135+ Happy Birthday Riddles (+ Answers) for Kids, Teens, & Adults

Want to add a little extra fun to your next birthday? Try sharing birthday riddles! This article offers you the ultimate list of more than 135 birthday-themed riddles for kids, teens, and adults. We’ve included short, funny, easy, and tricky birthday riddles to give you the perfect mix. We’ve even listed riddles to use for your birthday scavenger hunt!

Section 1 of 11:

Best Birthday Riddles

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1
I’m sweet and tasty, frosted with care, round or square, and I’m meant to share. What am I?
- Hint: A traditional birthday treat.
- Answer: A cake.
2
I come once a year, but I’m not a season. I bring joy and cheer, for a very good reason. Kids await my arrival with cake and a song. What am I?
- Hint: Personal New Year.
- Answer: A birthday.
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3
Wrapped in paper, sometimes neat, holding surprises, oh so sweet. I can be large, or rather small, open me up at your birthday ball. What am I?
- Hint: The best part of your birthday.
- Answer: A birthday gift.
4
What did one birthday candle say to the other?
- Hint: What a candle does that also means “angry”
- Answer: “Don’t birthdays just burn you up?”
5
What did the birthday balloon say to the pin?
- Hint: What a pin does to a balloon.
- Answer: “Hi, Buster!”
6
A man dies of old age on his 25th birthday. How is this possible?
- Hint: Consider a special day that only occurs every four years.
- Answer: He was born on February 29th, a leap year. He only had a birthday every 4 years.
7
What do sheep say on their birthdays?
- Hint: A type of sheep that sounds like you.
- Answer: “Happy birthday to ewe!”
8
What did the lightbulb say at the birthday party?
- Hint: Pun on a measurement of power for lightbulbs.
- Answer: “Watts the occasion?”
9
How does a grape toast your birthday?
- Hint: Something made out of a grape.
- Answer: By raisin a glass.
10
What kind of cake do chickens like on their birthdays?
- Hint: Where a chicken lives.
- Answer: Coop cakes.
11
Why couldn't the pony sing “Happy Birthday”?
- Hint: A pun on a literal name for a pony.
- Answer: He was a little hoarse.
12
Why do mushrooms get invited to all the birthday parties?
- Hint: Sounds like the type of thing a mushroom is.
- Answer: They're such fungis!

Section 2 of 11:

Funny Birthday Riddles

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1
What did the birthday hat say to the scarf?
- Hint: Where does each item go?
- Answer: “You hang around while I go on ahead.”
2
Why do people put candles on top of a birthday cake?
- Hint: The answer is very literal.
- Answer: You can’t put them on the bottom.
3
What did the pirate say at his 80th birthday party?
- Hint: Pirate words that sound like something else.
- Answer: Aye-matey!
4
What did the birthday card say to the stamp?
- Hint: Think about what happens when you mail a birthday card.
- Answer: “Stick with me, and we'll go far.”
5
What did the cake say to the birthday boy?
- Hint: It’s a little aggressive.
- Answer: “You want a piece of me?”
6
Why was the calendar so excited for its birthday in July?
- Hint: Something a calendar has a lot of in warm weather.
- Answer: It had a hot date.
7
Why did the bicycle fall over at the end of its birthday party?
- Hint: Another meaning for the rubber parts.
- Answer: It was two tired.
8
Why won’t the shrimp share his birthday cake?
- Hint: What a shrimp is… literally.
- Answer: He’s a little shellfish.
9
What did the teddy bear say when it was offered birthday cake?
- Hint: How a teddy bear gets its shape.
- Answer: “No thanks, I’m stuffed.”
10
What kind of birthday cake do ghosts prefer?
- Hint: What would you do if you saw a ghost?
- Answer: I-Scream cake.
11
What do you say to a kangaroo on its birthday?
- Hint: Could also work for a rabbit.
- Answer: Hoppy birthday!
12
What does a clam do on its birthday?
- Hint: Something to do with a clam’s armor.
- Answer: It shellebrates.
13
Why was the math textbook sad on his birthday?
- Hint: Something you have to solve.
- Answer: Because it had too many problems.
14
What's the best birthday present you can give someone?
- Hint: It’s a gift that doesn’t actually work.
- Answer: A broken drum, because you just can't beat it.
15
Why don't skeletons have birthday parties?
- Hint: If it’s just a skeleton, it doesn’t have this thing.
- Answer: Because they have nobody to celebrate with.
16
Why doesn't Taylor Swift stress on her birthday about turning another year older?
- Hint: It has to do with one of her song titles.
- Answer: Because she can just “Shake it Off.”
17
How can you tell if a birthday cake is sad?
- Hint: A pun on levels of cake.
- Answer: See if it's in tiers.

