20 Birthday Card Ideas to Help You Celebrate (2024)

Is there a special birthday coming up? Are you trying to find a way to let the honoree know how much they’re appreciated? If so, consider creating a unique birthday card. The following birthday greeting cards make excellent additions to a personalized gift, or as a stand-alone birthday message. For inspiration, check out our top picks for birthday card ideas below.

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  • General Happy Birthday Card Ideas
  • Homemade Birthday Card Ideas
  • Funny Birthday Card Ideas
  • Creative Birthday Cards
  • Cute Birthday Card Ideas
  • Other Birthday Card Decoration Ideas

General Happy Birthday Card Ideas

Looking for a classic happy birthday card that works for just about everyone? If so, the following ideas are perfect for you. From fun watercolor designs to birthday balloons, anyone would be happy to receive these happy birthday card ideas.

1. Fun Balloons Pink Birthday Card

Sweet, simple, and elegantly designed. This birthday card idea is perfect for kids, friends, and family. Just find your favorite photo of the birthday person and take your time to write a kind message letting them know how much they’re appreciated.

2. Happy Sign Card

This classic birthday card design works for almost anyone– and it’s easy to personalize. Simply include a cute photo of the honoree, and write a sweet message inside. They’re sure to appreciate the thought and care put into this card idea.

3. Fun Watercolor Designs

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Creating a simple and fun birthday card can be as simple as breaking out your watercolor set. Paint a unique pattern or design on a thick sheet of paper or blank cardstock, then leave it out to dry. Once dry, you’re free to fold the card and include a special message for the birthday person. You can also start with a blank matte photo card featuring the birthday boy or birthday girl.

Homemade Birthday Card Ideas

A homemade card tells the birthday person that time and thought has gone into their birthday celebration. The following birthday card designs range in theme, but there’s sure to be an idea perfect for the recipient, whether it’s a birthday card for her or birthday card for him.

4. Upload Your Own Design

If you already have a card design in mind, but you’re looking for a way to make it truly stand out, consider this ‘Upload Your Own Design’ template. It includes a foil border that will make your card pop. The birthday card recipient is sure to love it.

5. Construction Paper Card

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Construction paper cards are the perfect craft for younger card makers. So if you’re helping your child make a card for a classmate or family member, this might be an ideal idea. Just make sure to exercise caution with any scissors used.

6. Flowers and Butterflies

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This card is made from construction paper, clips, and crafting flowers. Most of these supplies can be found in your local craft store, along with some crafting glue. Get creative with your design, and make it your own for something the recipient will love.

Funny Birthday Card Ideas

If the birthday person is known for their sense of humor, a funny birthday card might be the right way to go. Check out our funny birthday card ideas below for some fun inspiration to get you started.

7. Smelly Surprise Card

This card is the perfect idea for a friend with the right sense of humor. It’s even better if they a dog. Just make sure to find a meaningful gift to keep the birthday celebration going.

8. Happy Coincidence Card

This happy birthday card focuses on the special friendship you share with the recipient. It’s perfect for a duo whose friendship includes plenty of humor and sarcasm. Just don’t forget to say Happy Birthday!

9. Birthday Queen Design

For the sassy ‘woman in charge’ in your life, this funny birthday card is perfect. Just include one of your favorite photos of her along with a special message. She’s sure to love it, along with a great birthday gift.

10. In the News Card

For a birthday person who knows their big day is the event of the year, this card will remind them just how special they are. Along with the humor, they’re sure to appreciate the time and care put into this fun birthday surprise.

Creative Birthday Cards

Looking for some more creative birthday ideas? The following birthday card ideas are as unique as they are heartfelt. Just pick your favorite from those below or use them to inspire an idea all your own.

11. Wooden Elements

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This elaborate card is made using hand-carved (or craft store purchased) wooden design elements. Arrange them in your favorite pattern or design, and glue them to heavy cardstock or layered construction paper. With so much time and effort put into the creation, the recipient is sure to save it for years to come.

12. Scrapbooking Card

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This card is perfect if either you or the recipient is a big fan of scrapbooking. Using some of your favorite scrapbooking materials (or leftover paper scraps), create a unique design for the front of the card. Along with a special message, this card is one-of-a-kind.

13. Hugs and Kisses

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Similar to the scrapbooking idea, this creative birthday card uses leftover materials. However, this one focuses on special reminders of things the birthday person loves, such as their favorite flower, or sheet music from their favorite song.

Cute Birthday Card Ideas

Whether it’s for a younger recipient or for someone who appreciates the sweeter things in life, these cute birthday card ideas are perfect. Just pick your favorite design from those below and get crafting.

14. Superkid Adventures

If the birthday kid is destined to save the world (or if they just really love superheroes), this card is guaranteed to make their day. Include a cute picture to finish the front of the card and a special message to let them know just how super they are.

15. Pen and Polka Dots Cards

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This card idea may be simple, but it’s also a cute idea for any birthday girl. Simple find blank cardstock and fill the space with a unique polka dot design or with all their favorite colors. The handmade look will let the honoree know just how much thought you put into it.

16. Heart Designs

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Simple, cute, and perfect for someone special. This uniquely designed card featured a hand-cut heart made from construction paper. Alternatively, you can paint or draw in the heart, or for an extra special touch—use glue and glitter.

17. A Day to Celebrate

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With some sturdy cardstock, crafting ribbon and flowers, and stickers with special messages– you can create this hand-made masterpiece. Just make sure that the message on the back is as carefully constructed as the design on front.

Other Birthday Card Decoration Ideas

Looking for some unique ideas to take your birthday card to the next level? The following card additions do just that:

18. Laced Details

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Adding a little lace to your handmade card can easily take it from a cute idea to something the recipient will save for years to come. Whether you add lace to the border, use it to tie a bow, or any other design– it’s a guaranteed fan favorite.

