PDF download Download Article
Cute texts and quotes to celebrate a special birthday
PDF download Download Article

Are you trying to figure out the best way to say happy birthday that’s short and sweet? Writing that perfect birthday wish with only a sentence or two can be difficult. Look ahead for 205 of the best short and sweet birthday wishes for everyone you know, from family and friends to coworkers and significant others. Whether you need inspirational, funny, or belated messages, you’ll find that and more, so keep reading!

Best Simple Birthday Wishes

  1. Heart Touching : Hoping your day is as special as you are!
  2. Funny : Cheers to another year of making the rest of us look bad!
  3. Cute : I’m only here for the free birthday cake. Happy birthday!
  4. For Him : Cheers to the wisest man we know. Happy birthday!
  5. For Her : A toast to you, birthday girl!
  6. Over Text : Happy birthday, you’re a legend!😎
Section 1 of 21:

Heart-Touching & Simple Birthday Wishes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use genuine words that let them know how special they are. Your birthday wishes can turn an otherwise average birthday into a celebration they’ll never forget. Here are some thoughtful options:
    • Wishing you another year of happiness and joy. Happy birthday!
    • Happy birthday to a beautiful person inside and out! Enjoy your day!
    • May all your wishes come true! Happy birthday!
    • Wishing you a great day of celebration and joy! Happy birthday!
    • Wishing you a day filled with love and happiness!! [1]
    • Age is just a number! Happy birthday!
    • Hoping your day is as special as you are!
    • Sending you a bouquet of happiness on your birthday!
    • You make the world a better place every day. Happy birthday!
    • Sending love and hugs on your big birthday!
    • Celebrating you today and always!
    • Wishing you a birthday that’s fun and memorable—make it count!
    • Happy birthday to someone who always touches my heart.
    • Here’s to celebrating all the beautiful things you are. Happy birthday!
    • May this year bring you all the happiness you deserve.
  2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 21:

Funny & Simple Birthday Wishes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Send funny birthday greetings that make them laugh. Whether celebrating a milestone birthday or just getting older, they’ll love receiving birthday wishes with a sense of humor. It’s also an opportunity to share a personal snippet that touches their heart. Check out some funny and entertaining messages:
    • Happy birthday to a friend old enough to remember mix tapes!
    • Cheers to another year of making the rest of us look bad!
    • You're not old, you're vintage. Happy birthday!
    • Happy finally-legally-old-enough-to-do-anything-fun birthday.
    • Congratulations on being born a really long time ago. [2]
    • Another year older, but still no wiser! Happy birthday!
    • Congratulations on surviving another year of my bad jokes. Happy birthday!
    • I’m only here for the free cake. Happy birthday!
    • I’d serenade you with a song, but what kind of gift would that be? Enjoy your day!
    • Another year older, but still no wiser! Happy birthday.
    • You're just leveling up in the game of life. Happy birthday!
    • Cheers to friendship and cake!
    • Happy birthday! I'm glad you'll always be older than me.
Section 3 of 21:

Inspirational & Simple Birthday Wishes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Giving thought to your words can help make their birthday one of the best yet. Meaningful words can honor not just their special day but the year to come. Consider some inspiring birthday messages here:
    • May each passing year bring you wisdom, peace, and inspiration.
    • May each day of the coming year bring happiness to your life. Happy birthday!
    • I love you for all that you are and all you're yet to be. Happy birthday!
    • May this day bring to you all the things that make you smile.
    • May this year be the best of your life, until the next one. Happy birthday! [3]
    • I hope your birthday brings you nothing but happy memories!
    • Wherever the year ahead takes you, I hope it’s amazing!
    • May this year bring you closer to all your dreams and aspirations.
    • Wishing you a year of growth, happiness and success.
    • Always remember: you're getting better, not older.
  2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 21:

Cute & Simple Birthday Wishes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Send sweet birthday wishes that celebrate who they are. Cute messages border on the funny while remaining adorable. They can send hugs, kisses, or positive thoughts for a spectacular birthday ahead. Find the cutest birthday wishes here:
    • Wherever the year ahead takes you, I hope it’s as sweet as you!
    • You look younger than ever! Happy birthday!
    • You were born, and the world became a better place.
    • Wishing you a birthday that’s as wonderful as you are!
    • Cheers to you for another trip around the sun!
    • Thinking of you on your birthday and wishing you joy.
    • Hope all your birthday wishes come true!
    • It’s your special day—get out there and celebrate!
    • Hoping you enjoy a slice of delicious birthday cake today.
    • I hope your celebration gives you many happy memories!
Section 5 of 21:

Short Birthday Wishes For Him

PDF download Download Article
  1. Short and sweet birthday messages for him can say cheers to his life or poke fun at his age. Let him know how happy you are that he’s in your life. Here are cool birthday wishes made for him:
    • Cheers to the wisest man we know. Happy birthday!
    • Happy beer day, bud.
    • You might be prehistoric, but at least you're not extinct!
    • Older? For sure. Wiser? Not so much. Happy birthday, bro!
    • Happy birthday, old man. So glad you're still alive and cake-ing! [4]
    • May your birthday be as amazing as you are. Happy birthday, handsome!
    • Happy birthday to the best-looking guy I know.
    • It’s your birthday, kick back and have a good one...you deserve it!
    • You’re not older, you're just more distinguished.
    • Blow out your candles before the fire truck shows up!
  2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 21:

Short Birthday Wishes For Her

PDF download Download Article
  1. Treat the birthday girl with compliments and enthusiasm. No matter her age, it’s time to tell her how amazing she is. Show her she shines by expressing how deserving she is of the happiest day ever. Find festive messages for her ahead:
    • Happy birthday, queen! Live it up, you deserve it!
    • Today, a true queen was born and I’m so happy to be in your court.
    • Happy birthday to an old lady who still knows how to party! [5]
    • A toast to you, birthday girl!
    • Wishing you a birthday as sweet and lovely as you.
    • Rise and shine, birthday girl!
    • Happy birthday, babe!
    • May your birthday be filled with smiles and cake.
    • Happy birthday, gorgeous!
    • Happy birthday, girl. I wish you more happy days ahead.
Section 7 of 21:

Short Birthday Wishes for Friends

PDF download Download Article
  1. Let them know how much their friendship means to you in the process. Prove that they are the greatest gift around when you say happy birthday to your friend. You’ll find more birthday wishes friends ahead:
    • Wishing my bestie, the absolute best on her best day of the year!
    • Cheers to more fun, more memories, and cake! Happy birthday.
    • I can’t imagine life without my best friend. Happy birthday!
    • Friends make everything better. Happy birthday!
    • I can’t think of a better gift than your friendship. Happy birthday!
    • I hope all your wishes come true today, my friend. [6]
    • Here's to celebrating you on this special day!
    • To your health and happiness, my friend!
    • To many more happy days ahead!
    • Thinking of you on your special day. Have a blast!
  2. Advertisement
Section 8 of 21:

Short Birthday Wishes for Partners

PDF download Download Article
  1. Celebrate love with wishes for your significant other. Connect to them on their birthday with a funny joke or your most romantic sentiment. Share how much your relationship means, and don’t be afraid to use pet names to make it personal. Check out some birthday wishes for partners:
    • Happy birthday to the man I want to grow old with!
    • Happy birthday to my life partner.
    • Your love fills every day with joy. Happy birthday!
    • Happy birthday, cutie pie!
    • To my heart, happy birthday.
    • Happy birthday, my love.
    • I love you more than words can say.
    • To my best friend and soulmate, happy birthday!
    • Happy birthday to my forever love.
    • Wishing my sweetie a happy birthday.
Section 9 of 21:

Short Birthday Wishes for Parents & Grandparents

PDF download Download Article
  1. Refer to them as the best mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa to start. Once they know they’re #1, wish them the best birthday they’ve ever had. Keep reading for more birthday messages for parents and grandparents here:
    • No one compares to you. You’re the best mom ever. Happy birthday!
    • You mean the world to me, Mom. Wishing you the best birthday.
    • To the world's greatest grandpa, Happy birthday!
    • Happy birthday to the best grandma in the world.
    • Happy birthday to my biggest supporter. Love you, Dad!
    • Happy birthday, Dad! I love you to the moon and back.
    • Wishing the sweetest woman in the world a happy birthday.
    • Time to make some wishes, Mom. Happy birthday!
    • Cheers to another year of life to the best mom anyone could ask for! [7]
    • Thanks for being my rock and my shelter. Happy birthday, Pops.
    • To my grandpa, whose stories inspire me daily. Wishing you joy and health.
    • You are a living legend, Grandma. Happy birthday!
    • I am grateful to have you in my life, Grandma. Happy birthday!
    • Today, we celebrate the guy who keeps us all together. Happy birthday!
    • You’re my Superman, Dad, so I hope you have a super birthday! [8]
  2. Advertisement
Section 10 of 21:

Short Birthday Wishes for Siblings

PDF download Download Article
  1. Be authentic when writing birthday notes to your siblings. Birthdays are the ideal time to let your brother or sister know how much they’re loved. Use funny, catchy phrases to get their attention and shower them with your heartfelt feelings. Find birthday messages for siblings ahead:
    • You're the best childhood roommate a kid could ask for.
    • I adore you today and always. Happy birthday, sis!
    • You’re simply the best. Happy birthday, sister!
    • Today, a star was born. Happy birthday, brother!
    • Happy birthday to the best bro on the planet!
    • I was always Mom's favorite, but I guess you're okay. Happy birthday, bro!
    • I hit the jackpot when you were born. Happiest of birthdays!
    • Happy birthday to my one and only brother.
    • Wishing the happiest of birthdays to the girl who got me through childhood. [9]
    • Happy birthday to my personal bodyguard!
Section 11 of 21:

Short Birthday Wishes for Children

PDF download Download Article
  1. When writing to a family member, friend, or your own child, think of all the things they love most for their birthday. Use an excited tone when you send your best for their super special day. More children’s birthday wishes are here:
    • I hope you have a super special day. You're my heart's treasure.
    • Here’s to a birthday with lots of joy, laughter, and, of course, your favorite toys!
    • Wishing you a birthday full of treasure hunts, pirate adventures, and lots of fun!
    • Wishing you a birthday that's full of balloons, surprises, and all the fun you can imagine!
    • May your birthday be as wild and fun as a zoo, filled with animal friend adventures!
    • Wishing you a birthday as bright and colorful as a rainbow.
    • Happy birthday, you amazing kid!
    • Have a super fun birthday!
    • Happy birthday, little superhero!
    • Roses are red. Violets are blue. Happiest birthday to you!
    • Birthdays are magical and full of fun. Hope you have a very special one. Happy birthday!
    • You are one of the jewels of our life. Happy birthday!
    • Reach beyond the stars, moon, and sky. Happy birthday, rockstar!
    • Birthday greetings to a very talented young girl.
    • Happy birthday, genius. Learn and grow more in the coming year.
    • Happy birthday to the smartest girl in town.
  2. Advertisement
Section 12 of 21:

Short Birthday Wishes for Extended Family Members

PDF download Download Article
  1. Express how important family members are with kind greetings. Whether writing to aunts, uncles, cousins, or far-off relatives, your heart-touching birthday wishes can say a lot without taking up too much space. Get across your family birthday messages quickly and to the point—after all, they’re family! More extended family birthday wishes are ahead:
    • Happy birthday! You enrich our family.
    • Another year older, another year better!
    • Sending you birthday love, always!
    • On your special day, I want to remind you how much we all love you.
    • Happy birthday to someone who knows me better than anyone else.
    • Happy birthday, Auntie! I love you and hope you have a wonderful day.
    • You’re more than an uncle, you’re a dear friend. Happy birthday!
    • Celebrating my uncle… you’re the hero of my childhood adventures.
    • On your special day, Aunt, I wish you nothing but happiness and love.
    • Happy birthday, Uncle! You’re a blessing I’m forever grateful for.
    • For my niece: May your year ahead sparkle with happiness and fun.
    • Happy birthday, Nephew! You bring so much joy into our lives.
    • Happy birthday, Niece! Your laughter and joy make the world a better place.
    • To my incredible nephew, may your birthday be as fantastic as you are.
    • To my niece who is like another daughter, may your birthday be as special as you are.
    • Happy birthday to my bonus sibling!
    • Happy birthday, cousin. I love you!
    • Happy birthday, built-in bestie!
    • It’s cake day, cousin! Let’s get to it!
    • You’re simply the best, cousin. Happy birthday!
    • Sending love to a parental figure who's shaped my life. Your day shines bright!
    • Wishing you a fantastic birthday, godfather!
    • Happy birthday to the best godmother ever!
    • Happy birthday, godfather! Thank you for always being there for me.
    • Happy birthday! You’re truly a one-of-a-kind godmother.
Section 13 of 21:

