The 130+ Best Happy Birthday Greetings for a Friend

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Celebrate your friend a short and simple birthday message!
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A friend’s birthday is a great opportunity to celebrate them and your friendship. It can be hard trying to come up with a perfect birthday message, but as long as it comes from the heart, your friend will probably appreciate it. In this article, we’ve gathered all the best happy birthday wishes for friends, including funny, thoughtful, and short messages. Plus, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to write an amazing birthday message for a friend.

Happy Birthday Messages for a Friend: Top Examples

  • “Happy birthday, bestie!! I don’t know what I’d do without you!”
  • “Remember, you aren’t getting older—you’re leveling up. Happy birthday!”
  • “Happy birthday to someone who never fails to make me smile. Love ya!”
Section 1 of 12:

Simple Birthday Wishes for Friends

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  1. Whether you give them a birthday card or shoot them a text, wishing your friend a happy birthday is a great way to let them know you care and want to celebrate them. Here are some great examples of simple birthday wishes for friends: [1]
    • “I feel so lucky to have you as my friend. Hope your birthday is as special as you are.”
    • “Raising a glass to you—the most amazing friend!”
    • “I hope you feel so loved today. Happy birthday!”
    • “Today, we’re celebrating the most memorable and amazing person ever. Happy birthday!”
    • “I knew we would always be friends, and I’m so happy to still be in your life all these years later. Happy birthday!”
    • “Happy birthday to the coolest and funniest friend anyone could ever have!”
    • “I am looking forward to many more years of friendship and birthdays with you. Have a fantastic birthday!”
    • “You’re more than a friend—you’re family. Happy birthday!”
    • “Happy birthday to the kind of friend everyone wants to celebrate!”
    • “In good times and bad, I’ll always be by your side. Happy birthday friend!”
    • “Happy, happy birthday! You deserve all the cakes, love, hugs and happiness today. Enjoy your day my friend!”
    • “Here’s to another year of our silly shenanigans! Happy birthday to my crazy bestie.”
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Section 2 of 12:

Funny Birthday Wishes for Friends

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  1. If you and your friend have a silly relationship, keep the good vibes going by crafting a hilarious birthday message. Poke fun at their age, use puns, or incorporate your favorite inside jokes. Here are some examples: [2]
    • “Happy birthday! Let’s make a deal; I won’t tell anyone your real age if you don’t forget my birthday next year.”
    • “Sending birthday wishes to my favorite travel buddy… We sure do like to take trips around the sun together.”
    • “I can’t figure out if life is passing us by or trying to run us over. Happy birthday!”
    • “Happy birthday, bestie! Remember to smile awkwardly as everyone sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to you.”
    • “Because it’s your birthday, I’ll share my fries with you. I hope you have the best birthday yet!”
    • “Happy birthday! Remember, you’re not getting older—you’re leveling up!”
    • “I spent 3 hours searching the internet for the perfect birthday message for you and then I gave up. Happy birthday!”
    • “Happy birthday to my partner in crime! May our antics be legendary and our bail money non-existent!”
    • “Older? Definitely. Wiser? Debatable. Happy birthday!”
    • “Happy birthday to a lifelong friend! I can’t wait until we’re old enough to be terrorizing the nursing home together!”
    • “I would wish you a happy birthday, but year after year….it’s starting to get old!”
    • “How do pickles celebrate their birthdays? They relish them. Happy birthday!”
Section 3 of 12:

Thoughtful Birthday Wishes for Friends

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  1. There’s no better time to tell your friend how much they mean to you than on their birthday. Think of all their best qualities and the fond memories you two share, then include them in your message. Here are some examples:
    • “Life has its ups and downs, but with a friend like you by my side, I can endure it all. Happy birthday to my best friend!”
    • “If there’s one person I can always count on, you’re the one. Wishing you a happy birthday!”
    • “When we met, I knew that you’d always be a part of my life. I admire your kindness, fun personality, and your heart. Happy birthday!”
    • “Nothing can shake our unbreakable bond — and for that, I’m forever grateful. Happy birthday, bestie.”
    • “On your special day, I want you to know how much your friendship means to me. Cheers to another year of shared memories and unwavering support.”
    • “Friends may come and go, but real ones never leave. Thank you for your unwavering friendship. Happy birthday!”
    • “Your birthday is a reminder of the incredible impact you have on those around you. Here’s to celebrating the generous, kind-hearted person you are.”
    • “Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and all the warmth that your heart deserves. Happy birthday, my dear friend!”
    • “Happy birthday to someone who knows my heart better than I do. Your friendship is a constant source of joy and comfort in my life.”
    • “Happy birthday, dear friend! Your compassion and empathy make the world a brighter place, and I’m grateful for you every day.”
    • “Wishing you a birthday as sincere, bold, and authentic as the friendship we share. Here’s to celebrating someone truly remarkable.”
    • “Happy birthday to my favorite friend! Your candid advice, genuine friendship, and unwavering support mean the world to me. Cheers to you.”
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Section 4 of 12:

