Thank them for making an effort to wish you a “Happy Birthday”
The most common way to respond when someone says “Happy Birthday” is to thank them. It doesn't have to be anything extraordinary, but thanking someone or remembering and making an effort to wish you a happy birthday is a kind gesture.
For example:
• “Thanks a lot! It was kind of you to remember.”
• “Aww, thanks. I'm fortunate to have awesome friends like you guys.”
• “Thank you so much for reaching out, it was lovely to hear from you, and I really appreciate the birthday wishes.”
• “Thank you! I'm having a great day made all the better by your touching words.”
Share your emotions
Birthdays can be emotional. The fact of getting older can cause some to think about their life and get deep and emotional. Also, the outpouring of support and love from friends and family can remind people how lucky they are.
You can use any emotions you're feeling in the way you reply when someone wishes you a happy birthday:
• “It goes by so quickly. I feel lucky to have you in my life.”
• “I always get emotional on my birthday as I'm reminded of how many amazing friends I have. I love you guys!”
• “It's been a wild year, but I've learned so much and feel like I've been on a real journey.”
• “With age comes wisdom, and I'm feeling much wiser than I did a few years ago.”
Make a joke about your birthday
Birthdays are meant to be fun. In fact, when someone wishes you a happy birthday, they may do so with a joke or by making fun of how old you're getting. So an excellent way to respond is to make a joke about your birthday!
Embrace getting older and poke some fun at yourself:
• “Thanks. I've been working hard towards this all year!”
• “Thank you all for the birthday wishes! I'm still calling it 29!”
• “Thanks, but I'm really just waiting for my present.”
• “Thanks to my friends for all the wonderful birthday wishes. To everyone else — you're dead to me.”
Tell them about your birthday
Some people may be genuinely interested in what you did for your birthday. If you had a big party or went away to celebrate, it's worth mentioning.
For example:
• “Thanks! I had an awesome day. My partner got me an amazing present, and then we had a quiet family meal. It was great.”
• “Thanks for remembering. It was pretty low-key this year, no wild parties or anything. Maybe next year, though!”
• “It's going to be a wild one! You're invited to my party, so I expect to see you there!”
Reply to everyone in one go on social media
This way, you can thank everyone together without having to make individual replies:
• “Thanks to everyone for the lovely birthday wishes! You guys all rock!”
• “It made my day to wake up to so many lovely messages. Thank you to all my friends.”
• “It would take my entire birthday to thank you all for the messages, but I read them all and am so grateful for all the kind words.”
Send a little card or note
Sending a card or note is usually when you've received a gift and want to thank that person. But there's no harm in sending a little note to say thanks if someone has made an effort to say happy birthday in a lovely way.
Stella Scott
Birthday wishes always make the occasion memorable, and it is vital to make those who send you the wishes feel appreciated from the bottom of your heart.
A simple word of gratitude goes a long way
A simple word of gratitude or thank you goes a long way to return some of the love back and show how grateful you are. Just ensure to do it timely and concisely.
However, how you respond to “Happy birthday” depends on whether you got the message through:
• social media channels
• text message
• a phone call
• in-person
Respond individually over text
The best way is to use the same platform on which the person sent you the wishes. For instance, if someone wishes you a happy birthday through a text message, it would be appropriate to respond individually over text.
Give them your full attention and deliver your thanks in person
The best way to thank someone for telling you happy birthday in person is to give them your full attention, make eye contact, and smile as you deliver your thanks.
Make the person feel special for their contribution to your birthday celebration. Be precise and tell the person what they would like to hear without criticizing them, bringing up an embarrassment, or doing something that might upset them.
For example, you can say:
“Thank you for the birthday wish, you are so kind, and I truly appreciate it.”
Ensure that you don't offend anyone on social media
The first thing is to ensure you don't offend anyone. If you got several messages from your closest ones, you could respond to them individually via personalized responses.
However, a single message on your wall will work if you are a frequent social media user and get many messages from different people.
For example, you can make a post saying:
“Thank you, everyone, for the love and birthday wishes! You are truly amazing.”
AJ Silberman-Moffitt
As I approach the big Five-O, I have had my share of birthdays. The next one will be a milestone birthday for me, and I am still unsure how I feel about that.
What I do know, however, is that when someone wishes me a “Happy Birthday,” I should be prepared to answer appropriately. But what are good ways to respond when someone wishes you a “Happy Birthday”? It can depend on who is saying it to you.
Keep it short and sweet if it's from a coworker or supervisor
You can simply say thank you to a coworker or supervisor because sometimes, it's best to keep it short and sweet. Saying thank you is polite and appropriate.
Your coworkers or supervisor may be wishing you well on your birthday because it seems the right thing to do, but that doesn't mean you need to start a long conversation about it.
Of course, if they ask you leading questions such as, “Do you have any plans for your big day?” you can respond accordingly.
Reply kindly if it's from a family member
If it's your mom or dad wishing you “Happy Birthday,” you can reply in kind. After all, you wouldn't have a birthday if it wasn't for them.
Siblings may also wish you well. You can take the opportunity with these family members to reminisce about days past, or when you were younger, even the silly things you did and the like.
A birthday greeting can be a great way to open up and start a conversation.
Talk about their birthday if it's from a friend
If a friend wishes you a “Happy Birthday,” they probably say it sincerely and not merely because it's the right thing to do.
In addition to the appropriate “Thank you,” why not talk about their birthday? Whether they are younger, older, or about the same age, you can talk about the similarities or differences that your birthdays might bring.
Make sure you respond politely
Whatever way you choose to respond to “Happy Birthday,” make sure you are polite. A simple “Thank you” will always suffice for anyone wishing you this.
Even if your birthday (like my Five-O) might not be something you are looking forward to, remember that these people wish you well. Let them know you appreciate the gesture.
Harriet Chan
It depends on the people who wish you or how you receive it
It may seem a simple question, yet the answer can depict someone's personality. So, it is wise to respond correctly depending on the people who wish you or how you receive it.
A close family member can be responded to with a hug
A direct wish from a close family member can be responded to with a hug and express your joy. A thank you may not be just enough or relevant for close ones.
After all, thank you can seem more formal. You can also write a handwritten note expressing your gratitude.
You can respond to your friends humorously
While replying to friends, you can go with the flow and be casual. If they are formal, you can thank them. If they are funny, you can also respond humorously. The key is not to overthink and just go with the flow.
Like your friends' birthday greetings on social media
If you receive a “Happy Birthday” message through social media, you can simply thank the person by writing a short message back.
“Thank you.” There is no need to try and find out the person as it may seem intrusive.
So, the next time you receive a “Happy Birthday” wish, think about the relationship you share with the person and reply accordingly!
John Hart
There are different ways with which people can wish you “Happy Birthday,” like social media, in-person, and at your birthday party.
If it's on social media
On Social media, you might be a member of various groups created by your friends or colleagues or your family and relatives, and they send you wishes in the group on your birthday.
“Thank you, everyone, for all your wishes. It really made my day.”
So here, you can respond to every wish one by one or just one “Thank You” to all. One “Thank You” to all is much easier than responding to every wish.
In one “Thank You” to all, you can say, “Thank you, everyone, for all your wishes. It really made my day.”
If someone wishes you in person
When someone wishes you in person, the situation can be anything like you are in school, college, or work, and people wish you there.
Give them a little treat on your birthday
At that time, you can respond like this: “Thank you so much. You remembered, and it means a lot to me.”
And it is a decent and polite move to give them a little treat on your birthday if you don't want to hold a party and invite them over.
They deserve this much, as they took the initiative and made efforts to remember your birthday and wished you on the day.
If it is at your birthday party
The other way is at your birthday party. You invite your friends, your family and relatives, your colleagues and your beloved and dear ones.
“Thank you so much. I'm so glad you came.”
They wish you a “Happy birthday” as soon as they arrive at your party, and sometimes they can even pull you into their embrace if you are very close to each other.
At this point, hug them back and say, “Thank you so much. I'm so glad you came.”
And for people you've met after a long time, you can say, “Thank you. Thank you so much for coming. I've been longing to see you.” With a bit of emphasis and emotions in your response, you can make the other person who wished you feel good.
Steve Anderson
Birthday greetings are usually significant for a person, and when it is your birthday, people will prepare surprises or give you wishes all day.
Here are a few ways to respond to “Happy Birthday” wishes:
Send out one thank-you note
If you use social media often, you may receive birthday wishes from strangers, old friends, and individuals you don't know. Even your buddies are unlikely to be anticipating a tailored answer.
It's standard practice to post a remark on your wall thanking everyone for their birthday wishes, and it's unlikely to upset anybody.
The following is an example of a response:
“Thank you very much for your birthday greetings! I'm having a fantastic time!”
“That was the ideal birthday present! You know everything about me.”
When feasible, thank someone in person after they offer you a birthday gift or go out of their way to make you a birthday wish. Give each buddy or group of friends your undivided attention, smile, and establish eye contact while expressing your gratitude.
Here are some suggestions about how to go about it:
• “Your card meant a great deal to me. It truly lifted my spirits.”
• “That was the ideal birthday present! You know everything about me.”
Tell your pal what they want to hear
Never criticize a present provided to you by a friend, bring up something humiliating, or do anything else that can irritate them. If you don't like the gift, try to discover something you do appreciate about it, or praise them for taking the effort to choose (or make) such a thoughtful gift.
Maria A. McDowell
Birthdays are always a moment when family and friends send their best wishes. Sometimes, the birthday wishes can get overwhelming, and you will be at a loss on how to reply to everyone.
Here is how to respond to “Happy birthday”:
“Thank you for your best wishes”
When you get a happy birthday message in person, you can respond by simply smiling and saying, “Thank You!” If it is a text, you can reply with, “Thank you for your best wishes.”
Share a general thank you message on your social media
If the messages are so much and overwhelming, the best way to respond is to share a general appreciation message on your social media page/handle. This saves you the trouble of replying individually to every message.
For example:
“Thank you, everyone, for sending your best wishes and celebrating this day with me. My heart is exploding with joy! Thank you!”
Share a birthday picture of yourself with a message
Suppose you want to respond personally to your birthday wishes. In that case, you can post your beautiful picture on any of your social media handles and curate an appreciation message to go with it. This gives your message a more personal touch.
Jacquelyn Kennedy
Respond with a simple and in-kind “Thanks”
All you have to do when someone wishes you a simple “Happy Birthday” is respond with an equally simple “Thanks.”
If someone has put a lot of thought and effort into wishing you a Happy Birthday, then you should respond in kind — by putting more effort into showing your gratitude.
Think of a handwritten “Thank you” card
If someone has brought you a gift, or baked you a cake, then think of a handwritten “Thank You” card with a personal, thoughtful touch (I always try to put a little doodle in mine — usually of one of their beloved pets, but also favorite foods, or inside jokes).
Take them out for lunch to show how thankful you are
If you have been lucky enough to have a friend or colleague organize a party for your birthday, I recommend taking them out for lunch to show how thankful you are.
It doesn't have to be expensive — it just has to be thoughtful, such as taking them to one of their favorite spots or surprising them with a delicious home-cooked meal.
David Reid
Reply with long-distance messages
If someone sends you an earnest birthday wish on social media, reply to yourself. Post the answer at least 3-5 sentences long — no need to respond to new posts on someone else's wall.
Older relatives, people with “low technology,” and people who do not use social media are more likely to expect individual responses.
Instead, post a photo (optional). If you want to thank people visually, take a picture of your smiling face wearing a party hat, birthday cake, or another birthday party. This shows that you are making little effort to make your gratitude special, but it is easy.
For example:
• “I am grateful for your good wishes,” you can say.
• “You are very kind, and I appreciate you remembering my birthday.”
• “Thank you for your birthday wishes. It means a lot to me.”
• “Grateful for your kindness towards my birthday.”
• “Sincerely, I wouldn't have done it without you making me remember this special day in my life. I will never forget all of your good words and compliments.”
Chris Myles
"Happy birthday to who? I’m not aging!"
The obvious answer is to simply respond with "Thank you," and there are infinite variations. It can be a simple and formal "Thank you," or it could be a more friendly "Thank you very much," or it could be something more personal.
You can also say thank you in person, over a text, with a card or letter — you get the idea.
If you want a goofy and fun response, there’s one that I like doing with friends and family. Instead of saying thank you, I say, "Happy birthday to who? I’m not aging!"
It usually leads to a conversation about birthdays, age, and how fast time passes. Or if the person doesn’t know you as well, they will worry about whether they have gotten the date right, so it can be a bit of a prank on them!
Share it on social media!
Loving birthday wishes for moms.
Birthday cards for moms are a great opportunity to thank them for all that they do. Think about a message that they can hold onto forever, and that will encourage them to sit back, relax, and enjoy their special day to the fullest.
• "Happy birthday, Mom. Everyday I am grateful to have you in my life. Let today be another reminder that you’re the best. Love you."
• "You’re more than a mother. You’re the greatest woman I know. Thank you for everything, and happy birthday."
• "Hope your day is full of relaxation, an abundance of love, and your favorite type of cake."
• "Mom, if it weren’t for you I would never have become the person I am today. Thank you for being a role model, mother, and an amazing friend. And most important of all, happy birthday."
• "Mom, thanks for all your support and your invaluable life lessons. Cheers to your best birthday yet."
• "I’m so lucky to have a mother like you. You are my best friend, the best mom, and the best person I know. Happiest of birthdays to you."
• "Roses are red, violets are blue. There’s no one I’d rather turn to you in times of trouble than you. Happy birthday to you mom, you’re the best."
• "Mom, you know how to bring our family together like none other. We love you with all of our hearts. Happy birthday, dear mother. Love, your children."
• "Mom, you are a role model, a genius, a superwoman, a five-star chef, and the most gorgeous person I know. How do you do it all? Cheers to another year of living your best life, happy birthday."
• "I am sending warm wishes and loving thoughts your way for your birthday. Even though we are apart, you will always be in my thoughts as well as in my heart. Happy birthday, Mom."
• "Sometimes life gets tough, but I always rest assured that I can make it over any obstacle in my way with the power of your love. Thanks for being the best mom the world has to offer, happy birthday."
• "Throughout my whole life, you have showered me with your love. Thank you for always giving me your all. I do my best always to return the favor. Happy birthday, mom."
• "Happy birthday, Ma. My hope is to be the amazing role model for my own family one day as you have been for ours. Your love is the best."
• "Thank you for always providing me with hope, encouragement, joy, and support. You are the best, and I hope that your birthday is as unforgettable as you are."
• "Everyday I learn something new from your grace, wonder, and compassionate soul. Here’s to another year of invaluable life lessons. Happy birthday, Mom."
Funny happy birthday messages for moms.
A birthday is a day that should be full of joy, so laughter is heavily encouraged. Keep your mom’s sense of humor in mind as you compose your fun-filled greeting.
• "However old you are is the new 30. Happy birthday."
• "Like a fine wine, we get better with age. Or maybe we just feel better about our age with a little bit of wine."
• "Happy birthday to someone who is smart, talented, pretty, creative, and fabulous. I love that we’re so much alike."
• "It is scientifically proven that people who have more birthdays live longer. Congrats on your success."
• "At least you’re not as old as you will be next year. Happy birthday."
• "Just like you’re not supposed to have a favorite child, I’m not supposed to have a favorite parent. But between you and me, let’s just say dad didn’t get as great of a gift as you’re getting this year. Happy birthday, Mom. From your unofficial favorite child."
• "Here’s to hoping all your candles this year don’t set off the fire alarm. Your birthday is gonna be lit."
• "You may be getting older Mom, but think on the bright side, you’ll at least always be younger than Dad. Happy birthday."
• "Just imagine the things you’d want to hear on your birthday and then pretend I said them. Love you, mom."
• "Your birthday outshines all the other 364 days of the year. Happy birthday, mom."
• "If things really do get better with age, then you’re nearing perfection. I bet it feels as good as it looks. Happy birthday, mom."
• "For your birthday, how about a fruit salad instead of cake? A fruit salad with mostly grapes – no, all grapes. Fermented grapes. Wine it is."
• "I can barely keep up with everyone’s birthdays these days, but you better believe I’d never forget yours. Happy birthday to the best mom there is."
• "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the best woman in the world was born. Happy birthday, mom."
Happy birthday quotes for moms.
When the right words are hard to find, there’s no shame in taking inspiration from someone or something else. Enjoy our hand-picked quotes below to share with mom on her special day.
• "I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles." - Audrey Hepburn
• "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey
• "A beautiful woman delights the eye; a wise woman, the understanding; a pure one, the soul." - Minna Antrim
• "You can be gorgeous at 30, charming at 40, and irresistible for the rest of your life." - Coco Chanel
• "A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take." - Cardinal Mermillod
• "I decided if you’re lucky enough to be alive, you should use each birthday to celebrate what your life is about." - Mary Steenburgen
• "When someone asks if you’d like cake or pie, why not say you want cake and pie?" - Lisa Loeb
• "A beautiful woman is like a painting and remains beautiful no matter how old she is." - Chloe Thurlow
• "The heart of a good mother is as big as the ocean; accommodating all kinds of things and sweeping all unwanted things to its shores." - Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
• "With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come." - William Shakespeare
• "It’s that heart of gold, & stardust soul that make you beautiful." - R.M. Broderick
• "I love my mother as trees love water and sunshine. She helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights." - Terri Guillemets
• "My favorite thing about being a mom is just what a better person it makes you on a daily basis." - Drew Barrymore
• "Birthdays are nature’s way of telling you to eat more cake." - Jo Brand
• "No matter your age, you will always need your mom." - Unknown
Happy birthday messages for Grandmothers.
Often, the most meaningful gift for a grandmother on her special day is a heartfelt card. Start your card with one of our messages below, and feel free to add an anecdotal detail that will put a smile on your grandmother’s face.
• "Grandma, you’ve always wished the best for me, so today I’m wishing the best for you. Happy birthday."
• "I may not be there to celebrate with you today Grandma, but you are always in my heart. I hope your birthday is nothing but the best."
• "There is no grandma in the world that can compare to you. Thank you for being the guiding light for our family and giving us the gift of so much love and joy. We love you."
• "Oh grandma, today you are younger than ever. Thank you for teaching me all about love, kindness, and eternal youth. I am fortunate to have you, happy birthday."
• "Happy Birthday, Grandma. Sit back, relax, and let us spoil you as much as you’ve spoiled us today. You deserve it."
• "To talk to, laugh with, learn from — thanks for being an amazing grandmother and an awesome friend. Happy birthday, I love you."
• "Happy birthday Grandma. Take some time out for yourself today, you deserve it more than anyone I know."
• "I know you have everything in the world, so if there is one thing I wish for you today, it would be excellent health and many more amazing memories with your children and grandchildren. Happy birthday."
• "Have a wonderful birthday, grandmother. Thank you for your endless love, patience, warmth, and support. You are truly an angel."
• "My sweet grandmother, when I was young, I dreamt of becoming a woman like you. Your support, love, and faith made me the person I am now. I can’t be grateful enough for it. Happy birthday."
• "If things really do get better with age, then you’re nearing perfection. I bet it feels as good as it looks. Happy birthday, Grandma."
• "Happy birthday to the prettiest, smartest and kindest grandmother on the Earth. I am so lucky that you’ve been kind enough to pass down these genes to the rest of us."
• "Grandma, you have given me such great advice over the years. I want to take this special day and use it as an opportunity to thank you for all that and more. You’re the best."
• "Whether it’s your 60th, 80th, or 100th birthday, you look as beautiful as ever, Grandma. Happy birthday to the happiest woman I know."
• "There is not a single day I don’t think about you and all that you’ve done for me. Happy birthday, Grandma."
Send happy birthday wishes for your mother.
Loving birthday wishes for moms.
Funny happy birthday messages for moms.
Happy birthday quotes for moms.
Happy birthday messages for other mothers.
Happy birthday messages for Grandmothers.
Light the candles with Adobe Spark.
Celebrating mom’s birthday is all about singing praises. Adobe Spark lets you create a custom-tailored message that will make her feel special and honored. Whether the occasion is intimate and quiet or a party that rocks out in sheer exuberance, our designs convey the birthday message that hits exactly the right note. Our templates work for personal greetings, formal wishes, or even for group signing.
Share your Adobe Spark Post birthday card.
Adobe Spark Post makes it easy to design and share your birthday greeting so that it sends the most joy possible. Download and print out your design on a card, or share it as an eye-catching post on social media. If you like to think big, send your design to a professional printer to hang as a banner at the birthday party or hand out party favors. However you present it, your card will become a cherished keepsake in its own right to commemorate the joyous day.