What to Write in a Birthday Card for Dad

A father figure comes in all shapes and sizes. Whether they are biologically related to you, came through marriage, or someone you chose, your father figure can profoundly impact your life. They are the ones responsible for teaching us the things we should know, from daily tasks to lifelong lessons. They are the ones picking us up when a car breaks down to telling a joke that makes our eyes roll. A good father figure can be a priceless addition to our world. 

So, when it is time to celebrate him gaining another year of wisdom, knowing what to write in a birthday card for Dad can be difficult. Crafting the perfect birthday card message is not just an act of tradition; it’s a heartfelt expression of gratitude, love, and appreciation for the person who has played an instrumental role in your life. 

If you find yourself struggling to find the right words for your birthday message for Dad, don’t worry. Below is a list of birthday message ideas to help you find the perfect words to celebrate your dad’s birthday.

What to Write in a Birthday Card for Your Father

The good news is that most dads prefer to keep their birthday low-key and, therefore, aren’t looking for anything extravagant. Because of this, your digital birthday card message can be as simple or complicated as you want. Chances are, as long as it shows you care about them, they will be happy with anything you write. 

So take the pressure off and write something that genuinely represents your and his relationship. To help you brainstorm, here are topic areas you can write about in online birthday cards for Dad:

• Express your love: In its simplest form, express how much you love him and how much he means to you. For most dads, this is all they want to know on their birthday.
• Express gratitude: Show appreciation for what he has done for you, the times he was there for you, or whatever else he brings to your life. 
• Share a favorite memory: Write about a memory, be it funny or meaningful, that you shared with him. Doing so will directly demonstrate why you value him.
• Share what it was like to grow up with him: It is easy for a dad to go through parenthood not knowing if his mistakes overshadow the good times. Sharing things you value about growing up with him will help him see the good times more clearly.
• Point out the lessons he taught: Whether it was teaching you how to save money or how to catch a fish properly, acknowledge the lessons you learned from him. 

• Share the qualities you admire about him: Sometimes, the best gift you can give your dad is the gift of confidence. Use his birthday as a time to share all of the qualities he has that you admire about him.
• Celebrate the future: Share in your excitement for the future opportunities you both have to spend together. 

What to Write in a Birthday Card for Dad from Daughter

The relationship between a father and a daughter can be a special one. A dad protects their daughter from monsters under their bed when they are young and bad dates when they are older. They are the ones who bring them ice cream after a hard day or teach them to change their tire.

For such a special relationship, a birthday message can take many forms, either heartfelt or funny. Here are some examples of both heartfelt and funny birthday messages for a dad from his daughter:

Funny Birthday Wishes for Dad

• “HBD to the person who brought the coolest person (me) into the world. Happy birthday Dad.”
• “In honor of your birthday, you can tell one dad joke today. One!”
• “Happy birthday to the best dad! It’s time to party well, at least until your 10 pm bedtime.”
• “When does a joke turn into a dad joke? When it becomes apparent. Thanks for being mine! Happy birthday to the corniest joker.”
• “I would have gotten you something amazing for your birthday, but you’ve always taught me to save my money. See, Dad — I listened! That’s a gift in itself, right?”
• “I’d be lost without you, Dad. You’re like a human GPS — for the journey of life!”
• “Dad, you’re not 52; you’re just 22 years old and have 32 years of experience! Congratulations on your Birthday!”
• “Not every hero wears a cap, and some tell poor jokes. Dad, thank you for being my idol. Congratulations on your Birthday!”
• “Happy Birthday to a special Dad. We can always rely on you when a problem needs fixing. Unfortunately, the problem today is that there’s no money in your card.”
• “Happy Birthday to my old Dad. Unfortunately, we can’t light a cake because we need special permission for that much fire.”
• “You’re the only dad joke I need.”

• “Cheers to the man who’s always there when I need a shoulder to cry on (and sorry for the mascara stains).”
• “Don’t worry, Dad! You’re not going bald; you’re just becoming more aerodynamic. May this coming year bring you all the love, laughter, and happiness you can imagine. Happiest of birthdays to you.”
• “Happy birthday to the man who has always opened his heart and wallet to me.”

Heartfelt Happy Birthday Messages for Dad

• “I am one lucky girl to have a dad like you. Happy Birthday, Pops!”
• “Happy birthday to the dad who taught me to think deeper, listen better, and love stronger.”
• “Dad, you have always been the most present, involved, and committed father to my siblings and me. You never thought twice about going the extra mile, even when you were tired from a long day. Happy birthday! We love you so much.”
• “Dad, you didn’t always have the easiest go at things, yet you never failed to show up for the people around you. We are the luckiest family in the world.”
• “Happy birthday to the man who sacrificed so much for me. I admire you more than you’ll ever know!”
• “No matter what I’m going through, you always know how to make me feel better. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. I love you, dad. Happy birthday!”
• “Thanks, Dad, for being my role model, my go-to guy, and our family’s rock. You’re a real-life superhero, and you deserve an awesome day.”
• “Thank you for setting the example of what a good man looks like. I am a better person because of you.”
• “You have taught me many skills over the years. However, it’s not the skills I learned that mattered, rather, you showed me that I could do anything I set my mind to. Happy Birthday, Dad!”
• “Thank you for always showing up when life got hard and for never giving up on me when it was my fault. Wishing you a birthday as great as you are!”
• “Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Dad! You have always been my inspiration. Watching the effort and determination you always put into everything is incredible. We love you!”
• “Dad, I am so proud to call you father. Wishing you a day of joy and love and birthday cake on your birthday!”

