What to write on a birthday card 🖊️

When you can’t figure out what to write on a birthday card, PANIC! Just joking. Take a deep breath and follow our lead—you’ll be writing birthday card sentiments like a pro before you can shout, “The heck with this!” Stick with us and we’re off…

Step 1: Find the perfect card.

Since you’re likely unsure what to write on a birthday card, start by choosing the card itself. Funny? Sweet? Even-keeled or off-the-wall? Or none of the above? This will help set the stage so you can craft your greeting accordingly.

Take this quirky birthday card, for example. The inside text isn’t wordy per se, but it says a lot in a little, so you could get away with a simple, “Happy Birthday, Jan!” Or, if you want to play off what’s already there, you could write something like, “Like, really broke the mold!”

Inside text: They broke the mold when they made you!

Step 2: The heck with this!

If you get stuck, remember—don’t overthink it. Sometimes walking away and revisiting the task later in the day (or week) does the trick. Writer’s block throws even the most seasoned writers for a loop. Jotting down ideas—even doodles—can help get the creative juices flowing.

That’s how our I Owe Yous collection and this golf greeting card came to be. There’s already a lot of text on the cover, and since there are no rules when it comes to greeting card verse, run with it. For example: “Can’t wait to kick your ass in golf, GRAMPS!” Or simply, “Happy Birthday, goofball!”

Don’t worry if you can’t perfectly tie the theme of the card to the message—it’s truly the thought that counts.

Step 3: It writes the sentiment on its card or else it gets the hose again.

Practice makes perfect! Now go on with your bad self—give it a try. Write something witty inside this sarcastic birthday card, or just opt for a simple sentiment.

No matter what you end up writing, you can never go wrong with thoughtful—especially if you hold the recipient near and dear to your heart. On the flip side of Buffalo Bill’s thimble, if the birthday card is for a co-worker or an acquaintance, some people get offended easily, so you may want to consider playing it safe.

Good luck writing! You've got this!