Sending Out Birthday Cards, Part 2
In this second article of our birthday card recipient series, we’re sharing even more ideas of who you could send birthday cards to.
In this second article of our birthday card recipient series, we’re sharing even more ideas of who you could send birthday cards to.
Did you know that birthday cards were exchanged as far back as Ancient Egypt? Now that’s a tradition with some serious staying power.
Some of the suggestions below may be a little “no duh,” but others just might surprise you! Pull out that notepad again, and let’s dive into some more ideas for this year’s birthday card list.
You probably won’t forget your real parents’ birthdays, but what about your “adopted” parents? Show the family you’ve married into that they matter, too, by sending a personal birthday wish. Gestures like these are small and affordable, yet they can really help cement a new in-law relationship (or nurture one that’s lovingly close and decades old!).
What’s the perfect thing to say to your in-laws? It really depends on their personalities and your relationships with them. In general, funny comments are good for breaking the ice, but this only works if your in-laws have a good sense of humor that you can relate to. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to go with something that’s maybe more traditional but still endearing.
Here are a few examples of what you could write in birthday cards for your in-laws:
I’m so happy that you’re part of my life and that I’m part of yours! Happy birthday! Let’s enjoy the day!
You’re the best mother/father-in-law anyone could ask for. I hope your birthday is as special as you.
You’re an in-law I actually enjoy spending time with—what a rare treat! Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to a sister/brother-in-law who is lucky enough to have the best sister/brother-in-law in the world. You’re welcome!
No matter what your daily, weekly, or monthly routine is like, you likely have more than a handful of people who serve you on a regular basis. Many of these service professionals work very hard and may not get a lot of attention or appreciation—so a thoughtful birthday card can mean a lot more than you might think. (And hey, it just might get you a little VIP service the next time you’re in need!)
Here are a few ideas of people who you likely interact with on a regular basis and whose special day would be that much better with a birthday card:
You don’t have to write an intricate or super-personal birthday letter if you don’t know them very well. Stick with a simple but kind message along the lines of, “Thank you and happy birthday.” If this person has done something specific to really help you out of a tight spot, don’t be afraid to mention it!
Many people see their coworkers a lot more than they see their friends (sad but true)—and for that reason, it’s never a bad idea to work on maintaining a mutually friendly and supportive relationship at the office. You may have coworkers who have become close friends, or you may maintain a more professional but cordial relationship with your colleagues. In either case, a birthday card will always be appreciated!
Birthday cards will you show your coworkers that you’re thinking of them without having to worry too much about picking out the perfect gift. They’re also a safe gift in terms of office politics—you won’t have to worry about dealing with uneven power dynamics or making anyone feel left out. Everyone can receive an equally nice and thoughtful birthday card (especially with Foxdog’s affordable prices!).
Here are a few examples of what you could write inside a birthday card for a coworker:
Working with you is great. Thanks for all you do. Happy birthday!
You make coming to work fun! I hope you have a birthday that’s as fun as you are!
With all the hard work you put in, you deserve to have a great day! Happy birthday!
Everyone should have a co-worker as reliable and caring as you. I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Whether you have one or multiple bosses, you may wish to honor them on their birthdays. Maybe you’re just a super-nice person who enjoys thinking of others—or, let’s be real, maybe you want to get in good with the boss so that you’ll be first in line for perks and privileges. (Fair game!)
Even if you aren’t particularly close to your boss, a birthday card is a simple way to show your thoughtfulness and care. You can demonstrate that you appreciate their time and effort without having to try too hard or spend too much money.
Choosing what to write in your boss’s birthday card might take a little thought on your end, as it’s usually important to keep a professional tone that can’t be misinterpreted. Even if you happen to be friendly with your boss, any card given at work should pass the HR test.
A few ideas include:
Happy birthday to my friend and boss!
Thanks for all you do! This birthday wish is for you!
You always say that we don’t listen to you…but at least we listened enough to remember your birthday! Happy birthday to a great boss!
Thank you for providing us with the leadership you do. Happy birthday to a great boss and mentor.
If you’re in a management role at work, you might consider sending birthday cards to your employees. As much work as you put into running things, your employees contribute plenty of time and hard work, too! Sending them birthday cards shows that you appreciate everything that they do for you and the company.
