Things to say to your daughter on her birthday

Birthdays are the perfect opportunity to go above and beyond for those you hold close in life. What’s the best way to make your daughter feel special? 

Read on for our recommendations to wish your daughter the best on her special day. 

Jump ahead to these sections:

• Heartfelt ‘Happy Birthday, Daughter’ Wishes
• How to Say ‘Happy Birthday’ to Your Adult Daughter
• ‘Happy Birthday, Daughter’ Messages for Toddler or Child
• Happy Birthday Wishes for a Daughter-in-Law

Heartfelt ‘Happy Birthday, Daughter’ Wishes

You can’t go wrong with a heartfelt wish for your daughter’s birthday. Memories of her very first birthday may come flooding back. Use these memories to wish her a happy birthday and a wonderful year ahead. 

1. “Happy birthday to my beautiful daughter. You make me more proud with each passing year. Wishing you continued success in all of your endeavors as you continue to chase your dreams!”

Children make their parents proud, and a birthday is a great time to make it known they are doing just that. 

2. “Wishing the happiest of birthdays to my not-so-little girl. You’ve grown up to be everything I could have wished for and more.”

Consider this message for a social media post and you’ll get plenty of “likes.” This caption alongside an old photograph of your daughter as a youngster will be sure to nail it. 

3. “Happy birthday to a girl who deserves it all.”

Birthday wishes in toast or post form are great chances to brag on your daughter. Feel free to share your daughter’s many accomplishments and what makes her amazing.

4. “Another year without my heart.”

If you lost your daughter, you might be writing a post saying happy birthday in heaven, daughter. The loss of a child means unimaginable pain. You can reflect on the beautiful life your daughter lived every year on her birthday. 

5. “I still remember the moment I saw you for the first time. You have grown into a remarkable human being and I thank you for all you are.”

A message like this can start an in-person toast or a paragraph of a caption on social media.  Either way, it really captures how much she means to you. 

» Did you know? Caskets can be bought online, without the funeral home markup. Find the perfect casket

How to Say ‘Happy Birthday’ to Your Adult Daughter

Birthday wish etiquette isn’t super strict. It’s really up to you to judge on a person-by-person basis. Your adult daughter has likely decided by now whether she enjoys her birthday or not. She may love the attention and celebrate the entire month or avoid telling anyone her birthdate. 

This means you might want to be selective of your message content and whether you post it online. Your daughter will appreciate your sincere birthday wish as long as you stay within her limits.

6. “Happy birthday to my forever built-in best friend.”

A parent and daughter go through various stages in life, including arguments. Once they grow a bit older, parents often grow much closer to their daughters.

This means they have a built-in best friend right in their family that lasts a lifetime. Choose one of these birthday wishes to learn the importance of that relationship. 

7. “Happy birthday to my daughter. It’s a privilege to know you and stand by as you build an incredible life.”

It’s your daughter's birthday, which marks another year older and another year you have watched her grow.

8. “Another year older, wiser, funnier, and stronger!” 

Even if your daughter is shy, she will appreciate the compliments. Insert her best qualities and you’re sure to get her smiling. 

9. “Happy birthday to an inspiration.”

Your daughter may be grown up, but that doesn’t mean it won’t feel good to be complimented by her mom and dad. Swap “inspiration” out for “terrific mother” — it’s the best compliment she can get from her own parent! 

10. “Happy birthday, have a drink for me (or five)!”

This one could be fun for your of-age daughter who’s known for downing her share of alcoholic beverages. 

‘Happy Birthday, Daughter’ Messages for Toddler or Child

Keep in mind that a child or toddler will be content with a quick and easy verbal or written message that equates her to a big kid or something else she idolizes, like a princess or superhero. 

11. “You’re such a big girl! Happy 4th birthday!”

All kids want to grow up. You’ll be sure to get some brownie points by telling your daughter that she’s a big girl in your birthday message. 

12. “Happy birthday! I hope all your wishes come true and you eat all the cake you want!”

The birthday girl will only be thinking of presents and cake and nothing else, so use those buzzwords and you’re golden. 

13. “Happy birthday to the sweetest birthday princess!”

Birthdays are magical for kids, but calling your daughter a princess adds to the excitement and makes her feel even more special. 

14. “Mommy and Daddy are so proud of our birthday girl!”

It’s all about making your daughter feel special, and love from her parents will do the trick. Share just how proud you are of your little girl and she’ll be all smiles.  

15. “Happy birthday to the sweetest girl in the whole wide world!”

Insert the adjective you feel your daughter will resonate with most that will mean she’s the best in the world in your eyes. 

Not ready to start your will?

It's a big step and we get it! Share your email and we'll remind you in a few days.

Thank you for subscribing. Expect an email soon!

Happy Birthday Wishes for a Daughter-in-Law

The relationship you have with your daughter-in-law is likely just as special and real as anyone else’s. Let that be clear in your birthday wish to her.

16. “I’m blessed to call you family.”

Your happy birthday wish can include how blessed you feel and fortunate that they allow you to call them family. 

17. “You’ve changed my life for the better.”

You’re not only celebrating another year of your daughter-in-law’s life but she should know you’re celebrating another year of having her in your life. Share the positive impact she’s had on you each year and thank her. 

18. “Each year I’ve known you has been a privilege.”

Family dynamics are tricky and can be even more so in in-law situations. Let her know you respect her. 

19. “I love you.”

You can’t say it enough! Love is powerful, and it means a lot to a daughter-in-law. 

20. “You can count on me.”

Share that no matter how old your daughter-in-law gets, she can count on you for anything. It’s a comforting and sweet sentiment. 

21. “I’m so glad my son or daughter married you!”

If this is the truth, it’ll drive home just how much they mean to you. 

The Perfect Birthday Message  

These days, birthday wishes come in all shapes and sizes. Sure, you can send a gift, but there’s something to be said about taking the time to craft a sweet message instead.

Your daughter will appreciate the thought and you can find inspiration from songs about daughters or from our list to get you started.