What to write: Messages for Mom’s birthday card

A birthday card for Mom, laying on top of a bright pink envelope and surrounded by pink roses.

Mom is made of some pretty magical stuff. She’s got the courage to take on closet monsters, the power to make ouchies disappear, and the ability to out-cheer everyone else at the game. But her amazingness doesn’t stop there. Because when you turn into a grown-up (legally, anyway), Mom somehow manages to transform into what you need most—a friend you can count on for always.

It’d be good to return some of that love on her birthday, don’t you think? (Yes. The answer is yes.)

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A great way to celebrate Mom is by writing some wishes for the day in a card you picked out just for her. And if you find yourself stuck on what to write, don’t worry—from simple “Happy Birthday, Mom!” wishes to heartfelt birthday wishes that let Mom know how much she’s loved, we’ve got lots of inspiration right here.

(Looking for even more birthday wishes for the ones you care about? Check out our article with ideas for birthday messages for everybody!)

Simple Birthday Wishes  

Whether it’s because your style is straightforward or you need a short message for mom’s birthday cake, these simple wishes for Mom’s birthday get right to the point. 

  • Have a birthday as great as you are.
  • Have a great birthday, Mom!
  • Hope your birthday is as happy as you’ve always made mine!
  • ¡Espero que tu cumpleaños sea tan feliz como tú has hecho tan felices los míos!
  • Wishing a wonderful birthday for my wonderful Mama.
  • Hoping today is one big day-long reminder of how much you’re loved!
  • Have a birthday as great as I am! 
  • I brag about you all the time. Just want you to know that.
  • Relax, recharge, and remember how loved you are.
  • Wishing all the best for the best mom. 
  • Deseándole todo lo mejor a la mejor mamá. 
  • I never need a reason to celebrate you, Mom. But this is sure a good one.
  • Toasting you today, Mom!

Funny Birthday Wishes   

If making her smile or laugh is pretty high on your list of favorite things to do, a funny birthday wish for Mom might just be the way to go. See if any of these would make her chuckle.

  • Happy Birthday! PS: Can you lend me 10 bucks? Just kidding. Maybe.
  • Today’s your day off! But don’t worry, we’re making a list of all our needs to give to you tomorrow.
  • Wishing you the mother of all birthdays. 
  • Have a birthday that kicks B-U-T-T! (Sorry for the rough language.) 
  • Now that we’re grown up, you can actually do what you want for your birthday!
  • Get away with some stuff today! 
  • Happy Birthday from your favorite child!
  • Happy Birthday, with apologies for the extra gray hairs I’ve given you.
  • Get a little crazy today and do something I’d do! 
  • Happy Birthday to a mom who always shares her cake! (You’re sharing, right?)
  • So glad you were born! (And not just because it made it possible for me to be born.)
  • As your birthday gift, I won’t do anything that’ll make you worry today. Or at least I won’t tell you about it. 
  • Como regalo de cumpleaños, hoy no haré nada que te preocupe. O al menos no te lo contaré. 
  • Happy Birthday to a kick-butt mama! 
  • Happy Birthday! And again, sorry for my teenage years.
  • To the World’s Most Patient Mom, from the one who benefitted from that title most.
  • Thank you for all the stuff I hear myself saying that sounds just like you.

From a Small Child  

Warm Mom’s heart on her birthday with a cute message from the kids! These sweet little sign-offs are perfect for writing in crayon—or pretending they’re from the baby.

  • You fill up my heart.
  • You’re great at mommying.
  • Happy Birthday to the best mommy ever!
  • ¡Feliz cumpleaños a la mejor mami del mundo!
  • Love and hugs on your birthday, Mom!
  • Mommy, today you be the queen. 
  • Happy Birthday from your cutest fan.
  • You’re the best mama in my whole world! 
  • Happy Birthday, Mom! PS: I’m hungry.
  • Love you as big as the galaxy.
  • To the best hugger on the planet.
  • Your face is my favorite face.
  • You should get to take the nap today.
  • Hope your birthday is 100% great and 0% poopy.
  • You’re better than cartoons and cookies!
  • You always have snacks. That’s just one of the million reasons I love you.
  • Never letting you put me down is my way of saying “I love you.” Just to be clear.
  • I’ve got a surprise for you and for once it’s not in my diaper. 

From an Adult Child  

From tying your shoes to balancing your budget, Mom has taught you so much over the years. Let her know how much those lessons mean to you with these grateful messages.

  • My life motto is “What Would Mom Do?” 
  • You made me into who I am—not just because of what you did, but because of who you are.
  • Thanks for nearly everything. 
  • Thanks for helping me become who I am.
  • You’re amazing, Mom. I seriously don’t know how you do it.
  • With every year that goes by, I feel more and more lucky to have a mom like you. 
  • Con cada año que pasa, me doy cuenta de la suerte que tengo de tener una mamá como tú. 
  • Thanks for bringing me up right. And thanks for holding me up, no matter what.
  • I’ve always known you’re a great mom, but now that I’m grown, I can see what a great all-around human you are, too.

