60 Birthday Wishes for Girlfriends to Inspire Cards, Texts and Posts

Make her heart melt with a handwritten note.
birthday girlfriend images
Photo: Getty | Design: Falak Khoja
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Alison Meehan
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Alison Meehan
Assistant Commerce Editor
  • Alison writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, specializing in shoppable roundups of anniversary gifts.
  • Before focusing on shoppable content, Alison was a content writer at The Knot.
  • Alison holds a master's degree in writing and a bachelor's in textile design.
Updated Dec 26, 2024

If your girlfriend's birthday is coming up soon, you're probably thinking of thoughtful gestures to make her feel special. One of the best ways to show affection is with a handwritten message that reads, "Happy Birthday, girlfriend. I love you." If you're experiencing writer's block and want some pointers for what to write in a birthday card for your girlfriend, then you've come to the right site. We've composed heart-touching, funny and romantic sentiments to help you find the right words. And, if you're really out to impress, we have some ideas on how to write a letter or poem that you can include in your girlfriend's gift.

Jump to our ideas: Heart-Touching Wishes | Funny Wishes | Romantic Wishes | Short Wishes | For a Long-Distance GF | For a New GF | Emotional Birthday Letter | Cute Birthday Poem | Sweet Birthday Text | Celebratory Birthday Post

What to Write in a Birthday Card for Your Girlfriend

While there are no golden rules for writing happy birthday wishes for your girlfriend, there are a few things to consider. Before you even put pen to paper, think about how she likes to be celebrated. If she gets super excited about her birthday, tap into those positive vibes and express your joy at sharing this moment with her. On the other hand, if she takes a more low-key approach to her big day, a short and sweet note is more than enough.

You can also take inspiration from your relationship and how long you've been together. If you're still in the early stages, keep your birthday message simple or add some fun questions for your girlfriend to lighten things up. Or, if you've been dating a long time and are thinking about marriage, being romantic may be the best approach. Referencing previous experiences—like your first holiday together or a dating anniversary gift you gave her—are also excellent jumping-off points. If you can't find the words, borrowing a few from a famous birthday quote could also be an option. Ultimately, you should aim to make her feel cherished and appreciated on her special day. Find our favorite birthday wishes for a girlfriend below.

Heart-Touching Birthday Wishes for Your Girlfriend

birthday girlfriend images
Design: Falak Khoja

One of the trickiest things about writing a romantic birthday greeting for your GF is figuring out where to start. Contrary to belief, your handwritten card doesn't have to be long to get your message across. Just speak from the heart and you'll be on the right track. Check out these emotional, heart-touching birthday wishes for your girlfriend to give her all the feels.

  • [Girlfriend's name], I love so many things about you, from your megawatt smile to your sharp wit to how you always look after others. I hope you know how amazing you are, not just on your birthday but every day.
  • I know I tell you all the time, but being with you is incredible—I'm so happy you were born X years ago today.
  • Happy Birthday to the girl who lights up my world every single day!
  • Life isn't always perfect, but it's pretty perfect whenever I'm with you. Happy Birthday, babe. I adore you.
  • When I think of my life before I met you, everything was just ok. Now, I wake up feeling pumped to share each day with you. You truly are the icing on the (birthday) cake!
  • Happy Birthday to my beautiful girlfriend. You're gorgeous inside and out (but especially when you've just woken up).
  • "You are my sun, my moon and all my stars." —E.E. Cummings
  • Happy Birthday to my partner in crime! There's no one I'd rather have by my side when life gets tough. Enjoy every minute of today.
  • Dearest [girlfriend's name], you've already taught me so much about love and it just keeps getting better. Here's to making this birthday one for the books!
  • Happy Birthday to my girl, the brightest star in the sky. Never let anything dull your sparkle.

Funny Birthday Wishes for Your Girlfriend

If your love is more of a feel-good comedy than an endless drama, count yourselves lucky. Sharing a sense of humor is such a fun way to bond and is the perfect excuse to dig out the funniest birthday wishes for your girlfriend. Embrace your silly side with these humorous quips.

