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 to write in a 20 year old birthday card? ›

Here's to a year filled with growth, success, and beautiful memories.” “Wishing you the happiest 20th Birthday! May this year bring you closer to your goals, fill your days with joy, and your heart with love. You deserve all the happiness in the world!”

How do you make a birthday card meaningful? ›

Think about what they mean to you, what they've done for you, or your favorite memory of times you've shared together. These specific thoughts, emotions, and memories are what make each relationship unique, so you can create a special birthday message.

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.

How to wish a 20 year old happy birthday? ›

Here are 20 birthday wishes to celebrate her journey into her twenties.
  1. Happy 20th birthday! ...
  2. Cheers to 20 years of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. ...
  3. As you step into your twenties, may you embrace all the adventures and experiences that life has to offer.

Is 20 a milestone birthday? ›

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!

How much money do you give for a 20th birthday? ›

Birthday money

It appears that the general amount for a birthday celebration is around $25, no matter the relationship. Money etiquette experts suggest spending $10 to $20 for classmates while expanding the budget to $25 for close friends, $50 for relatives and upwards of $100 for your own children.

What not to write in a birthday card? ›

A birthday card is not the place to bring up past mistakes or failures. Focus on uplifting and positive messages that celebrate the person's strengths and accomplishments. Bringing up negative experiences from the past can sour the celebratory atmosphere and make the recipient feel uneasy.

What is an amazing birthday quote? ›

Count not the years, but the life you live. Wishing you a wonderful time ahead. Happy birthday.” “Forget the past; look forward to the future, for the best things are yet to come.”

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

May your birthday be filled with moments as unique and incredible as you are. Happy Birthday to a one-of-a-kind person! On your special day, I wish you all the extraordinary experiences and adventures that life has to offer. Happy Birthday to someone as exceptional as you!

How do you write a unique birthday message? ›

101 Unique Birthday Wishes for a Friend
  1. “Happy birthday to the one who always lifts my spirits. ...
  2. “Wishing you a day filled with love, cake, joy, and all the other wonderful things you deserve. ...
  3. “On your special day, I want to take a moment to let you know how much I cherish our friendship.
Feb 5, 2024

What is a simple happy birthday message? ›

Simple birthday messages

1 Happy birthday, [name]! I hope you have your cake and eat it too! 2 Hoping all your birthday wishes come true! Happy birthday, [name]!

What is a quote for turning 20? ›

Sassy and Witty 20th Birthday Captions

Not a teenager anymore, so not to be treated like one. It took me 20 years to get this cute. Getting older but my inner child is ageless. I didn't choose this 20th birthday, this birthday chose me.

What to write in a 20 year old birthday card funny? ›

Best Funny Short Birthday Messages
  • A true friend remembers your birthday, but not your age.
  • It's better to be over the hill than under it.
  • Congratulations on being born a really long time ago.
  • Getting older is a piece of cake (and a few more candles).
  • You're not old.
Jun 20, 2023

What does 20th birthday symbolize? ›

It's a big milestone, of course, leaving your teens. Even though 18 and 21 get most of the attention, entering one's twenties marks yet another shifting of the line for what is considered adulthood. As a child, adulthood means driving yourself around town with your friends.

What is a good sentence for a birthday card? ›

Touching Happy Birthday Messages

Happy, happy birthday! You inspire me every day with your wisdom, grace, and ability to listen. Wishing you a day filled with as much love and joy as you've brought to my life. Every day I celebrate you, but today especially.

Why is 20th birthday special? ›

20 is the age we wave goodbye to childhood and begin embracing the excitement, opportunities and responsibilities associated with adulthood. Finding the right gift for your loved ones, friends or employees is vital. It's a time to start making big decisions and taking control of our own lives.

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