Audience: mixed groups
Message: Happy birthday; we appreciate you.
Tone: both serious and light
Timing: 10-30 seconds

1

People say you don’t look like 40. Obviously, they mean that as a compliment. But I’d like to say you’re exactly what 40 looks like these days—beautiful, poised, self-assured, intelligent. Here’s to at least 40 more.

2

When someone is as special as you’ve been,… and still are, he deserves a birthday wish without foolishness, or jokes, or insults. But I can’t bring myself to say anything sentimental and serious about such a funny guy. So I’ll just leave the jokes to you and make it a straightforward “Happy birthday.”

3

Here’s to a woman who deserves a birthday that’s the happiest by far. Hope you’ll have the kind of day and year that bring all life’s best and finest. You’re a favorite. Happy birthday.

4

May everything about your day be just the way you want. Have a happy and wonderful birthday and life.

5

There are some people who pass through your life like a butterfly. They rarely make contact and then are quickly gone. There are those who pass through your life like fellow travelers. They sit and talk for awhile on the airplane, but upon touchdown, they drift away toward their own destinations. Then there are people who pass through your life and decide to set up camp. They work with you, share with you, borrow from you, care about you. These are the kind that give meaning to life. (Name) falls in that latter category. To my dear friend, I wish a happy birthday and an exciting rest of her life.

6

Someone has said that a friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you today just the way you are. (Name) has been just that kind of person. That’s why his birthday is as special to me as my very own. Happy birthday to a very special person.

7

Birthdays are a time to celebrate—the memories of days gone by, the joy of the moment, and the dreams of tomorrow. We’re celebrating with you and you deserve a big parade.

8

Have a happy birthday and try not to dwell on age. Remember that you’re only as old as you are.

9

With much respect and admiration, I offer you our best wishes for a great year. Happy birthday.

10

Maybe it’s true that life begins at 40…. But everything else starts to wear out. So in case you’re in need of spare parts, we’ve got a useful collection in this circle of comrades. Happy birthday.

11

A Swedish proverb says, “Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours.” More or less,… we think you deserve a great birthday. Enjoy without a worry.

12

There’s a time to be born and a time to die, and what happens to us in the interval in between is of great importance. (Name), of all the people I know, you’ve made the most of that interval. Just think of this birthday as a green light on the road to your dreams. Happiness to you.

13

In many ways, (name), you’ve been like a daughter to me—pouty, arrogant, disrespectful. Seriously, I’d be awfully proud to have a daughter just like you. Here’s a to a happy, happy birthday.

14

Just remember that when you get over the hill, you pick up speed on the downside. But you have no cause to worry. The faster you go, the better you get. Here’s to a great, fast birthday.