105 Funny & Thoughtful “Happy 38th Birthday” Wishes

Turning 38 may not be a milestone, but that doesn’t make it any less of a special day! If you’re stumped on what to write in your birthday card, keep scrolling for a long list of funny and inspirational 38th birthday messages that’ll make anyone feel celebrated. We also spoke to certified life coach Kirin Dejonckheere to learn all about the best ways to celebrate a 38th birthday.

Our Favorite 38th Birthday Wishes

“Happy 38th birthday to the only person who knows what a VCR is.”
“Here’s to another year of lessons learned and unforgettable memories! Happy 38th!”
“I love you every day, but today is extra special—it’s your birthday!”
“Wishing you a birthday as incredible as the love you’ve given me. Happy 38th!”
“Cheers to the wisest person I know. Happy 38th birthday!”
“37-year-old me would be so jealous of 38-year-old me.”
“You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.” —Ogden Nash

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Short “Happy 38th Birthday” Wishes

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Keep things simple with a short “happy birthday” message. These short but meaningful wishes are perfect for any birthday card, text, or shout-out on social media. You don’t need a thousand words to show the birthday person you care!
- “Wishing you a birthday as perfect as you are for me. Enjoy your day to the fullest!”^{[1]
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- “Remember, age is just a number! Happy 38th!”
- “Hoping your day is as special as you are! Happy birthday!”
- “Sending you a bouquet of happiness on your 38th birthday!”
- “May your birthday be as unforgettable as you are every day! Happy 38th birthday!”
- “Here's to another year of good health and happiness. I hope it's a great day!”
- “You make the world a better place every day. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “Sending love and hugs on your big birthday!”
- “Close your eyes and make a wish. Someone as special as you deserves for it to come true!”
- “May your 38th birthday be filled with smiles and cake. Wishing you the best!”
- “Today is all about you, and I couldn't think of anyone who deserves it more! Happy birthday!”
- “Cheers to the wisest person I know. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “Celebrating another year of you! Warmest wishes on your special day!”
- “Happiest of birthdays to a very special person! We love you!”
- “No one deserves a fun birthday like you do! Happy 38th!”
Meet the wikiHow Expert

Kirin Dejonckheere is a certified life coach based in New York City who tailors each 1:1 session to her clients’ needs, personality, and desired outcomes.

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Funny “Happy 38th Birthday” Wishes

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Give the gift of laughter on your friend’s special day. Cracking a joke is more than just an excuse to chuckle—laughter really can boost your mood, relieve stress and tension, and even make your immune system stronger!^{[2]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} Here are a few funny birthday wishes to inspire your funny bone:
- “You’re not 38! You’re 21 with 17 years of experience. Happy birthday!”
- “Happy 38th birthday to the only person who knows what a VCR is.”^{[3]
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- “You’re not getting older, you’re just becoming a classic. Happy 38th!”
- “Both age and glasses of wine should never, ever be counted. Happy 38th birthday to you!”
- “Hey friend, you still look 21 from a distance. Happy birthday!”
- “They say age only matters if you're cheese or wine, but happy birthday anyway!”
- “This is the youngest you'll ever be. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “You can cross out 'dying young' from your worry list. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “Happy 38th birthday, old friend. Will you tell me the story again about what the 1900s were like?”
- “You're one year closer to the senior citizen discount. Happy 38th, friend!”
- “Some people age gracefully, then there’s you. Happy 38th birthday anyway.”
- “I'd be a lot more excited about you turning one year older if I were in your will. Happy 38th!”
- “Happy 29 (again)!”
- “I was going to get you the best birthday present ever, but I’m too big for the gift box. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.”—Ogden Nash

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Motivational “Happy 38th Birthday” Wishes

