100 Birthday Wishes for a Friend: Heartfelt Messages, Toasts, and Card Ideas

A birthday is more than just another date—it's a moment to celebrate, reflect, and share love. Whether you're signing a card, raising a glass for a toast in front of friends, or calling your best mate to wish them well, having the right words ready makes all the difference.

This guide brings together 100 heartfelt birthday wishes, toasts, and card messages perfect for any moment—whether written, spoken, or shared with a group. Let's dive in!

Birthday Messages to Write on a Card or Note

Perfect for when you want to put your heart into words!

• "Wishing you a year filled with beautiful memories, great adventures, and all the things you love most. Happy Birthday, my friend!"
• "Hope your day is as special as you are. Thank you for being a wonderful friend. Have another year of laughter and love!"
• "Every memory with you is a treasure. Wishing you joy, love, and endless reasons to smile on your birthday and beyond."
• "May your birthday bring you as much happiness as you bring to everyone around you. So lucky to have you in my life!"
• "On your special day, I just want to remind you how truly amazing you are. Happy Birthday! Make this year the best one yet!"
• "Sending you a big birthday hug and wishing you a day filled with cake, laughter, and all your favourite things."
• "Happy Birthday! May today be the start of a year filled with luck, good health, and wonderful surprises."
• "You deserve all the love and happiness in the world today and every day my dear friend!"
• "Another year older, but even more fabulous. Wishing you a year of sparkle and success!"
• "May your dreams take flight this year, and may happiness follow you wherever you go. Happy Birthday!"

Birthday Wishes to Say in Person (Warm and Natural)

For when you're giving them a hug or just catching up on their big day!

• "Hey, happy birthday! Hope today’s been treating you like the absolute star you are."
• "Wishing you loads of happiness today and all year long. You really deserve it!"
• "I’m so glad we get to celebrate you today—you make life so much more fun."
• "Cheers to another year of you being your amazing self. Happy Birthday, mate!"
• "Happy Birthday! Hope this year brings you everything you’ve been dreaming of—and then some."
• "So good to see you—happy birthday! Hope your day’s been as brilliant as you are."
• "Happy Birthday! Wishing you lots of smiles, hugs, and a little bit of magic today."
• "You deserve all the good things coming your way—happy birthday, my friend!"
• "Here’s to celebrating you today—hope it’s been full of all your favourite things!"
• "Happy Birthday! You’re truly one of a kind—never change!"

🎉 Classic Birthday Toasts for Friends

(Perfect for raising a glass at a party!)

• "To another year of amazing memories and great times together!"
• "Here's to many more birthdays filled with love and laughter. Cheers!"
• "May your birthday be the beginning of a year full of happiness and success."
• "Here's to you, my friend—wishing you all the best today and always."
• "To the one who makes every moment special—have the happiest of birthdays!"
• "Cheers to a birthday filled with love, success, and lots of cake!"
• "To a friend who deserves all the best—may your day be as amazing as you are!"
• "Here's to celebrating you—happy birthday, and may the year ahead be amazing!"
• "To another year of great adventures and friendship!"
• "Wishing you a year filled with happiness, health, and love. Happy birthday!"

💌 Fun and Heartfelt Birthday Wishes for Cards or Notes

(Perfect for handwritten messages or texts!)

• "Happy Birthday, my dear friend! I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Let’s make this year even more unforgettable than the last."
• "Another year older, but don’t worry—you’re still the coolest person I know. Happy Birthday!"
• "You make getting older look like a breeze. Happy Birthday, gorgeous!"
• "May your birthday be as amazing as you are. And by the way, you're pretty amazing!"
• "To the person who makes life a little brighter every day, here’s to a year full of love, fun, and all things wonderful."
• "Happy Birthday to someone who’s not only a year older but a year wiser. I hope your wisdom includes more naps!"
• "You’re not getting older, you’re just becoming more of a classic. Happy Birthday, my timeless friend!"
• "To my best friend, the one who can always make me laugh and feel at ease. Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!"
• "Here’s to another year of crazy adventures, late-night talks, and unforgettable memories. Happy Birthday!"

🥂 Special Best Friend Toasts

(For the person who’s been there through it all!)