Short Birthday Wishes for Coworkers & Managers

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use a celebratory tone that lets them know how much you appreciate them on the job. Make your message feel personal so they know you took the time to craft it the right way. Find birthday messages for coworkers and managers here:
    • Best wishes on your birthday! May your day be as amazing as you are.
    • Happy birthday! May your day be filled with joy and your year with success. [10]
    • Happy birthday to the best boss ever! Enjoy your special day.
    • Happy birthday! Thank you for being an incredible leader.
    • Cheers to another wonderful year of excellence!
    • Happy birthday! Here’s to a great day and an even better year ahead.
    • Happy birthday! May your day be filled with happiness and laughter.
    • Happy birthday! Enjoy every moment of your special day.
    • Wishing you a birthday as incredible as your coffee! [11]
    • Wishing you a very happy birthday! Your leadership inspires us all.
    • Happy birthday to an amazing boss! Your leadership makes a real difference.
  2. Advertisement
Section 14 of 21:

Short Birthday Wishes for Neighbors

PDF download Download Article
  1. Acknowledge your neighbor’s kindness in your birthday message. Speak about the kind of relationship you have with them, whether it’s friendly or encouraging. Show thanks for their presence when saying happy birthday to your neighbor. Read on for birthday greetings for your neighbor:
    • Happy birthday to my wonderfully chatty neighbor whose stories never end.
    • Best wishes to the person who lives next to me. Happy birthday, my favorite neighbor.
    • You’re a fabulous neighbor and a fantastic friend. Happy birthday!
    • Happy birthday to my sweet neighbor. You’re a great role model and a good friend.
    • Happy birthday to my dearest neighbor!
Section 15 of 21:

Short Birthday Wishes for Teachers

PDF download Download Article
  1. Express enthusiasm about their passion for teaching and how everything they do, they do with care. Saying thank you is a great addition to simply wishing them a happy birthday when they teach for a living. Find birthday messages for teachers here:
    • Happy birthday to the best teacher I've ever had.
    • Happy birthday to my favorite teacher, a real star!
    • On your special day, I just want to say thank you for all that you do. Happy birthday!
    • You’re like a superhero, but instead of a cape, you have a red pen. Happy birthday, teacher!
    • Thank you for being an amazing teacher. Happy birthday!
  2. Advertisement
Section 16 of 21:

Belated Short Birthday Wishes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Stay positive when sending belated birthday wishes. Turn your mistake into a cute rhyme or make a lighthearted joke if appropriate. Hope that they enjoyed a festive birthday where all their wishes came true. Here are belated birthday greetings ahead:
    • This wish is late so that you can celebrate longer. Happy birthday!
    • May this be the least belated of all your belated birthday wishes.
    • Two, four, six, eight. Sorry that this birthday cheer is late! Happy birthday! [12]
    • I can't believe I missed your birthday. It's un-belatable!
    • I didn’t forget your birthday, I just wanted to make it last longer.
Section 17 of 21:

Milestone Birthday Wishes

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re celebrating someone turning 21, it’s all about a life full of new adventures. When honoring a 40th birthday, you can speak about all they’ve accomplished in their life. Your 70th birthday wish can honor their cherished memories with more to come. Read on for kindhearted milestone wishes:
    • Welcome to adulthood! Happy 18th birthday!
    • Happy 21st birthday! Here’s to a lifetime of adventures.
    • You’re not just 30—you’re 30 and thriving!
    • Happy 40th birthday! You’ve got so much to celebrate.
    • Cheers to 50 fabulous years of joy and success.
    • Happy 60th! You continue to inspire with your grace and zest for life.
    • Cheers to 70 years of spreading joy and making a difference.
    • Celebrating 80 wonderful years of you!
    • Cheers to 90 years of a truly amazing life lived.
    • Cheers to 100 years of making the world brighter and more beautiful.
  2. Advertisement
Section 18 of 21:

Short Birthday Quotes

PDF download Download Article
  1. Inspire the birthday guy or girl with a short and sweet quote. Choose a quote that doesn’t take too much time to read, but ensure that it’ll make them smile when they do. Quotes about being thankful for every day can make all the difference. More inspirational birthday quotes are here:
    • "It takes a long time to become young." — Pablo Picasso
    • "You don't get older, you get better." — Shirley Bassey
    • "Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift." — Aretha Franklin
    • "We turn not older with years, but newer every day." — Emily Dickinson
    • "After all, tomorrow is another day." — Margaret Mitchell
    • "May you live all the days of your life." — Jonathan Swift
    • "Age is a high price to pay for maturity." — Tom Stoppard
    • "Every age can be enchanting, provided you live within it." — Brigitte Bardot
    • "Nice to be here? At my age, it's nice to be anywhere." — George Burns
    • "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?" — Satchel Paige [13]
Section 19 of 21:

Short Birthday Texts

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can make your concise wishes even shorter in texts by using acronyms like “HBD” for “happy birthday.” Add some colorful emojis for a festive greeting they’ll love to receive. Find some happy birthday texts ahead:
    • HBD to my favorite pal!🤐
    • Wishing my bestie the best day ever!💕
    • Laughter, love, and cake: may your day have it all. 🎂
    • Happy birthday to a beautiful friend. May it glow just like you.☀️
    • Here's to another year of making memories. Cheers! 🍾
    • Happy birthday to the world’s worst influence!🥃🥃
    • This weekend, it’s not just the candles getting lit!🥂
    • Happy birthday, you’re a legend!😎
    • Sending the warmest of hugs today.🥰
    • Your day, your vibe. Live it up!✨
  2. Advertisement
Section 20 of 21:

How to Write Short & Sweet Birthday Wishes

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Be genuine. You may use fewer words in short and sweet birthday messages, but it’s important to express your happy birthday wishes authentically. Think about why the person is important to you and what you hope their birthday will be. They’ll appreciate how thoughtful your greetings are when they know how much you mean what you say.
  2. 2
    Make it personal. Address the birthday guy or gal directly whenever possible. Shape your birthday messages around their personal likes, hobbies, and favorite birthday activities. When you personalize your words, even simple birthday wishes can touch those you love from afar.
  3. 3
    Be succinct. Take the opportunity to say as much as you can in as few words as possible. This is especially true when sending short and sweet happy birthday texts or commenting on social media. If you write your birthday wishes and they look too long, try to edit out what you don’t need.
  4. 4
    Keep your wishes specific. You can write the most successful short birthday greetings when you focus on the birthday itself. If it’s a milestone birthday, mention how important it is. Keep your words within the context of the birthday so the celebrant feels special on their big day.
  5. Advertisement
Section 21 of 21:

Short and Sweet Birthday Wishes FAQs}

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you send short and sweet birthday wishes, you help the birthday guy or girl save time when reading their many birthday messages. Short notes can easily be sent in an email, text, or on social media. The birthday celebrant also doesn’t feel pressured to respond with a formal reply when your greeting is simple to read.
  2. 2
    How do I keep a birthday wish to 3 lines? You can keep your birthday message to 3 lines when you start by saying happy birthday. Then, say something personal about the recipient. Be positive with your last sentence, so they know how much they mean to you.
  3. Some short and simple birthday wishes include, “Wishing you a day filled with joy and laughter.” Others, like “Cheers to another wonderful year” or “Age is just a number,” can bring a smile to someone’s face. It’s also fine to simply say, “Happy birthday !”
  4. 4
    How can I send a birthday wish? You can send birthday wishes in a variety of ways, including a birthday card or a text. When sending a birthday card, your message can be longer, but it’s good to keep birthday texts as succinct as possible. You can also email a birthday wish to someone, post one on their social media page, or simply comment if they’ve already posted about their special day.
  5. 5
    Is it okay to send a belated birthday wish? It’s very acceptable to send a belated birthday wish to someone, as long as you acknowledge the delay. They’ll appreciate hearing from you late vs. not hearing from you at all. Once you send your apologies, wish them a very happy birthday to make up for any delay. Consider how late you are when sending a belated wish; if it’s been a few days, just send a normal belated message. If much longer, explain why you are so late in sending the greeting.
  6. When sending a birthday wish to a colleague, coworker, or manager, keep the greeting formal unless you have a close relationship with the person. You may be asked to sign a birthday card, or just acknowledge their special day with an email. Only text the person if you’re friends who have exchanged phone numbers already.
  7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 187 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement