Birthday letters
Writing a birthday letter
Birthday cards come and go. A birthday letter tends to be kept. It is a chance to tell someone what their life means to you, and to pray a blessing over the year ahead, in words they can read again next year.
Here are verses that celebrate a life, a sample to start from, and ideas for making it personal.
Postage included. Sealed in red wax.
Verses for a birthday letter
All from the King James Bible, and all from the verses we print. When you write, we suggest verses that fit the occasion and the feeling you choose, and you pick the one that sounds right.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Joyful and short. A natural fit for the day itself.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
For telling someone they are a gift, especially a child or grandchild.
Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.
For looking back on a good year, or forward to the next.
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
The priestly blessing. A beautiful prayer for the year ahead.
A sample letter
Every line here is one our letters really use. It is only a starting point: you can change every line except the verse.
THE DOVE LETTER
Faith · Encouragement · A Brighter Tomorrow
My dear sister,
Happy birthday. I hope today is loud and full and exactly what you wanted.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Make a day of it.
So much love,
Emily
What to write
- Name one thing you admire about them, something you have never quite said out loud.
- Mention a memory from the past year, however small.
- Write a hope or a blessing for the year ahead.
- Order a few days early. USPS usually takes 2 to 5 days, and arriving before the day is part of the gift.
What to avoid
- Jokes about age, unless you are certain they will land.
- Lines so general they could be about anyone. One specific detail beats a paragraph of compliments.
- Waiting for the day itself, when the letter will arrive late.
How it works for a birthday letter
Choose “A birthday” and how you want them to feel, whether that is celebrated, loved or hopeful. A warm tone suits most birthdays, and gentle or direct are there too.
We post it the same or next business day, so order a few days ahead.
Posted the same or next business day. USPS typically delivers in 2 to 5 days, though this is not guaranteed.
Write your letter
Answer three questions and your letter appears as you go. Change any line, then we seal it and post it.
- Your letter
- A pastor's note
- A small step for today
- A surprise gift
Letters for other occasions
- Sympathy lettersWhat to say when someone is grieving, and verses that comfort.
- Letters of encouragementFor someone going through a hard season, and verses that strengthen.
- Get well lettersWhat to write to someone who is sick, and verses for healing and rest.
- Thank-you lettersHow to say thank you so it is felt, with verses on gratitude.