Friend golding birthday cake with candles. (Leo Patrizi / Getty Images)

Birthdays only come once a year. So, when someone you care about is celebrating their special day, you want to do it up right. Whether you mark the occasion with a party, presents, cake, or all three, don't forget to offer that someone special your heartfelt birthday wishes, too.

Not sure what to say? Not to worry, we've gathered our favorite sentiments in this collection of birthday wishes to help inspire your words for friends, family, loved ones or anyone else you'd like to recognize on their big day.

In the comprehensive list below, you'll find happy birthday wishes for everyone in your life, as well as heartfelt sentiments for friends, parents, a sister or brother, daughter or son, and any other significant person in your close circle.

From sweet and touching messages about gratitude to funny birthday wishes, birthday quotes and sayings inspired by song lyrics, everything you need to craft the perfect message can be found right here.

Because, like the old saying goes, it really is the thought that counts, and whoever you're celebrating will certainly be happy to know that you're thinking of them on their special day. And, truly, there's no greater gift than that.

Happy birthday wishes

Birthday Wishes

Celebrating you and the year ahead! Happy birthday.
It's your birthday, it's your birthday, celebrate like it's your birthday.
Wishing you all the best, today and every day.
Blow out the candles and may all your wishes come true on this special day.

Birthday Wishes

It's your day to shine, so shine on!
Keep calm and birthday on.
I hope this birthday brings you joy, laughter and love — all the things you deserve.
If I had only one wish for your birthday, I’d wish to be everything to you that you are to me.

Birthday Wishes

Happy birthday to the person who makes my life better just by being in it.
Wishing you a birthday that’s as wonderful and special as you are.
Thanks for always reminding me that the good things in life aren’t things, they’re people just like you. Happy birthday.
Sending warm wishes for a happy birthday and a wonderful year ahead.

Birthday Wishes

Family, friends and birthday cake. What more could you ask for? Wishing you plenty of all three this year.
It’s your birthday, so go a little crazy and take the biggest slice of cake.
Birthdays are special ... just like you!
Today, celebrate the amazing person you are and the promise of the year to come.
Into every life, a little birthday must fall. Wishing you the sweetest of birthdays.

Birthday Wishes

Happy birthday! Happy you! Happy everything!
For your birthday, I wanted to make a list of all the things I love about you ... then I realized we’d be here until your next birthday.
For your birthday, I’ve decided to give you as many hugs as there are candles on your cake — we’d better get started.
A day to relax. A day to remind you that you’re valued. A day all about you. A day to say, “You mean everything to me.” Happy birthday to someone special.

Happy birthday wishes for friends

Birthday Wishes

People who don’t believe in angels haven’t met you. Happy birthday with love.
Friends like you only come along once in a lifetime. How did I get so lucky?
Today and everyday, I'm thankful for you. Happy birthday.
I may not say it as often as I should, but on your birthday, I want you to know that you mean the world to me. And then some.
I couldn’t be happier or more grateful to have you in my life. I hope you know how important you are to me.
It's your birthday, but I'm the one who got the best gift of all — you and your friendship.

Birthday Wishes

Our friendship doesn’t mean something to me — it means everything. Thank you for always being there.
I went shopping for your birthday gift, but ended up buying myself something instead. As always, it’s all about me. (Kidding, of course!)
Happy birthday from the person that hopes other people remember to buy you presents.
Friends are the family we choose, and I’d choose you again in a heartbeat.
When I think of who or what I’m thankful for, you’re always at the top of that list.

Birthday Wishes

We’re loud. We’re crazy. Let’s be both on your birthday.
Birthdays come and go, but friends are forever.
On your birthday I wanted to let you know that I have other friends besides you. I just like you best.
Let’s celebrate your birthday like we always do: with more than a few spicy margaritas.
We’ve been friends for so long that I don’t remember all the details of life’s biggest moments anymore. I just know that you were there for all of them. Happy birthday.
We may have met by chance, but our friendship was fate. I’m thankful every single day.
Our friendship is built on TikToks, bad rom-coms and drinking too much wine — and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Birthday Wishes

Birthday wishes for sisters and brothers

Happy birthday to the person who gave me everything and asked for nothing in return. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
When people ask me what I’m grateful for, I tell them it’s you.
I wouldn’t be half the person I am today if it weren’t for you. I’m blessed and thankful to celebrate all the miracles that led to us being sisters.
Happy birthday to the only other person who understands why we turned out this way.
Sisters are different flowers from the same garden. I'm so glad you're mine. Happy birthday.