Section 3 of 11:

Short Birthday Riddles

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1
What goes up and never comes down?^{[1]
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- Hint: Something to do with numbers and your birthday.
- Answer: Your age.
2
What kind of music do birthday balloons hate?
- Hint: The worst thing that can happen to a balloon.
- Answer: Pop music.
3
I'm tall when I'm young, and I'm short when I'm old. What am I?
- Hint: I provide light and am often used in birthday celebrations.
- Answer: A candle.
4
Why was the birthday cake as hard as a rock?
- Hint: A type of cake that’s also a type of rock.
- Answer: It was a marble cake.
5
What does a cat like to eat on its birthday?
- Hint: Cat food that sounds like “ice.”
- Answer: Mice cream and cake.
6
What did the spoon say to the fork when they got to the birthday party?
- Hint: How do you use a fork at a birthday party?
- Answer: “You take the cake.”
7
How do you organize a birthday party in space?
- Hint: A pun on something that’s in space.
- Answer: You planet.
8
What did the corn cob say when his friend wished him a happy birthday?
- Hint: Something you might do to a fresh ear of corn.
- Answer: “Aw, shucks!”
9
What did the ocean say to the birthday girl?
- Hint: The main thing an ocean does.
- Answer: Nothing, it just waved.
10
Where can you find the best birthday present ideas for cats?
- Hint: A word that contains “cat” and potential gifts.
- Answer: In catalogs.
11
Why was the pig hard at work on his birthday?
- Hint: A part of a pig that also sounds like an activity.
- Answer: He was bacon himself a birthday cake.
12
What do you say to a bee on its birthday?
- Hint: It’s a bee pun.
- Answer: “Hap-bee birthday!”
13
Why did the scarecrow win an award on his birthday?
- Hint: Think about what a scarecrow does and where they do it.
- Answer: Because he was outstanding in his field.
14
What did the big flower say when the little flower showed up to his birthday party?
- Hint: What is a new flower called?
- Answer: “Hey, bud!”
15
What did the sincere dog say on his skeptical crush’s birthday?
- Hint: A pun on something you say to convince someone you’re telling the truth.
- Answer: “I love you, fur real.”
16
What did the koala bear say to his wife on her birthday?
- Hint: Pun using “koala.”
- Answer: “Let's spend some koala-ty time together.”
17
How do you say happy birthday to a fish?
- Hint: A pun on a part of the fish.
- Answer: “Hope you have a fintastic birthday!”

Section 4 of 11:

Easy Birthday Riddles

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1
How do you say happy birthday to a frog?
- Hint: It’s just an amphibian pun.
- Answer: “Hope your birthday is toadally awesome!”
2
What kind of birthday cake do they serve in heaven?
- Hint: A type of cake named after a resident of heaven.
- Answer: Angel food cake.
3
Why are birthday balloons so calm?
- Hint: Assume they’re helium balloons.
- Answer: They know how to rise above the chaos.
4
What did the snake give to her boyfriend on his birthday?
- Hint: A pun on a sweet gesture and a sound a snake makes.
- Answer: A birthday hiss.
5
What do birthday cake and baseball have in common?
- Hint: One word that has 2 different meanings.
- Answer: They both need batters.
6
How do trees wish each other a happy birthday?
- Hint: Put “tree” into another word that means “good.”
- Answer: “Hope your birthday is treemendous!”
7
What do sea monsters eat on their birthday?
- Hint: This one is so obvious it’s tricky.
- Answer: Fish and ships!
8
How did the rabbits get to the birthday party?
- Hint: A pun on the name of a similar animal.
- Answer: By hareplane.
9
Why did the chicken throw a birthday party?
- Hint: An egg pun.
- Answer: It was eggcited about turning another year older.

Section 5 of 11:

Hard Birthday Riddles

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1
Sometimes I am loved, usually by the young. Other times I am dreaded, mostly by the old. I am hard to remember, also hard to forget. And yet, if you do, you’ll make someone upset. Even if you don’t want it to happen, embrace me. What am I?
- Hint: Something you like less and less as you get older.
- Answer: A birthday.
2
A girl was ten on her last birthday and will be twelve on her next birthday. How is this possible?
- Hint: There’s only one time in her life when this is possible.
- Answer: Today is her 11th birthday.
3
Billy was born on December 28th, yet his birthday is always in the summer. How is this possible?
- Hint: December isn’t in winter everywhere.
- Answer: Billy lives in the Southern Hemisphere.
4
How can twins be born in different years?
- Hint: One minute can make a big difference.
- Answer: One was born on December 31st at 11:59 pm, and the other was born on January 1st at 12:00 am.
5
Triplets were born in August, but their birthday is in December. How is that possible?
- Hint: August can be a name for something else.
- Answer: They were born in a town named August, California.
6
I get shorter the more I’m used, but I’m not a pencil. I’m made of wax, but I’m not a crayon. I can help you see in the dark, but I’m not a flashlight. I’m often found on a birthday cake, but I’m not icing. What am I?
- Hint: The first and the last parts of the riddle are the most important.
- Answer: Birthday candles.
7
Can you think of a way to cut a cake into eight equal pieces with only three cuts?
- Hint: Think in 3 dimensions.
- Answer: Use two cuts to divide the cake into four equal pieces (quarters). For the third cut, cut the cake in half horizontally. Some pieces may not have any icing, but their size will be equal.
8
Today, I celebrated my 32nd birthday, but I was born in 1971. How is this possible?
- Hint: A numbered place where people can be born.
- Answer: I was born in hospital room 1971.
9
I get blown up, but I’m not a bomb. I sometimes have a string attached, but I’m not a kite. I sometimes float, but I’m not a swimmer. I’m seen at birthday parties, but I’m not a candle. What am I?
- Hint: Something that gets blown up at a birthday party.
- Answer: A balloon.
10
Why did the day-old birthday cake start crying?
- Hint: A pun on little bits of cake.
- Answer: It felt crumby about getting old.
11
Why did the guest bring a ladder to the birthday party?
- Hint: Has to do with a cliche about going up.
- Answer: They heard it was on another level.
12
Two girls were born to the same mother, on the same day, at the same time, in the same month, and in the same year. However, they’re not twins. How is this possible?
- Hint: Think about the number of babies born at the same time.
- Answer: The girls are two out of three triplets.

Section 6 of 11:

Birthday Riddles for Kids

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1
It’s something you feel from people who care, wrapped up with hugs in a warm, tender stare. What do you receive from your family on your special day?
- Hint: It’s a gift you can’t touch.
- Answer: Love.
2
I’m colorful and round, floating high, catching eyes as I drift by. Grab me gently, don’t let me burst—What am I?^{[2]
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- Hint: A lighter-than-air decoration.
- Answer: A balloon.
3
I perch on your head, pointy and neat, worn by the star of the party’s beat. Snap a pic, strike a pose—What am I?
- Hint: A festive headpiece.
- Answer: A birthday hat.
4
I’m golden and tiered, a sugary sight, crafted with love for your big night. Cut me with care, don’t let me fall— What am I?
- Hint: The star of the birthday party table.
- Answer: A birthday cake.
5
I’m numbered and glowing, a yearly tally, counting your trips around the valley. Blow me out, sing with cheer—What am I?
- Hint: Represents your age in flames.
- Answer: Birthday candles.
6
I’m wrapped with flair, a secret inside. Unbox me slow, let joy abide. A milestone marker, tied with glee—What am I?
- Hint: A tangible birthday surprise.
- Answer: A birthday present.
7
I glide through sweetness, precise and sleek, dividing portions for all to seek. Without me, chaos would ensue—What am I?
- Hint: Ensures fair cake shares.
- Answer: A cake knife.
8
What did one watermelon say to the other on its birthday?
- Hint: It’s a saying to say someone is great with a word that sounds a little like “melon.”
- Answer: “You're one in a melon!”
9
What did one pickle say to the other on its birthday?
- Hint: It’s a pun on a type of pickle.
- Answer: “You mean a great dill to me.”
10
I’m used for decorations, and I sparkle and shine. I make the party space look just fine. What am I?
- Hint: Long birthday decorations.
- Answer: Streamers
11
What's the most important part of a cat's birthday party?
- Hint: A pun on a sound cats make.
- Answer: The mew-sic!

Section 7 of 11:

Birthday Riddles for Teens

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1
I glow on your screen, a selfie’s delight. Perfect for pics when the party’s just right. Add me to posts, watch likes take flight—What am I?
- Hint: A digital party perk.
- Answer: Birthday selfie filters.
2
I’m small but mighty, sent with a tap, unlocking treasures in just one snap. No paper or bows, just digital flair—What am I?
- Hint: A modern birthday greeting.
- Answer: A birthday e-card.
3
I’m loud and proud, popping online, sharing your day with a digital shine. Scroll through feeds, I’m easy to spot—What am I?
- Hint: It announces your big day virtually.
- Answer: A birthday notification!
4
I’m sweet and creamy, piled so high, a treat that makes cakes multiply. Top me with sprinkles or chocolate curls—What am I?^{[3]
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- Hint: The finishing touch on desserts.
- Answer: Frosting.
5
I’m bright and bold, lighting the scene, guiding the wish you hold serene. Blow me out, dream something grand—What am I?
- Hint: Sits atop the cake for wishes.
- Answer: Birthday candles.
6
Why did the drum-playing turkey hate his birthday gift?
- Hint: Another name for turkey legs.
- Answer: He already had a pair of drumsticks.
7
What did the worker at the rubber band factory say when he missed his friend's birthday?
- Hint: Outdated slang that can mean “Oh, darn.”
- Answer: “Oh, snap!”
8
What does every birthday party need that never runs out?
- Hint: A happy action.
- Answer: Laughter.
9
What is the most likely thing to happen when someone blows out their birthday candles?
- Hint: It goes hand-in-hand with birthday candles.
- Answer: A wish.
10
I’m viral and swift, with pings galore, spreading cheer like never before. Likes and comments fuel my flame—What am I?
- Hint: A digital birthday shoutout.
- Answer: A birthday social media post.
11
I’m beats and vibes, a curated stream, memories woven in every theme. Songs that echo years gone by—What am I?
- Hint: A musical birthday journey.
- Answer: A birthday playlist.
12
I’m staged with flair, lights just right, framing every birthday sight. A backdrop for pics, a memory trap—What am I?
- Hint: Elevates your party photos.
- Answer: A photo backdrop.
13
I’m flat and crisp, a gift untold, flexible freedom, better than gold. Tucked in a card with a knowing grin—What am I?
- Hint: A versatile birthday perk.
- Answer: Birthday money.
14
I’m a shared quest, a digital thrill. Friends unite to test their skill. A challenge that bonds across the miles—What am I?
- Hint: A group birthday adventure.
- Answer: A group challenge.

Section 8 of 11:

Birthday Riddles for Adults

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1
Why did the man feel warm on his birthday?
- Hint: The reason you would raise a glass.
- Answer: Because people kept toasting him.
2
Why are birthdays good for your health?
- Hint: The more the better.
- Answer: Studies show that people who have more birthdays live longer.
3
Why did they skip putting candles on the octogenarian’s birthday cake?
- Hint: Something that comes with more candles.
- Answer: It was a fire hazard.
4
Why do we say “age is just a number”?
- Hint: Something to do with memory.
- Answer: Because at our age, we can't remember the actual number!
5
What did one bottle of wine say to the other on its birthday?
- Hint: Think about what happens to wine that gets older.
- Answer: “If you’re anything like me, you’ll just get better with age.”
6
Why do wine lovers make the best birthday party guests?
- Hint: Has to do with a toast.
- Answer: They're always ready to “cheers” you up!
7
Why do grandparents love birthdays so much?
- Hint: Practice makes perfect.
- Answer: They have the most experience with them.
8
Why did the man only celebrate his birthday for 30 seconds?
- Hint: Think about the number in the riddle.
- Answer: It was his 32nd birthday.
9
I’m aged in hush, a liquid art. Complexity grows within my heart. Uncorked, I share a fizz so fine—What am I?
- Hint: Matures while it sleeps.
- Answer: A rare vintage champagne.
10
I’m moments fused, a silent scroll. Each image plays a vital role. A woven tale of life’s grand spree—What am I?
- Hint: A visual life story.
- Answer: An interactive digital life timeline.
11
I break the mold, no box I need. Adventure blooms from every seed. Memories rise, traditions bend—What am I?
- Hint: Beyond material gifts.
- Answer: A surprise destination birthday trip.
12
I’m calm reborn, a birthday space where stress dissolves in gentle grace. Healing flows through every part—What am I?
- Hint: A place for total rejuvenation on your personal New Year.
- Answer: A luxury birthday spa retreat.
13
I’m written in stars, yet I guide your fate, twelve names that through the year rotate. Some call me mystical; others call me wise—What am I?
- Hint: Twelve unique symbols, each tied to a month that are written in the stars.
- Answer: The zodiac.

Section 9 of 11:

Birthday Riddles for Parents

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1
I’m penned with love, sealed with grace, a heartfelt note for your special place. Open me up, read my cheer—What am I?
- Hint: A personal birthday touch.
- Answer: A birthday card.
2
I perch on your head, pointy and neat, worn by the star of the party’s beat. Snap a pic, strike a pose—What am I?
- Hint: A festive headpiece.
- Answer: A birthday hat.
3
I’m loud and bold, a bursting cheer, spreading joy when you draw near. Pop me open, confetti flies—What am I?^{[4]
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- Hint: Makes a bang at celebrations.
- Answer: A party popper.
4
I’m tiny and bright, dancing with glee, one for each year, sparkling free. Wishes take flight as I fade away—What am I, lighting the day?
- Hint: Flickers on something sweet.
- Answer: Birthday candles.
5
I float and bob, no strings to bind, bright and bold, a playful find. Bounce at parties, make kids cheer—What am I?
- Hint: Lighter than air, loved by all.
- Answer: A birthday balloon.
6
I’m aged to perfection, sealed with finesse, a vintage match for birthday success. Uncork me slow, let stories pour—What am I?
- Hint: Improves with age, like you.
- Answer: Vintage wine.
7
I’m moments stitched, a visual tale, years of joy that never pale. Each snapshot a chapter, pure and bright—What am I?
- Hint: It tells your story silently.
- Answer: A photo collage.
8
I’m not in a box, but joy I bring, an adventure bold, a thrilling fling. Memories over stuff, that’s my game—What am I?
- Hint: A gift that goes beyond objects.
- Answer: An experience birthday gift.
9
I’m peace and calm, a soothing treat, relaxation where stress retreats. Massages and care melt woes away—What am I?
- Hint: Focuses on rejuvenation.
- Answer: A birthday spa package.
10
I’m virtual yet lasting, a captured gleam, preserving moments like a dream. Tech seals me tight, to unfold with cheer—What am I?
- Hint: A modern memory vault.
- Answer: A digital time capsule.