• "To my best friend—thanks for being my rock. I'm so grateful for you. Here's to another year of laughter and memories!"
• "To the person who knows me better than anyone—happy birthday! I hope this year brings you all the happiness you deserve."
• "Happy Birthday to my best friend—the one who knows all my secrets and still chooses to hang out with me!"
• "Cheers to my partner in crime—may this year be full of unforgettable moments and endless fun!"
• "To the friend who's been by my side through thick and thin—here's to many more years of adventures together!"
• "Happy birthday to my best friend, the one who's been there for me in every season of life. I hope this year is your best one yet."

Easy Toast and Speech Starters (If Public Speaking Makes You Nervous)

• "I'll keep this short, but it comes straight from the heart..."
• "I couldn't let today go by without saying a few words about someone so special..."
• "Before we dive into the cake and chaos, I just want to raise a glass to [Name]..."
• "I might stumble over my words, but I promise every word comes with love and laughter..."
• "It’s not every day we get to celebrate someone as wonderful as [Name]..."
• "I was told to keep it brief, but when it comes to [Name], it's hard not to say a lot!"
• "We all know why we’re here today: to celebrate one of the best people around..."
• "I might get a bit emotional, but it’s only because you mean so much to all of us, [Name]..."
• "Let's raise a glass to the one who brings sunshine, laughter, and sometimes a little trouble into our lives..."

Call/Phone Greeting Starters

• "Hey birthday star! I just had to call and say how much you mean to me..."
• "Happy Birthday! I couldn't just text—you deserve a proper celebration call!"
• "Guess who’s calling to remind you how awesome you are? (Spoiler: it’s me!)"
• "Just ringing to say Happy Birthday—and to tell you you're stuck with me for another year!"
• "Happy Birthday, bestie! I hope you’re ready to be spoiled silly today..."

Toast or Speech Closings

• "So here’s to you, [Name]—may today be full of love, laughter, and everything that makes life sweet. Cheers!"
• "Let’s raise our glasses and celebrate someone who makes the world a better place just by being in it. Happy Birthday!"
• "Wishing you a day as unforgettable as you are, and a year that’s even better. Cheers, my friend!"
• "Here’s to more memories, more laughs, and another amazing year. Happy Birthday, [Name]!"
• "To many more years of friendship, adventures, and happiness—Happy Birthday, my dear friend!"

Closings for Call or Personal Conversations

• "Have the most amazing birthday. Can’t wait to celebrate properly soon!"
• "Enjoy every minute of today—you deserve all the good things coming your way. Happy Birthday!"
• "Sending you the biggest hug and all the birthday wishes in the world. Talk soon, love you!"
• "Hope your day’s filled with smiles, surprises, and maybe a cheeky slice of cake—or two!"
• "You’re amazing and you’re loved. Happy Birthday, my beautiful friend!"

Birthday Wishes Inspired by Cultures Around the World

Birthdays are celebrated differently across the world, each culture bringing its own beautiful traditions and wishes. Here are heartfelt birthday messages in English, inspired by global customs — perfect for adding a unique, meaningful touch!

🇨🇳 Chinese-Inspired Birthday Wish (Longevity & Prosperity)

In China, birthdays often emphasise longevity and well-being.

• "Wishing you a birthday full of happiness, success, and a long life blessed with good fortune. May you enjoy many peaceful and joyful years ahead!"
• "Wishing you endless happiness, a long life full of health, and all the success your heart desires."
• "May your days be many and your troubles few. Wishing you a prosperous and joyful year ahead."
• "Happy Birthday! May fortune smile on you and bring you countless blessings.

🇫🇷 French-Inspired Birthday Wish (Joy, Love, and Elegance)

In France, birthdays are celebrated with charm, fine food, and heartfelt well-wishes.

• "May your birthday be as joyful and beautiful as a Parisian spring. Wishing you endless love, laughter, and little moments of magic throughout the year."
• "Mon copain / Ma copine! May your birthday be as sweet as a French pastry and as joyful as a summer's day in Paris."
• "Wishing you endless moments of love, fun, and a little sparkle of magic throughout the year."
• "Mon cher ami / Ma chère amie! May your dreams come true with grace and style."