What to Write in a Birthday Card for Dad from Son

For many men, their father figure is the one who taught them the ins and outs of being a man. They were their first example of how men dress, act towards others, take care of things, and much more. For a son, a dad can be one of their greatest role models as they help them navigate life. 

When thinking about what to write in a group birthday card for a dad from his son, don’t be afraid to share how he impacted the man you are today. To do this, you can dive right in or use a quote to introduce your point. Here are a few examples of a genuine birthday wish and birthday quotes for a dad from a son:

Birthday Message for Dad from a Son

• “From helping me up when I fell to taking me out for practice after I missed the winning goal, you’ve taught me never to give up. I owe my success to you, and I can’t wait to take you out for your birthday.”
• “You worked so hard to ensure I could have a better life. You did so much to make sure that we had everything we needed as a family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am really proud of you, Dad. Happiest birthday to you.”
• “Dear dad, I grew up wanting to be just like you, Dad. And today, if I can even be half of the person you are, I would consider myself to have achieved something remarkable. Happy birthday dad.”
• “Cheers to the greatest father who shaped me into the man I am today.”
• “You’re always there for me, and I hope always to return the favor. Happy birthday, Dad!”
• “Dads always give the best advice — and I’m forever grateful for that. Happy birthday, big guy.”
• “I look back fondly on my childhood; you’re responsible for that. Thank you for being the best dad ever. Happy birthday!”
• “Not every hero wears a cap, and some tell poor jokes. Dad, thank you for being my idol. Congratulations on your Birthday!”
• “Dad, you’ve always been my superhero, role model, and best friend. Today, on your birthday, I want to celebrate the amazing person you are. Happy birthday, with all my love.”
• “Dad, you’ve taught me to dream big, never to give up, and to always believe in myself. Your unwavering faith in me has made me the man I am today. Happy birthday to the most incredible father in the world.”
• “Happy birthday, Dad! Today, I celebrate you and everything you taught me to be. Thank you for being you and for allowing me to be me. There will never be adequate words to let you know just how much you mean to me. Here’s to a marvelous year ahead!”
• “Happy birthday! Thank you for being an amazing father and letting me see my inner strength. Because of you, I know I can overcome any obstacle.”

Birthday Quotes for Dad

• “When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.” —Linda Poindexter
• “She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father.” —Harper Lee
• “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” -Wade Boggs
• “Every son’s first superhero is his father.” -Tiger Schraff
• “I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.” -Sigmund Freud
• “A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.” -Unknown
• “Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, storytellers, and singers of songs.”-Pam Brown
• “[My father] has always provided me a safe place to land and a hard place from which to launch.” -Chelsea Clinton
• “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person; he believed in me.” -Jim Valvano
• “The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get.” -Tim Russert
• “Every son quotes his father, in words and in deeds.” -Terri Guillemets
• “When you’re young, you think your dad is Superman. Then you grow up, and you realize he’s just a regular guy who wears a cape.” -Dave Attell

What to Write in a Birthday Card for a Step dad?

Sometimes, knowing what to write in an online birthday card for a stepdad can be difficult. For most, a stepdad is a bonus dad who adds value to your life. Whether the relationship is new, developing, or long-standing, your message can focus on what he contributes to your life.  

Additionally, a short and sweet message can make for a stepdad’s perfect birthday card messages because they still acknowledge their birthday but allow you to share it at your comfort level. No matter what type of message you decide to write, your stepdad will appreciate you taking the time to wish him happy birthday. 

Short and Sweet Birthday Message for Step dad

• “Wishing you the best birthday yet!”
• “I can’t believe it’s your birthday! You make getting older look real good.”
• “May your birthday be filled with happiness, blessings, and plenty of cake!”
• “You may not have given me life, but you sure made my life better.”
• “Happy Birthday! Wishing you a year filled with happiness and success.”
• “Here’s to wishing you a day full of pleasant surprises. Happy birthday!”

• “Thank you for being there for me even when you don’t have to be. Happy birthday!”
• “Cheers to the greatest stepdad I could ask for!”
• “Happy Birthday to my favorite stepdad!”
• “Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day full of cake and laughter.”
• “Happy Birthday, you deserve a day dedicated to only you.”
• “May your birthday be full of love, laughter, and fun. Happy Birthday!”

Make His Birthday Card a Memorable Part of His Day

Whether in a group birthday card or a digital birthday card, the message you write on a birthday card for your dad can be a meaningful way to celebrate him. Choosing the right words for your dad’s birthday card can deepen the bond you share.

So, let your love and appreciation shine through, whether you opt for a sentimental expression, humor, or a mix of both. In the end, his birthday will be more memorable because of you.