120 Funny & Sentimental 50th Birthday Messages

A 50th birthday is called a golden birthday for a reason—it’s a huge milestone! If you know someone turning 50, celebrate everything they’ve accomplished and wish them the best for the years to come with a thoughtful birthday wish. In this article, we’ve gathered all the best funny and sentimental birthday messages to help you celebrate the special person in your life, including parents, friends, partners, and more. Plus, learn how to write a great birthday card and celebrate a 50th birthday.

Happy 50th Birthday Wishes

"Happy golden birthday! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and wonderful memories.”
“Don’t think of it as 50. Think of it as 21 with 29 years of experience!”
“Wishing you a happy and restful 50th birthday. You deserve it!”

Section 1 of 14:

Best Happy 50th Birthday Messages

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Celebrate a milestone birthday with these thoughtful words. Turning 50 is an important milestone in many people’s lives. Whether you know the person well or not, offer them well wishes for the year ahead. If you’re not sure what to say, a short and sweet message can do the trick. Here are some examples:
- “Happy 50th birthday! Wishing you a wonderful day and an amazing year.”
- “Happy birthday! May the next half-century of your life be as wonderful as the first half.”
- “Here’s hoping that your 50th is just the beginning of more amazing things to come. Happy birthday!”
- “Hope your 50th year is your favorite year so far!”
- “50 cheers to 50 years! Happy golden birthday!”
- “Happy birthday! May you wish on every candle and may all 50 of them come true.”
- “Happy 50th birthday! I hope your special day is filled with all your favorite things.”
- “Congrats on turning 50! You made it to the half-century mark in style!”
- “Wishing you a fantastic 50th birthday. Enjoy your special day!”
- “I hope you have a wonderful birthday filled with 50 years’ worth of happiness.”

Section 2 of 14:

Funny 50th Birthday Wishes

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Playfully tease the birthday person to make them laugh. If you have a playful relationship with the person you’re celebrating, making a lighthearted joke about their age can be a great way to brighten their day. This is especially true if it’s someone you’re particularly close with, like a friend, sibling, parent, or partner. Here are some examples:^{[1]
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- “Are you an AARP member yet? Happy 50th birthday!”
- “Happy 50th birthday! I couldn’t decide if you needed a walker or a cane, so I just got you this [gift/card] instead.”
- “Who cares about getting older? Plastic surgery can fix those wrinkles and lumps. Happy birthday!”
- “You’ve now got half a century of learned knowledge and wisdom! That would be great… if you could remember any of it. Happy 50th birthday!”
- “If you were a dog, you would be around 213 years old today. So, don’t feel so bad about your age. At least you’re aging like a human, right? Happy 50th!”
- “Happy 50th! Your 40s are behind you now, which means that you’ve probably got your midlife crisis out of your system! You can relax now.”
- “If you can still blow up all your birthday balloons without passing out, then you earn the right to still feel ‘young’ at 50. Happy birthday!”
- “Every birthday of yours is a reminder for me that I’m not the oldest person here! Happy 50th birthday!”
- “Happy 50th birthday! You almost have as much gray hair as I do!”
- “Don’t think of it as 50. Think of it as 21 with 29 years of experience. Happy birthday!”

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Complimentary 50th Birthday Wishes

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Compliment someone on their special day. It’s important to make people feel loved and appreciated on their birthday, so think of all the qualities you admire about the birthday person. Compliment their personality and congratulate them on 50 years of life. Here are some examples:
- “You’ve created a wonderful life and a beautiful family. Congrats on 50 amazing years!”
- “You have so much to be proud of at 50. Congrats and enjoy!”
- “If you’re the new face of 50, it’s going to be a beautiful year! Happy birthday!”
- “Happy 50th birthday to one of the greatest creations of this century!”
- “The world is so much more beautiful to have had you in it for 50 years. Happy birthday!”
- “Happy birthday to someone who has been fabulous at every age but is even more fabulous at 50.”
- “The day you were born, the world became a brighter place. Happy 50th!”
- “Happy 50th birthday to the one who always lifts my spirits. Cheers to many more years of laughter and good times together!”
- “Happy 50th! May your birthday be as unforgettable as you are every day!”
- “Welcome to the fabulous 50s! You've achieved half a century of greatness! Wishing you a birthday that's as special as you are!”

