On a loved one’s birthday, we want to send them a special ‘Happy Birthday’ message. It’s important for the message to be sincere and to convey exactly what you mean. However, there are times when we’re at a loss for ideas and can’t quite find the right approach or the right words. That’s why we’ve put together a selection of ‘Happy Birthday’ messages for birthdays, name days, loved ones, relatives, friends or work colleagues.

As we’re talking about personalised gifts, it’s often difficult to avoid using the usual standard greetings. For surprise gifts, we recommend observing the recipient’s personality and thinking about what message would be right for them to convey that emotion which will leave the celebrant with a broad smile on their face.

• May you swim in an ocean of positivity, live on an island of joy, and never know sorrow or harm! Happy Birthday!
• May the train of happiness run you over, may the lightning bolt of love strike you, may a sack of money and a ‘Happy Birthday!’ card fall on your head!
• Thousands of colourful balloons soar high into the sky, and congratulations burst forth from the dazzling fireworks. This is all in your honour, on your birthday! Congratulations!
• Our life consists of two halls – a hall of waiting and a hall of achievements. So, I hope you move from the first hall to the second as soon as possible. To make your mark in the hall of achievements, you’ll need good health, patience, courage and plenty of luck – all of which I wish for you with all my heart!
• Fly on the aeroplane of ambition, land at the airport of success; may your future always shine brightly.
• Thank you for hearing the words I couldn’t bring myself to say and for understanding my heart and mind better than anyone else.
• Your birthday has not only added a year to your life, but also to our friendship, which has stood the test of time and grown ever stronger. Happy birthday, and may you have everything your heart desires!
• May the joy you’ve spread over the years come back to you on this wonderful day. I wish you a heartfelt happy birthday!
• It’s not how many years you’ve lived that matters, but how much life you’ve lived in those years.
• May you receive flowers on your birthday and learn from each one to love, to shine, and to bring joy and celebration!

• Today there’ll be a deluge of presents, with fountains of champagne and torrents of kisses.
• We’re celebrating your name and send you our warmest wishes: happy birthday, with good health, success and good luck in everything!
• May you have plenty of banknotes in autumn, spring, winter and summer!
• My friend, remember that without foolishness there would be no wisdom, and without ugliness there would be no beauty. So the world needs you!
• Someone up there loves you, but someone down here cares for you even more!
• Happy birthday, and don’t forget: no lovemaking today, because you’ll need your energy to blow out the candles.
• In the kitchen? In the bathroom? On the table? In front of the fire? At 40, it’s quite an achievement, though, just to remember where you left your car keys.
• Today, 1,986,458,632 people are celebrating their birthdays, and I’m thinking of nothing but yours.
• People wish each other all sorts of things. I’m wishing you just two: never and always. Never be sad, and always be happy.
• This message contains no fat, cholesterol or additives. It’s entirely natural, but it’s high in sugar. Still, it can’t possibly be nearly as sweet as the person reading it.
• May all the joy in the world knock at your door day after day; may the good Lord grant you everything you desire and wish for!

• If only I could swiftly steal a star from the night sky, to crown your life today, on your very birthday. But I cannot reach the stars, nor can I encompass the heavens; I weep with helplessness, yet I say to you: Happy Birthday, with a smile.
• Happy birthday and good health; may the Lord grant you everything – perhaps a drop of happiness, perhaps a drop of love, perhaps a drop of luck, perhaps all of them together.
• Into your account number 35, I’ve deposited 365 days of happiness, health, love and joy at the bank of life!
• A lighter? Seriously? We’re going to need a flamethrower to light your candles.
• Age is a matter of mind over matter. If it doesn’t bother you, it doesn’t matter.
• You’re not 40. You’re 18 with 22 years’ experience!
• If you were a grape, I’d crush you and turn you into the finest, most delicious vintage wine.
• If grey hair is a sign of wisdom, then you’re a genius!
• You’re reaching the perfect age. You’re old enough to admit your mistakes, but young enough to make a few more.