90+ Ways to Say “Happy 16th Birthday!” (Plus Gift Ideas)

So, someone you know is turning 16—how exciting! This isn’t just an ordinary birthday; it’s the big teen year, and you want to make sure you send the perfect message. Take a look at the lists below to see what you can write, type, or say to send a friend, son, daughter, or anyone to wish them a happy birthday.

Section 1 of 9:

Short & Sweet 16th Birthday Messages

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Send the birthday boy or girl a sweet message to make them feel loved. When in doubt, opt for a kind, heartwarming note to make them smile! Comment on something you love about them, like their bright personality or courageous spirit, or simply send them well wishes. Here are some examples:
- “Happy Sweet 16! Wishing you the best on this special day!”
- “Happy birthday, friend! I hope your day is full of laughter, magic, and good food.”
- “Cheers to 16 years of laughter! I hope this next year is full of happiness.”
- “Happy 16th! Wishing you a year full of happiness, love, and adventure.”
- “Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!”
- “Sixteen looks good on you! Can’t wait to see what this new year has in store.”
- “Happy 16th Birthday! Hoping you have a day full of unforgettable memories.”
- “Wishing you a day of peace, relaxation, and fun.” ^{[1]
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- “You’re on the road to your best year yet!”
- “Happy 16th! May this day be the start of something just as special as you.”
- “Wishing you a fantastic day! Happy birthday!”
- “Happy birthday to the bestest 16-year-old I know! I hope this day is as brilliant as you!”
- “Congratulations! You’re 16! I cannot wait to see what this year has in store for you.”
- “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter—happy 16th!”
- “To the coolest 16-year-old ever, happy birthday! May your day be full of delicious food and belly-jerking laughs.”
- “Happy 16th birthday! You’re one awesome person, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”
- “Here’s to filling this next chapter of life with even more amazing memories—happy birthday!”
- “I can’t believe you’re 16! Time really does fly. Hoping you have the greatest day ever!”

Section 2 of 9:

Funny 16th Birthday Messages

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Make the birthday person giggle with a snappy joke. Birthdays are a joyous time, so pass along the merriment with a silly dad joke, ridiculous one-liner, or classic pun! A goofy and funny message is perfect for friends, family members, or coworkers. Just think about the birthday boy or girl’s humor, and come up with a joke you think they’d love. If you’re stuck, try one of these examples:
- “Happy birthday! You’re officially old enough to get a license…scary.”
- “You’re 16! Only 5 more years until you’re legal!”
- “16? Please, I’d say you’re 6…Just kidding! Love you to pieces!”
- “Happy Sweet 16! Remember, you’re only young once, so make the most of it, babe!”
- “Looks like you’re now officially a teenager in training. You’ll probably get the hang of it by the time you’re 20 (I hope).”
- “Happy 16th! It’s time to start adulting…Just kidding! Enjoy that cake, kiddo!”
- “You’re 16! Time to start practicing your ‘I’m too old for this nonsense’ face.”
- “You know what they say about more candles? A bigger wish!” ^{[2]
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- “Turn up the MEWsic, and let’s get this PAWty started!”
- “It’s your birthday, and you BATTER believe it!”
- “Have a GRATE birthday! Hope that’s not too CHEESY.”
- “A birthday cake is just like a golf ball. You’ve got to slice it.”
- “Wishing you a LLAMA fun on your birthday!”
- “How do pickles celebrate birthdays? They relish them.”
- “What goes up but never comes down? Your age.”
- “What does every birthday end with? The letter Y.”
- “Why do cats love birthdays? They love to PURRty!”
- “Aging is mandatory. Adulting is optional.” ^{[3]
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Section 3 of 9:

Endearing 16th Birthday Messages

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Warm the birthday boy or girl’s heart with a sentimental message. If you’re feeling extra emotional on this special day, share it! Endearing messages are perfect for best friends or close family members, like daughters and sons. Highlight what you love most about them, or state how proud you are of what they’ve accomplished so far in their life. Check out these examples for inspiration:
- “Sending the happiest of wishes to the birthday girl! May your day be full of light—just like you!”
- “May my amazing niece have the most joyful birthday! May your year be full of exciting adventures and opportunities.”
- “On this special day, I hope you know how special you truly are. Sending all my love!”
- “Happy Sweet 16! Today marks a milestone in your life, and I want you to know that I’m so proud of the person you are becoming. Thank you for inspiring me.”
- “Happy birthday to the most amazing teenager I know. Words cannot even express how amazed I am by you.”
- “Happy birthday to the best granddaughter a woman could ask for! Your kindness, loyalty, and strength have inspired me so, and it’s been such an honor watching you grow.”
- “You only turn 16 once! I hope you enjoy every minute of this special year.”
- “Happy 16th to the coolest dude I know! Cheers to a spectacular weekend!”
- “I’m so thankful our paths crossed how many years ago. Here’s to celebrating even more wonderful birthdays together.”
- “Greetings on your fabulous 16th! You’ve filled our lives with such joy, and I hope this next year does the same for you.”
- “Cheers to the next chapter of adventures and unlimited potential.”