Meaningful Birthday Wishes  

Up for getting a little emotional? These meaningful birthday wishes for Mom will show her just how big a difference she’s made in your life.

  • There’s so much of you in me, and I’m so glad.
  • Aging gracefully, aging beautifully…thanks for showing us all how it’s done, Mom.
  • Every year only makes me even more grateful for you.
  • Happy Birthday to the one who’s made so many days happy for our family.
  • I’ve got so many reasons to be grateful for you, Mama. 
  • The world I know, the life I enjoy, is a direct reflection of you. 
  • I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt so lucky you’re my mom. 
  • Every time you’re proud of me, know that I was probably (definitely) emulating you. 
  • You’re such a big part of my world, Mom. I’m so thankful for that, and for you. 
  • You’re the one I rely on for everything—advice, pep talks, good recipes, literally EVERYTHING.
  • There’s no one else in the whole world I trust more than you. Thanks for always being there for me.
  • No hay nadie en el mundo en quien confíe más que en ti. Gracias por siempre estar presente. 
  • In ways big and small, you make every good thing in my life possible.

For a Difficult Relationship  

Not all mother/child relationships are easy. If that’s your story, but you still want Mom to know you care on her special day, these messages might inspire you.

  • You’re my mom, and that will always mean something special to me.
  • Thinking about you on your birthday, Mom, and hoping it’s a happy one.
  • Mom, I couldn’t let your birthday go by without reaching out and reminding you that you’re important to me.
  • Mama, I hope your day brings you happiness.
  • Mamá, espero que tu día te traiga mucha felicidad.
  • Today I’m thinking of you and smiling, and I hope you’re smiling, too.
  • Through everything, I’ll always love your heart.
  • Por encima de todo, siempre te amaré.
  • Hope your birthday is wonderful and that the wonderful carries on through the year.
  • Wishing you whatever you really want today.
  • Happy Birthday, Mom—I hope it’s a good one.
  • Thinking of you because it’s your birthday and because you mean a lot to me.
  • Hope your day brings you so many reasons to smile.
  • Hope you know you’re being thought of today and always.
  • May lots of good things find their way to you on your birthday.

Stepmom Birthday Wishes  

She may have never expected to step into the role of bonus mom, but you’re so glad she did. Let her know how much she’s appreciated with these birthday messages for a stepmom.

  • You do so much for this family, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
  • Happy Birthday to my bonus mom!
  • I’m so happy that life found a way to make us family.
  • I might be telling you on your birthday that I feel lucky to call you family, but it’s true every day.
  • Not everyone gets a bonus parent. Not everyone’s that lucky, I guess.
  • Thanks for stepping into our family.
  • You’re a step up from everyone else! 
  • I know “stepmom” wasn’t your dream role, but you’re a dream in this role, and I’m so glad we have you.
  • If only everyone could have a bonus in their lives like you.
  • It should be said more, but today you should really, really know how much you really, really matter.
  • “Bonus Mom” just sounds cool. And that’s exactly what you are. (Not sure how you keep your cool with us, but that’s another story for another day!)
  • You prove day after day that you really care, and on your birthday, I’m feeling lucky to have you for a stepmom.
  • The good thing about being a stepmom is that since you didn’t create us, we’re responsible for our own weirdness.

Mother-in-Law Birthday Wishes  

Caring for your relationship with your partner’s mom helps keep your family thriving and happy. Tell her how much she’s appreciated with these birthday messages for a mother-in-law.

  • If I’d known I’d be getting such a great mother-in-law as part of the deal, I would have found your son and married him sooner!
  • Happy Birthday, with thanks for being the fun, caring, supportive mother-in-law you are.
  • It’s like you were born to be an amazing mother-in-law, but that’s not exactly true. You were born to be amazing in general!
  • So happy that me marrying the love of my life meant I got a bonus mom in the deal.
  • All those old sitcoms got it wrong—at least as far as I’m concerned. Having you as my mother-in-law has made me grateful every day.
  • I hope your birthday is as meaningful as all the special days you’ve planned for our family. You deserve it.
  • All the love you give to this family? May it come back to you on your birthday.
  • Thanks for making me feel like part of the family. I hope your birthday is amazing.
  • Gracias por hacerme sentir parte de la familia. Espero que tu cumpleaños sea increíble.
  • Happy Birthday to the best mother-in-love there ever was.
  • You do so much for our family. You deserve a day that’s all about you!
  • Tú haces tanto por nuestra familia. ¡Te mereces un día solo para ti!
  • Happy Birthday to the mother-flippin’ best mother-in-law.
  • So thankful for you, and so thankful to be a part of your family.

Like-a-Mom Birthday Wishes  

Grandmas and aunties, cousins and sisters, family friends—sometimes they show up in a special way that’s just what you needed. Tell someone who’s like a mom how much she’s loved on her birthday with one of these ideas.

