30th Birthday Sayings | Ideas, Surprises, and Message Templates

For most people, their 30th birthday is a momentous occasion. It's the moment you leave your 20s, and with it, the last vestiges of your childhood and early adulthood. For many, it feels like a watershed moment, when your "adulting" becomes an official way of life instead of just a diversion. It's a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. If you're looking for ways to make someone's 30th birthday special, you've come to the right place. 

 In this article, we'll share 62 ideas for 30th birthday greetings, message templates, and surprise ideas. We'll also share some tips on what to write in a 30th birthday card and how to make your recipient's 30th birthday celebration one to remember whether the celebration's for a family member (dear sister, favorite brother), loved one, or your best friend.

ALSO SEE: 7 Thank You Letter Closings 

The Psychology of Turning 30

When we wish someone a happy birthday we don't always think about how it feels from their perspective, but it's worth looking at this, particularly on milestone occasions like someone's 30th birthday. 

 A person's life can be divided into distinct periods, and the transitions between these are often emotionally charged. The break between the carefree years of our early childhood and our middle school and high school years is often marked by painful and confusing social and physical changes. The shift from high school to college marks the moment many of us finally feel as if our adulthood has arrived — an error we recognize when we exit college and enter the workforce in our 20s. 

 Our 20s is a period of major life transitions, as we move out of our parent's homes (or perhaps leave college), get a job, and begin to establish ourselves financially, socially, and emotionally. It's a time when many of us feel like we're finally starting to figure out who we are and what we want from life. However, you may still go out with all your friends and chase more childish pursuits. We're adults, but we still like to dip our legs into the kiddie pool. 

 As a result, there's a distinct shift in perspective when someone moves from their 20s into their 30s. We're talking adult responsibilities that finally feel as if they've won out over more childish impulses. 30th birthday celebrants often go through a period of self-reflection where they evaluate the past decade, look at the amazing memories they've built, all their mistakes, and the lessons this decade-long 20s taught. They try to imagine the wonderful life that's ahead of them while pining for fun time they had as a younger adult. 

 For someone who is about to turn 30, this birthday may feel bittersweet. On one hand, it's a celebration of another year of life and all that comes with it. But on the other hand, it can be a reminder that time is marching on and that some things are left undone. 

 There may also be a sense of sadness or nostalgia, as the person looks back on their 20s and wonders where the time has gone. Or there may be a sense of excitement and anticipation, as they look forward to all that their 30s have in store. 

 No matter how your recipient is feeling about turning 30, your goal should be to make them feel loved, appreciated, and supported on this special day and that may include some funny turning 30 quotes. Let them know that you're there for them with heartfelt birthday congratulations, whether they want to reflect on the past or look forward to the future.

Great 30th Birthday Phrases to Use With Those You Love

Here's a handful of happy phrases you can use as the kernel of your own messages to the dearest person in your life especially if you struggle to find words for how you feel. Feel free to string a few together to create a custom sentiment.

• "Happy birthday! You're not old, you're classic." 
• "Welcome to the dirty 30 club!" 
• "You're officially a grown-ass man/woman now!" 
• "30 looks good on you!" 
• "One more year closer to perfection!" 
• "Here's to an amazing year ahead!" 
• "May your 30th year be filled with love, laughter, and happiness." 
• "Wishing you all the best on your special day. You're an amazing person at 30 or any age!" 
• "I hope this year is even better than the last." 
• "On this day, a legend was born!" 
• "A toast to your 30th birthday!" 
• "May your birthday be as wonderful as you are, a year filled with new adventures." 
• "Sending you lots of love on your birthday." 
• "Wishing you a birthday that's as amazing as you are." 
• "I'm so grateful to know you and celebrate your special day with you." 
• "May your birthday be a joyous celebration of everything that makes you special." 
• "I hope your birthday is as wonderful as you are, especially now that you're a grown woman." 
• "May your special day be filled with so much joy, love, and happiness that you deserve. Happy 30th birthday!" 
• "This birthday card is wishing you a birthday that's as amazing as you are." 
• "Sending you lots of love on your special day." 
• "May your birthday be a joyous celebration of everything that makes you special." 
• "I'm so grateful to know you and celebrate your special day with you." 
• "Wishing you all the best on your special day." 
• "Dream big! Your 30s are wide open and you can do whatever you want. Make your life happen!" 
• "Time flies when you're having fun, so here's hoping your dirty thirties feel like they pass by in a flash!"

30th Birthday Messages to Make Them Laugh

Even though a person's 30th birthday is a life-changing moment, that doesn't mean it has to be serious. You can wish a very happy birthday with an edge of humor and take the pressure off. They turned thirty, but that's just an arbitrary divider. They can look at it lightly while still making the transition and solidifying their happy birthday images. Try a birthday wish from this group to say happy birthday to a wonderful friend, dear brother, or a wife, and let them know that a new decade brings a whole new thing. Sometimes a  short funny 30th birthday messages is just what you need.

• You're like a fine wine, aged to perfection...just maybe a glass now instead of a bottle. 
• Here are warm birthday wishes on this special day as you approach middle-aged on your way to old age. Staying young is now your goal. Your life can finally start as you wish it wouldn't. 
• On this, the day you become a real adult, grab yourself a cold beer or a fine wine and more cake and then enjoy. Just...eat slowly. 
• On this amazing day remember that it's time to get a Life Alert account. Welcome to your 30s grandpa! I wonder how many  birthday parties you have left?
• Be forever grateful for your 20s because those days are gone, and all you have to remember them are your grateful memories, particularly because you should delete all the pictures from social media. 
• "Your 30s are a superior decade," said every person faced with turning thirty. 
• Congratulations on making it to 30! Now you can tell everyone that you're 29 forever.  Of course, no  30th birthday cakes for you.
• I hope you had the best birthday when you turned 29 because you're going to want to repeat it for the rest of your life! 
• Look on the bright side, you still have 10 years until your 40s!  Now THAT'S a special occasion!
• The years ahead are still longer than the years behind, so statistically, this birthday is still a win. If you don't need minor surgery yet, you're doing great! 
• Turning 30 is a big deal! Your thinning hair lets you know it's time to stop worry about what the world thinks about you and start focusing on what your future holds. 
• Breath deeply. Enjoy the fresh air. Relish your last day as a 20-something. You're no longer at premium quality. It's all downhill from here. 
• Bad news. I have to wish you a happy 30th birthday. Your 20s are finished. I'm so sorry for your loss. 
• Now that you're 30, you can tell 20-somethings, "It's an adult thing You wouldn't understand."

Reflect on the Moment With These 30th Birthday Quotes

Sometimes the best way to express happy 30th birthday wishes is to let someone else do the talking. Your birthday boy or birthday girl might appreciate a small nugget of wisdom passed down from minds greater than ours. These are some of the most popular 30th birthday daughter quotes that can be used for inspiration or as-is. No matter how you use them, they'll appreciate the sentiment.

"The first thirty years of life give us the text: the next thirty years supply the commentary." 

 — Arthur Schopenhauer 

 "Thirty is, after all, the new twenty, unless you are too young to understand this joke in which case it's the old forty-five." 

 — Fran Lebowitz 

 "The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball." 

 — Doug Larson 

 "Age is a very high price to pay for maturity." 

 — Tom Stoppard 

 "Middle age is when your broad mind and narrow waist begin to change places." 

 — E. Joseph 

 "Everything I know I learned after I was thirty." 

 — Georges Clemenceau 

 "You're an irresponsible person in your 20s. That's the way it works. But when people enter their 30s and stow away their childhood self, live honestly, and point all their five senses toward the glorious year that marks a wonderful new chapter in their lives, they become the person they were destined to be. Also, thirty years is just a number." 

 — Unknown 

 "It is well for the world that in most of us, by the age of thirty, the character has set like plaster, and will never soften again." 

 — William James 

 "The 30s are the new 20s." 

 — Carrie Underwood 

 "Life begins at 30." 

 — Joseph Conrad 

 "In your thirties, most of your friends come to you. In your forties, you go to them." 

 — Michael Caine 

 "At thirty a man should know himself like the palm of his hand, know the exact number of his defects and qualities...and know how to compensate for his deficiencies." 

 — Albert Einstein 

 "Thirty was so strange for me. I'd wake up and feel older. It was really disconcerting." 

 — Linda Evangelista 

 "Time and tide wait for no man, but time always stands still for a woman of thirty." 

 — Robert Frost 

 "Some of your happiest moments are behind you. Embrace them with gratitude, knowing that some of your happiest moments are also heading your way." 

 — Unknown 

 "Everyone is the sum total of past experiences. A character doesn't just spring to life at age thirty." 

 — Kelley Armstrong

30th Birthday Messages for Your Kids

Adult children can be challenging if you don't know how to express the complex emotions you're feeling. Here are some thoughts on a cute birthday message for your 30-year-old children.

• My lovely child, I'm so grateful that you've made it to this important milestone in your life. You've worked hard and overcome so many obstacles. I know that the best is yet to come for you. Wishing you all the happiness, love, and success in the world on your 30th birthday. 
• Dearest child, another year has gone by and you just keep getting better and better. You're an amazing human being, inside and out. I'm so proud of the person you've become and I can't wait to see all the wonderful things you'll do in the years to come. Happy 30th birthday! 
•  My beautiful child, as you enter this new decade of your life, I hope you'll never forget how much I love you. You're the light of my life and I wish you nothing but happiness on your special day. Happy 30th birthday! 
• To my amazing child, happy 30th birthday son! You've accomplished so much in your short time on this earth and I know you'll only continue to thrive in the years ahead. You make me so proud and I'm grateful to be your parent. Wishing you all the best on your special day. 
•  So much has changed since you were born 30 years ago, but one thing remains the same – my love for you, my son, is as strong as ever. You've grown into an incredible person and I feel so lucky to be your parent. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and a happy year ahead. 
•  Happy 30th birthday, my dear child! You've always been such a special person and now that you're an adult, I know you'll only continue to shine. Wishing you loads of happiness on your special day. 
•  My sweet child, I can't believe you're already 30 years old! It feels like only yesterday that you were born. Happy 30th birthday daughter, you've grown into an amazing person and I'm so proud of you.. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and a happy year ahead.

Have simply noted do the work

Nothing compares to the emotional authenticity of a handwritten 30th birthday card. If you need to send out godson cards or any other cards but don't want to take the time to handwrite them yourself, let Simply Noted take care of it. All you do is type your desired message into our intuitive ordering tool, upload your mailing address, and a convincing handwritten card will be created by our handwriting machines and sent in the mail.