What to write in a birthday card for a coworker

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Introduction
• Should I give them something funny?
• What sort of card should I get?
• How much money should I spend?
• Should I deliver the gift myself?
• Ok cool but what should I actually write?

Overview

It’s best to keep it simple, friendly and light-hearted. You don’t want to get into trouble but also don’t want to appear too boring or bland. The best way to do this is to write something that sounds like you, which is easy if you’re not trying too hard. So here’s the trick: just imagine you’re having a conversation with them and write whatever you’d say.

Introduction

If you’ve read my other guide about giving the perfect gift for a coworker, you’ll have learned that the same applies here; you need to balance being safe with not appearing like a boring lifeless drone.

As I mentioned above, the best way to do this is just to be yourself. This might sound obvious but it’s easy to overthink it and try too hard.

If you really are a boring lifeless drone then that’s fine, it’ll be easy! Just write something about hoping they have a nice day and express how grateful you are for their presence in the office or whatever generic nonsense people say. And of course, if they’re as bland as you then they’ll love it!

On the other hand, if you’re more like me (and I hope you are) then just imagine what you’d say to them if nobody else was listening. It’s unlikely that anyone will be offended or upset by anything written in a card so I think it’s worth taking the risk.

Should I give them something funny?

The simple answer is yes! Even if they don’t like it, at least someone will notice that you have some personality which will make your life easier when choosing gifts for others in future. You never know, there may be another person in the office who appreciates something fun and unusual; giving this kind of gift might make themselves known. If not though what’s the worst that can happen? As long as it isn’t offensive or inappropriate then nobody can complain really.

I think that most people would appreciate something fun even if they pretend not to. If nothing else it gives everyone something funny to talk about and brings a little bit of harmless excitement into an otherwise dreary office environment.

What sort of card should I get?

This depends on whether you're giving them just a card or some other gift too. If it's just a card then it's easy; just pick one from our collection that seems right (and more importantly one that you'd like). If you're getting them a gift too then maybe choose one of our cards that matches (or doesn't match) the gift. For example, let's say you've chosen one of our 'love' themed gifts (a candle or mug perhaps), it might make sense to pair it with one of our matching cards such as 'I want to touch your bum' or 'I like your face'. Or maybe give them something completely unrelated such as our 'congratulations on your new baby' card. Yeah ok that's silly but hopefully, you'll figure out what works for whatever you're buying.

How much money should I spend?

This depends on whether it's just from you or from everyone and also how well you know them. If it's just from you then I'd say don't spend more than £20 unless they're someone you've known for ages who has become more of a friend than just someone you work with. If it's from everyone then I guess it'll depend on how many people are contributing but I'd suggest aiming for around £50 unless there are loads of people involved.

The main thing is not spending so little that they'll feel unappreciated but also not spending so much that they'll feel uncomfortable or pressured into reciprocating when it's your birthday.

Should I deliver the gift myself?

I think so yes, although I suppose this depends on what sort of message you're trying to send. The good thing about delivering it yourself is that you'll be able to see their reaction which would be good if they're going to laugh or smile but maybe not so good if they're going to look confused and uncomfortable! Also regardless of how they're going to respond it'll be easier for everyone if you're there when they open it so you'll be able to diffuse any awkwardness by turning their attention back towards yourself rather than making them feel self-conscious.

The only reason I'd suggest leaving it on their desk is if they're likely to tell everyone who gave them such an awesome thing; otherwise what's the point? Also though if they've received lots of gifts from people they'll probably open all of them at once so yours won't get the attention it deserves.

Ok cool but what should I actually write?

This does depend on what sort of person they are but generally speaking you'll need some sort of witty comment about how old they are followed by some meaningless platitude about enjoying themselves and having fun etc etc... I'm sure you've seen plenty of examples before so I'm sure you'll think of something suitable; especially given how creative and witty you clearly are given your taste in gifts and cards :-)