Birthday Wishes for Grandchildren: Granddaughter and Grandson

Birthday wishes for grandchildren are some of the easiest and most enjoyable words a grandparent gets to write. A card from Grandma or Grandpa is often one of the few a child gets in the mail, and many grandchildren keep them for years.

Below are simple steps for writing the card, followed by happy birthday messages for a granddaughter and a grandson at every age, wishes from Grandma and from Grandpa, first birthday wishes, lines to go with money, notes for grandparents who live far away, and religious wishes with Bible verses and a short birthday prayer.

Article contents

• How to Write a Birthday Message for a Grandchild
• Short Birthday Wishes for Grandchildren
• Happy Birthday Granddaughter Wishes
• Happy Birthday Grandson Messages
• Birthday Messages From Grandma
• Birthday Messages From Grandpa
• First Birthday Wishes for a Grandchild
• Birthday Messages for a Card With Money
• Birthday Wishes From Long-Distance Grandparents
• Religious Birthday Wishes and Prayers for a Grandchild
• Frequently Asked Questions

How to Write a Birthday Message for a Grandchild

A grandparent's birthday card does not need to be long. These steps work for a grandchild of any age.

1. Start with "Happy birthday" and their name. Use the name or nickname you always call them, such as "Happy birthday, Lily" or "Happy birthday, buddy."
2. Say one thing you love about them. Mention something specific, such as their big laugh, how hard they worked at school this year or the way they help their younger cousins.
3. Add a memory or a plan. A line about baking cookies together last summer, or a promise of a trip to the park on your next visit, gives the card some warmth.
4. Match the length to their age. Keep it to a sentence or two for little ones. Teens and adults can enjoy a longer note.
5. Sign with the name they call you. "Love, Nana," "Hugs, Grandma and Grandpa" or "All our love, Mimi and Pop" makes it clear who the card is from.

Example: "Happy birthday, Max! We loved watching you play soccer this fall, and Grandpa is still talking about that goal. Come over soon and we will make pancakes. Love, Grandma and Grandpa"

Short Birthday Wishes for Grandchildren

These short wishes fit in a small card, on a gift tag or in a text message.

• Happy birthday to one of my favorite people in the whole world.
• Happy birthday, sweetheart. Grandma loves you very much.
• Happy birthday, buddy. Love, Grandpa.
• Hope your birthday is full of fun, friends 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.
• You make us smile every single day. Happy birthday.
• Big birthday hugs from Grandma and Grandpa.

Happy Birthday Granddaughter Wishes

These birthday wishes for a granddaughter work at any age. You will find messages for a little girl, a teenager and a grown granddaughter below.

• 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.
• To our granddaughter: be kind, be curious and always be yourself. Happy birthday.

Birthday Wishes for a Little Granddaughter

Keep these short so a parent can read them aloud.

• Happy birthday, sweet pea! Look how big you are getting.
• Happy birthday to our little sunshine. We love you so much.
• Happy birthday, princess. Grandma has a big hug waiting for you.
• Happy 5th birthday! Come visit soon so we can bake your favorite cookies.
• Happy birthday to the best little helper in Grandma's garden.

Birthday Wishes for a Teenage Granddaughter

• Happy 13th birthday! You are growing into such a wonderful young woman.
• Happy Sweet 16, sweetheart. We are so proud of the person you are.
• Happy birthday! We love hearing about your life, so 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, and so are we.

Birthday Wishes for an Adult Granddaughter

• Happy birthday to our granddaughter. We are so proud of the woman you have become.
• Happy 21st birthday! It feels like yesterday you were learning to walk.
• Happy birthday. You will always be our little girl, even now.
• Happy birthday! We love the life you are building.
• Thank you for still making time for your grandparents. It means more than you know. Happy birthday.

Happy Birthday Grandson Messages

Use these happy birthday messages for a grandson of any age, or pick from the age groups below.

• Happy birthday to our grandson. We love you more than words can say.
• Happy birthday to a grandson who makes us laugh every time we see him.
• Happy birthday to my grandson. You make me proud every single day.
• To our grandson: work hard, be kind and have fun. Happy birthday.
• Happy birthday, champ. We are always cheering for you.

Birthday Wishes for a Little Grandson

• Happy birthday, little man! Look how big you are getting.
• Happy birthday to the best hugger in the family.
• Happy 4th birthday, buddy. Grandpa is ready to play trucks and dinosaurs.
• Happy birthday! Let's get ice cream when you visit.
• Happy birthday to our little adventurer. We love playing with you.

Birthday Wishes for a Teenage Grandson

• Happy 13th birthday! Welcome to the teen years. We are so proud of you.
• Happy 15th birthday! We love watching you grow up.
• Happy 16th birthday! Drive carefully and call your grandma.
• Happy birthday! We love hearing about your games, your friends and everything you are up to.
• Happy 18th birthday! We are so proud of the young man you are becoming.

Birthday Wishes for an Adult Grandson

• Happy birthday to our grandson. We are so proud of the man you have become.
• Happy 21st birthday! It seems like only yesterday you were riding your bike in our driveway.
• Happy birthday. You will always be our little buddy, no matter how tall you get.
• Happy birthday! Thank you for still making time for your grandparents.
• Happy birthday to a grandson who works hard and treats people well. We could not be prouder.

Birthday Messages From Grandma

These birthday wishes from Grandma work for a granddaughter or a grandson. Swap in Nana, Mimi or whatever name your grandchildren use.