  • May your birthday be filled with love, joy and mountains of cake. Let's grab a slice now!
  • Happy Birthday to the most patient person in the world. I don't know how you put up with me!
  • Remember when we used to pass notes in chemistry class? This feels like that, but it's much more grown-up. R u hme l8r? Lol.
  • A very happy birthday to the girl who slays at literally everything. How do you do it?!
  • Yes, I'll help you take the perfect birthday photo today. And yes, I promise I won't complain about it.
  • Happy Birthday to my sweet girlfriend. Now, skip to the best bit—the present attached to this card.
  • I know you're independent and don't need my help, but will you please let me treat you today?
  • Why am I so excited today—it's not even my birthday! JK, getting to celebrate you is way more fun.
  • I've been brainstorming new ways to say "Happy Birthday." Here's what I came up with: Joyful tidings on the anniversary of your birth. Sounds good, right?!
  • Happy Birthday to my high school sweetheart! Our love (and hair) has only got better since. [Insert throwback photo from school days.]

Romantic Birthday Wishes for Your Girlfriend

birthday girlfriend images
Design: Falak Khoja

Being romantic in person is one thing, but translating those fuzzy feelings into words is another. If you need help unlocking your inner Cupid (without the cringe factor), we're here to help. Here are the best birthday sayings for a girlfriend who loves to be wooed on her special day.

  • Happy Birthday to my gorgeous little spoon. Can't wait to cuddle you all night long.
  • Roses aren't always red and violets aren't always blue, but if there's one thing I can count on, it's got to be you.
  • You are the most special girl I've ever met and I can't wait to spoil you today. Happy Birthday!
  • "In case you ever foolishly forget: I am never not thinking of you." —Virginia Woolf
  • When you were born X years ago, the world became a better place. How do I know? Because I see how much you radiate joy wherever you go.
  • Happiest of birthdays to the girl who made me a cuddling convert. I honestly couldn't live without your hugs.
  • [Girlfriend's name], the first time I met you, I thought you were special. The second time, I knew you were one in a million. Happy Birthday to my one and only.
  • I hope your special day is filled with everything you love, starting with a bouquet of pretty flowers. Happy Birthday, boo.
  • No matter what life throws at us, I'll always be here to celebrate your birthday. You can count on that. Love you.
  • Let's go out! I've planned a little birthday picnic in the park, just for you.

Short Birthday Wishes for Your Girlfriend

Birthday wishes that are short and sweet are a great option, especially if your girlfriend doesn't like making a fuss. Here's how to say "Happy Birthday, girlfriend" while keeping things brief.

  • I hope this is the best birthday ever! I love you.
  • Happy Birthday, sweetie! You're my favorite human being.
  • [Girlfriend's name], you're [their age] today—woohoo! Let's pop some bottles.
  • Happy Birthday to my GF. You make my world so much brighter.
  • I'm so lucky I get to wake up with you every morning. Happy Birthday, lovely!
  • Presents, check. Cake, check. Kiss, check. Happy Birthday!
  • "You're the one that I want." —Danny and Sandy, Grease
  • Make a wish, blow out the candles and just know that you are my wish come true.
  • You don't look a day over flawless, my love—get it!
  • Wishing you a happy birthday today. Here's to many more!

Birthday Greetings for Your Long-Distance Girlfriend

birthday girlfriend images
Design: Falak Khoja

If you're celebrating your girlfriend's birthday from different places this year, a thoughtful card can help bridge the distance. Our suggestion? Hide a surprise inside the envelope or tease a few date ideas to build anticipation for your next hang. Make your presence felt with these long-distance birthday wishes for your girlfriend.

  • Happy Birthday from [your location], sweetheart. I've booked my tickets to see you soon—I'm counting down the days!
  • No matter where we are, I'll always be the first to say, "Happy Birthday, my girl!"
  • I never really understood the phrase "distance makes the heart grow fonder" until now. Miss you so much. My heart is yours forever.
  • I cannot wait to see you soon, [girlfriend's name], so I can shower you with birthday kisses and hugs. Until then, it's just Xs and Os.
  • Happy Birthday, my love. Watch out for a special delivery coming your way today!
  • I'm already planning all the fun stuff we'll do when we get together next. Movies, pizza, shopping—all suggestions are welcome!
  • You know I'm not a morning person, but every day I wake up brings me closer to seeing you. Happy Birthday to the girl who makes it all worth it.
  • Even though we're apart, I feel closer to you than ever. Can't wait to FaceTime later to see what you're up to!
  • I've asked Taylor Swift if I can borrow her private jet, but she hasn't replied yet. Fingers crossed, because I want to see you so bad!
  • Remember that show on Broadway you wanted to see? I've got us two front-row tickets for the next time you're here. Can't wait!

