Let's all make a brave admission: writing the perfect Instagram caption can be the ultimate stress spiker. Birthday IGs are no exception. Whether you're posting birthday wishes for your best friend, showing your beau some love on the 'gram, or saying "ILY" to your sister or brother for their big day, you want to settle on the *perfect* words. You know—a caption that's a step above "HBD!" but also not anything that ventures into convoluted territory— too long with too many inside jokes. Don't stress: we've got choices on top of choices here. Below there are 110 birthday Instagram captions for everyone. Everything from funny ones to show off your playful side to endearing words that might make them tear up.
We've even got some captions for your own birthday 'gram, because obviously, a.) Self love is important and b.) You've gotta share any and all good pics from your b-day celebration (or just pics of yourself looking hot—it's your birthday and you can post thirst traps if you want!)
Also! After you've nailed the perfect birthday caption, you've gotta grab the person of honor a present! Luckily, we've got you covered there with plenty of gift ideas for your S.O., your mom, your BFF, and of course, yourself. Hey, no one knows you better.
Keep scrolling for lots and lots of grid-worthy birthday caption ideas. Thank us later.
Funny Birthday Captions
- ILY even though you’re a [insert Zodiac sign].
- Another year older, and yet not any wiser.
- Your birthday is worth more than just an IG Story. You get a spot on the grid. ILY.
- To the person I love even when I'm hungry: You're the best. Happy birthday.
- If I didn't post a cute pic of myself, would you even know it was my birthday?
Cute Birthday Captions
- [Insert age they are turning] looks great on you.
- Happy birthday to someone who makes the world a better place to be.
- Happy birthday to my absolute favorite person.
- [If you’re posting a throwback photo] I’m so happy we got to grow up together. HBD to my bestie since day one/preschool/middle school/etc.
- You shine even brighter than the candles on your cake!
- Thanks for sharing your big heart and great sense of humor with the rest of us.
- Life isn't perfect, but you're pretty close. Happy birthday, my love.
- It's hard to find people who will love you unconditionally. I was lucky enough to find one of them. Happy birthday to you, my best friend.
Lyric Birthday Captions
- "I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22 [or 32/42, you get the gist]" — Taylor Swift, "22"
- "We don't need no guest list. Everybody's invited." — Ariana Grande, 'Pink Champagne'
- "Come on Barbie, let's go party." — Aqua, 'Barbie Girl'
- "It's our party, we can do what we want." — Miley Cyrus, 'We Can't Stop'
- "I was born this way (today)." — Lady Gaga, 'Born This Way'
- "We gonna party like it's your birthday." — 50 Cent, 'In Da Club'
- "That's my best friend, she's a real bad b*tch." —Saweetie
- "Can't wait to blow my candles out." —Rihanna
- "Tell 'em that it's my birthday when I party like that." —Selena Gomez
- "Spend this cash for your birthday, Blow that bag for your birthday...Hit your dance on your birthday, It's what you want for your birthday." —Usher & Zaytoven
- "Turn my birthday into a lifestyle." — Drake
Emoji Birthday Captions
- 🎂✔️ 🍾✔️ Best friend 👭🏾 ✔️
- It took 3️⃣5️⃣ years to look this damn good 🔥
- Happy birthday to my favorite gossip girl 👀
- Happy birthday to a certified material girl 🛍💅🏽 💇🏽♀️
- A toast to the birthday queen! 🥂 🥳
- On this day, a queen was born 👑 👸🏽
- Happy birthday to someone who's truly out of this world 👽🪐 💫
Bestie Birthday Captions
- It's now [insert amount of years you've been friends] years that we're spending on this earth together. Happy birthday to my day one.
- "Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant." Happy birthday, can't wait to one day be Golden Girls together.
- Today is the only day I won't fight you for the last mozz stick. HBD, my girl.
- Happy birthday to the person who literally crafts 90 percent of the messages to my Hinge matches and smashes pepperoni pizzas. You're the real MVP.
- It's not really your birthday unless I'm posting a super hot pic of us, right?
- So happy we ended up in [place where you met: preschool, college dorm room, etc.] at the same time. HBD to my BFF.
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For the S.O.
- In honor of your birthday, here's your official grid hard launch! Happy birthday to my boo.
- Had no idea this was in store when I downloaded Hinge [or insert however you met]. I also had no idea I'd be the type to post about someone on Instagram for their birthday. Guess you're worth it.
- Happy birthday, my lil [insert zodiac sign].
- HBD to the person who [insert weird thing they do] but still steals my heart Every. Damn. Day.
- Hey, Alexa, play "Birthday Sex" by Jeremih.
- Happy birthday to the best view.
- Happy birthday! I'm grateful for you everyday, but today I'm feeling extra lucky.
- It's [his/her] birthday but [he/she's] my gift.
- It's almost like my birthday too. Almost.
- Another birthday's here and we're still rocking. Love you long time.
For Yourself
- It's me, I'm the gift today.
- Big [insert zodiac sign] energy radiating all over the place.
- HBD to the person in my life I love the most! But actually.