Short and Sweet Birthday Wishes for Friends

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  1. Don’t feel like you have to send your friend a long, drawn-out message on their birthday. Sometimes, a short and sweet message is better, and there are plenty of other ways you can celebrate your friend. Here are some examples of kind, yet short birthday wishes: [3]
    • “Wishing my bestie the best day ever! Happy birthday!”
    • “Happy birthday to the best friend a person could ask for!”
    • “Happy birthday! I can’t imagine life without you.”
    • “Happy birthday! I hope all your wishes come true!”
    • “Happy birthday to my best friend in the whole wide world!”
    • “Cheers to your personal new year! Live it up!”
    • “Happy birthday to my ride or die. I love you!”
    • “Cheers to you for another trip around the sun!”
    • “Happy birthday! I can’t wait to celebrate you all day long!”
    • “Happy birthday! It’s your special day—get out there and celebrate!”
    • “You make the world a better and brighter place. Happy birthday!”
    • “I can’t think of a better gift than your friendship. Happy birthday!”
Section 5 of 12:

Inspirational Birthday Wishes for Friends

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  1. A birthday is a fresh start for a new year, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hype your friend up with an encouraging, inspirational message. Offer them support to chase their dreams and let them know how much they inspire those around them. Here are some examples: [4]
    • “Wishing you a year filled with endless opportunities and the courage to chase your dreams. Happy birthday!”
    • “Happy birthday to the person who constantly uplifts everyone around them with their kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit.”
    • “May the joy that you have spread in the past come back to you on this day. Wishing you a very happy birthday!”
    • “May you be gifted with life’s biggest joys and never-ending bliss. After all, you yourself are a gift to earth, so you deserve the best. Happy birthday.”
    • “Be happy! Today is the day you were brought into this world to be a blessing and inspiration to the people around you. Happy birthday!”
    • “May your birthday be the beginning of a year filled with positivity, hope, and the confidence to overcome any challenge. Happy birthday, my resilient friend!”
    • “Wishing you a birthday that’s as extraordinary and inspiring as you are. Your relentless spirit and kindness light up the lives of everyone around you.”
    • “Happy birthday to someone who continues to spark positive change in the world. Your dedication to making a difference is truly commendable.”
    • “On your special day, I hope you feel as loved and supported as you make everyone else feel. Happy birthday to an exceptional friend and a true inspiration!”
    • “Wishing you a day of celebration and reflection, surrounded by the love and admiration of those who are inspired by your incredible spirit. Happy birthday!”
    • “Count not the candles; see the lights they give. Count not the years, but the life you live. Wishing you a wonderful time ahead. Happy birthday!”
    • “May your birthday be the start of a new chapter filled with exciting opportunities, meaningful connections, and boundless success.”
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Section 6 of 12:

Belated Birthday Wishes for Friends

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  1. Sometimes, life gets in the way, and that’s okay. If you couldn’t celebrate with your friend on their actual birthday, be sure to acknowledge their special day as soon as possible. Consider arranging a day for you two to celebrate in person, as well! Here are some examples: [5]
    • “Better late than never, right? Happy birthday to my incredible friend!”
    • “I may have missed your birthday, but your friendship is always on my mind. Happy belated birthday!”
    • “Wishing you a fantastic belated birthday! May the year ahead bring you joy, success, and unforgettable moments.”
    • “Better late than never! Wishing a belated happy birthday to a great friend who deserves all the happiness in the world. Let's plan a get-together soon!”
    • “Happy belated birthday to an incredible friend! I might have missed the exact day, but you are always in my thoughts. Let's catch up soon!”
    • “If belated birthday wishes were a fashion statement, I’d be the trendsetter. Happy belated birthday, and may your year be as stylish as you are!”
    • “In the spirit of keeping things exciting, I’ve brought you a belated birthday wish wrapped in apologies and sprinkled with good intentions. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with more unexpected joy!”
    • “Sorry for the late arrival, but belated wishes are like fine wine—they get better with time. Wishing you a fabulous year ahead, my friend.”
    • “Pro tip: You can’t grow older if someone forgets to wish you a happy birthday! You’re welcome. But, since I wouldn’t want to deprive you of the joy, here’s a belated birthday wish for an exceptional year ahead.”
    • “Dear friend, my brain may have taken a detour, but my heart is still right here, celebrating you. Happy belated birthday!”
    • “Whoops, I owe you a few birthday cocktails, but first, a belated happy birthday wish! Cheers to memories we’ve yet to make and another year of our amazing friendship!”
    • “Late to the party (and missed the birthday cake), but buzzing with excitement to celebrate you! Happy belated birthday, my wonderful friend.”
Section 7 of 12:

