The Best DIY Birthday Cards & Messages for Your Dad

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Wish your dad the best birthday with these unique ideas

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA Reviewed by Seth Hall

Last Updated: September 2, 2025 Fact Checked

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Funny Messages

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Punny Messages

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Thoughtful Messages

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Short & Sweet Messages

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Messages from Son

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Messages from Daughter

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DIY Birthday Cards

If it’s your dad’s birthday, it’s time to celebrate everything that makes him a wonderful father. If you’re looking for the best birthday card ideas for Dad, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve gathered funny, thoughtful, and sweet birthday card messages, plus some fun DIY birthday card ideas to make sure this is a birthday your dad will never forget!

Things You Should Know

Write your dad a funny birthday message by playfully teasing him or using his favorite dad joke.
Keep it short and sweet if your dad doesn’t like to make a big deal about his birthday.
Let him know how thankful you are for everything he’s done for you. Feel free to get specific!

Section 1 of 7:

Funny Birthday Messages for Dad

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Roast your dad with a teasing joke. If your dad has a good sense of humor, gently poke fun at his age or direct the attention to yourself instead of him. Here are some hilarious message examples:
- “Dad, when I grow up, I hope to be as funny as you think you are. Happy birthday!”
- “No one watches the TV with their eyes closed like you.”
- “You’re finally at the age where the fire marshal won’t let us put real candles on your cake! Happy birthday, Dad!”
- “Dad, real heroes don’t wear capes. They make bad jokes. Thanks for being a real hero. Love you!”
- “As you get older, 3 things happen: first, your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other 2. Happy birthday, Dad!”
- “Happy birthday, Dad! Just like your car, your age is classic and appreciates in value.”
- “Dad, you’re not getting older—your hair’s just taking a leave of absence. Happy birthday!”
- “I’m pretty sure I’m your favorite child, but since it’s your birthday, I won’t put you on the spot. Happy birthday, Dad!”
- “Dad, you deserve to be honored today. After all, you did help bring the most amazing person into the world: me. Happy birthday!”
- “Happy birthday, Dad! Don’t hurt yourself blowing out all those candles!”

Section 2 of 7:

Punny Birthday Messages for Dad

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Show your dad where you get your sense of humor with a pun. If your dad is constantly making you groan and roll your eyes at his cheesy jokes, give him a taste of his own medicine! Make a pun out of one of his favorite hobbies or food. Here are some examples:
- “After all of these ears, your jokes are still corny.”
- “You are o-fish-ally the best dad!”
- “Fore! the most tee-rific dad. Happy birthday!”
- “Dad, I donut know what I’d do without you.”
- “J’adore mon pear!”
- “Let’s taco bout the best dad ever!”
- “Happy birthday, Dad! Yoda best dad in the galaxy!”
- “Happy birthday, Dad! I hope this card quacks you up!”
- “When does a joke turn into a dad joke? When it becomes apparent. Thanks for being mine!”
- “Have a grate birthday. Hope it’s not too cheesy.”

Section 3 of 7:

Thoughtful Birthday Messages for Dad

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Show your dad how much you love and appreciate him. Your dad may love dad jokes, but don’t be afraid to express your genuine love and gratitude for everything he’s done for you. Here are some examples of thoughtful birthday messages:
- “Happy birthday, Dad! Thank you for everything you do for me. I’m so grateful to always have you in my corner.”
- “Dad, you’re my biggest supporter, and I don’t know where I’d be without you. Happy birthday.”
- “I hope today brings you as much joy as you bring to everyone lucky enough to know you. Happy birthday!”
- “Thank you for always making me feel safe and loved. I’m so blessed to have such a wonderful father. Happy birthday!”
- “You’ve always been my biggest hero. Thanks for all the lessons you’ve taught me over the years. I love you, Dad!”
- “Dad, I know I can always count on you to lift me up when I’m feeling down. Thanks for being you. Happy birthday!”
- “No one can make me laugh the way you do. Today, I hope to bring a smile to your face instead. Happy birthday, Dad!”
- “Happy birthday to the man who made me the person I am today. I love you!”
- “Dad, you’ve sacrificed so much for me. Thank you for being the best father I could ask for. I hope you have an incredible birthday!”
- “Thank you for being my first teacher. I’m still learning from the best! Happy birthday!”

Section 4 of 7:

Short and Sweet Birthday Messages for Dad

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Wish your dad a happy birthday without going over the top. Some fathers may not want to make a big deal about their birthday, so if yours isn’t the sentimental type, just write a short note and focus on spending time with him instead. Here are some short messages you could write:
- “Happy birthday, old man! You’re the best!”
- “Happy birthday, big guy! I love you!”
- “I’m so lucky to have a dad like you. Happy birthday!”
- “I love you today, tomorrow, and forever. Happy birthday, Dad!”
- “Wishing you the best birthday ever! Love you!”
- “Cheers to another trip around the sun!”
- “Happy birthday to the best dad in the world!”
- “Happy cake day, Dad! Enjoy!”
- “Time to make some wishes! Happy birthday, Dad.”
- “Happy birthday to the best father anyone could ask for!”