Birthday Greetings for Your New Girlfriend

Coming up with birthday lines for a new girlfriend can create a sense of pressure, especially if you're in the early stages of your relationship. Our advice? Trust your instincts and work with what you already know. Reflect on fun memories like your first date or give your girl a genuine compliment. You'll want to make it clear that you're over the moon to be her partner.

  • Happy Birthday to my girlfriend. I'm thrilled that I get to call you that!
  • Do you know how cool you are?! Here's a little reminder just in case. I'm so lucky to have a girl like you and I can't wait to spoil you on your birthday.
  • I'll never forget goofing around with you on our first date. Everyone else in the restaurant was so serious and you kept laughing. You always crack me up.
  • Happy Birthday to the girl who makes me check my phone every five seconds. I'm so glad I slipped into your DMs.
  • How funny is it that we didn't even know each other last year? Now we get to celebrate your birthday together. Yay!
  • If the last X months are anything to go by, the future looks hella fun. Let's kick things off with a little birthday surprise.
  • Here's to enjoying many more birthdays with you. Cheers!
  • Have fun today, birthday girl. Let's have cake and watch your favorite movie (and yes, I do know what that is)!
  • I don't know everything about you yet, but I know the important stuff. Here's your favorite wine and chocolates to get your birthday party started.
  • Getting to know you these last few months has been a blast. Excited to learn more about you today!

Emotional "Happy Birthday" Letter to a Girlfriend

Sometimes, a few congratulatory lines aren't enough to convey all your birthday wishes for your girlfriend. Flex your writing skills by composing a love letter for her instead. Saying "Happy Birthday" in a paragraph (or two) is a lovely way to make your girlfriend feel celebrated and is particularly fitting for a milestone birthday. Here's how to write a birthday letter for your girlfriend.

To my very special girl on her birthday,

We've spent so many wonderful days, months and years together, but whenever your birthday comes around, I remember how blessed I am that you were born X years ago. You, [girlfriend's name], are a true gift to the world and I'll never lose sight of that.

One of my favorite things about celebrating your birthday is how excited you get! Seeing your face light up makes my heart melt every single time. I've got a little surprise in store for you (I know how much you love them), but before I reveal it all, I want to wish you the happiest of birthdays. Life would not be half as fun, bright or joyful without you—you really are the best and deserve to be treated like a queen today and every day!

I hope all your birthday wishes come true!

Love always,

[Your name]

Cute "Happy Birthday" Poem to a Girlfriend

Need more GF birthday wish ideas? Try writing a cute poem just for her. Aside from being an incredibly sweet gesture, it's also a great way to be more playful and creative with your words. We've composed a "Happy Birthday" poem for a girlfriend to help you get started.

Hooray hooray! It's your birthday today,

Here are a few words I want to say.

You make me laugh, you make me think,

When we're together, we're always in sync.

You feel like sunshine, you feel like home,

It's easier to say this in a short, little poem.

Today, you deserve to be showered with love,

If you need a reminder, just read the above.

Sweet "Happy Birthday" Text to a Girlfriend

In addition to a handwritten birthday card (which we recommend as the most thoughtful, sincere approach), a brief text message is a nice something extra to make your girl feel even more loved on her special day. Keep it simple—just a short sentence or two should do it since you want to save your heartfelt birthday wishes for a note or letter. Just wish her a happy birthday and let her know you care for her. If you have something planned to celebrate the day, you can tease that, too! Check out a few examples of a sweet birthday text message to your girlfriend below.

Happy Birthday, [girlfriend's name]! I can't wait to celebrate at dinner tonight. Love you!

I know I'll see you later tonight at the party, but I wanted to wish you a quick happy birthday! Keep an eye out for a special delivery at work from yours truly 🌹.

Can't wait to celebrate your X birthday later—I love you!

Celebratory "Happy Birthday" Post for a Girlfriend

While a "Happy Birthday" card with an original message from you is the most personal way to wish your girlfriend a nice b-day, writing a social media post can be a fun bonus that lets you tell everyone you know that it's her special day. Start by choosing a nice photo of her or one of you two together that highlights a cherished memory or showcases her personality. Pair your pic with a heartfelt caption—you can share a sweet anecdote, talk about how you met or share how much she means to you. And, of course, wish her a Happy Birthday! You can use our example below as inspo.

X years ago today, [girlfriend's name] was born. And X years after that, we met and fell in love. I'm so glad we took the same Intro to Econ class our freshman year of college (even though we barely passed the final!). From classmate to soulmate, every moment with you has been an adventure and I can't wait to have even more with you in the years to come. Happy Birthday!

Additional reporting by Shyla Watson

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