A birthday toast is the moment when everyone raises a glass and falls silent for a minute to hear you. A good toast does not need to be long: address the birthday person, mention something special about them and finish with a warm wish. Here are short birthday toasts, toasts in your own words, toasts for a woman and a man, funny toasts and toasts from parents — pick one or build your own with our simple formula. Wishes for other recipients, from Mum to a colleague, are collected in birthday wishes for family, friends and colleagues.
The best toasts last under a minute and end with a clear call to raise your glasses
Short birthday toasts
To the birthday star! May this year be the best one yet.
I raise my glass to someone who makes every day brighter. Happy birthday!
To health, joy and dreams that come true. To you!
May the years be many and the sad days none. To the birthday girl!
May luck always walk beside you and friends be closer than they seem. Cheers to you!
Toasts for a woman and a man
Dear friends, please raise your glasses to our birthday girl. She can turn any day into a celebration, find the right words when you need them and make you laugh when things are hard. May her life hold as much warmth as she gives us. To you, our beautiful friend!
I propose a toast to the birthday boy — someone we can always count on. You have helped each of us more than once, and today we wish you strength, good health and plans that come together without a struggle. To you, my friend!
To a woman who grows wiser and lovelier every year. May age bring only experience, never worries. Happy birthday!
Toasts from parents
Darling daughter, it feels like only yesterday we were teaching you to walk, and today you are grown up, strong and wonderful. We are so proud of you. To you, our joy!
Son, you have grown into a wonderful person. May your life hold everything you dream of — and we will always be here. To you!
Funny birthday toasts
They say people age like fine wine. So here’s to our birthday star: perfectly aged, with an excellent bouquet!
Here’s to more candles on the cake every year — and a smoke alarm that never goes off!
To the birthday star, who today has official permission for two slices of cake and zero guilt!
How to give a memorable toast
Keep it short: 30–60 seconds is plenty. Speak to the birthday person, not the guests. Mention one specific story or trait everyone will recognise. Skip jokes that could hurt and in-jokes only two people understand. End with a clear “To you!” and raise your glass first. Juice or water works just as well — it is the words that matter, not the drink.Toasts are only part of the evening; for the running order, food and entertainment ideas, see how to celebrate a birthday.
What to write on a card with flowers
Happy birthday! May this bouquet remind you how many people love you.
For the best moments of the year — flowers, sincere words and hugs.
May every day be as bright as this bouquet.
Happy birthday! Wishing you health, peace and joy in the little things.
Sign the card by hand: even two lines in your handwriting mean more than a long printed message.
Celebrating from afar
A video call at a good time — arrange it in advance so the birthday person can talk without rushing.
A voice message — a real voice feels warmer than text, especially for older relatives.
Flower delivery — a bouquet with a card delivered in the morning makes a lovely surprise.
A group video greeting — collect short wishes from mutual friends and edit them into one video.
Toasts in verse
Let’s raise our glasses, one and all, And say it simply, loud and clear: Good health and joy, both big and small, To you this day and all the year!
Here’s to you, so raise your cup, May fortune always lift you up, May every day bring something new And every wish of yours come true!
A gift to go with your toast
A toast lands even better with a gift right after it. A classic cake suits the party table, while the birthday girl will love a bright bouquet that lasts a week after the celebration — coral roses, for instance, look festive without needing a special reason.
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
Birthday
Hydrangeas