Section 10 of 11:

Birthday Riddles for Friends

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1
I’m pixels and heart, a woven scene. Likes and shares make me supreme. A virtual cheer across the wire—What am I?
- Hint: Builds social media popularity.
- Answer: A birthday hashtag campaign.
2
I’m rhythm and soul, a crafted flow, memories in beats that grow and grow. Each note a year, a story sung—What am I?^{[5]
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- Hint: A sonic birthday tale.
- Answer: An original birthday song.
3
I bend the real, a vivid frame, turning snapshots into fame. Where tech and memory intertwine—What am I?
- Hint: Transforms photos almost like magic.
- Answer: Birthday photo filter.
4
I carve through joy, precise and neat, ensuring shares for all to eat. What am I?
- Hint: Divides the sweetness fairly.
- Answer: A cake knife.
5
I’m wrapped in paper, tied with care, hiding treasures meant just for you there. Unwrap me slowly; don’t tear too fast—What am I?
- Hint: It’s a surprise waiting inside a colorful wrap, opened with excitement.
- Answer: A birthday present.
6
I’m a mystery until opened wide, revealing secrets meant to surprise. Sometimes I hold toys, sometimes delight—What am I?
- Hint: The fun is inside, hidden until the top comes off.
- Answer: A gift box.
7
I’m what remains after gifts are gone, piled high, colorful, and torn. Though messy at first, I clean up fine—What am I?
- Hint: Once the fun is over, these colorful leftovers are scattered everywhere.
- Answer: Wrapping paper scraps.
8
I count days but never age, marking time on every page. Flip through me to find your day—What am I?
- Hint: It helps you track the passing of time and reminds you of special dates.
- Answer: A calendar.
9
I’m golden and shiny, sitting high above, reflecting wishes sent with love. Blow me out, and dreams ignite—What am I?
- Hint: A warm glow that disappears with a breath, marking another year.
- Answer: Birthday candles.
10
I’m a code scanned instantly, no fuss, unlocking treasures sent to us. No wrapping needed, no bow to tie—What am I?
- Hint: No need for cash—just scan or click to unlock a birthday surprise.
- Answer: A birthday e-gift card.

Section 11 of 11:

Birthday Scavenger Hunt Riddles

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1
I’m lighter than air, yet heavy with cheer. Dancing on strings, I hover near. Bright and bold, I lift the day—What am I?
- Hint: Floats above the celebration.
- Answer: A helium birthday balloon.
2
I’m paper folded, a secret’s lair, crisp and patterned, beyond compare. More than a wrap, I build the thrill—What am I?
- Hint: Conceals gifts with flair.
- Answer: Birthday wrapping paper.
3
I stand with pride, numbers I bear, flickering briefly, then gone in the air. Wishes I hold, then fade from sight—What am I?
- Hint: Tops the cake with an age.
- Answer: Number-shaped birthday candles.
4
I burst with glee, showering flair. Chaos and color fill the air. A pop of joy, a fleeting blast—What am I?
- Hint: Explodes with party fun.
- Answer: Confetti-filled party popper.
5
I’m small and packed, treasures I hold, trinkets galore, a tale untold. Portable joy from end to start—What am I?
- Hint: A takeaway treat bag.
- Answer: Birthday party goodie bag.
6
I’m a quest that links us, far or near, friendship and fun in every cheer. A digital stage where bonds ignite—What am I?
- Hint: A virtual party challenge.
- Answer: An online birthday scavenger hunt.
7
I wear layers but never shiver, adorned with flair, I deliver. What am I?
- Hint: A sweetly tiered star of the birthday party.
- Answer: A birthday cake.
8
I glow atop, short-lived but grand, granting wishes with a breath’s command. What am I?
- Hint: Flickers on the cake.
- Answer: Birthday candles.
9
I glow atop cakes, numbered with pride. Matching your age as years go by. Blow me out. Wish something true—What am I?
- Hint: They light up the cake before the song.
- Answer: Birthday candles.
10
I’m wrapped up tight, tied with a bow, hiding surprises for you to know. Rip me open, don’t wait too long—What am I?
- Hint: They come with every birthday.
- Answer: A birthday present.
11
I slice through sweetness, neat and fine, sharing the joy in every line. Without me, dessert’s a mess, alas—What am I?
- Hint: Used after singing “Happy Birthday.”
- Answer: A cake knife.
12
I’m round and shiny, a party crown, worn with pride all around town. Blow out the candles, then wear me near—What am I?^{[6]
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- Hint: It tops your head, not the cake.
- Answer: A birthday hat.