Keep in mind, though, that if you send a birthday card to one employee, you should do it for everyone else too. You don’t want to show favoritism. If you have a lot of employees, it’s better to keep the birthday wishes short and sweet. A few good quotes that you can add to employee birthday cards include:
Happy birthday! I appreciate all of your hard work.
You’re an amazing employee and friend. Thanks for all you do! Happy birthday!
It’s a joy having you around the office. I hope you have a fantastic birthday!
You make work feel a lot less like work. Thanks for everything you do around the office. Happy birthday!
Speaking of running a business, why not send birthday cards to your customers? Companies that send birthday wishes tend to feel much more personable and approachable. Studies show that businesses that interact with customers on a personal level, like sending birthday wishes or chatting on social media, rank higher in customer satisfaction—which of course leads to more loyal customers and better business!
Birthday cards can be a natural form of advertisement and a subtle reminder for customers to shop with you again. You could even include a discount within the birthday cards to further encourage shopping. A simple 10% off would be a great way to reward customers on their birthdays and encourage them to make purchases.
Keep the birthday wishes friendly and welcoming. Maybe try saying something like:
Thank you for being a loyal customer! Happy birthday!
Enjoy this discount on your birthday!
Your special day is special to us, too! Happy birthday from all of us at (company name)!
Come visit us on your birthday! Enjoy (percentage) off any purchase made during your birthday week.
From church to volunteer groups to hobby meet-ups, you probably get a lot of benefit from the various organizations you’ve joined. So why not give back to your community by sending out individual birthday cards to your friends and fellow organization members?
You can fill the cards with simple messages such as:
Sending you birthday wishes from your [hobby] family.
May your birthday be filled with love and joy!
Wishing you a blessed birthday!
Thank you for being such a kind and caring person. I hope you have a fantastic birthday!
Teachers are some of the most undervalued professionals out there, many of whom spend their own free time and money to grade papers, plan lessons, and purchase classroom supplies. Whether you’re a student in college or your children attend grade school, sending birthday cards to teachers is a wonderful gesture that acknowledges the personal and professional care they provide on a daily basis.
For many teachers, knowing that they’ve left an impact on students is a reward in and of itself—so when you write out their birthday messages, be sure to highlight the impact that they’ve had on you or your children’s lives! Consider writing something like:
Thank you for all of the wonderful knowledge you’ve passed on to me! Happy birthday!
You’ve made a huge impact on my and my child’s lives! Thank you for all you’ve done, and I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
You’re always so giving. I hope you get what you want on your birthday! Thanks for all you have done!
Happy birthday to one of the best teachers in the whole world!
Again, the more specific you can be about your teacher, the more meaningful your birthday card’s message will be. Try to highlight a specific teaching method, a memorable compliment the teacher gave you, or a unique skill that you’ve learned through this teacher’s instruction.
If you’re a teacher yourself, sending birthday cards to your students can mean a lot, too! Some students might not receive many birthday wishes from friends and family, so your card could really make their special day better. Once again, this is just one way that you as a teacher can have a seemingly small but lasting impact on your students’ lives.
Funny teacher puns or words of encouragement are always welcome additions to birthday cards for students. Some examples of fun things to write inside the cards include:
Continue to follow your dreams, and you’ll eventually reach the stars! Keep up the good work, and happy birthday!
Happy birthday to one of the sweetest students I’ve ever had the pleasure of teaching!
Your birthday is simply nature’s way of telling you to eat more cake. Happy birthday!
Happy birthday! You’ve completed another 365-day journey around the sun! Today marks the start of another new adventure.
Here’s a little bonus tip:
If your birthday card will be arriving late, be sure to recognize it. No matter who you’re sending the birthday card to, a small note that acknowledges the tardiness is a good idea—showing that you do realize it’s late but still wanted to send the card anyway. It’s no big deal; a belated birthday card can be just as thoughtful and appreciated as one that arrives on time.
A little humor always works well for belated birthday cards. Try out some phrases like these, adapting them to the recipient as necessary:
Happy birthday… even if it’s a little late!
You’re receiving this birthday card late because I wanted to send you birthday wishes, but I’m bad with time management. Happy birthday all the same!
Here’s a late birthday card, but only because I wanted to help you celebrate your birthday for more than one day. Happy birthday!
Happy birthday! Of course, I knew it was your birthday last week. I just wanted to wait and make sure that everyone else knew.
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