Birthday Speech Samples

[Facing Rhonda*]

Sweet 16. I can hardly believe it. Today is your 16th birthday celebration. I find that incredible. I find you incredible. Don't worry, I won't get all gushy about how great you are. I'll only talk about how beautiful you are.

Don’t cringe and roll your eyes just yet. I promise not to embarrass you with the kind of things that go on greeting cards and "Hang in there" kitty posters.

But turning 16 is something else. You're no longer a child. This I know well. I have watched you grow up — literally. Now, today, filled with hopes and dreams, you stand on the verge of becoming a woman. A beautiful woman. And it warms my heart to see you, my beautiful daughter, blossom before my eyes. You amaze me.

Rhonda, today will likely go down as one of the best days of your life. 

I hope that, one day years from now, you will look back and remember this special birthday as a bright and happy moment in your life, with your family and friends there to share wholeheartedly in your joy.

[Motioning to the family and friends in the room]

Your entire family and friends are the most precious gifts you have in life, something you'll clearly see a little bit later, when you open your 16th birthday presents. Kidding aside, we are your biggest fans and only wish you the best life has to offer. Nothing less, because today is the start of a fun, exciting and rewarding journey for you.

[Turning back to Rhonda]

It’s an honor for me to be a major part your life. You are an extraordinary 16-year-old girl. You have a wonderful quality of independence that I value and respect. The power to achieve is in every nerdy fiber of you, whether you're spending hours at the "Math Club" or obsessing over every aspect of any school project.

You are a unique individual with unique tastes, so it gives me great pleasure to know that you love everything Hollywood, because I also think you have great taste — lots of it, in fact — especially when it comes to fine cuisine or traveling around the world with a bunch of middle-aged women like me, your Mom, and all my friends.

And you are wonderfully tenacious when you want something, like whenever you try to persuade me to give you a credit card or get you a dog, which you finally did…after years and years of trying.

Seriously, though, your friends and your family — me, your sister, your brother and, if he was here today, your Dad — are so proud of you, because we see so much potential in you and we know that you can do anything you really want, because unlike so many other kids your age, you know what you want to do in life. You really want to sink your teeth into a whole world of possibilities, and that makes us happy because we know you will never leave anyone down in the mouth, just a trail of infectious smiles.

Rhonda, although you know 100% what path you will ultimately choose in life, we hold you in our hearts for not what you will do but for the way you will do it. 

We know you will be yourself. You will be brave. You will be honest. You will be kind. You will never give up. You are — and will be — an inspiration to all of us.

[Facing the birthday party guests again]

I’m sure everyone here shares my sense of joy in watching her wonderful soul and kind spirit we all love watching her spread your wings, take flight and reach for the sky. We've all seen what her heart and beautiful soul can do.

[Turning back to Rhonda]

You are a gift to all the lives you've touched. You fill my heart with happiness. I'm so grateful I've been blessed to know a wonderful person like you. If you were a jewel, you would be the most radiant and precious the world over.

Always be that shiny and loving person you are now! Remember that you always have me, your family and your friends to support you.

[Facing the birthday party guests again — and raising your glass towards your Rhonda, so others will follow you]

Now, ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses and join me in a toast to this remarkable, young woman. 

[Facing Rhonda again]

We've gathered here to tell you,
Just how much you mean to us,
That's why we're toasting you today,
And why we're making such a fuss.
Today we wish you all the best,
You deserve it more than most,
Here's to a very beautiful soul,
Our love and this happy birthday toast.

Rhonda, may your 16th birthday be as unforgettable as you've made all our lives with your kindness and joy (in other words, as unforgettable as you).

Now let's all drink up and enjoy the rest of the night!

* Not her real name.

[Looking at your audience]

Welcome, everybody. Before I say a few words about my beautiful wife, I would like to thank you for helping us celebrate her 40th birthday. We are so grateful that you took some time out of your busy week to join us here. Tonight wouldn't be nearly as amazing without you!

[Looking at Joyce and around the room]

Joyce*, it is hard to find the right words to express how much Joyce has added to my life all these years…but that won't stop me from going on and on about her.

It's incredible to think that we met at a bar for singles in 1995, got engaged in 1996, were married in 1997 and became first-time parents in 2004. How time flies…but not for my beautiful wife.

[Looking only at your wife]

Joyce, wishing you a "Happy 40th Birthday" just doesn't seem right. Happy 20th birthday for the second time is more like it. It's not only because you still have the face of an angel, the body of a goddess and the spunk of a teenager. It's also because you’re a beautiful, strong, sexy, funny, upbeat person with so much love in your heart and a zest for life that's simply contagious.