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Heartfelt 50th Birthday Wishes

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Offer some kind words of encouragement. When writing a birthday card or message, try to speak from the heart. Let the person know how much you care about them, especially if they’re someone you’re particularly close to. Wish them happiness on their special day and for many years to come. Here are some examples:^{[2]
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- “I can’t believe you are 50 years young. You have a beautiful soul and I wish you all the beautiful things in the world. Happy birthday.”
- “50 years old is such an incredible feat. Take this day to reflect on all the beautiful moments in your life. Happy birthday!”
- “You have blessed so many lives over the past 50 years. We’re all so lucky to know you. Happy birthday.”
- “Happy birthday! I hope you make as many unforgettable memories in your next half-century as you did in the first.”
- “Happy golden birthday! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and the happiest of memories.”
- “Happy birthday! The best way to celebrate is to stop thinking about your age and start doing the things that memories are made of.”
- “Another chapter of your life starts today. Make this year the best one yet. Happy birthday!”
- “Happy 50th birthday! What an achievement! May this year bring you endless opportunities and unforgettable moments!”
- “Happy 50th birthday! You have touched so many lives; may yours be filled with endless happiness, joy, and laughter.”
- “Wishing you a 50th birthday filled with love, laughter, and all the things that make you happy. Thank you for being the incredible person that you are.”

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50th Birthday Wishes for a Parent

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Thank your mom or dad for everything they’ve done. A parent’s birthday can serve as a great reminder of all they’ve sacrificed and done for their family over the years. Let your parent know exactly what you admire about them, and tell them how much you love them. Here are some examples:^{[3]
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- “Happy 50th birthday, Mom/Dad. I hope to be as healthy and well adjusted as you are when I’m your age.”
- “Happy birthday, Mom/Dad! Thank you for being in our lives and making this world a better place for 50 years.”
- “Happy 50th, Mom/Dad. Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration in my life.”
- “Even though I’m an adult, I need your wisdom more than I ever have. Happy 50th birthday, Mom/Dad!”
- “I can’t believe you’re 50 years old and still kicking around like you’re 18. I thank God that you’re in my life. Happy birthday!”
- “As you celebrate your special day, I want you to know how much of a blessing you have been to all of us. Happy 50th birthday, Mom/Dad.”
- “I will never stop loving you, Mom/Dad. You are the truest, most honest friend I’ve ever had. Happy 50th birthday!”
- “You’re the best parent in the whole world. Happy 50th birthday!”
- “Happy 50th, Mom/Dad! Wishing you a day filled with love, cake, joy, and all the other wonderful things you deserve.”
- “Not a day goes by that I don't remember how thankful I am for having you as a parent. Happy 50th birthday!”

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50th Birthday Wishes for a Partner

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Let your partner know how much you love them. Birthdays are important celebrations in romantic relationships, especially when someone reaches a big milestone. Consider why you’re grateful for your partner and let them know how excited you are to be by their side on such an important day. Here are some examples:^{[4]
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- “For your birthday, I wanted to give you something that was absolutely wonderful, but then I remembered you already have me. Happy 50th, my love!”
- “Happy 25th anniversary of your 25th birthday! I love you!”
- “Let’s celebrate the next half-century together. Happy birthday, my love!”
- “These have been the most incredible years, haven’t they? Here’s to many more!”
- “Some people age like fine wine, but even if you turn to vinegar, I’ll still love you. Happy birthday!”
- “Wishing you a 50th birthday as perfect for you as you are for me. I love you!”
- “Happy birthday, sweetheart. Celebrating you is the best part of the year.”
- “I love you every day, but today is extra special—it's your birthday! I hope you have an incredible day!”
- “Happy 50th birthday! My love grows deeper for you each year.”
- “On your birthday, remember that your age may have changed over the years, but one thing hasn't—my love for you.”
EXPERT TIP

Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
Marriage & Family Therapist
Moshe Ratson is the Executive Director of spiral2grow Marriage & Family Therapy, a coaching and therapy clinic in New York City. Moshe is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He received his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iona College. Moshe is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).

Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
Marriage & Family Therapist

The sky’s the limit when it comes to celebrating a partner’s birthday. See what the other person values and try to provide it for them. It’s a moment of celebration of your relationship. Just spending time together can validate that you care for and love them.

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50th Birthday Wishes for a Friend

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Celebrate many years of friendship with a close friend. If your friend is turning 50, it’s time to reminisce on all the cherished memories you share together. Congratulate your friend on making it to such an important milestone, and feel free to poke fun at their age, too. Here are some examples:^{[5]
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- “Another birthday spent together...you know we're going to be friends 'til we're old and senile, right? And then we'll be new friends!”
- “You don’t look a day over 20. From a distance. With my eyes squinted. Happy birthday, my friend!”
- “Sending birthday wishes to my best travel buddy… We sure do like to take trips around the sun together.”
- “Happy 50th, bud! You might be prehistoric, but at least you're not extinct!”
- “Celebrating 50 years might take a while. So, let’s get started!”
- “Happy 50th birthday! I actually thought about taking you to the strip club this year, but you suffering a heart attack would ruin all of our days!”
- “Happy birthday! I hope you enjoy your 50th birthday just as much as you enjoyed your 21st!”
- “You’re the youngest 50-year-old I know! Happy birthday!”
- “50 is only a number when you’re forever young. And you, my friend, have such a youthful spirit. Happy birthday!”
- “Happy 50th birthday! I'm so grateful for your friendship and all the fun we've shared over the years. Here's to many, many more!”

Section 8 of 14:

50th Birthday Wishes for a Family Member

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Send well wishes to a beloved family member. Whether it’s your sibling, grandma or grandpa, an aunt or uncle, or any other relative, a 50th birthday is a great opportunity to celebrate having them in your life. If you’re close, don’t pass up the opportunity to tease them about their age, either. Here are some examples:^{[6]
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- “Sending you lots of love as you turn another year older and hit the big 5-0!”
- “Turning 50 is a special occasion, and I’m so glad we get to celebrate alongside you. Happy birthday!”
- “The upside of turning 50 is you’ll soon be eligible for all those senior discounts. Here’s to reaching this milestone!”
- “Happy 50th! You’re an oldie but a goodie!”
- “Remember how excited you were when you turned 5? You should be 10 times as excited to turn 50! Happy birthday!”
- “You're not getting older; you're timeless. Happy 50th birthday!”
- “You don't choose your family, but if you did, I'd always choose you. Happy 50th birthday!”
- “Remember when you called me old on my birthday? Now, you're catching up. Happy birthday!”
- “Happy 50th! Remember, you’re not old—you’re vintage.”
- “Here's to a golden 50th! May the next 50 years be filled with fun-filled memories and joy!”

Section 9 of 14:

50th Birthday Wishes for a Coworker

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Wish your coworker a happy birthday. If you don’t know your coworker well, it’s probably best to stick with a general “happy birthday” message and thank them for being a part of the team. If you’re close, feel free to make the message more personal. Here are some examples:^{[7]
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- “Wishing you a happy 50th birthday! Take today to enjoy the finer things in life.”
- “I hope you have a fabulous 50th birthday. Enjoy your time off.”
- “Wishing you a happy and restful 50th birthday. You deserve it!”
- “It’s been an honor to spend so many amazing years working alongside you. Have the best birthday ever!”
- “Happy 50th birthday! The office wouldn’t be the same without you.”
- “Happy 50th birthday to my favorite coworker. Save me some cake!”
- “Happy birthday! Thanks for making our team incredible!”
- “Today's agenda includes eating cake and making memories. Happy birthday!”
- “Happy birthday! I hope your day is full of error-free spreadsheets and full coffee pots.”
- “You make work a lot less like work. Thanks for all you do. Happy birthday!”