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Inspire your friend or loved one to live their best life as a 38-year-old. Some people have a hang up about getting older, but there’s so much to look forward to about being another year wiser. Remind them of everything they’ve accomplished so far and wish them the best as the push forward as a bold 38-year-old (a few compliments won’t hurt, either!).
- “Happy 38th birthday! May this year be the one where you conquer new heights and embrace every challenge.”^{[4]
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- “Happy 38th birthday! I hope this year brings opportunities that push your boundaries and take you to places beyond your wildest dreams. You deserve it!”
- “Here’s to another year of growth! Keep trusting your journey. You’re exactly where you need to be. Happy 38th!”
- “Happy 38th birthday! Every year, you continue to grow into a stronger, more amazing version of yourself. You inspire me!”
- “Happy 38th birthday to the hardest working and most ambitious person I know. I have no doubt the year ahead will bring you even more joy and success.”
- “You have a gift for making everyone feel included and valued. Keep being the beautiful person that you are. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “May today begin the journey of an exciting new chapter ahead. Happy 38th birthday to you!”
- “Here’s to another year of lessons learned and unforgettable memories! Happy 38th!”
- “Never stop being you. You have such infectious, positive energy. Happy 38th birthday to the best friend anyone could ask for.”
- “Despite all the challenges you’ve faced, you always manage to keep a smile on your face. Thank you for showing me what true perseverance looks like. I love you, my friend, and happy 38th birthday!”
- “Here’s to a 38th birthday full of reflection on all the amazing things you’ve achieved and excitement for all the incredible moments still ahead. Have a wonderful day!”
- “Happy 38th birthday! I’m in awe of how you turn every challenge into an opportunity to grow. May this be your most fulfilling year yet!”
- “Wishing a happy 38th birthday to someone who never stops making a positive impact wherever they go. You deserve a wonderful day!”
- “Happy 38th to the most awesome person! Let’s celebrate you today! You’ve got everything you need to create a life that’s full of joy and meaning. Make it yours!”
- “Happy birthday to the most uplifting person I know. Keep shining bright and stay fabulous in your 38th year!”

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“Happy 38th Birthday” Wishes for Your Parent

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Show how much you appreciate your mom or dad on their special day. A heartfelt message from their child is sure to be the perfect 38th birthday gift. Let your parent know that you value their guidance and support, and that there’s no one you look up to more than them! Try using one of these messages in your birthday card:
- “Being a parent isn’t easy, and we know that. Today is all about you. We can’t wait to give you a wonderful day, just like you’ve always done for us! Happy 38th birthday!”^{[5]
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- “To the man/woman who taught me life’s most important and valuable lessons, happy 38th birthday, Mom/Dad!”
- “Mom/Dad, you’ve always been there for me. This year, I hope I can support you as well as you’ve supported me—starting with giving you the best birthday ever. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “Happy 38th birthday to the world’s greatest Mom/Dad!”
- “A parent this outstanding deserves a birthday to match. I can’t wait to celebrate with you! Happy 38th birthday!”
- “I don’t say this enough, but it’s true: I love you! I’m so lucky to call you my parent. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “Today is a day to celebrate all the hard work and love you’ve put into those around you. Your investment in us means more than anything. From all your kids, happy 38th birthday!”
- “You’re not only my parent, but you’re my hero. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “I love you every day, but today is extra special—it’s your birthday!”
- “Not a day goes by that I don’t remember how thankful I am for having you as a mom/dad. Happy 38th birthday to the most amazing man/woman I know!”
- “Are you 38 or is that just the number of times you ask for help with your phone each day? Happiest of birthdays to you!”
- “You are incredible, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Happy 38th birthday! You deserve a wonderful day.”
- “Maturing doesn’t have to be boring, and you certainly aren’t. Thanks for filling my life with 38 years of fun. Happy birthday, Mom/Dad!”
- “Happy 38th birthday, Mom/Dad! I promise you don't look a day over 20!”
- “All my best wishes on your 38th, Mom/Dad!”

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Romantic “Happy 38th Birthday” Wishes for Your Partner

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Remind your partner how special they are to you on their 38th birthday. Whether you’re married, engaged, or have only been dating a few months, a 38th birthday is a time to share what you love about your partner and wish them the peaceful, fun day they deserve. Here are a few romantic messages to make your birthday card or gift the best one they’ve ever received:
- “As we celebrate your birthday, I want you to know that my love for you grows deeper each year. Happy 38th birthday, my love!”^{[6]
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- “Your birthday isn’t just another year of celebrating you; it’s a reminder that I get to spend another year as your partner. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “On your birthday, remember that your age may have changed over the years, but one thing hasn’t—my love for you. Have the greatest 38th birthday!”
- “Happy 38th birthday to my favorite person in the world!”
- “Being your partner is the best privilege I could ask for. Happy 38th birthday, darling.”
- “Fate brought me to you out of all the people in the world. Today, we celebrate not only your birthday but my unending love for you and the beauty of our relationship. Happy 38th birthday, my love!”
- “I planned the perfect birthday dinner for you and can’t wait to celebrate everything that makes you, you. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “Your presence in my life is the most beautiful gift. I can’t wait to make your day as special as yours. Have a wonderful 38th birthday!”
- “Happy 38th birthday to my love, my confidant, and my best friend. Every moment with you is a celebration, but today is extra special.”
- “On your 38th birthday, I want you to feel as loved as you make me feel every day.”
- “Happy 38th birthday to my love, my soulmate, my life partner. I am so thankful I get to call you mine.”
- “Wishing you a birthday as incredible as the love you’ve given me. Happy 38th!”
- “With each passing year, my love for you grows stronger. Today, we celebrate you and another year of our love growing deeper.”
- “You make my heart skip a beat, but I wouldn’t skip your 38th birthday! I love you!”
- “Happy 38th birthday to the person who colors my world with love. I can’t wait to celebrate you!”