Birthday Wishes

To my sister on her birthday: Thanks for never telling mom about that time I snuck out, especially since I told her when you did.
Remember all those times you were there for me? I do. And I’m so thankful. Sending you all my love on your birthday.
When you were little, I knew you’d grow up to be amazing. I just didn’t know how much. I’m so proud of you today and every day.
Happy birthday to a brother who never lets me forget the stupid stuff I did as a kid. Thanks for keeping it real.
Birthdays are like brothers: annoying, but you love them anyway.

Birthday Wishes

Not just a sister, but a friend for life. Happy birthday with love.
Happy birthday to an amazing sister and a truly beautiful person.
It makes me smile knowing that I have such a wonderful brother, who also just happens to be my friend.
Through thick and thin, we've always had each other. I'm so grateful to have you as a sibling and want you to know on your birthday just how much you're loved.
I think having me as a sibling is enough of a birthday present, don't you?

Birthday wishes for daughters or sons

Every candle on the cake is a year we cherish having you as a son. Never forget how much you are loved.
I admire the young man you’ve become and I can’t wait to see where you go from here.
Happy birthday to a daughter whose warm heart and kind spirit fill us with pride today and always.
There’s no question that you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.
You stole our hearts from day one and continue to do so every single day.

Birthday Wishes

Having a child like you is a gift that never stops giving. Each day is a reminder of how lucky we are and how truly fulfilling it is to be your parent.
To my son: You were special as a little boy and now that you're grown, I see the amazing man you've become. I'm so proud of you and all you've accomplished.
A birthday wish for my daughter: May you receive all that you ask, may you find all that you seek and may all the love you give be returned to you tenfold.
To a daughter that shines brighter than any star in the sky, we couldn't be happier to call you our own. Happy birthday!
On the day you were born, the world became an infinitely better place to be. You simply couldn't be loved more than you are.
You may be another year older, but you'll forever and always be our baby.

Birthday wishes for parents

Birthday Wishes

On your birthday, I want you to know that if I had my pick of all the dads in the world, I’d still choose you.
Of all the dads, I couldn’t have asked for a better one than you. Happy birthday.
With age comes wisdom, and there’s no one I’d rather learn from. Thank you for being the best teacher I ever had.
Mom, I will forever be grateful for all that you are, everything you've done and a lifetime full of memories to be thankful for.
Everything I am is because of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and happy birthday with all my love.
I love and cherish you, Mom — today and every other day of the year.
I want to say “thank you” for your love, patience and always being there for me. Most of all, thank you for being you. Happy birthday with love.

Birthday Wishes

Words can’t express how much you mean to me and how deeply I appreciate you and everything you bring to my life. But since words are all I’ve got, thank you and I love you.
If you could see inside my heart, you’d know that no one loves you more than I do. Happy birthday.
To the world, you are a dad. To me, you are the world.
Even though your birthday is just one day, this family celebrates you and everything you do 365 days a year.
On your birthday, I want to let you know that the older I get, the more I recognize the sacrifices you've made for me and I want to let you know how grateful I am.

Funny birthday wishes

Birthday Wishes

Age and glasses of wine are two things that should never be counted.
I was going to get you a cake for your birthday, but then I remembered you like ice cream, so I bought two spoons instead. Happy birthday!
I’m so happy it’s your birthday, since I could use a slice of cake.
Hey, it’s your birthday, and this is crazy, but here’s my number, so call me, maybe?
To party or not to party. That is the question.
You probably think I forgot your birthday. I did. Good thing Facebook reminded me of the special occasion.
In honor of your birthday, I bought a bottle of wine for every year you’ve been around. I’ll let you know when I’m done counting them.
Birthdays are like holidays — only better. There’s no awkward small talk with relatives and you’re the only one who gets presents.

