A birthday card from a grandparent is often one of the few cards a child gets in the mail, and many grandchildren keep them for years. A few warm lines are all it takes.
Below are 49 birthday wishes for grandchildren: a granddaughter or grandson, young kids, teens and adult grandchildren, plus messages to go with money and religious wishes.
Article contents
- How to Write a Birthday Card for a Grandchild
- Short Birthday Wishes for Grandchildren
- Birthday Wishes for a Granddaughter
- Birthday Wishes for a Grandson
- For a Young Grandchild
- For a Teen Grandchild
- For an Adult Grandchild
- Birthday Wishes From Grandparents Far Away
- Money and Gift Card Birthday Messages
- Religious Birthday Wishes for Grandchildren
- How to Sign the Card
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Write a Birthday Card for a Grandchild
- Start with "Happy birthday" and their name.
- Say one thing you love about them.
- Mention something you did together or a plan.
- Sign with the name they call you. "Love, Nana" or "Grandma and Grandpa."
Example: "Happy birthday, Max! We loved watching you play soccer this fall. Come over soon and we will make pancakes. Love, Grandma and Grandpa"
Short Birthday Wishes for Grandchildren
- Happy birthday to my favorite grandchild!
- Happy birthday, sweetheart. Grandma loves you.
- Happy birthday, buddy. Love, Grandpa.
- Hope your birthday is full of fun and cake.
- Happy birthday to our pride and joy.
- Happy birthday! We love you to the moon and back.
- Happy birthday from your biggest fans.
- Another year older and even more wonderful. Happy birthday.
Birthday Wishes for a Granddaughter
- Happy birthday to our granddaughter. You fill our hearts with so much joy.
- Happy birthday, sweet girl. We are so proud of you.
- Happy birthday to a granddaughter who is kind, smart and brave.
- Watching you grow up is one of the best gifts of our lives. Happy birthday.
- Happy birthday! Come visit soon so we can bake your favorite cookies.
- To our granddaughter: be kind, be curious and always be yourself. Happy birthday.
Birthday Wishes for a Grandson
- Happy birthday to our grandson. We love you more than words can say.
- Happy birthday, buddy. Grandpa is ready for our next fishing trip.
- Happy birthday to a grandson who makes us laugh every time we see him.
- We are so proud of the young man you are becoming. Happy birthday.
- Happy birthday! Let's get ice cream when you visit.
- To our grandson: work hard, be kind and have fun. Happy birthday.
For a Young Grandchild
Keep it short so a parent can read it aloud.
- Happy birthday! Look how big you are getting.
- Happy 3rd birthday to our little sunshine.
- Happy birthday to the best hugger in the family.
- Hope your birthday is full of balloons and presents.
- Happy birthday! We love playing with you.
- Happy 1st birthday, little one. You have made our whole family so happy.
For a Teen Grandchild
- Happy 13th birthday! We are so proud of you.
- Happy 16th birthday! Drive carefully and call your grandma.
- Happy birthday! We love hearing about your life. Call us soon.
- Happy birthday to a teenager who is still sweet enough to read a card from Grandma.
- Happy 18th birthday! The world is lucky to have you.
For an Adult Grandchild
- Happy birthday to our grandchild. We are so proud of the adult you have become.
- Happy 21st birthday! It feels like yesterday you were learning to walk.
- Happy birthday. You will always be our little one, even now.
- Happy birthday! We love the life you are building.
- Happy birthday to our grandson. Thank you for still making time for us.
Birthday Wishes From Grandparents Far Away
- Happy birthday from Grandma and Grandpa. We wish we could be there to celebrate.
- Sending birthday hugs and kisses by mail.
- Happy birthday! Let's video call so you can show us your presents.
- We are far away, but you are always in our hearts. Happy birthday.
Money and Gift Card Birthday Messages
Many grandparents tuck money into a birthday card. A short line makes it more personal.
- Happy birthday! Buy yourself something fun.
- Happy birthday! Here is a little something for your savings.
- Happy birthday! Treat yourself to something you really want.
- Happy birthday! For books, games or pizza, your choice.
Religious Birthday Wishes for Grandchildren
The verse is from the New International Version (NIV). For more, see our religious birthday greetings.
- Happy birthday. We thank God for you every day.
- May God bless you and keep you safe this year.
- We pray for you every night, and today we pray for an extra special birthday.
- Jesus loves you, and so do we. Happy birthday.
- "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26) Happy birthday.
How to Sign the Card
"Love, Grandma," "Hugs and kisses, Nana and Pop," and "All our love, Grandma and Grandpa" all work. Use the names your grandchild calls you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do grandparents write in a grandchild's birthday card?
A happy birthday wish, one thing you love about them, a memory or plan, and your name. Keep it short for young kids.
How much money do grandparents put in a birthday card?
It varies by family. Whatever you give, a short line about what they might use it for makes it feel personal.
What should I write for a grandchild who is too young to read?
Keep it short so a parent can read it aloud, and add a note they can keep for later.
Need more ideas? See our guide to what to write in a birthday card, birthday wishes for Grandpa or use the Message Finder. Our Space Odyssey Kids Cards and Ladybug Kids Cards are made for kids, and our Happy Birthday Assorted Cards fit any age. See all birthday cards.
Birthday wishes by who you are writing to: Mom, Dad, your husband, your wife, your sister, your brother, your son, your daughter, a cousin, an aunt or uncle, a niece or nephew, in-laws, Grandma, Grandpa and a friend.