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Quotes for a 50th Birthday

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Include a famous quote if you don’t know what to say. Sometimes, it can be hard to find the right words to craft a perfect birthday message. If you need a little bit of help or want to add something extra to your message, consider including a quote from a celebrity or historical figure. Here are some examples:^{[8]
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- “You know you’ve aged when you read events you lived in a history book.” – Will Ferrell
- “The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” – Madeleine L’Engle
- “Let us never know what old age is. Let us know the happiness time brings, not count the years.” – Ausonius
- “Looking fifty is great—if you’re sixty.” – Joan Rivers
- “Just remember, once you’re over the hill you begin to pick up speed.” – Charles Schulz
- “You don’t get older, you get better.” – Shirley Bassey
- “You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” – Bob Hope
- “Eventually you reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.” – Will Rogers
- “It takes a long time to grow young.” – Pablo Picasso
- “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” – Lucille Ball

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50th Birthday Wishes for Her

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Celebrate a special lady in your life. Whether it’s your mother, wife, sister, or any other incredible woman in your life, make her feel special on her birthday. Age is just a number, so remind her of how youthful she truly is and let her know how much you care about her. Here are some examples:
- “The secret to staying young is make-up—make up an age, then stick with it. Happy birthday!”
- “Don't think of them as gray hairs. Think of them as strands of birthday glitter growing out of your head.”
- “Happy birthday to someone who is comparable to fine wine and cheese. You just get better with age, lady!”
- “Happy birthday to this superb woman! May your 50th birthday bring you all the happiness you deserve.”
- “You don’t look a day over fabulous! Happy 50th birthday!”
- “They’re not wrinkles—they’re smile lines! Wishing you a very happy 50th birthday.”
- “Happy birthday to an amazing woman! You bring so much love to our lives!”
- “Today, we celebrate the wonderful woman you are. Happiest of birthdays! Enjoy your special day!”
- “Sending you lots of love on your special day! Happy birthday to a very special lady!”
- “Wishing you a fantastic 50th birthday! I hope this next year is filled with happiness, adventures, and lots of wonderful memories!”

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50th Birthday Wishes for Him

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Share a smile with an important man in your life. Celebrate your father, brother, husband, or any other man in your life by wishing him happiness and success for the year to come. If he’s a jokester, feel free to tease him about getting older, as well. Here are some examples:
- “Birthdays are just like golf—if you don’t keep count it's a lot more fun. Happy birthday!”
- “Whatever you do, don't let aging get you down. It's way too hard to get back up again! Happy 50th!”
- “Happy 50th birthday! You know you've hit middle age when your back is hairier than your head.”
- “It’s your birthday! You're now a year closer to being that old guy who yells at kids to get off his lawn.”
- “If anyone calls you old this birthday, don't worry about it. Just hit him with your cane and throw your dentures at him.”
- “On this day 50 years ago, the world was blessed with the birth of an amazing man. Happy birthday!”
- “Buy the sports car, get the tattoo, take a trip, learn something new. Let the midlife crisis begin!”
- “Here's to another year of joy, success, and all the things you love most! Happiest of birthdays to a wonderful guy!”
- “Happy birthday to the man who has it all! May your birthday bring you all the happiness you deserve!”
- “Cheers to the man who knows how to live life to the fullest! I hope this next year brings even more amazing moments!”

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How to Write a 50th Birthday Card

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When deciding what to write in your card, think about the recipient’s personality. Would they prefer something heartfelt and touching or something more humorous? Consider the relationship you have with them and how you usually interact.^{[9]
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A 50th birthday is a huge milestone that deserves to be celebrated. Hype the recipient up by telling them how exciting it is that they’re turning 50. Getting older can be upsetting for some people, so expressing your excitement can often be a great way to make them feel better.
Think about all of the qualities you like and admire about the birthday person, and let them know just how much they mean to you. Feel free to share one of your favorite memories with them, as well.

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How to Celebrate a Loved One’s 50th Birthday

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Do something the other person would enjoy. Whether you’re celebrating the birthday of a partner, parent, friend, or relative, take their personality and interests into consideration when deciding on a celebration. If they like going out, take them to their favorite restaurant or plan a day trip to their favorite place. If they prefer staying home, consider a movie or game night with your loved ones. There is no wrong way to celebrate a 50th birthday as long as you’re both having fun.
- Marriage and family therapist Moshe Ratson says, “it's all about making them feel appreciated, unique, [and] different. [Show them] that you really thought about them. So, the effort, the ideas, the intention, the energy, and the uniqueness of that are always ideas as a guideline to [celebrate a] birthday.”^{[10]
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  Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
  Marriage & Family Therapist
  
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