    • Happy, happy birthday! Your positive energy and enthusiasm make the office a better place every day.
    • It’s been an absolute honor to spend so many years working alongside you. Have the best 50th birthday!
    • There’s no one else I’d rather chat with on Slack. Happy 50th birthday to my favorite person in the office!
    • Without you here, there’s a solid chance that I’d be unemployed. Happy 50th birthday and thanks for all that you do!
    • Happy 50th birthday to someone who’s always there to answer my questions…even when I ask 30 times. So grateful to have you on the team!
    2. Advertisement
Section 10 of 12:

Birthday Quotes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Drop a meaningful quote about aging when you’re at a loss for words. Struggling to find the right sentiments? Get help from someone else to share your well wishes! Choose an author, celebrity, or other public figure the birthday boy/girl admires, and use their words to share your love and affection. Whether you opt for something funny, heartwarming, or motivational, a quote is a great way to make them feel cared for .
    • “Youth has no age.” —Pablo Picasso
    • “You don't get older, you get better." —Shirley Bassey
    • “The first hundred years are the hardest.” — Wilson Mizner
    • “I’m at an age when my back goes out more than I do.” —Phyllis Diller
    • “Nice to be here? At my age, it’s nice to be anywhere.” —George Burns
    • “The older you get, the better you get. Unless you are a banana.” —Betty White
    • “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” —Les Brown
    • “Whatever with the past has gone, the best is always yet to come.” — Lucy Larcom
    • “You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake” —Bob Hope
    • "You know you’ve aged when you read events you lived in a history book." ―Will Ferrell
    • “Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” —Jack Benny
    • “We grow neither better nor worse as we get old, but more like ourselves.” —Bernard Baruch
    • "The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." ―Lucille Ball
    • “Today is the oldest you have been and the youngest you will ever be again. Make the most of it!” —Nicky Gumbel
    • “Growing old is like being increasingly penalized for a crime you have not committed.” —Anthony Powell
    • “Inside every older person is a younger person—wondering what the hell happened.” —Terry Pratchett
    • “As you get older three things happen. The first is your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other two.” —Sir Norman Wisdom
    • “Remember how excited you were when you turned five years old. Today, you should be 10 times that excited. Happy 50th birthday!” —Franklin P. Adams
Section 11 of 12:

Message Ideas for a 50th Birthday Cake

PDF download Download Article
  1. Choose a short, sweet, or silly saying to decorate a birthday cake. If you’re in charge of ordering (or making) the cake, pick a message that matches the personality of the birthday boy/girl. Here are some cute and clever ideas that can be frosted easily:
    • Halfway to 100!
    • It’s nifty to be 50.
    • Life begins at 50!
    • Fifty and fabulous.
    • Happy Half-Century!
    • Forever young at 50.
    • Funny, Fierce & Fifty!
    • You made the big 5-0!
    • 50 Shades of Gray Hair.
    • Celebrating 50 Golden Years.
    • Over the hill and loving the view!
    • If you’re lucky, you’ll make it another 50.
    • We mourn the passing of your youth. Happy 50th!
    2. Advertisement
Section 12 of 12:

Best Ways to Celebrate a 50th Birthday

PDF download Download Article
  1. On your birthday, it’s all about you! Do things that align with your hobbies and interests, and don’t feel pressured to host a large gathering if it’s not your vibe. If you’re stumped on ideas, here are some great ways to celebrate your 50th birthday :
    • Take an art class
    • Host a themed party
    • Have a casino night
    • Indulge in a spa day
    • Attend a comedy show
    • Plan a weekend getaway
    • Go skydiving or rock climbing
    • Have a picnic with loved ones
    • Organize a private chef experience

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • A 50th birthday is also known as a “Golden Jubilee” because gold is precious and timeless.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      • According to marriage and family therapist Moshe Ratson, you can “throw a surprise party, make a speech, or create a song” to celebrate your partner’s birthday at home.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      80+ Funny, Unique, & Heartfelt Messages to Celebrate a 30th Birthday
      Things to do On Your 21st Birthday: Creative Party Ideas & Activities
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/humor
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-do-life/202006/birthdays
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/midlife-reimagined/202309/the-science-of-milestone-birthdays

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 313 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement