21st Birthday Messages: What to Write in a 21st Birthday Card

Turning 21 is a big birthday milestone that deserves a great greeting card message. New legal privileges such as buying alcohol and hand guns, gambling, and renting a car make the 21st birthday a risky time for those who might indulge in these activities.

Besides having some new legal permissions, 21 is a great age because it is a time when most people are in their physical prime. At 21 you are considered a "real" adult even more than someone who is 18.

The following birthday card messages are for a friend or relative who is turning 21. Use these how they are or you can edit them to your own tastes. Make sure to add your own ideas for 21st birthday messages below at the bottom of the page.

Use these funny messages to keep the 21st birthday card light and fun.

1. Happy 21^st! Now give me your keys.
2. I hope that turning 21 is tons of fun. Happy birthday!
3. Turning 21 takes all the fun out of all the stuff that you wanted to do earlier but couldn’t. Everyone knows that most things are more fun when you know you aren’t allowed to do them.
4. The government would like to send you a special birthday message by making it legal for you to poison your liver, kill brain cells, and lower your inhibitions. Enjoy your birthday present.
5. Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Happy 21^st birthday!
6. There are many more ways to have a lot of fun on the special milestone birthday when you turn 21. Keep this little saying in your mind and the wisdom will be present that you need to find.
7. A lot of people consider 40 or 50 as over the hill, but in reality there’s not much to look forward to after 21. It’s all downhill from here.
8. Don’t let the rest of your 20’s be a blur. Be responsible with your new legal privilege.
9. Making it legal to drink and own a hand gun on the same day seems like a government conspiracy to me. Maybe they didn’t get the memo that hand guns and drinking don’t mix well.
10. Anything is legal for you now except running for president, you are in your age of physical prime, and you are treated like an adult but not expected to have any real responsibilities. Congratulations on being at the perfect age of 21.
11. There’s really no reason to drink at all on your birthday. You have the whole rest of your life to ruin it with alcohol.

These are either serious, inspiring, or religiously themed messages. Your card message will probably stand out in the crowd of cards if you write something like this. Keep these as an option if you have a mentor type of relationships with the birthday person.

1. As you turn 21 and society is telling you of the important rites of passage you should participate in, keep in mind that you were created by God for a purpose. Ask yourself if you are honoring Him with your ritual of celebration. Happy birthday!
2. It’s a possibility that Jesus drank some wine on his 21^st birthday, but he probably didn’t get drunk. Ask yourself what Jesus would do as you plan your 21^st.
3. You’re turning 21. I have two words for you. Be careful.
4. On the day after your 21^st birthday and the party is over. Keep in mind that God loves you and created you for a special purpose.
5. I'll be praying that God continues to use you for His purpose and glory as you mature in your faith and love through the power of the grace of Jesus.

Use these is you want to wish someone a happy birthday, but you aren't looking for anything especially funny or meaningful. Here are some short message idea.

1. I hope turning 21 ends up being a lot of fun.
2. Have an awesome 21st birthday, and make sure you don't do anything I would do.
3. You're officially 21! Congratulations on the milestone.
4. Have a very memorable 21st birthday. It only happens once in a lifetime.
5. 21 is the perfect age. I'm jealous. Happy 21st birthday!

If you didn't find what you were looking for here, there are plenty more 21st birthday messages out there to check out. Here are some more birthday message ideas to help you find the perfect wording for your birthday card.

If you come up with a really great idea and want to share with others, you can use the comment section below to post your message idea. That way this page will continue to be a useful source of new ideas as time goes on.