Section 4 of 9:

16th Birthday Messages for Daughters

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Brighten your daughter’s day by boasting about her. If your daughter is turning 16, applaud her on the special milestone by stating how proud you are of her. List what you love most about her, or give her a piece of sweet advice she can always take with her. Take a look at these example messages for more ideas:
- “Happy birthday, daughter! I remember the day you were born—the best day of my life. You’ve blossomed into a beautiful young woman, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
- “You’re growing up so fast, but no matter how old you get, you’ll always be my little girl. I love you, princess. Happy birthday.”
- “To the best daughter a mother could ask for, happy 16th birthday! You are the light of my life, and I wish you nothing but the best on this special day.”
- “Cheers to my wonderful daughter! I’m so proud of the woman you’re becoming.”
- “I’m wishing my beautiful daughter the happiest of birthdays. You are such a shining light in this world.”
- “I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter. Happy birthday, angel.”
- “Sixteen years ago, you changed my world, and I’ll forever be grateful. Love you to the moon and back!”
- “Kind, beautiful, and smart. You are the light of my life. Happy birthday!”
- “Happy birthday, my dear! Here’s to another year of growth and opportunity.”
- “Happy 16th, my daughter! May your day be as radiant as you.”
- “Being your parent has been the highlight of my life. I’m so lucky to call you my daughter. Happy birthday, princess.”
- “Sweet sixteen, my daring girl! You make every day interesting, and I’m so lucky to be able to watch you grow.”
- “We’re so proud of all you’ve done and continue to do. Happy birthday to the bravest and selfless girl I know.”

Section 5 of 9:

16th Birthday Messages for Sons

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Celebrate your son with an uplifting and positive message. There’s no better time to tell your son that you’re proud of him than on his big day! Write him a sweet message stating how proud you are of him. Don’t be shy! Even guys deserve to be praised. Here are some examples to get you started:
- “Happy 16th, my dear son! Watching you grow has been the highlight of my existence. You are strong, brave, and loyal, and I’m so proud of you.”
- “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.”
- “Cheers to the birthday boy! May this year bring you good music, excellent food, and amazing company.”
- “Son, I am so proud of you. You’ve become a strong leader in this past year, and it’s been such a joy watching you grow. Happy birthday!”
- “Sixteen candles for 16 years of awesomeness! Happy birthday, son!”
- “Wishing my son the happiest of birthdays today! Hoping you have the greatest day and don’t get too wild.”
- “Sixteen years ago, my life changed for the better. Happy birthday to the greatest son a parent could ask for.”
- “The happiest of birthdays to the goofiest, basketball-loving guy I know! Couldn’t be more proud of the young man you’re becoming.”
- “To my amazing kid, I love you to the moon and back. Happy 16th!”

Section 6 of 9:

16th Birthday Messages for Best Friends

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Send a silly or sweet message to your bestie to wish them a happy birthday. If your best friend is turning 16, don’t hesitate to tell them everything you love about them! Try listing off 16 things you love about them, 16 memories, or stating just how much their friendship means to you. Give one of these example messages a try:
- “Happy birthday, dear friend! Wishing you nothing but the best on this special day—you deserve all the happiness and more!”
- “To the most talented person I know, happy birthday.”
- “Congrats on turning 16! Now you can finally drive us to the mall.”
- “Wishing my bestest friend the bestest birthday!”
- “Bestie, you’re my ride or die—I don’t know what I’d do without you! Happy birthday!”
- “Sending you nothing but hugs on this special day! Can’t wait to celebrate with you!”
- “To the sweetest and most selfless pal I know, happy birthday! I hope your day is as joyous as you!”
- “Wishing my best friend a very happy birthday! Don’t spend all your birthday money in one place!”
- “Happy birthday to the pal that makes every day brighter.”
- “Nothing matters more to me than our friendship. Happy birthday, friend.”
- “It’s not everyday you meet someone as special as you. Happy birthday, dude! I’m so lucky to be able to call you my bestie.”

Section 7 of 9:

Quotes About Birthdays & Getting Older

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Go with an inspirational quote if you’re stuck! If you’re not sure what to say, opt for a quote from the birthday boy or girl’s favorite celebrity! This is a great way to show that you care without diving too deep into your own emotions. Simply determine their favorite movie, author, musician, or creator and slap an inspiring quote from them on the card or message. Here are some examples:
- “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” – John Lennon ^{[4]
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- “Your birthday is the beginning of your own personal new year.” – Wilfred Peterson
- “We turn not older with years, but newer every day.” – Emily Dickinson
- “You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred.” – Woody Allen
- “The old believe everything; the middle-aged suspect everything; the young know everything.” – Oscar Wilde
- “The way I see it, you should live every day like it’s your birthday.” – Paris Hilton
- “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln
- “Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift.” – Aretha Franklin
- “Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” – Dr. Seuss ^{[5]
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- “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time.” – Jean Paul