The 15 Best Happy Birthday Memes of 2021

Say happy birthday with some of the funniest memes of the year

When a sappy Hallmark birthday card just won't do, Happy Birthday memes are a good choice—especially in 2021. Besides saving you a bit of money and helping you cut down on paper waste, funny birthday memes beat traditional cards and are much easier to share.

How Are Birthday Memes Used in 2021?

Happy Birthday memes are used in a similar way that birthday ecards are used—to wish other people a happy birthday over the internet. Ecards are typically sent by email via an ecard platform, but memes are more versatile since they can be saved to a computer or device and then sent as image files by email, text, private online message or social media post.

Examples of Happy Birthday Memes

Example 1

Image: A dog wearing a party hat sitting at a table with a piece of birthday cake.
Text: "Happy birthday! In dog years you would be dead."
Meaning: This meme hilariously and cleverly brings attention to the recipient's age (and the fact that they're getting older). 

Example 2

Image: A sloth crawling across a road.
Text: "Happy birthday. Belated."
Meaning: Sloths are slow moving creatures, so this meme perfectly captures the speed at which the birthday wisher moved to wish the recipient a happy birthday — that is, if they decided to do it the day after or later.

Here's a good handful of funny birthday memes to consider sending to that special friend or family member when their birthday rolls around.

01
of 15

No Gift? No Problem

I am the gift
Screenshot: Tumblr.com

It's been said that the greatest gift you can give someone is your presence. Ain't that the truth!

02
of 15

Have Some Glitter!

GIF: Giphy.com

Is there anything more fun than celebrating a birthday with a bunch of glitter confetti? Maybe only if actor/comedian Rob Huebel is the one throwing it.

03
of 15

Believable Trump

Donald Trump
Screenshot: Fogut.com

For that friend or relative who just can't stand Donald Trump, you can poke a little fun at their political views by gifting them with this meme that highlights one of his most used phrases. (Believe me...)

04
of 15

A Birthday Wish from Queen Bey

GIF: Giphy.com

Every girl deserves to feel like a queen on her birthday, so what's more flattering than getting a happy birthday GIF from the queen (of music) herself?

05
of 15

For All the Science Geeks Out There

Hawking & Einstein
Screenshot: Imgflip.com

Your meme recipient might not share a birthday with a scientific hero and their birthday might not fall on the same date as any notable scientific event, but a geeky meme like this is enough to inspire them to wonder how the stars were aligned when they were born and what significance it might have.

06
of 15

Happy Birthday from Each and Every Minion

GIF: Giphy.com

Everybody loves those quirky little yellow minions from the movie Despicable Me, and if they claim not to, they're probably lying. This GIF is perfect for wishing any kid, teen, young adult, adult or even senior a happy birthday.

07
of 15

Avengers: Infinity Birthday

Avengers
Screenshot: QuickMeme.com

There seems to be a new Avengers movie out every year, and it's pretty clear that everyone has a big Hollywood crush on the whole cast. Here are a few of the hunky male actors wishing their fans a happy birthday.

08
of 15

Eat Cake!

GIF: Giphy.com

Cake is one of the best parts of birthdays, and this hamster really knows how to celebrate. Time to chow down!

09
of 15

The Most YOLO Birthday Ever

Drake
Screenshot: MemeGenerator.net

Drake might just be the king of memes thanks to his relatable song lyrics. Here's to reminding the birthday boy/girl that they only live once!

10
of 15

Best. Day. Ever.

GIF: Giphy.com

There are cat people and there are dog people, and the dog memes are arguably just as strong these days at the cat memes. Just look at that grin on that golden. He knows it's his big day.

11
of 15

Is It Soap or Birthday Cake?

Tide PODs
Screenshot: Me.me

No, Tide PODs are not safe to eat. Yes, they still make funny memes. As long as your birthday recipient fully knows that this was one of the biggest jokes of 2018 (and is still going strong in 2020), feel free to send them this one!

12
of 15

Every Birthday Cat Needs a Nap

GIF: Giphy.com

We couldn't make a list of memes without including at least one cat meme, so here it is: a group of furry felines looking just as enthusiastic about birthdays as they do on any other regular day.

13
of 15

You're the Prettiest

Kim Kardashian
Screenshot: MemeMaker.net

Crying Kim Kardashian isn't a new meme by any means, but it never gets old. Send this one to that girlfriend, sister, aunt or coworker who loves celebrity gossip and drama.

14
of 15

For the Birthday Bro

GIF: Giphy.com

This intense birthday GIF from Bodybuilding.com is perfect for that friend, relative or coworker who's a total gym rat. How about a little protein powder with that birthday cake, huh?

15
of 15

A Birthday Rainbow from SpongeBob

SpongeBob SquarePants
Screenshot: MemeGenerator.net

We all know at least one person who's always quoting lines from SpongeBob SquarePants at the most random times. Give them a SpongeBob-inspired birthday wish this year in recognition of their wacky taste in TV shows.