For me, your 40th birthday is a chance to say proudly that I am so fortunate and grateful to have you as my wife and best friend. I think it's fair to say that for me, our children Stuart* and Donna*, our families and our friends, you’ve always brought so much joy, positivity and fulfillment to all our lives.
 
Your smile, your patience, your optimism, your creativity and, most of all, your free spirit have always been an example of what it means to be the best kind of daughter, wife, friend and, most importantly, a wonderful mother, what with the hours upon hours of after-school ballet, gymnastics, baseball and soccer under your belt. You have definitely set the "how to be a super woman" bar very, very high.

I know I speak for everyone here when I say we have all learned so much from you over the past years. Along with the immense love, joy and adventure you've brought into our lives, you've taught us all, by example, the real value of love, family, friendship, kindness and honesty. You've shown us how to appreciate what we have and never take it for granted. You have always been, and always will be, an inspiration to all of us here, especially me.

[Raising your glass toward Joyce, so others will follow you]

Now, ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses and do me the honor of joining me in a toast to Joyce.

[Turning back to Joyce]

Joyce, may your 40th birthday be as unforgettable as our first kiss, our wedding day or the birth of our children (in other words, as unforgettable as you). And may you celebrate many, many more birthdays — [mock whispering under her breath] under the radar, of course.

Darling, I love you even more today than when we first met. Again, happy 40th birthday, my love!

Now let's all drink up and enjoy the rest of the night!

* Not his or her real name.

Here's to someone who has reached the pinnacle of true wisdom and the very prime of life! Cheers to every lesson you take from your past and all the adventures you have yet to take. Let's raise our glasses to your 50 years of beautiful memories and many more to come. Happy 50th birthday!

[Looking at your mother]

Mom, wishing you a "happy 50th birthday" doesn't seem right. Happy 25th birthday for the second time is more like it. It's not only because you still have the legs and face of an airline stewardess. It's also because you're a whirlwind of pure love, passion, enthusiasm, warmth and humor that's, well, simply contagious. I see you in the laughter and kindness of our precious family and your many friends. And I see you in me—the best part of me. 

For me, today is a chance to say proudly that I feel so fortunate and honored to have you not only as my mother but also as my inspiration. Along with your tremendous love and support, you've brought, by example, immense joy and purpose into my life. 

I'm so glad that you've always had my back, even when you told me to keep my back (and the rest of my body) at school, not at home. I know I have caused you—and still cause you—a little bit of stress. It's not on purpose. It's actually payback for all the times you've embarrassed me in front of my friends. Seriously, though, I will try my best to be a better me, Daughter 2.0, a version of me that's modeled on the best of you. You are so special to me, to our family and all your BFFs. 

Many, many, many thanks for all you do. You truly live by the motto of giving everything and expecting nothing in return. I don't think I know a more thoughtful and generous person. For everyone who knows and loves you, you are our resourceful, loving matriarch and health nut, devoted to family and friends, over whom you fuss, spoil and most definitely feed—hungry or not—whenever we come to visit you.

[Holding the hand of your mother or still looking at her]

Happy 50th birthday, Mom! May you celebrate many, many more birthdays—under the radar, of course. I love you, Mom! After 22 years of living under your roof, I can honestly say two things: (1) You are an amazing mother and (2) I plan to live another 22 years under your roof. Live with it.

[Turning to your guests]

On behalf of my Mom and myself, I want to thank all of you for coming here to celebrate her 25th-for-the-second-time birthday. Tonight wouldn't be nearly as special without you. Now let's all raise our glasses to our birthday girl, drink up and enjoy the rest of the party! 

[Looking at your audience]

Welcome, everybody. Before I say a few words about my wonderful brother, Peter*, I would like to thank you for helping us celebrate his 50th birthday. We really appreciate that you took the time to be here. Tonight wouldn't be nearly as amazing without you!

[Looking at Peter and around the room]

It is hard to find the right words to express how much Peter has added to my life, all our lives, in fact, for so many years…but that won't stop me from going on and on about him.

Today, Peter celebrates his 50th birthday. Instead of embarking on the proverbial mid-life crisis in which so many of us find ourselves, he is a force of a man. The sparkle in his eyes and the divine love in his heart have not been dulled by the 18,250 days he has lived on this earth. I hope that never changes because it’s just one of the many things I admire about him.

For me, Peter, your 50th birthday is a chance to say proudly that I am so grateful and honored to have you as my brother and as a friend. I think it's fair to say that for me, Mom, our sisters, your wife, your son, your grandson, the whole family and your friends, you’ve always brought so much joy to all our lives.