• Happy birthday, sweetheart. Grandma loves you more than all the stars in the sky.
• Happy birthday from Grandma. My kitchen is always open for you.
• Being your grandma is my favorite job in the whole world. Happy birthday.
• Happy birthday to my granddaughter. I am so lucky to be your grandma.
• Happy birthday to my grandson. You will always be my special boy.
• Happy birthday! Grandma is saving a slice of cake and a big hug for your next visit.
• I still remember holding you for the very first time. Happy birthday, my sweet grandchild.
• Happy birthday. Grandma is proud of you today and every day.

Birthday Messages From Grandpa

Grandpa's card can be a little playful. These birthday messages from Grandpa work for a grandson or a granddaughter.

• Happy birthday, kiddo. Grandpa is proud of you.
• Happy birthday! Grandpa is ready for our next fishing trip.
• Happy birthday to my granddaughter. You will always be Grandpa's girl.
• Happy birthday to my grandson. You remind me of myself at your age, only smarter.
• Happy birthday! Have a great day, and do not tell your parents how much cake Grandpa let you eat.
• Happy birthday. No matter how old you get, Grandpa will always be in your corner.
• Happy birthday to my favorite fishing buddy, building partner and checkers rival.

First Birthday Wishes for a Grandchild

A first birthday card is usually read aloud by a parent and saved for later, so you can write it to the baby, to the parents or to both. For more ideas, see our first birthday wishes.

• Happy 1st birthday, little one. You have made our whole family so happy.
• Happy first birthday to our sweet granddaughter. We love you more every day.
• Happy first birthday to our grandson. What a wonderful year it has been watching you grow.
• One year ago we became your grandparents, and it has been a wonderful year. Happy birthday.
• Happy 1st birthday! Enjoy your very first taste of birthday cake.
• To our grandchild on your first birthday: we cannot wait to watch you grow. Love, Grandma and Grandpa.
• To the proud parents: thank you for sharing this sweet baby with us. Happy first birthday to our grandchild.

Birthday Messages for a Card With Money

Many grandparents tuck money or a gift card into a birthday card. A short line makes the gift feel more personal. If you are not sure how much to give, see our guide to how much money to put in a card.

• Happy birthday! Buy yourself something fun.
• Happy birthday! Here is a little something for your savings.
• Happy birthday! For books, games or pizza, your choice.
• Happy birthday! Treat yourself to something you really want, and tell us what you picked.
• Happy birthday! Grandma and Grandpa want you to spend this on something that makes you smile.
• Happy birthday! Put this toward your college fund or a really good pair of sneakers.
• Happy birthday! This is for your first car, or at least the gas.

Birthday Wishes From Long-Distance Grandparents

When you cannot be there for the party, a card in the mail still lets your grandchild know you are thinking of them.

• Happy birthday from Grandma and Grandpa. We wish we could be there to celebrate with you.
• 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.
• Happy birthday, sweetheart. We are counting the days until our next visit.
• We may be miles apart, but we are still your biggest fans. Happy birthday.
• Happy birthday. We love the photos your parents send, and we cannot wait to see you in person.

Religious Birthday Wishes and Prayers for a Grandchild

These faith-based wishes suit grandparents who share their faith with their grandchildren. For more, see our religious birthday greetings.

Religious Birthday Wishes for a Grandchild

• Happy birthday. We thank God for you every day.
• May God bless you and keep you safe this year. Happy birthday.
• We pray for you every night, and today we are praying for an extra special birthday.
• Jesus loves you, and so do we. Happy birthday.
• Happy birthday to our granddaughter. God gave us a wonderful gift when he gave us you.
• Happy birthday to our grandson. May God guide your steps this year and always.
• May your birthday be full of God's blessings and your new year full of his peace.

Bible Verses for a Grandchild's Birthday Card

These verses are from the New International Version (NIV). Write one under your birthday wish.

• "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)
• "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." (Proverbs 17:6)
• "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him." (Psalm 127:3)
• "The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad." (Psalm 118:24)
• "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

A Birthday Prayer for a Grandchild

• Dear Lord, thank you for our grandchild on this birthday. Please keep them safe, fill their heart with joy and guide them in everything they do this year. Amen.
• Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of our granddaughter. Bless her with good health, true friends and a love for you that grows every year. Amen.
• Lord, watch over our grandson as he starts a new year. Give him courage when things are hard, kindness toward others and a heart that trusts you. Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do grandparents write in a grandchild's birthday card?

Most grandparents write a happy birthday wish, one thing they love about the grandchild, a memory or a plan to see them, and the name the child calls them. Keep it to a line or two for young children. Teens and adult grandchildren often enjoy a longer note about how proud you are.

What should I write in a grandchild's birthday card with money?

A short line about how they might use the gift works well, such as "Buy yourself something fun" or "Here is a little something for your savings." For an older grandchild, you can mention a goal they are saving for, like a car or college.

What can I write for a grandchild who is too young to read?

Keep the message short so a parent can read it aloud. Many grandparents also add a line meant for later, such as a wish for the years ahead, so the card still means something when the child is older.

How should grandparents sign a birthday card?

Sign with the names your grandchild calls you, such as "Love, Grandma," "Hugs and kisses, Nana and Pop" or "All our love, Grandma and Grandpa." A nickname helps when a child has more than one grandma or grandpa.

For more birthday ideas, see our first birthday wishes, birthday wishes for a niece or nephew, birthday wishes for a son and birthday wishes for Grandma.

Our Happy Birthday Assorted Cards come in a mix of illustrated birthday designs and are blank inside, so there is plenty of room for your message. For young grandchildren, our Space Odyssey Kids Cards are a fun choice. You can see every set in our 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.