What to Write in a Kid's Birthday Card

You've bought the gift, wrapped it, and now you're staring at a blank card in the car outside the party. Here's what to write in a kid's birthday card, with messages for every age and relationship that you can copy or adapt.

The simple formula

A good kid's birthday card has three parts:

1. A greeting with their name: "Happy 6th birthday, Leo!"
2. Something personal: what you like about them, a memory, or what they're into right now.
3. A warm wish: for their day or their year ahead.

Keep it short. Young kids will have it read to them; older kids will skim it on the way to the gift.

For little kids (ages 1 to 5)

Happy 1st birthday, Emma! Wishing you a year full of giggles, cuddles and first steps.

Happy birthday, Noah! Have the most roar-some day, little dinosaur.

To the sweetest 3-year-old we know: have a magical birthday full of cake and fun!

Happy 5th birthday, Mia! A whole hand of fingers! We hope your day is as amazing as you are.

For school-age kids (ages 6 to 9)

Happy 7th birthday, Sam! Hope your day is full of soccer, cake and your favorite people.

Happy birthday to the best builder we know! Can't wait to see what you create this year.

Happy 8th birthday, Ava! You're kind, funny and so brave. Have the best year yet.

Level 9 unlocked! Happy birthday, Ethan. Have an awesome day.

For tweens (10 and up)

Happy 10th birthday, Maya! Welcome to the double digits. Have an amazing day.

Happy birthday, Jake! Hope this year is full of adventures, good friends and great music.

To someone who makes everyone laugh: happy birthday! Have the best day.

From a classmate (written by a parent)

Kids often bring a card to a classmate's party. If your child can't write yet, write it for them and let them sign or draw:

Happy birthday, Lily! Love, Olivia

Happy birthday, Max! Thanks for being my friend. From Leo

Happy 6th birthday! I like playing with you at recess. From Zoe

Let your child add a drawing. It's often the part the birthday child loves most.

From grandparents, aunts and uncles

Happy birthday to our wonderful grandson! We are so proud of the kind, curious boy you're becoming. Love you to the moon and back.

To our favorite niece: happy 7th birthday! Can't wait to celebrate with you. Lots of love.

Happy birthday, sweetheart! Every year you get more amazing. We love you so much.

If the gift is money or a gift card

Happy birthday, Noah! Here's a little something toward that new bike you've been saving for. Enjoy!

Happy 9th birthday! Have fun choosing something special.

If it's a no-gifts party

If the invitation asked for no gifts, a card on its own is a lovely gesture, especially one your child made. A handmade drawing with "Happy birthday!" is more than enough.

Tips

• Use their name. It makes even a short message personal.
• Match their interests. Dinosaurs, soccer, unicorns: a small mention shows you know them.
• Write legibly for kids just learning to read. They'll want to read it themselves.
• Let your child sign it, even if it's just a scribble.

Planning the party yourself? Birfy gives you one link with the invitation, RSVPs and a gift wishlist, so guests know what to bring, or that they don't need to bring anything at all.