The Lord brought you into this world 50 years ago — on a Sunday — spiritually, a day of rest, a day of worship, a day of great joy, a day of solidarity, a gift from God. An important day, to say the least.

Peter's day of birth is worth mentioning since, for him, giving his heart to God has meant a new life, a new purpose, a new sense of self. It has meant washing his earthly worries away, day after day, and trusting in God to guide him. Peter has chosen to trust in God's plan and will. He now knows that no matter what happens, good or bad, God is watching over him and bringing him to where he's supposed to be…at home, around the corner or on the road.

A good man in so many ways, Peter has shown his love for God by observing God's commandments and applying God's principles. And this has not been in vain. By living in harmony with God's guidance, Peter has shown our heavenly Father that he truly appreciates all that he has done for him. And I can definitely say that we here have been the main beneficiaries of Peter's love and kindness.

[Looking at Peter]

Yes, Peter, today not only marks a major milestone for you, but also for us. I know I speak for everyone here when I say it's such a joy to celebrate you and your life, and wish you the best of health and happiness. And what a celebration it is. I'm sure you must be quite moved by the presence of so many loved ones, a clear sign that you are cherished by many.

Indeed, we are here to celebrate your smile, your patience, your optimism, your caring and, most of all, your steadfastness, which has always been an example of what it means to be the best kind of son, father, grandfather, brother and friend. You have definitely set the "how to be a God-loving man" bar very, very high.

Everybody here has learned so much from you over the years. Along with the immense love, joy and kindness you've brought into our lives, you've taught us all, by example, the real value of love, family, friendship, caring, honesty and the Lord's ever-present care and power in their lives. You've shown us how to appreciate what we have and never take it for granted. You have always been, and always will be, an inspiration to all of us here.

For you, today must be bittersweet. Sweet because you can look back on your 50 years of life with satisfaction and pride, knowing that everyone here, including me, consider you a treasure, a best friend and a man who loves God — and bitter because many of your loved ones are not here to share it with you. But I know you find comfort from knowing they are all in the Lord's loving arms.

For me, well, today is a chance to say thank you on behalf of our family and friends. Thank you for serving as a shining example of God's goodness and grace. Of course, these amazing qualities of yours are timeless and ageless — they radiate from your very essence. They come from your heart and cast a beautiful light around you and us. We have all been lucky to be near enough to step into that light. 

[Facing the audience]

It would be difficult for me to list the many, many ways Peter has graced our lives, so I won't even try. We would be here for hours upon hours, if I did. Suffice to say, we feel so fortunate and honored to have you as family, a friend and, most importantly, our inspiration. Along with your contagious love of life, people and all living things, you've inspired us, by example, to look for every opportunity to bring God's love, immense joy and purpose to our lives.

More than anything else, we here feel blessed to have you in our lives. You are an amazing soul who never hesitates for even a second to be compassionate and kind. You are so special to everyone in this room. Again, happy 50th birthday, Peter!

[Turning to your guests]

Now, everyone, please raise your glasses in a toast to Peter.

[Turning back to Peter]

Peter, may you celebrate many more birthdays in great health and spirits as you embark upon your retirement years. May you also continue to find solace in God's word, love and His plan for you.

[Turning back to your guests]

Now, everyone, drink up and enjoy the rest of the party!

*Not his real name

A toast to six decades of your loving, caring and inspiring ways. To the stories you shared, the memories you made, and the adventures that still lie ahead for you. You're not getting older, just becoming a genuine classic. Happy 60th birthday to the most inspiring person I know!

[Looking at your sister-in-law]

Susan*...dear, dear, Susan. From the moment I met you, I knew you were a keeper. You still are. You light up every room you enter with your loving, caring, happy, silly, funny, life-of-the-party ways. My brother, Gary*, is lucky to have you. I'm lucky to have you. In fact, our whole family is lucky to have you. I honestly don't know what we'd do without you. 

When I tell people about my incredible sister-in-law, Susan, I always say, "I have the best sister-in-law in the world. She's my best friend." And this always gets the same response: disbelief. They look at me as if I'm trying to sell them dragon eggs or something and say, "Those are words that will never, ever come out of my mouth." I guess we live in a scary, post-Solange Knowles world. But I will say it right here and now: I have the best sister-in-law in the world. 

It gives me and everyone in this room, I'm sure, immense pleasure to be here tonight and celebrate you on your 60th birthday. Happy 60th birthday, Susan. I love you. 

