When it comes to writing a birthday card, it can be tough to know just what to say. This is especially true when it comes to a milestone birthday like a 40th birthday. Whether you’re writing for a friend, family member, or spouse, the pressure to come up with the perfect message can be intense. Our list of what to write in a 40th birthday card comes to the rescue.

Ideas for what to write in a 40th Birthday Card

Quick overview:
🍃 General 40th birthday wishes
🍃 Funny 40th birthday messages
🍃 40th birthday wishes for a friend
🍃 Heartfelt birthday wishes
🍃 Birthday messages for a co-worker

What to write in a 40th birthday card

  • “Happy 40th birthday! Here’s to another year of making memories and having fun.”
  • “40 years young and still looking fabulous. Happy birthday!”
  • “Wishing you a very happy 40th birthday. May all your dreams come true.”
  • “Happy birthday to an amazing person who just keeps getting better with age.”
  • “40 years of wisdom, laughter, and memories. Here’s to many more.”
  • “Happy 40th birthday! You’re not getting older, you’re just getting better.”
  • “Cheers to 40 years of awesomeness. Happy birthday!”
  • “Happy 40th birthday! May this year be filled with love, laughter, and all your favourite things.”
  • “Happy birthday to one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and most amazing people I know. Have a fantastic 40th.”
  • “40 years of life, love, and adventure. Here’s to many more. Happy birthday!”

Banner showing how to send a virtual 40th birthday card

What to write in a funny 40th birthday card

  • “40 years old? That’s just the midpoint of fabulous.”
  • “Happy 40th birthday! You’re now officially old enough to know better, but still young enough to do it anyway.”
  • “40 years young? More like 40 years of experience. Happy birthday!”
  • “Happy 40th birthday! Now that you’re officially over the hill, let’s go roll down it.”
  • “Happy birthday to someone who’s not getting older, just a little more distinguished.”
  • “Happy 40th birthday! You’re not 40, you’re 39.95 plus shipping and handling.”
  • “Happy 40th birthday! You’re now officially closer to 50 than 30. Congrats!”
  • “Happy birthday to someone who’s still young enough to party, but old enough to know better.”
  • “40 years old? That’s nothing, you’re still a spring chicken.”
  • “Happy 40th birthday! You’re not getting older, you’re just levelling up.”

💡 Looking for birthday messages for a coworker instead?
Check out our guide on what to write in a coworker’s birthday card.

40th birthday wishes for a friend

  • “Happy 40th birthday, friend! You’re not just a friend, you’re also a sister/brother I never had. Here’s to many more years of laughter and good times.”
  • “Happy birthday to my best friend. You’re not just 40, you’re 40 years of friendship and memories I treasure.”
  • “Happy 40th birthday, friend! You’re not only my friend, but my confidant, my supporter, and my inspiration. Cheers to another year of friendship.”
  • “Happy birthday to my dear friend. You’re 40 years young and still as beautiful/handsome as ever.”
  • “Happy 40th birthday, friend! You’re not just a friend, you’re also a mentor, a role model, and a guide. Here’s to many more years of friendship.”
  • “Happy birthday, friend. You’re not just a friend, you’re also family. I’m so grateful for your friendship.”
  • “Happy 40th birthday, friend! You’re not just a friend, you’re also a partner in crime and a source of endless laughter. Here’s to many more years of good times.”
  • “Happy birthday, friend. You’re not just 40, you’re 40 years of kindness, generosity, and friendship.”
  • “Happy 40th birthday, friend! You’re not just a friend, you’re also a source of inspiration and motivation. Here’s to many more years of friendship.”
  • “Happy birthday, friend. You’re not just 40, you’re 40 years of love, laughter, and amazing memories.”
  • “Happy 40th birthday, friend! You’re not just a friend, you’re also a source of support and guidance. Here’s to many more years of friendship.”

⭐ Here’s how to rock every round birthday:

  • Get a group birthday card with multiple signatures and surprise the receiver with everyone’s birthday messages in one place
    Sample group birthday card by EcardForest
  • Don’t forget the gift: Add a virtual collection pot to your ecard to get a birthday gift from everyone.

Banner showing how to send a virtual 40th birthday card