Eleven Ways to Say Happy Birthday

Let's keep blowing out the candles on our cakes and celebrating birthdays with the people we love the most. With this in mind, here are some original ways to congratulate that special person in your life.
Eleven Ways to Say Happy Birthday
Valeria Sabater

Written and verified by the psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Last update: 20 October, 2022

Do you need some new ways of saying happy birthday? If so, you’re not the only one. Indeed, when the birthday of a special person approaches we all look for something original to say. We want to surprise them. It’s not enough to find the perfect gift. In fact, the best things we can give them are our messages of affection, admiration, and good wishes.

The writer, Gertrude Stein, said that “we are always the same age inside”. Therefore, the years, in reality, are unimportant. This is true as, in some way or another, we’ve all remained at the mental age that makes us feel good. It’s that age in which you combine maturity with the innocence of someone who still doesn’t expect too much from life.

You need to make your journey through life a shared adventure with those you love most. After all, you want to continue blowing out candles, fulfilling your dreams, and biting into the marvelous cake of existence itself.

candles to represent the phrases to congratulate the birthday

Eleven ways to say happy birthday

Friends, relatives, colleagues, children, nieces, nephews, or the neighbor you really like… Occasionally, you need to say happy birthday. However, you don’t necessarily want to drift into the habit of using those age-old cliched expressions. You want to try to be original

Equally, you mustn’t ignore the fact that maybe that special person isn’t feeling too good about being a year older. Or maybe their birthday has come at a difficult time and they don’t feel too much like celebrating.

Each situation is unique and requires a different message. Nevertheless, your messages should always include affection, admiration, and good wishes. Let’s take a look at some interesting suggestions.

1. “Life is a journey, enjoy it mile by mile… Happy birthday!”

Mile by mile, year by year… Existence is an amazing and wonderful journey that you’re not always fully aware of. Indeed, all too often, time passes by really quickly and many things escape you.

A birthday is always a good time to reconsider and start seeing things differently. In fact, to understand that, in the journey of life, every day counts and every moment is significant.

2. “Your life is about to speed up, buckle up your seatbelt and enjoy the ride to your dreams… Congratulations!”

Why not? After all, it’s quite possible that this extra year in the life of that special person you’re going to congratulate could be the best stage in their life. As a matter of fact, dreams frequently gain momentum as time goes by and, amazingly, often come true.

3. “Don’t count the years, make the years count! Happy birthday!”

This is, without a doubt, the secret to a happy and meaningful life. Making every moment count, whatever age you are.

4. “You just get better and better with every passing year. Congratulations!”

Some friends and relatives are like good wine. Consequently, time, far from taking its toll on them, makes them more attractive, wiser, and more admirable. The important thing is to fill your own life with joy and enjoy being with these kinds of people.

5. “With you there are only happy moments. Happy thoughts. Happy dreams. Happy feelings… Happy birthday!”

No doubt there’s someone in your life who makes you happy without them even realizing it. They’re like candles lighting your way in the dark. This message is one of the best ways to say happy birthday to them.

6. “Some people don’t believe in heroes… they’ve obviously never met you. Congratulations!”

Do you have a hero in your life? If so, don’t hesitate to let them know how much you admire them. These are kinds of people who, even without having superpowers, make magic with their personalities.

7. “Today is your birthday, but, by your side, every day’s a celebration!”

You can’t go wrong with this way of saying happy birthday, whether it be to a friend, partner, family member, or colleague. After all, we all know someone with whom every day’s a celebration. 

Cake, representing ways to say happy birthday.

8. “The best is yet to come. Keep dreaming … Happy birthday!”

What would birthdays be if we didn’t harbor a thousand and one hopes about the rest of our lives? The best is yet to come, let the birthday girl or boy know it.

9. “Have a day as beautiful as you… Congratulations!”

How many beautiful people do you have in your life? The kinds who eliminate your sadness and fill your days with joy… They might be a relative or the partner you’re building your life with.

10. “You’re not a unicorn, but you’re the most magical person I’ve ever met. Happy birthday!”

Throughout your life, you’ll find many unicorns, wizards, fairies, and beings from other worlds who bring a little magic into your life. They don’t even realize how special they are. So tell them with one of these birthday wishes!

11. “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come. Enjoy your day!”

This phrase from William Shakespeare is a classic. Far from annoying the person you’re congratulating, it’ll make them smile, without a doubt. Because in the end, that’s what it’s all about, smiling for as long as your body allows and being happy together until the end of time… and beyond.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.