[Turning to the guests]

Now let's all raise our glasses to the sweetest and youngest 60 year old we know! 

[Turning back to your sister-in-law]

Susan, may you celebrate many more birthdays in great health and even greater spirits. 

[Turning back to the guests]

Everyone, drink up and enjoy the rest of the party!

* Not their real names.

To a true gem who has redefined and elevated what 80 years of life should look like! Your spirit shines brighter with each passing year. Let's toast to your wonderful journey, your invaluable wisdom, and the memories you have yet to create. Here's to your incredible 80 years and many more!

Welcome, everybody. Thank you for being here and sharing David's 80th birthday celebration. I must say that I feel 50 years younger as I gaze around the room! OK, maybe 10 years younger.

[Facing David*]

So here we are together to celebrate you and your 80 well-lived, well-loved years—golden years full of energy, achievement, commitment, joie de vivre, adventure, fulfillment in marriage and family life and happiness. And you've seen sadness and tough times too, finding the inner strength to rise above them.

David, we hold you in our hearts for not what you've done for us but for the way you have done it. Being yourself. Being gutsy. Being honest. Being kind. Working hard. Never giving up. Your wisdom, your experience, your insight, your authenticity—are inspiring.

Today, we offer you our gratitude and our loving best wishes. Personally, I feel very privileged to have a friend like you in my life for so long. You've been an amazing role model, supporter, adviser, confidant and, when there's a game of Rummy Cube afoot, a worthy opponent. I can only hope that the rest of my journey on Earth is as full of love, joy, happiness and travel as yours.

David, all your family and friends here tonight pay tribute to the wonderful, generous and loving person you are.

[Facing the birthday party guests]

Before we toast this incredible man, I would like to leave you with a poem by Helen Steiner Rice that I adapted to capture what makes David so special as a friend.

[Turning back to David]

David, your friendship is a golden chain, 

The links are shared moments so dear, 

And like a rare and precious jewel, 

I treasure you more each year. 

Your friendship is clasped together firmly, 

With a love that's deep and true, 

And it's rich with happy memories, 

and fond recollections, too. 

Time can't destroy its beauty, 

For, as long as memory lives, 

Years can't erase the pleasure, 

That the joy of your friendship gives. 

For your friendship is a priceless gift 

That can't be bought or sold, 

But to have a friend like you, 

Is worth far more than gold.

And the golden chain of friendship, 

Is a strong and blessed tie, 

Binding kindred hearts together, 

As the years go passing by. 

[Facing the birthday party guests]

Now, ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses and join me in a toast to this remarkable man [raising your glass towards your David, so others will follow you].

[Facing David]

David, may your 80th birthday be as unforgettable as your first kiss, your wedding day or the birth of your children and grandchildren (in other words, as unforgettable as you).

* Not his real name.

To a century of your utmost grace, strength and kindness. You've witnessed a lifetime of history, yet your spirit remains timeless. As we raise our glasses, we celebrate your remarkable journey, honor your wisdom, and anticipate more chapters in your extraordinary story. Happy 100th birthday!

[Facing the audience] 

I would like to thank everyone for coming here today to celebrate our mother's special birthday.

To say I'm delighted to toast my mother on her 100th birthday is an understatement. I feel very fortunate to have this honor — but I'm not very surprised. Long ago, I realized that my mother had discovered the secret to living longer. She hasn't shared all of it with me yet but has hinted that it has something to do with her Atlantic City junkets, weekly doses of the local Senior Center and Eggplant Parmesan. 

[Looking at your mother]

Mom, living to 100 is a blessing but I don't have to tell you. You bring new meaning to the "word" blessing. 

For everyone who knows and loves you, you are our resourceful, loving matriarch and master chef, devoted to family and friends, over whom you fuss, spoil and most definitely feed — hungry or not — whenever we come to visit you. 

For your four children who grew up in your warm and loving home, you are more than a mother — you're an inspiration. You're as sharp and feisty as ever with a true passion for cooking, sewing, gardening and everything life has to offer — plus you're an independent woman who has lived happily ever after in the same house for 65 years. If we're only half as sharp, feisty and passionate as you at 100, we will still be sharper, feistier and more passionate than anyone I know.

For your 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren who can see beyond your white hair, you are not only a repository of memories, from every family and holiday occasion or party — you are someone as alive and vibrant as they are.

Yes, living to 100 is a blessing and we are thrilled, to say the least, to celebrate the blessing we have in you. What a privilege to have you here today, what a treat to love you and what a joy to be loved by you. 

Happy 100th birthday, Mom. Here's to you and the truly special legacy you leave us every day.