Writing a birthday card for a child is one of those small moments that leaves a lasting impact. Whether you’re helping your toddler sign a card for their best friend or sending sweet wishes to your grandchild turning ten, finding the right words can make the celebration feel even more special. Kids may not always remember the exact gifts they received—but a thoughtful, funny, or loving message can make them feel seen, celebrated, and incredibly loved.
When it comes to kids’ birthday cards, there’s no one-size-fits-all message. A one-year-old deserves something sweet and sentimental, while a ten-year-old might love a joke or playful message. Whether you’re going for cute, silly, or heartfelt, we’ve gathered ideas for every type of kid and every kind of card. From toddlers to tweens, from family members to grandparents—this guide has all the inspiration you need.
Cute Birthday Wishes for Kids
If you’re looking for something sweet and age-appropriate, these adorable message ideas are perfect for any child’s birthday card.
- Hope your day is filled with giggles, cake, and big birthday hugs!
- Wishing you a day full of fun, friends, and frosting.
- You’re growing up so fast—and getting cuter every year!
- Sending you a bear hug and lots of sprinkles on your special day.
- Today is your day to sparkle—just like you do every day!
- You make the world a happier place just by being you.
- Hope your birthday is as sweet as you are!
- You’re the cherry on top of every day—happy birthday!
- Balloons, cake, and YOU? Sounds like the perfect birthday!
- Have a magical day full of unicorns, rainbows, and smiles!
Funny Birthday Wishes for Kids
A little humor goes a long way—especially if the birthday kid loves to laugh.
- Warning: You’re now officially one year closer to being a teenager!
- Eat cake. Play hard. Repeat. It’s your birthday, after all.
- You’re not just a year older—you’re a year cooler, too.
- High five for turning another year older without turning into a grown-up yet!
- If birthdays were video games, you just leveled up!
- Getting older is fun… until bedtime is still at 8.
- You’re one smart cookie—but today you get to be extra silly!
- Another year more awesome. Good luck fitting all that cool into one card.
- The only thing better than cake is YOU eating cake.
- Keep being your goofy, giggly, amazing self!
Heartfelt Birthday Wishes for Kids
Sometimes the best card messages are the ones that tug at the heartstrings.
- Watching you grow is one of the greatest joys of our lives.
- You are loved more than you could ever imagine.
- Every year, you make us prouder than the last.
- We love the kind, smart, and fun kid you’re becoming.
- You brighten every room you walk into.
- You’ve made our lives better just by being in it.
- You’ve grown so much this year—and we couldn’t be more proud.
- You have the biggest heart, and we love seeing you share it with the world.
- Being part of your life is the best gift we could ask for.
- Happy birthday to someone who is already making the world a better place.
Birthday Wishes for One-Year-Olds
Their very first birthday is something truly special.
- Happy 1st Birthday to the sweetest baby ever!
- One year ago, you made the world brighter.
- You may be tiny, but you’ve made a big impact.
- You’ve filled this year with joy, cuddles, and laughter.
- Look at you—one whole year of cuteness!
- Your smile makes everyone’s day better.
- You’re growing fast, learning more, and loved deeply.
- One year down, a lifetime of amazing ahead!
- You’re the reason this year was unforgettable.
- Hope your first birthday is filled with love and giggles.
Birthday Wishes for Toddlers
They might not read it now—but they’ll love it when they’re older.
- You’re TWO cool for words!
- Look who’s growing up so fast—happy birthday, little one!
- You’re walking, talking, and turning two—what a big kid you are!
- Watching you explore the world is the best adventure of all.
- You fill every day with sunshine and giggles.
- Happy birthday to the cutest little explorer!
- May your day be full of fun, naps, and cake!
- You’re the reason we smile so much every day.
- You make even the smallest moments feel magical.
- You’re becoming such a big kid—and we’re cheering you on!
Birthday Wishes for a 5th Birthday
Five is a BIG milestone—here’s how to mark it with words.
- You’re officially a whole hand old—high five!
- Happy 5th Birthday to the coolest kid in kindergarten.
- You’re five and full of fun, and today is all about YOU!
- Five candles, five wishes, and five times the fun!
- Wishing you a birthday filled with cake, games, and giggles.
- Can’t believe how big you’re getting—go rock five!
- You’re brave, kind, and SO much fun—never stop being you.
- Here’s to five years of YOU being awesome.
- Have a magical, silly, super-fun 5th birthday!
- Turning five means more cake, more fun, and more adventures.
Birthday Wishes for a 10th Birthday
Double digits are a big deal—help them celebrate in style.
- Welcome to double digits—you’re officially a big kid now!
- Happy 10th Birthday to someone 10 times more awesome than last year.
- Ten years of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
- Hope your 10th birthday is everything you dreamed of.
- You’re kind, curious, and so much fun—happy birthday!
- Double the candles, double the fun!
- You’re growing into someone truly amazing.
- So proud of the person you’re becoming.
- Ten looks really good on you!
