What to Write in a Birthday Card for Your Boyfriend

Some boyfriends say they don't care about birthday cards. Most of them keep every single one. A few honest lines from you will mean more than anything printed on the front, even if he only says "thanks, babe" when he reads it.

Below you'll find 35 birthday messages for your boyfriend, grouped by mood and by how long you've been together, plus an easy way to make any of them sound like you.

Three quick tips before you write

• Talk about him, not just the day. One thing you admire about him says more than "have the best day ever."
• Mention the year he's had. A new job, a tough stretch he got through, a goal he finally hit. It shows you notice.
• Match his style. If he's not into big emotional speeches, a short, warm line with a joke will land better than a full page.

Sweet birthday messages

• "Happy birthday to the man who makes ordinary days feel like the good ones."
• "The world got a little better the day you were born. My world got a lot better the day I met you."
• "I hope this year gives you as much happiness as you give me every day."
• "Thank you for being patient, funny and kind, often all at the same time. Happy birthday, love."
• "You're my favorite person, my safe place and my best laugh. Happy birthday."
• "Another year of you being amazing. I'm so proud to be by your side."
• "Happy birthday to the one I want to celebrate every year, for as many years as we get."

Funny birthday messages

• "Happy birthday! You're not getting older, you're getting more experienced at being my favorite."
• "I got you this card because I can't wrap my love. It's too big and it keeps moving."
• "Happy birthday to the man who still can't find things that are right in front of him. I love you anyway."
• "Today you get to pick the movie. Don't get used to it."
• "Another year older, and still the best decision I ever made after ordering extra fries."
• "Happy birthday! I'd say you don't look a day older, but I'm a terrible liar."
• "Congratulations on surviving another year of my jokes. Your reward: more of them."

Short birthday wishes

• "Happy birthday, my love."
• "To many more birthdays together."
• "You, me and cake. Perfect day."
• "Happy birthday to my favorite human."
• "Lucky to celebrate you. Always."
• "Make a wish. Mine already came true."
• "Cheers to you today and every day."

For a new relationship

If you've only been together a few weeks or months, keep it warm and light.

• "Happy birthday! I'm really glad I get to celebrate this one with you."
• "First birthday together. I'm already looking forward to the next one."
• "I haven't known you for long, but I already know you deserve a great day."
• "Happy birthday to the guy who's been making me smile at my phone like a fool lately."
• "Here's to a great year, and to finding out what our next adventure will be."

For a long relationship

• "We've celebrated a lot of birthdays together, and you somehow keep getting better. Happy birthday."
• "Thank you for every year, every laugh and every hard moment we got through together."
• "After all this time, you're still the one I want to tell my good news to first."
• "I know all your stories by heart and I'd still listen to every one of them again. Happy birthday."
• "Growing up together has been the best adventure. Happy birthday to my partner in everything."

When you're apart on his birthday

• "I can't be there to bring you breakfast today, so consider this card a very long-distance hug."
• "Happy birthday from a few hundred miles away. Next year, I'm bringing the cake myself."
• "The distance is annoying, but celebrating you is worth it from anywhere."
• "Blow out the candles for both of us. I'm making a wish from here too."

Apart for a while? Our guide to long distance love letters has more ideas for timing a message across time zones.

Make it personal in one minute

Take any message above and add one of these:

• A memory from this year: "...like the night we got lost looking for that taco place."
• Something he did for you: "...and thank you for driving me to the airport at 5am without complaining (much)."
• A plan: "Saturday is yours: you pick the place, I'll pay."
• His nickname, the one only you use.

Writing for her instead? Here's what to write in a birthday card for your girlfriend.