🇬🇧 British-Inspired Birthday Wish (Wit and Warmth)

In the UK, humour, sincerity, and a touch of dry wit are birthday staples.

• "Wishing you a brilliant birthday filled with laughter, tea, and just the right amount of cheekiness. Here’s to another smashing year ahead!"
• "Wishing you a brilliant birthday—full of laughter, friends, and maybe a cheeky cup of tea or two!"
• "Another trip around the sun—you've done it with true British charm and a twinkle in your eye. Cheers!"
• "Happy Birthday! May your day be as delightful as a warm scone with jam and cream."

🇯🇵 Japanese-Inspired Birthday Wish (Respect and Blessings)

Japanese birthdays often focus on gratitude, respect, and blessings for a peaceful life.

• "On your special day, I wish you happiness, perfect health, and a path filled with beautiful moments. May every year bring you wisdom and joy."
• "Wishing you peace, happiness, and moments of reflection on your special day."
• "May your journey ahead be blessed with health, harmony, and gentle happiness."
• "Happy Birthday! May every year bring greater wisdom and a deeper sense of joy."

🇪🇸 Spanish-Inspired Birthday Wish (Passion and Celebration)

In Spain, birthdays are celebrated with lots of joy, dancing, and heartfelt emotions.

• "Wishing you a birthday as lively and passionate as a Spanish fiesta! May your year be full of love, laughter, and grand adventures."
• "Feliz Cumpleaños! May your birthday be full of fun, dance, and unforgettable memories."
• "Wishing you a life as vibrant and colourful as a Spanish fiesta."
• "May your birthday be as warm, passionate, and full of life as your beautiful soul."

🇮🇪 Irish-Inspired Birthday Wish (Cheer and Good Luck)

Irish blessings are famous for their cheerfulness and focus on good fortune.

• "May your birthday be filled with laughter, good friends, and the kind of luck only the Irish can bring. Here's to health, happiness, and a heart forever young!"
• "May your birthday be full of joy, good cheer, and the kind of luck only the Irish can bring."
• "Wishing you a rainbow after every storm and a song in your heart for every step of your journey."
• "Here's to a birthday as bright and happy as an Irish sunrise—cheers to you!"

🇮🇪 Italian-Inspired Birthday Wishes (Joy, Family, and Love)

In Italy, birthdays are celebrated with warmth, food, and deep affection. 

• "Buon Compleanno! May your year be filled with laughter as hearty as a big Italian family dinner."
• "Wishing you love, good fortune, and plenty of delicious moments to savour."
• "Happy Birthday! May your life be seasoned with joy, love, and the warmth of family, just like a true Italian festa."

🇮🇪 Irish-Inspired Birthday Wishes (Cheer and Good Luck)

Irish blessings are cheerful, full of hope and good fortune.

• "May your birthday be full of joy, good cheer, and the kind of luck only the Irish can bring."
• "Wishing you a rainbow after every storm and a melody of happiness for every step of your journey."
• "Here's to a birthday as radiant and heartwarming as an Irish sunrise—cheers to you!"

🇩🇪 German-Inspired Birthday Wishes (Prosperity and Health)

In Germany, birthday wishes often focus on health, prosperity, and family togetherness.

• "Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! Wishing you a year of happiness, good health, and success."
• "May your days be filled with happiness, and your nights with peace and rest."
• "Happy Birthday! Here's to strong coffee, warm friendships, and dreams coming true."

🇮🇳 Indian-Inspired Birthday Wishes (Blessings and Joy)

In India, birthdays are rich with blessings, family warmth, and vibrant celebrations.

• "May your birthday bring blessings of happiness, prosperity, and endless joy."
• "Wishing you a year as colourful, vibrant, and full of love as an Indian festival."
• "Happy Birthday! May every moment ahead be sweeter than a mithai (sweet treat)."

🇬🇷 Greek-Inspired Birthday Wishes (Health and Happiness)

In Greece, birthdays are celebrated with heartfelt wishes for longevity, health, and family joy. 

• "Chronia Polla! Wishing you many happy years, good health, and joyful celebrations."
• "May your birthday be filled with sunshine, sweet moments, and endless joy."
• "Happy Birthday! Here's to a life rich in love, fun, and big-hearted adventures."