Birthday Wishes for Female Friends

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  1. Let her know how much you appreciate her with a sentimental, kind, or funny birthday wish. Every girl and woman is different, so be sure to account for her personality and interests when deciding what to write. Here are some examples: [6]
    • “Happy birthday to the girl who is always there to help me draft a risky text. Love ya!”
    • “Happy birthday to my gorgeous, smart, and loyal friend. You’re the best!”
    • “Today a true queen was born and I’m so happy to be in your court. Happy birthday!”
    • “Happy birthday to the most fabulous woman I know. Oh wait, it’s not my birthday!”
    • “You’re the Thelma to my Louise, the Snoop to my Martha, and the Selena to my Taylor. Wishing the happiest birthday to my partner in crime!”
    • “Happy birthday to my fellow golden girl!”
    • “You're terrible at this aging thing—can you at least try to look older?”
    • “Happy birthday to my dancing queen!”
    • “Happy birthday to the woman who's the peanut butter to my jelly, the sock to my shoe, the gin to my tonic. I don't know what I'd do without you!”
    • “Here is your yearly reminder that there is no better bestie than you! Happy birthday, my girl!”
    • “Happy birthday to a woman who's old enough to know better and young enough to not care.”
    • “Cheers to the birthday girl! I’m so proud of the life you’ve built, and so happy to be a part of it.”
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Section 8 of 12:

Birthday Wishes for Male Friends

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  1. There may be a stereotype that men don’t like affection, but odds are, most guys will appreciate a thoughtful message on their birthday. If not, you can always go with a funny message to get him laughing. Here are some examples: [7]
    • “Hope your birthday is just like you…totally freaking awesome.”
    • “It’s your birthday, kick back and have a good one – you deserve it!”
    • “Give yourself a punishing manly back-slap and pretend it’s from me.”
    • “Do you know why old men wear black socks with sandals? Well, you’re one year closer to finding out.”
    • “You were born, and the world became a better place. Happy Birthday, man!”
    • “Here's to being immature for a lifetime. Happy Birthday, man!”
    • “May this birthday be the beginning of a beautiful year for you! Wishing you all the best that life offers. Happy birthday, buddy!”
    • “Happy birthday, my man! You're more than a friend—you're family in the truest sense of the word.”
    • “Happy birthday to my favorite person in the world! Drinks are on me! Let’s party!”
    • “Happy birthday! May your hair on top never grow as thin as your patience!”
    • “Happy birthday! May your day be as awesome as the excuses you'll need tomorrow for your behavior tonight.”
    • “Happy birthday! You're like a classic vintage car—your value increases with every year, even if something rattles or squeaks from time to time.”
Section 9 of 12:

Birthday Texts for Friends

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  1. If birthday cards aren’t really your thing, texting your friend on their birthday can brighten their day. Be sure to include some emojis to really make your message pop. Here are some examples:
    • “HBD to my BFF for life! I don't know what I'd do without you! 🎈🎉”
    • “What is it they say about aging like fine wine? 🍷”
    • “Hope your birthday is as cool as you are! 🧊😎”
    • “Another year older 👵, another year wiser. 📚”
    • “My bestie takes the 🎂! Happy birthday!”
    • “Cheers to another trip around the ☀️!”
    • “Happy birthday! Here's to a year full of fun and adventure. ✈️🚢🚆”
    • “Happy birthday to the 🍞 to my 🧈.”
    • “Thanks for making the 🌎 a better place. Happy birthday!”
    • “Happy birthday to my BFF! I can’t imagine life without you. ✨”
    • “It’s your birthday! Pop the champagne 🍾! You deserve it.”
    • “Happy birthday!!! 🎊🎂🎉Hope your day is as amazing as you are!”
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Section 10 of 12:

Birthday Quotes for Friends

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  1. If you’re struggling to come up with a good birthday message, borrow the words from a writer or celebrity. There are plenty of famous quotes about birthdays and friendship, so whether you’re looking for something sentimental or funny, you’re sure to find a perfect birthday wish for your friend. Here are some examples: [8]
    • “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” – John Lennon
    • “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” – Walter Winchell
    • “You are only young once, but you can be immature for a lifetime.” – John P. Grier
    • “Age is a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” – Mark Twain
    • “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
    • “True friends are like diamonds—bright, beautiful, valuable, and always in style.” – Nicole Richie
    • “You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” – Bob Hope
    • “We grow neither better nor worse as we get old, but more like ourselves.” – Bernard Baruch
    • “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” – Elbert Hubbard
    • “There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” – Jane Austen
    • “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” – William Shakespeare
    • “Let us never know what old age is. Let us know the happiness time brings, not count the years.” – Decimus Magnus Ausonius
Section 11 of 12:

Birthday Blessings and Prayers for Friends

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  1. If you and your friend are both religious, their birthday is a great time to thank God for bringing you two together and to pray that they have a great year ahead. Here are some birthday blessings and prayers to get you started: [9]
    • “May God shower you with blessings today and always. Happy birthday wishes for my friend!”
    • “I am so grateful to God for our friendship. May you continue to be showered by God’s blessings and may we always find time for each other. Happy birthday, dear friend.”
    • “The Lord blessed me when our paths crossed. Thank you for being the best friend a person could ask for!”
    • “On your birthday, I pray that God blesses you with all the good things in life―health, wealth, happiness, and success. May your dreams come true and may you achieve all that you set out to do.”
    • “Happy birthday, dear friend! May God’s love and guidance be with you always, illuminating your path and leading you towards success and fulfillment.”
    • “Wishing you a blessed birthday, my friend. May the Lord’s blessings rain upon you, bringing you joy, peace, and abundance in all areas of your life.”
    • “Lord, as [Name] celebrates another year of life, we pray for your abundant blessings to be upon them. May your grace continue to guide and shape their path, filling their days with love, purpose, and joy.”
    • “Dear God, bless my friend on their special day. May they feel loved, appreciated, and blessed beyond measure.”
    • “God of all blessings, thank you for my friend and the joy they bring to my life. Bless them with a year of happiness and fulfillment.”
    • “Heavenly Father, grant my friend the gift of good health, peace, and joy on their birthday and every day.”
    • “On your special day, I pray that God blesses you with good health, happiness, and the wisdom to navigate life’s challenges with grace.”
    • “May you feel fully alive and loved on this special day! You are a beautiful creation and I thank God for you!”
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Section 12 of 12:

How to Write a Birthday Message for a Friend

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  1. Consider your relationship with your friend and their personality when setting the tone for your birthday card or message. Is your friend the sentimental type who’d appreciate a thoughtful, heartfelt message, or would they prefer something more casual, like a joke or pun? Tailoring your message to their personality will make it more meaningful. [10]
  2. The more personalized a birthday wish is, the more memorable it will be. Be as specific as possible, and include things like qualities you admire about your friend, shared experiences, and inside jokes. Your friend will probably appreciate the personal touch. [11]
  3. Don’t be afraid to speak from the heart and let your friend know how much they mean to you. Even if your message is on the humorous side, the goal is to let your friend know how much you appreciate having them in your life. Remember to express gratitude for their friendship.
  4. Birthdays are supposed to be fun and exciting celebrations, so highlight the importance of the event. This is especially true if your friend is celebrating a “milestone” birthday, like turning 18, 21 , or 50. Even if it isn’t a milestone birthday, show excitement for your friend’s year ahead.
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      • Don’t stress too much about trying to come up with the perfect birthday wish. Odds are, your friend will appreciate it no matter what you write.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://parade.com/1339927/marynliles/birthday-wishes-for-friend/
      2. ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a44130815/funny-birthday-wishes/
      3. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/holidays-occasions/birthday/happy-birthday-wishes#toc-short-birthday-wishes-and-messages
      4. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/holidays-occasions/birthday/happy-birthday-wishes#toc-inspirational-birthday-wishes-and-quotes
      5. ↑ https://parade.com/living/belated-birthday-wishes
      6. ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a44130815/funny-birthday-wishes/
      7. ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a44130815/funny-birthday-wishes/
      8. ↑ https://parade.com/1035465/marynliles/birthday-quotes/
      9. ↑ https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/birthday-blessings-prayers.html
      1. ↑ https://iasce.net/birthday-wishes-happiest-of-birthdays/
      2. ↑ https://iasce.net/birthday-wishes-happiest-of-birthdays/

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