  • You may not be the mom I was born to, but you’re a mom I’ve learned from, leaned on, and looked up to. Thanks for being you.
  • In so many ways, you’ve been just like a mom to me. And on your birthday, I’m celebrating you!
  • You mean the world to me!
  • ¡Eres todo para mí!
  • You might be my godmother, but you love me like a mom. And on your birthday, I’m especially grateful.
  • I’m so lucky to have you in my corner.
  • So thankful for all the ways you go above and beyond, Auntie.
  • Everyone should have someone like you in their life. I’m so lucky I do.
  • Yes, I’m giving you a card that says “mom” on it. Because in all the ways that matter, you’re a mom to me.
  • I think of you on Mother’s Day, so, heck yeah, I’m giving you a “Happy Birthday, Mom” card.
  • Happy Birthday to my alternate-universe mom. So lucky to have you.
  • You make all the difference in my life, and I’m so grateful. 
  • I always feel like someone has my back because I have you. 

Milestone Birthday Wishes  

If she’s celebrating a special milestone, she’ll need a special message to go with it! We put together some milestone birthday wishes for Mom here to inspire you.

  • Happy 50th! Here’s to half a century of your amazingness!
  • Happy 80th! This is huge! (But let’s face it—you’re someone who deserves a big to-do even when your birthday doesn’t end in a zero!)
  • Forty years of moments…and not a dull one among them. Here’s to you, Mom!
  • Celebrating 60 years of vibrant, fun-loving, good-looking, irreplaceable you!
  • So many years of amazing you-ness. So many more to come! Happy Birthday, Mom!
  • Here’s to loving and appreciating you for the next 50, Mom.
  • Have a wild [80th] birthday! And then, whatever you do, don’t read the comments. 
  • Mom, 70 is just getting started! 
  • You’re 40, Mama. That means you’re cute AND you have street cred.
  • You’ve got 60 years of the wildest stories. Can’t wait to hear what’s next.
  • Half a century of all the awesomeness.
  • Seventy years of blessing everyone around you with your unending love. Grateful for you every day, Mom.

Faith-Based Birthday Wishes  

For a mom who’s made a big impact on your faith journey or just likes reminders of her relationship with God, these faith-based birthday wishes are a wonderful way to make her happy on her birthday.

  • I always believe great things can happen because I have a mom like you!
  • I’m so grateful for you, your love, and your example of faith.
  • Hope your birthday is as blessed as you’ve made all my days.
  • Sending lots of love and wishing you a birthday that’s blessed.
  • On the day you were born, Mom, God knew he’d done good!
  • Happy Birthday to the one who showed me what faith and love are all about.
  • Praying you have a birthday filled with all the things you love best and the people you love most.
  • Praying you have a very happy birthday, Mom.
  • Lifting up an extra prayer of thanks for you today, Mom!
  • When I prayed for strength, for guidance, for wisdom, the answer was always you.
  • Where Mom is, God’s love is.
  • You’re the biggest blessing in a life that’s full of them. 
  • I know the source of all your goodness, and I’m so glad it’s shared with me. 
  • I give thanks for you.
  • You are faith in action.
  • Thanks for being my example of faith, hope, and love. Love you, Mom.
  • Gracias por ser un ejemplo de fe, esperanza y amor. Te amo, Mamá.
  • I’m thankful every day that I got a mom who was made just for me.
  • Thanks for all the ways you’ve led me, loved me, and prayed for me.
  • I know moms are heaven-sent because I have you. 
  • For all the times I didn’t believe in much, you always believed in me.
  • What you do and what you say restores my faith so much, Mom, and I thank you for that.

Birthday Wishes for Mom Who Passed  

Anyone who’s lost their mom knows that birthdays can be hard. Sometimes writing a message in a card or letter can be a nice way to express birthday wishes for a mom in heaven.

  • Celebrating you, always. 
  • Not an easy day, but a great one, because we focus on you. 
  • Your legacy continues. 
  • Mom, your love lives on, in all of us.
  • I still pick up the phone to call you sometimes. 
  • We’re still busy doing so-so impressions of you. Might just have to accept that no one will ever come close to being as amazing as you were.
  • In so many little ways, and then some big ones, too, not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and your love. 
  • You may be gone, but you never left my heart.
  • Puede que te hayas ido, pero sigues estando en mi corazón.
  • Thinking of you even more than usual on your birthday. Love and miss you lots, Mom. 
  • Miss you, Mom, and think of you all the time.
  • Hope the angels are celebrating you today, Mama.
  • Toasting you down here while you party it up in heaven. Love and miss you, Mom. Happy Birthday. 
  • We’ll have your favorite cake today and be thinking about all the reasons we love you.
  • You’re in our hearts so much, especially on your special day.
  • You guide my life every day.
  • Mom, your birthday will always mean something special to me. Love and miss you today and always.
  • Mama, we’re trying our best every day to make you proud. Hope this makes you smile on your birthday.
  • Mom, thanks for continuing to watch over us. We feel your love all the time, in a million ways.

Finally, just remember: No matter how you choose to wish Mom a happy birthday, she’ll appreciate your heartfelt wishes on her special day!