Birthday Wishes

If birthday wishes were ponies … you still wouldn’t get one. Sorry.
Happy birthday from the most amazing, talented, incredible, stupendous, awesome, fabulous person you know. Oh, and I guess you’re OK too.
I’d tell you to make a wish when you blow out the candles, but I’m already here.
Let’s celebrate your birthday with a toast! Cinnamon sugar or avocado — your call.
There are only 364 more days to go before I can forgot your birthday again.
Remember that time we drank too much wine on your birthday? Me neither. Let’s do it again.
If wisdom comes with age, then you're the wisest person I know. Happy birthday.

Birthday wishes from across the miles

Near or far, you're always in my heart. Happy birthday.
Even though we aren’t together for your birthday, please know that you’re never far from my heart. Thinking of you and hoping it’s a wonderful day.
It’s probably for the best that we’re far apart on your birthday, because that means there’s one less person to sing “Happy Birthday” off-key.
Far away doesn’t mean far apart. It’s just going to take a little longer to help blow the candles out from here.
When I look up at the stars, I remember that we share the same view. Wishing you a happy birthday from afar.

Birthday Wishes

We’ve shared so many special birthdays together through the years. I’m remembering all of them today and hoping we will be together for the next one.
I’m sad that we aren’t spending your birthday together, but so lucky that what we have is special enough to miss you this much.
Since we can’t celebrate your birthday together, I thought I’d let you know that I wish we were. I miss and love you so much.
Remember that special dinner we always had on your birthday? Me too. Wish you were here.

Birthday Wishes

Birthday wishes inspired by popular quotes

“Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” — C.S. Lewis
“I am not young enough to know everything.” — Oscar Wilde
“Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been.” — Mark Twain
“The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” — Madeleine L’Engle

Birthday Wishes

“I don’t believe in aging. I believe in forever altering one’s aspect to the sun.” — Virginia Woolf
“In my dreams, I never have an age.” — Madeleine L’Engle
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” — Mark Twain
“Just ‘cause there’s snow on the roof doesn’t mean there’s not a fire inside.” — Bonnie Hunt
“One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name.” — Thomas Osbert Mordaunt

Birthday Wishes

“Age is of no importance unless you’re a cheese.” — Billie Burke
“Celebrate who you are in your deepest heart.” — Amy Leigh Mercree
“Age should not have its face lifted, but it should rather teach the world to admire wrinkles as the etchings of experience and the firm line of character.” — Clarence Day
“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” — William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”
“Having a birthday is like reaching a higher peak on a mountain. Pause to admire the view; reflect on how far you have come.” — Richelle Goodrich, “Being Bold”

Birthday Wishes

“Let us never know what old age is. Let us know the happiness time brings, not count the years.” — Ausonius
“Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words.” — Plautus
“Let us be grateful to the people who makes us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” — Marcel Proust
“You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” — Bob Hope
“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” — Voltaire

Birthday Wishes

Birthday wishes inspired by song lyrics

“They say it’s your birthday, we’re gonna have a good time, I’m glad it’s your birthday, Happy Birthday to you!” — The Beatles, “Birthday”
“Is it your birthday, girl? ‘Cause you lookin’ like a present.” — Lizzo, “Birthday Girl”
“May your heart always be joyful, may your song always be sung, and may you stay forever young.” — Bob Dylan, “Forever Young”
“There ought to be a time, that we can set aside, to show just how much we love you. And I’m sure you would agree, what could fit more perfectly, than to have a world party on the day you came to be.” — Stevie Wonder, “Happy Birthday”

Birthday Wishes

“Everybody spread the word, we’re gonna have a celebration, all across the world, in every nation.” — Madonna, “Holiday”
“Celebrate good times, come on!” — Kool & The Gang, “Celebration”
“I’m comin’ up so you better get this party started!” — Pink, “Get the Party Started”
“Somebody turn on the lights, we’re gonna have a party, it’s starting tonight.” — Lionel Richie, “Dancing on the Ceiling”
“I got a feeling, that tonight’s gonna be a good night, that tonight’s gonna be a good, good night.” — Black Eyed Peas, “I Gotta Feeling”
“May you build a ladder to the stars, climb on every rung, and may you stay forever young.” — Bob Dylan, “Forever Young”