Wish‑Birthday
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Birthday Wishes for a Sister

A sister has usually seen more of your life than almost anyone, which makes her birthday a good moment to say something you don't say often. These ten range from properly warm to lightly savage, because both are true of most sisters. The sincere ones are worth using at least once — she'll notice.

10 Birthday Wishes for a Sister

Drops into every wish below

  1. Happy birthday to the person who's been my first phone call for as long as I've had a phone.

  2. You've borrowed my clothes, my books and occasionally my personality, and I'd lend you all of it again. Happy birthday.

  3. Happy birthday. Growing up with you was the best kind of chaos.

  4. Some people get a sibling. I got a witness, a critic and a permanent ally. Happy birthday.

  5. Happy birthday to my sister — kinder than she admits and tougher than she looks.

  6. Another year of you being impossible to argue with and impossible to be annoyed at for long. Happy birthday.

  7. Happy birthday. You know the whole story and you're still on my side, which is everything.

  8. I hope this year gives you all the things you keep quietly hoping for. Happy birthday.

  9. Happy birthday to the only person allowed to tell me the truth about anything.

  10. Same sister, same nonsense, another year. Wouldn't change a thing.

Writing for an Older or Younger Sister

An older sister has probably done a fair amount of unacknowledged looking-after — say thank you for one specific thing rather than in general. A younger sister will appreciate being taken seriously more than being teased about her age; "look at what you've built" beats "you're finally grown up". If you're estranged or distant, a plain, short message with no commentary is the kindest option, and no obligation attached.

For a card rather than a text, the handwritten card wishes are longer and better suited to paper.

Related collections

Questions

What should I write for a sister-in-law?

Warm and slightly more formal — the friend collection adapts well.

Is it too much to be sentimental?

Rarely. One sincere line in an otherwise light message is usually the part she keeps.