What to Write in a Birthday Card

A birthday card can be a great way to commemorate a special occasion, but sometimes it can be hard to know what to write. Cards are meant to express your joy on the occasion, or to tell the birthday boy or girl that you wanted to take a minute to recognize their special day.

It can be hard to keep coming up with creative things to write and difficult to know what to write in a birthday card, even when it is addressed to someone you know well.

There are four basic things to consider when deciding what to write in a birthday card:

• Consider the person
• Coordinate with the card
• Make it special
• Keep it simple

These considerations will help you to write a simple but well-written sentiment.

The Receiver

When deciding what to write, think about the person to whom you are writing. Some people may have more of a sense of humor and may be more open to jokes or fun sayings in cards.

You also want to think about the relationship you have. You likely know your family members better than you know co-workers or acquaintances, so you can write a more personal message in the cards of family members.

The point is to write something that will matter to the person you are sending the card to. The better you know that person, the easier it will be to come up with something to write.

The Card

You also want to consider the style of the card and what is written in it and tailor your message with a similar mood and tone. For example, if you have chosen a funny card, you don't want to write a serious or a sentimental message within the card. If, on the other hand, you plan to write about what the receiver means to you, then choose a card that takes a more formal or sentimental tone.

Make it Special

If you have an especially close relationship with the receiver of the card, your spouse or child, for example, then you may want to use the occasion of a birthday to write a special card that the person can hang on to as a testament to your relationship.

For example, some people will write the lines from a poem or the lyrics to a song that means something to the recipient. Others will write a poem themselves about the birthday boy or girl and the importance of the relationship. You could also consider thinking about what that person has meant to you throughout the year and take the occasion to write a little note about all of the things that have meant something.

Keep it Simple

If you really can't think of what to write, then simply get a card that doesn't have a lot of room and then write a simple and basic message. For example, something as basic as "Happy Birthday! Have a great one!" or "Thinking of you on your birthday and I hope you have a special day."

The content of the message isn't really as important in the long run as the fact that you took the time to remember the occasion, to write a note and to send a card to someone who means something to you.