- Shout-out to my mama for birthing me today. Give her all the hype.
- Who knew [insert your age] would bring me so many memories…and tequila shots. Thankful for another year.
- Tell me happy birthday or GTFO.
- Well, I just turned [insert age] and I still have no idea what to do with my hands.
- Hope everyone's celebrating my birthday with pizza, ranch, and rosé. Love you all. Thanks for making my day the best.
For Mom
- Happy birthday to this legend. It’s way too easy to celebrate you.
- HBD to this incredible woman! I hope it’s cool that I stole your entire personality. Love you!
- Happy birthday to the ultimate baddie blueprint.
- My mom is absolute magic and I’ll never let her forget it! Happy birthday, angel!
- Everyone please bow down to the queen today (and every day). HBD, Mom!
- Happy birthday to the person that everyone mistakes for my sister.
- If I grow up to be half the woman you are, then I'll know I've had too many margaritas. Just kidding, love you.
- Thanks for always knowing where I left my phone and diagnosing that weird bump on my chin. You always deserve celebrating but especially today. Happy birthday to the best mom.
- Not sure how aging works, but you don't look a day over 20. Let's hope this woman passed all her good genes to me.
- Happy birthday to the woman who literally spent eight hours birthing me. You're the real one.
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For Dad
- Happy birthday to the man who personifies sunshine!
- Happy birthday to the GOAT! A 10/10 parent, comedian, and confidante. <3
- HBD KING! Everyone drop your favorite [Dad’s name] moment in the comments.
- Dad, I can never repay you for everything...literally. So instead I'm putting this pic on IG for your bday.
- Today, the MVP of dad jokes and not knowing any of my friends' names was born. Love you, Dad!
- In honor of your birthday, you get to tell one dad joke today. One!
- To the man who always taught me right from wrong, how to ride a bike, and the easiest way to shotgun a beer, I love you. Happy birthday.
- HBD to my main man, who fully knows that I still don't understand 401(k) plans and first downs but still wants to hang with me. Love you!
- Happy birthday to the one responsible for my [insert trait].
For the Siblings
Sisters
- It's not really your birthday unless I post a pic of us where I look cuter, right?
- Happy birthday to the girl who shares her clothes with me...even if she doesn't always know it.
- Sisters by chance, friends by choice. HBD to my number one since day one.
- No matter how old and wise you may get, pls remember that I will always be older and wiser. Love you.
- It's my sister's birthday! Let's make a lil commotion for her.
- Happy birthday to a woman who has the world's greatest sister.
- A v special birthday shout-out to the baddest big sis in the game. You're a real one.
- You'll always be the Gigi to my Bella. Happy birthday, sis.
Brothers
- I love you—even when your breathing annoys me. HBD, bro!
- Happy birthday to the guy who ensured that I will always be Mom and Dad's favorite child.
- Can we all give my brother the clout he deserves on his day?
- A v happy birthday to the world's okayest brother. Love you, mean it.
- HBD to the guy with the world's best sister.
- Thanks for letting me tag along with you for the past [insert number] years. [Insert age] looks good on you, bro.
- IDC how much taller than me you are at [insert age]—you'll always be my annoying little brother.
- You're kind of gross, but ILY. Happy birthday!
For the Cousins
- TG we were born as cousins, because we would absolutely wreak havoc as sisters.
- Even if we weren't cousins, I'd still choose you as my BFF. Happy birthday!
- Yes, we share some genes, TYVM! Happy birthday to my OG best friend.
- Happy birthday, lady. Feeling extra grateful today that we share roughly 12.5 percent of our DNA.
- I may be the favorite grandchild, but you'll always be my favorite cousin. Happy bday to my OG BFF.
- From diapers to dive bars, you'll always be my partner in crime. HBD to the best cousin in the game.
- Thanks for being the Saweetie to my Gabrielle Union, cuz. HBD. (Side note: Did anyone else just figure out that Saweetie and Gabrielle Union are cousins??)
For Anyone
- How do you manage to wow the world in new ways every day? You’re a star among us, happy birthday.
- Happy birthday! You constantly inspire me by being you!
- Happy birthday to this unstoppable ray of light. Cheers to the year ahead!
- Let’s make some noise for this one and all of [his/her] mightiness today.
- HBD! Every room shines brighter with you in it!
- You deserve all the cake and sparkles today. Happy birthday!
- HBD to the person who will never act their age. You're an inspiration.
- Happiest of birthdays to you, [name]. I have a feeling that the best is yet to come.
- Another year older, but definitely not any wiser. ;)
- You're not old—you're vintage. HBD, queen/king!
- On this day a star was born. Happy bday, [name].
- Happy birthday, [insert name]. Can you at least try to look a year older?
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Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Annabel Iwegbue is an assistant editor at Cosmopolitan where she primarily covers lifestyle and fashion. Before joining Cosmo, she covered entertainment at Harper's Bazaar, The Knockturnal, and Black Film. She's originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Cinema Studies from New York University. You can check out some of Annabel’s work here and also find her on Instagram and Twitter.
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