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“Happy 38th Birthday” Wishes for Friends

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Share how much your friend means to you on their birthday (or roast them a little). It doesn’t matter what age you are—a friend’s birthday is a chance to express how grateful you are to have them in your life, while also poking fun at them for getting older (in a lighthearted way, of course!). Here are some thoughtful and hilarious 38th birthday messages for friendly inspiration:
- “I’m so thankful for this day because it’s the day one of my best friends entered the world. Happy 38th birthday!”^{[7]
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- “We never skip a beat, no matter how much time has passed. I love that we can always pick up right where we left off. Happy 38th birthday, friend!”
- “People come and go, but true friends stay by your side through thick and thin. Thanks for always being a rock in my life. Wishing you the best birthday yet!”
- “Life has its ups and downs, but with a friend like you by my side, I can endure it all. Happy 38th birthday to my best friend!”
- “They say there’s no day like the present. So, cherish the day and accept your present: Me! Happy 38th birthday!”
- “They say the older you are, the smarter you become. At your age, you must be a genius! Happy 38th!”
- “You’re still hot after all these years, but not as hot as your cake with all those candles! Happy 38th!”
- “You deserve everything you’ve wished for and more, friend. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “I can’t imagine life without my best friend. Happy 38th birthday!”
- “Let’s get to the real reason to celebrate: cake! Happy 38th birthday, BFF.”
- “Don't worry, they are not gray hairs, they are wisdom highlights. You just happen to be extremely wise! Happy 38th”
- “We’ve been friends for so long, I can’t remember which one of us is the bad influence! Happy birthday!”
- “We may be miles apart, but you're always and forever in my heart — especially today, on your special day. Happy 38th birthday, bestie!”
- “You shine as bright as the candles on your cake. Keep lighting up every room. Happy birthday!”

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“Happy 38th Birthday” Social Media Captions

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Pick a cheeky and engaging caption to pair with your birthday selfie. You’ve taken the perfect selfie, and now it’s time to post it with a caption worthy of a 38th birthday! Here are some ideas that are witty, engaging, and sure to get you tons of likes on your special day:
- “38 and looking great 💅”
- “Cheers to 38 years! 🥂”
- “38 and time to celebrate!”
- “Age: 3️⃣8️⃣”
- “38 and still not adulting properly!”
- “Feeling 38, but acting 21. Who's with me?”
- “38 and fabulous, just like a fine wine!”
- “38, AKA aged to perfection.”
- “Reflecting on 38 incredible years. Here’s to 38 more 🥂”
- “38 is the new 28, right?”
- “38 and feeling great 😎”
- “Is it just me, or is 38 sexy? 🔥”
- “A whole new chapter at 38 📖”
- “Living my best life at 38!”
- “37-year-old me would be so jealous of 38-year-old me.”

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How to Celebrate a 38th Birthday

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Plan an experience that you (or whoever is turning 38) will enjoy. “What’s nice when you get older is creating an experience, rather than an actual party,” explains Dejonckheere. “[You could do] a weekend getaway, or try something new like a cooking class, or even do something extreme like skydiving. That could be a good way to celebrate and bond.”^{[8]
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Kirin Dejonckheere
Certified Life Coach

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- For women, Dejonckheere recommends “self-care. Lately, I’ve been invited to a few different bathhouses for birthdays, which is also very fun and unique. You can kind of relax and meditate and sweat together, and go on a cold plunge.”^{[9]
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- If you’re stumped on what to do for a friend turning 38, Dejonckheere suggests “finding something that aligns with the values of the person that is being celebrated and start working from there. As an adult, it's most important to celebrate who [they] are as a person and focus on what makes them happy. If they love big parties and a lot of attention and music, go for that. If they’re fine with having a few good friends get together to reflect and connect and celebrate, something more intimate [would work].”^{[10]
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Take time to reflect on your intentions for your next year. Dejonckheere continues, “I think, as the person that's celebrating, just taking a moment on the day itself to reflect and journal on your achievements and set intentions for the year to come is a really important part of it.”^{[11]
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Kirin Dejonckheere
Certified Life Coach

Expert Interview} So, set aside a few moments before your celebration to meditate on the accomplishments you’re proud of, journal about your wishes and aspirations for the coming year, or create a gratitude list for everything in life you’re thankful for.
- By the time you’re done, you’ll feel inspired and ready to make 38 the best year yet!