Look, I love a good gift just as much as the next girlie, but there's just something sweet and senti about a handwritten card. Even if you got your S.O. NBA finals tix, or splurged on a Dyson Airwrap for your bestie, that prezzie will mean so much more with a cutie note to accompany it. Trust.

But look, I know it can sometimes be tough to put your feels into writing. It's not easy to craft a greeting card-worthy message that's equal parts meaningful and hilarious, especially under pressure! But ladies and gents, that's why I'm here. I did alllll the work for ya with this list of 33 messages to write in a birthday card, breaking it down into different sections depending on who it's for. Just bookmark it for the next time you need a lil inspo—promise I've got the schtuff whether you're looking for something sappy, funny, sexy, or sweet.

What to write in a birthday card for your friend

  • You slayed another year around the sun, gf!
  • I wanna be you when I grow up!
  • Thanks for giving us an excuse to get drunk on a [insert day of the week]! Now let's go celly!
  • Happy birthday to my fave human on the planet! Love you, mean it!
  • It's your bday but somehow I get a gift (it's you, you're the gift!!!!).
  • HBD, best friend! Just because you're a year older doesn't mean we have to grow up.
  • I legit don't know wtf I would do without you! Happy birthday!!!
  • Ily to the ends of the earth, best friend! But you already knew that.
  • I'm for real obsessed with you, bday gal! Don't ever forget it!
  • Sorry to get all cheesy, but ilysm and can't imagine this crazy life without ya.
  • Happy birthday to my bestie for the restie! Love to love ya!

What to write in a birthday card for your colleague

  • Block your calendar! We're going out for bday drinks!
  • HBD to my work wifey! I don't know how I'd survive this place without ya! (No really, I'd quit.)
  • Happy birthday to my coworker-slash-therapist!
  • Birthday Slack huddle in five, k?
  • Happy birthday to the one person I actually like at this office!
  • Birthday coffee on me! (Jk, we're hitting Starbs with the company card.)

What to write in a birthday card for your significant other

  • Ilysm, birthday babe! Can't wait for all the birthdays to come.
  • Fr, you're the hottest bday [girl/boy/partner] around!
  • You can unwrap your present later...
  • Happy birthday, baby! You don't know how hard it's been not telling you what I got you!
  • You blow out the candles and I'll handle the rest 😉.
  • Happy birthday to the only boo my [dad/mom/parent] has ever actually liked! That's reason alone to celebrate!
  • Prepare for the best birthday of your life, baby! I've got plans.
  • Happy birthday!!!!! I got you the best gift (hi).
  • Happy birthday to the love of my f*cking life! You deserve the world and I intend to give it to you one day.

What to write in a birthday card for your parent

  • I already got you the best possible birthday gift: me! But there's something in the mail, too.
  • Happy birthday, [mom/dad/parent]!! Thank you for letting me call you at every minor inconvenience!
  • I know your birthday won't be perfect (because I'm not there, obvi), but I hope it's as close to it as possible!
  • Thankful for every year with ya! Happy birthday, [insert nickname for your parent]!
  • You're the reason I'm so spoiled, but now it's my turn to spoil you! (For today only, though, okay? You taught me how to budget.)
  • Birthday dinner on me (for once)!
  • Thanks for being my best friend and [mom/dad/parent] all wrapped in one! Happy birthday!