Section 5 of 7:

Birthday Messages from a Son

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Let your dad know how proud you are to be his son. If you cherish every father-son bonding moment between you and your dad, there’s no better time to tell him than on his birthday. Here are some examples:
- “Happy birthday to the man who has taught me everything I know. I hope I can even be half the man you are.”
- “Like father, like son is all I’ve ever hoped to be. Happy birthday, Dad!”
- “You are the man I aspire to be. Thanks for being the greatest role model a son could ask for.”
- “Happy birthday to the man I’ll someday be stealing all my dad jokes from!”
- “Happy birthday, Dad! I’ll always look up to you—no matter how much taller I get.”
- “Dad, you are charming, intelligent, and have a great sense of humor. I guess it’s true that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Happy birthday!”
- “Another year older but still looking sharp. I guess it’s pretty clear where I got my good looks! At least I know I’ll age well. Happy birthday!”
- “Dad, thanks for teaching me how to be a real man. Happy birthday!”
- “Dad, thanks for fighting all the monsters under my bed and giving me the courage to fight them, too. Happy birthday!”
- “Dad, you’ve put up with me at my worst and celebrated me at my best. I hope to be a dad like you someday. Happy birthday!”

Section 6 of 7:

Birthday Messages from a Daughter

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Tell your dad he’s the best father a girl could have. If you’re a daddy’s girl, let your Dad know you appreciate everything he does for you. Try one of these examples:
- “I guess your birthday wish came true because you have me as a daughter! Happy birthday, Dad!”
- “Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m one proud daughter to have a dad like you! Happy birthday!”
- “Few daughters are blessed to have a father as wonderful as you. I’ll always be your little girl. Happy birthday!”
- “Cheers to the man who’s always there when I need a shoulder to cry on. Sorry for the mascara stains!”
- “Wishing you a birthday as sweet as the bedtime stories you told me as a little girl. Love you!”
- “Dad, as we celebrate your birthday, know that you’ve raised your little girl into a strong woman. Thanks for everything you’ve done.”
- “Dad, your strength and courage are the reason I’m proud to call myself a daddy’s girl. Happy birthday!”
- “Thanks for always being there to hold my hand. You’re the best dad a girl could ask for.”
- “Dad, you’ve always treated me like a princess, but you’re the king of the castle. Happy birthday!”
- “Here’s to you, Dad! You’re always the first person I call when I get into trouble. I’d be lost without you.”

Section 7 of 7:

DIY Birthday Card Ideas for Dad

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1
Cut out a card in the shape of the word “dad.” On white cardstock, write the word “dad” in capitalized bubble letters, making sure each letter touches the next. Leave enough room at the top to fold the paper over the letters, then cut around them to create a folded card. Decorate the front of the card by drawing all of your dad’s favorite things!^{[1]
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- For example, if your dad likes football and fishing, draw a football and a fish! Try drawing a bunch of smaller designs to make the card really colorful.
- To cut out the middle of the letters, fold the paper in half and make a slit with your scissors. A child may need an adult’s help with this.
- When making any birthday card, get creative! While children may prefer using crayons and markers, adults may want to add a more sophisticated touch by painting with watercolor.
2
Make a baseball out of a paper plate. If your dad’s a baseball fan, this is a super easy DIY birthday card. Take a plain white paper plate and draw two curved red lines to represent the baseball stitching. Then, autograph it by writing something like “To my biggest fan” and signing your name. Now your dad can proudly say he has an autograph from his favorite person!^{[2]
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- You can also do this with a basketball by painting the plate orange and adding black lines!
3
Make a roll-up card out of craft sticks. Decorate 8 craft sticks with markers and line them up horizontally. Cut a piece of construction paper to cover the sticks, leaving the rounded tips showing, and write 5 of your favorite things about your dad. Apply a generous amount of glue to the back of the construction paper and glue it to the sticks. Roll up the card and tie it with a ribbon.^{[3]
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- When gluing the construction paper to the craft sticks, be careful not to move any of the sticks. Rub your hand over it to make sure it adheres well.
- Make a tag that says “To Dad” out of construction paper, punch a hole in it, and tie it to the ribbon.
- Be sure to use the bigger craft sticks instead of popsicle sticks.
4
Wrap a card in bubble wrap. If your dad’s the best “pop” around, show him with this punny DIY card. Either buy a pre-made card or decorate and make your own with cardstock. Wrap a piece of bubble wrap around the middle of the card and secure it with glue dots. Stick letter stickers that spell “pop” on top of the bubble wrap, then write your message!^{[4]
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- For example, the front of your card could say something like “to the best pop around.”
- If you really want to stick to the “pop” theme, give him a soda wrapped in bubble wrap and some popcorn!
- Bubble wrap isn’t the only embellishment you can add to a homemade card. Add stickers, buttons, washi tape, or even use rubber stamps to make your card even more personal and unique.
5
Embroider designs on a card. If you’re crafty and want to give your dad something handmade and personal, try embroidering a birthday card. Either choose a card that already has a printed design you like or lightly sketch your own onto cardstock. Then, embroider the pattern with embroidery floss by puncturing holes in the card with an embroidery needle.^{[5]
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- Try embroidering flowers or a birthday cake for a simpler design, or make the card truly unique by sketching and embroidering something personal, like a photo of you and your dad!
- This idea is better suited for adults or teens, as children could hurt themselves with the needle.
If you feel a bit too old to make your dad a birthday card with construction paper and markers, try adding gold leaf for a simple and elegant look. Write or draw your message or design with a glue stick, then press the gold leaf onto the glued area with a paintbrush. Gently brush away any excess gold leaf.^{[6]
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7
Make a DIY pop-up card. The easiest way to make a pop-up birthday card is to use a pre-made template, like this one. Cut and fold the template per the instructions and attach it to a piece of cardstock. Then, cut the design out of the cardstock, following the guidelines on your template, and attach it to the middle of your birthday card by gluing the bottom folded edge to the card. Glue the top of your design together so it forms a 3D image when you open the card.
- Depending on how detailed the design is, this is a perfect DIY for children and adults alike.
- Be sure to follow the instructions for your template exactly so your pop-up works correctly.