3 ways to celebrate a birthday without the party, using these amazing birthday card, birthday quote, and group gift ideas.
Maybe your friend wants to keep it mellow this year. Or your brother can’t celebrate until he finishes the semester. Or maybe your mom just doesn’t want to make "a fuss."
But you can still make their birthday special without a party!
Here are 3 ways we LOVE to celebrate birthdays, even without the big bash.
1: Keep The Element Of Surprise
So they don’t want to go all out for their birthday – that doesn’t mean you can’t surprise them!
Finding other ways to surprise them will still show how much you care and how far you went to keep even the tiniest of secrets hidden until their big day 😊
So why not…
• Send flowers to their doorstep
• Ship them a small care package
• Call in a birthday shout-out on their favorite radio show and make sure they tune in!
Even easier: Spread some sunshine in their inbox with a virtual card.
Pro Tip: Sending an ecard? Add a fun Happy Birthday Meme to bring extra cheer!
2: Write The Best Happy Birthday Wishes
This brings us to idea #2: If you can’t see them at the party, take extra care when writing their birthday card. A heartfelt note goes a long way!
Feeling stuck after the words "happy birthday?" Or wanted to add a little magic beyond "have a good one"? Get inspired by some of our favorite happy birthday quotes:
Birthday Wishes for Friends:
"You are my ride or die! Birthdays may come each year but a friend like you only comes once in a lifetime!"
"Just my annual reminder to say: YOU ROCK! Happy Birthday, you ray of sunshine!"
Birthday Wishes for Family:
For a Parent: "With more candles comes more light. With more years comes more love. Thank you [mom/dad] for being you. Happy Birthday!"
For a Sibling: "Happy Birthday to our Mom’s 2nd favorite child 🙂 Just kidding! I am so lucky to have you as a [sister/brother]. Love you!"
For Daughter/Son: "I thought I couldn’t possibly love you any more than I already do. But each year, it’s like clockwork: You get a little older and my heart grows a little bigger. Happy Birthday!"
Birthday Wishes for Colleagues:
"Wishing you 24 hours of joy – hopefully outside the office:) – on your special day! Happy Birthday!"
"You always bring such positivity to our team. I hope we radiate it back to you today! Happy Birthday!"
For Daughter/Son: "I thought I couldn’t possibly love you any more than I already do. But each year, it’s like clockwork: You get a little older and my heart grows a little bigger. Happy Birthday!"
3: Don’t Do It Alone
No party, that’s fine. But don’t leave out the group!
That’s one of the reasons we created illume: so we could come together to celebrate with meaningful group gifts.
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Charlie said, "“Hmmm . . . not sure what this whole ‘special day' thing is about,” said..."
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Happy Birthday Mom!
Dear Mom,
Every year I get you something different for your birthday. Sometimes it's a Hallmark card and other times it's a different Hallmark card. Often the birthday card is accompanied by a gift of some sort. Like, one year I got you those socks you'd had her eye on for months. And then on another year I gave you that Aeropostale gift card that still had $12.17 on it.
I must admit, it gets harder and harder each year to find something that's both unique and useful. So as I pondered this year's birthday, I suddenly realized there was one thing I'd never gotten you. Your very own blog post!
It seemed like the perfect opportunity to wish you a wonderful day and to show the whole world once and for all that of all your three children, I am clearly your favorite. As for the topic of the blog post? I figured a trip down memory lane would be most fitting.
We'll start with a throwback: my high school graduation. I remember that day as if it were just this past June:
Next up, remember that trip we took to the wine place? We got to taste seventy two different wines. We were so drunk when this picture was taken!
One of the things I really like most about our selfies is that we can take them anywhere at any time. Remember this one? We were at Wal-Mart after spending an hour looking through the $2.99 DVD bin for Rachel's graduation present.
I also love traveling with you. This picture was taken when we visited the Butterfly Gardens at Butterflyland in Butterfly, Florida. That's that purse you got me for Christmas two years ago!
I think this was taken on one of our many trips to our favorite restaurant: McDonald's.
I love two things about this picture: the spontaneity and that expression on my face.
I thought it was only fair that I include at least one picture of all three of your kids. Here we are! Now there's no way anyone could ever question why I'm your favorite.
Last one. Just you and me. The real me. Without any hair. Still one of my favorites.
So there you go. Happy birthday mom! I hope you like your very own blog post. If not, I have a kitchen drawer full of gently-used gift cards for you to choose from.
on September 23, 2022 at 5:29 am
Ha, love it Charlie!!! Um, but I think most of the pictures you superimposed your face on are pictures of me, so that means I am her favorite – clearly. 😀
Happy Birthday Mom!
Love, your favorite child, Biz
on September 23, 2022 at 5:41 am
[…] her birthday on Sunday with a potluck at her house. Hope you have a great day Momma! Charlie and Jennifer, you will just have to get over the fact that I am Mom’s favorite. Um, […]
on September 23, 2022 at 6:49 am
Oh damn, you are good. That first pic, I thought “wow, mom hasn't changed in a lot of years” – doh! Got me. Happy Birthday to Biz's momma! 😉
on September 23, 2022 at 7:37 am
Happy Birthday to Biz's mom…oh, I mean Charlie's too! Oh, and Biz's twin's mom! Love these photos, too funny!
Kym said
on September 23, 2022 at 7:53 am
Happy Birthday to Biz's Mom. Great post Charlie. A great sense of humor runs in your family.
Mom said
on September 23, 2022 at 8:33 am
Love it! But I might paw through those gift cards anyway on my next trip there!
Love you all!
Charlie said
You also share a birthday with the following famous people:
Lukáš Kašpar, Czech ice hockey player.
Shim Eun-ha, South Korean actress.
Lote Tuqiri, Fijian-Australian rugby player.
Geoffrey II, Duke of Brittany (twelfth century).
Dmitri Kulikov, Estonian footballer.
Wladimir Sidorenko, Ukrainian boxer.
What a super fun post!
Happy birthday to y'all's mom!!!
on September 24, 2022 at 6:10 am
Happy Birthday Jerry!
on September 24, 2022 at 8:42 pm
Love it! You look great in all those photos!
Happy birthday Momma
Heidi said
on September 25, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Classic Charlie!!! I almost threw up!! You crack me up…can I borrow those gift cards??
Kind Citizen said
on September 25, 2022 at 2:10 pm
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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.