19. Sew On Details

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For especially delicate details, consider sewing them onto extra thick cardstock—or to a tied ribbon. Even though it’s a little more time intensive, this kind of detailing will quickly make your card a show-stopping keepsake.

20. Get The Kids Involved

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Nothing says “specially made for you” like the artwork from a child. Have your little helpers participate with the card making for something the recipient will treasure forever.

Resources Related to Birthday Card Ideas

If you liked this article on birthday card ideas and you’re looking for additional inspiration, make sure to check out our other birthday card resources:

  • Birthday Cards Stationery
  • Birthday Care Packages
  • What to Write in a Birthday Card
  • Personalized Birthday Gifts

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20 Birthday Card Ideas to Help You Celebrate (2024)

FAQs

What do you write in a 20th birthday card? ›

20 Wishes For My Son on His 20th Birthday
  • May you always stay as curious as you are today.
  • Your smile is contagious and I hope we all get infected.
  • I hope you always know how very loved you are.
  • I wish everyone had a “little bit of Marky” in them - imagine the kindness we'd be surrounded with.
Jan 27, 2023

How do you make a birthday card meaningful? ›

We've got some advice for you: Be genuine; express your true feelings about the person you're writing to. Don't be afraid to be sappy or corny in a card—the best cards come from the heart. To make it as authentic as possible, share a memory, use their nickname, or tell someone why you value them.

How do you write a birthday card for celebration? ›

Birthday Card Messages For A Spouse Or Significant Other
  1. I am so lucky to have you in my life! You make every day special. ...
  2. I hope the birthday of the one I Love is the happiest!
  3. Happy Birthday! I can't wait to celebrate with you. ...
  4. I am blessed to have you as my [HUSBAND/WIFE]. ...
  5. Your love makes my days brighter.

What is a creative alternative to birthday cards? ›

Ten best of the best physical alternatives
  • Handmade craft items. ...
  • Personalised gift items. ...
  • Books with inscriptions. ...
  • Memory scrapbook. ...
  • Plantable cards. ...
  • DIY birthday cards. ...
  • A message in a bottle. ...
  • Custom-engraved items.
Aug 29, 2023

What is a quote for turning 20? ›

May this 20th birthday mark a fresh beginning in my life. Ready to live my adult life blessed. 20 and glowing. Happy birthday to me, ready for a new decade.

What does 20th birthday symbolize? ›

Turning 20 years means that you have completed your teenhood and now you are officially an adult. You are now in your era of the '20s.

What are 3 lines for happy birthday? ›

Short & Sweet Birthday Messages
  • “Hope all your birthday wishes come true!”
  • “It's your special day — get out there and celebrate!”
  • “Wishing you the biggest slice of happy today.”
  • “I hope your celebration gives you many happy memories!”
  • “Our age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying us!”
Mar 21, 2024

What is the best short message for birthday? ›

Short Birthday Wishes in General
  • To the world's greatest [insert relationship], happy birthday! ...
  • Another year of memories, laughter, and love. ...
  • May all your birthday wishes come true! ...
  • Today is all about you! ...
  • Sending you all the love, happiness, and good vibes on your special day.

What is a good sentence for a birthday card? ›

I hope your day is fabulous, spectacular, wonderful, and all things amazing… just like you! Here's to another year around the sun! Keep on lighting up every day! You know why your birthday is the best day of the year?

What is the most heartwarming birthday wish you can give someone? ›

"On your birthday, may you be surrounded by love, laughter, and all the things that make life truly beautiful. Here's to another year of improving the world by being you!" "Wishing you a birthday as vibrant and full of life as you are. May your day overflow with happiness and unforgettable memories!"

How do you say happy birthday to a special person? ›

A short message is a great way to acknowledge someone's special day in no time at all.
  1. “Happy, happy birthday!”
  2. “Cheers to you! ...
  3. “Thinking of you today. ...
  4. “Hope you're having a relaxing day. ...
  5. “Here's to you on your special day!”
  6. “I hope this birthday is the best one yet!”
  7. “Wishing you many happy memories on your birthday.”
Apr 5, 2024

How do you write a celebration message? ›

How to Write Messages of Congratulations
  1. Say your best wishes early in the message and again when you close. Make sure you mention the occasion that is being celebrated. ...
  2. Avoid going overboard on flattery.
  3. Be positive and pleasant.

What can be used instead of a card? ›

Instead, switch to online video greeting cards and video e-card to make the occasion more heartfelt, impactful and thoughtful.
  • Make them feel special with customized ecards. ...
  • Make personalized video greetings. ...
  • How about vegetable letters? ...
  • Send an electronic newsletter. ...
  • Make a voice message with a poem dedicated to them.

How do you make an emotional birthday card? ›

Touching Happy Birthday Messages
  1. Happy, happy birthday! ...
  2. Wishing you a day filled with as much love and joy as you've brought to my life.
  3. Every day I celebrate you, but today especially. ...
  4. No one in my life compares to you. ...
  5. I am beyond grateful for everything that you do for us.
Dec 26, 2023

Is 20th birthday a milestone? ›

A landmark birthday is often celebrated with a bit more fanfare than all the others, but if you're looking for 20th birthday ideas you may be wondering, is 20 a milestone birthday? The answer is yes!

What is a short meaningful birthday wish? ›

I hope your celebration gives you many happy memories!” “Our age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying us!” “Best wishes on your birthday – may you have many, many more.” “Cheers to you for another trip around the sun!”

What is it called when you turn 20 on the 20th? ›

A Golden Birthday is when you turn the same age as your birth DATE; i.e., 17 on the 17th. Mine was a few years ago when I turned 20 on July 20th...

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