Forty is a big one. Some people sail into it with a party and a new haircut, others would rather nobody mentioned it at all. Either way, the card needs to land. Here are some ideas for what to write in a 40th birthday card, whatever kind of forty they're having.

Funny 40th birthday messages

• "Happy 40th! You're now officially at the age where your back goes out more than you do."
• "Forty is the new thirty. Unless you're talking about hangovers, in which case it's the new seventy."
• "Don't think of it as turning 40. Think of it as turning 18 with 22 years of experience."
• "Welcome to your forties, where 'going out' means the garden centre."

Heartfelt 40th birthday messages

• "Forty years of being brilliant. I'm so lucky to have you in my life."
• "Here's to the best decade yet. You deserve every good thing coming your way."
• "Happy 40th to someone who gets better every single year."

40th birthday messages for her

• "40 and fabulous, as if there was ever any doubt."
• "Happy 40th to my favourite person to grow old (and slightly disgraceful) with."
• "Tired, wise and fabulous. This is 40, and you're nailing it."

40th birthday messages for him

• "Happy 40th. Don't worry, the grey makes you look distinguished."
• "40 and fit as a fiddle. A slightly out of tune fiddle, but still."

For your partner

• "Happy 40th to the love of my life. I can't wait for the next 40 with you."
• "You've never looked better, and I've never loved you more. Happy birthday."

For a colleague

• "Happy 40th! Hope you've got the day off and a big piece of cake."
• "Forty years young. Have a brilliant birthday from all of us."

Tips for a 40th birthday card

• Read the room. If they're dreading it, go warm and gentle. If they're throwing a party, go big.
• Add a memory. Something from the last ten years together makes any message feel personal.
• Leave room for others. If it's a group card, keep your message short.

Browse our milestone birthday cards, including This Is 40 and plenty of cheekier options. Personalise the inside and we'll post it to you or straight to them.