- Let the big 1-0 celebrations begin!
Birthday Wishes for Tweens
A little older, a little cooler—these happy birthday messages speak their language.
- Hope this year brings all the things you love most.
- You’re growing up fast—and we love watching it happen.
- Keep being bold, smart, and totally you.
- Wishing you a birthday full of fun, laughter, and snacks.
- You’ve got a heart of gold and a mind full of dreams.
- Being a tween is awesome—just like you.
- Your future is bright, and we’re so proud of you already.
- Hope this birthday brings all the good vibes.
- You’ve got so much talent and kindness—it’s inspiring!
- The world is lucky to have someone like you in it.
Birthday Wishes for a 13th Birthday
Teenager status unlocked!
- Welcome to your teenage years—get ready for the ride!
- Thirteen looks amazing on you.
- Officially a teen—and already so impressive.
- So excited to see what this next chapter brings.
- From kid to teen—you’ve come so far!
- This birthday marks the start of something great.
- Your teen years are going to be amazing—we just know it.
- You’re growing up to be someone incredible.
- Hope your 13th is filled with fun, cake, and awesome memories.
- Today, you turn 13. Tomorrow? You take on the world.
Birthday Wishes for Boys
Here are some fun and personal birthday message ideas just for him.
- You’re strong, smart, and totally cool—happy birthday!
- Watching you grow into such an awesome kid is the best.
- Hope your day is packed with action, cake, and fun.
- To the boy who makes life more fun—happy birthday!
- You’ve got a big heart and a big imagination—keep dreaming!
- Another year older, another level of awesome.
- You’re a superhero in the making—have the best birthday!
- Keep being brave, curious, and totally you.
- The world needs more kids like you.
- Hope this birthday is as epic as your favorite video game!
Birthday Wishes for Girls
Celebrate her big day with something sweet, empowering, or both.
- You light up every room—have a birthday as bright as you are!
- Keep shining, dreaming, and being amazing.
- Watching you grow is a joy and a gift.
- You’re beautiful inside and out—happy birthday!
- Hope your birthday is full of sparkle, smiles, and cake!
- You’re brave, kind, and so very loved.
- You’re growing into someone truly special.
- Dance, laugh, and celebrate—you deserve it all.
- You make the world more magical just by being in it.
- Happy birthday to the coolest, sweetest girl around!
Birthday Wishes from Grandparents
Grandparents bring warmth and wisdom—here’s how to say it in a card.
- We’ve loved every moment of watching you grow.
- You’ve made our lives so much brighter.
- Happy birthday to our favorite little person.
- You bring us joy every single day.
- We’re so proud of the person you’re becoming.
- Hope your day is filled with love, laughter, and cake!
- You’re one of life’s greatest blessings.
- Big birthday hugs from your biggest fans.
- Every birthday with you is a treasure.
- We love you more than words can say.
Birthday Wishes from Family Members
Whether you’re an aunt, uncle, cousin, or sibling, here’s what to write.
- Happy birthday to the coolest kid in the family!
- We love celebrating YOU!
- You’re growing up so fast—and we’re so proud.
- Hope your day is filled with everything you love.
- You make our family better just by being in it.
- Can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll do.
- We’re lucky to call you family.
- Wishing you laughs, hugs, and all the birthday treats.
- Here’s to the best birthday yet!
- You’re not just family—you’re our favorite!
Birthday Card Closings and Sign-Offs
Finish your message with a closing that fits your tone—fun, sweet, or loving.
- Love always,
- With lots of hugs,
- Big birthday wishes,
- Can’t wait to celebrate with you!
- Hugs and cake,
- From your biggest fan,
- Keep being awesome!
- Love you to the moon and back,
- Make a wish!
- Have the best day ever!
Personalized Kids Birthday Cards Make Wishes Extra Special
When it comes to celebrating a child’s birthday, the card you give can be just as special as the gift itself. Shutterfly makes it easy to create custom kids birthday cards that are personal, memorable, and fun to design. Choose from a wide selection of birthday card templates featuring colorful designs, playful illustrations, and kid-friendly themes—from dinosaurs and unicorns to rainbows and superheroes.
You can add your own message or choose from professionally designed card layouts with space for photos, names, and your child’s age. Whether you’re writing a silly joke, a heartfelt wish, or a sweet note from grandparents, your words will feel even more special when paired with a card that’s designed just for them.
Shutterfly’s high-quality printing and easy customization tools help you make kids birthday cards they’ll want to keep—long after the cake is gone.
Related Resources on What to Write in a Kid’s Birthday Card
No matter their age, every kid deserves to feel celebrated on their birthday. Whether you’re going for cute and simple, laugh-out-loud funny, or deeply heartfelt, the right message can turn a card into a keepsake they’ll cherish. From first birthdays to thirteenth, and from little cousins to your own children, these happy birthday message ideas help you show just how much you care.
Pair your words with a personalized birthday card from Shutterfly, and you’ll create a moment that’s just as meaningful as the party itself.
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