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What to Write in a 40th Birthday Card

Colorful birthday card with 'Happy 40th Birthday!' surrounded by confetti and balloons on a wooden table

Turning 40 is a monumental occasion. It's a time of reflection, joy, and yes, even a little bit of jest. Finding the right wishes to capture the essence of this big day can make your card stand out. Whether you aim to inspire, comfort, cheer, or tease, what you write can turn a simple card into a treasured keepsake. But, what do you write to strike that perfect balance? Fear not! We're here to guide you with examples that will brighten the day of the newly minted 40-year-old in your life.

Why is a 40th Birthday so special?

A 40th birthday marks a significant and thrilling chapter in life. It's a time for both reflection on the past and excitement for the future, celebrated with friends, family, and those who've been part of the journey. It's not just another birthday; it's a moment of pride, affection, and joyful recognition of the person's legacy and the promises ahead.

40th Birthday Wishes to Inspire You

For a Friend

  • Cheers to you on your big 4-0! May this year bring you as much happiness and joy as you've brought to everyone around you.

  • Happy 40th Birthday! Here’s to making more memories, sharing more laughs, and reaching new heights together.

  • Forty and fabulous! Welcome to the age where wisdom and adventure meet. Let’s make it unforgettable.

  • They say life begins at 40. By the looks of it, your adventure is just getting started. Happy Birthday!

  • To a friend who gets better with age, like a fine wine. Here’s to savoring the moments and making new ones at 40.

For a Colleague

  • Happy 40th! May your professional and personal journey continue to be a fulfilling adventure.

  • Wishing you a 40th birthday filled with success and achievements, as remarkable as your work ethic.

  • Here’s to hitting the big milestone! May your 40th year be filled with as much joy and satisfaction as you bring to our team.

  • Milestone alert: 40 never looked so good! May this year bring you countless opportunities and victories.

  • Celebrating you today! At 40, your dedication and hard work inspire us all. Here’s to reaching new heights.

For a Wife

  • Happy 40th to my beautiful wife. Each year with you is my new favorite. Here’s to many more by your side.

  • To my wife, on your 40th: You make every day brighter. Here's to celebrating you today and always.

  • Celebrating the woman who has it all but deserves so much more. Happy 40th Birthday, my love!

  • To the love of my life at 40: Your grace, strength, and love inspire me daily. Cheers to celebrating you!

  • Happy 40th to the woman who captured my heart and never let go. Here’s to continuing our journey together.

For a Husband

  • To my amazing husband on your 40th: Here’s to growing old together and loving every minute of it.

  • Happy Birthday to the man who makes 40 look like the new 20. Here’s to many more years of love and laughter.

  • Here’s to the man who has my heart. May your 40th be as wonderful and exciting as you are.

  • Cheers to my husband at 40: Strong, handsome, and wise. Here’s to celebrating you today and always.

  • Happy 40th to the king of my heart. Here's to making more memories and sharing more dreams together.

For a Boyfriend

  • Happy 40th to the man who makes every day an adventure. Here’s to our next chapter together.

  • Celebrating you and the joy you bring into my life. Happy 40th Birthday, my love!

  • To my boyfriend at 40: Your love is timeless. Here’s to celebrating today and looking forward to our future.

  • Here’s to the man who stole my heart and filled my life with love. Happy 40th, darling!

  • Happy Birthday to the one who makes my heart sing. May your 40th year be as special as you are to me.

For a Girlfriend

  • Happy 40th to the woman who lights up my life. Here’s to cherishing every moment with you.

  • To my girlfriend, on your 40th: Your beauty, inside and out, shines ever so brightly. Here's to celebrating you.

  • Here’s to the girl of my dreams on her 40th birthday. May this year be your best one yet.

  • Happy Birthday to the one who makes 40 look absolutely stunning! Here’s to many more adventures together.

  • Cheers to my beautiful girlfriend at 40! Your grace and strength inspire me daily. Here’s to celebrating you.

For a Son

  • Happy 40th to my son. Watching you grow and succeed has been my greatest joy. Here's to you!

  • To my son on his 40th: Your journey fills me with pride. May this year bring you every happiness.

  • Happy Birthday to a son who brings so much joy into our lives. Here’s to making 40 your best year yet.

  • Celebrating 40 years of you, my son. Your kindness and strength are a gift to all. Make it a great year!

  • To my son, on your 40th: You’re not just growing older, you’re getting better. Here's to new adventures.

For a Daughter

  • Happy 40th, my beautiful daughter. Your light and warmth brighten every day. Here’s to celebrating you!

  • To my daughter on her 40th: Keep shining your light on the world. Here's to you, my love.

  • Here’s to 40 years of you making the world a better place, my daughter. May your kindness return to you tenfold.

  • Happy Birthday to my daughter, who makes every day a blessing. Here’s to celebrating the amazing woman you are.

  • Cheers to my daughter at 40! Your grace, bravery, and spirit inspire those around you. Enjoy your day!

For a Father

  • Happy 40th, Dad. Your wisdom and guidance have shaped me. Here’s to many more years learning from the best.

  • To my father on his 40th: Your strength and love have been my guide. Here’s to celebrating you today.

  • Happy Birthday to a dad who makes 40 look effortless. Your zest for life inspires us all.

  • Here’s to my father at 40: Thank you for being my hero, guide, and friend. Enjoy your day!

  • Celebrating 40 years of you, Dad. Your humor, love, and wisdom fill our lives with joy. Here’s to you!

For a Mother

  • Happy 40th to my wonderful mother. Your love and sacrifice light up our lives. Here’s to showering you with love today.

  • To my mother on her 40th: Your beauty and grace shine ever so bright. Celebrating you today and always.

  • Happy Birthday to the woman who taught me the meaning of love and kindness. Here’s to your 40th, Mom!

  • Here’s to celebrating 40 years of my mother’s kindness, strength, and love. May your day be as bright as your smile.

  • To my mom at 40: You’re not just getting older, you’re getting better. Here’s to celebrating every moment with you.

Photograph of a group of young adults trendy celebrating a 40th birhtday

The Perfect Finishing Touch

Remember, a birthday card is not just a tradition—it's a token of affection, a way to express our feelings, and an opportunity to make someone feel special. Choose a message that resonates with you and the birthday person's personality. Add a personal touch to make your wishes even more memorable.

Still looking for inspiration? Why not check out our funny birthday card messages.

More 40th Birthday Wishes

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