- tbf
- group birthday card
- 18th birthday card
18th birthday card.
One card, everyone signs it.
On tbf, one card goes to everyone who knows them. They each sign from a link, and it opens on the birthday.
Below are a few 18th birthday messages people write. For more, see What to write in an 18th birthday card.
Create a cardRead a sample card
Everyone's words in one card.
Updated
Happy 18th. The world just got slightly worse odds.
Happy birthday. You were worth every grey hair.
Eighteen. Everything is legal now and most of it is a bad idea. Happy birthday.
Pick a design
The question
Each writer gets a question.
One at a time, about Sam. They answer in their own words, or write without one.
- Something Sam did this year that you still think about.
- Words of Sam's that you have caught yourself using.
- A day Sam made better just by turning up.
- Something Sam taught you without meaning to.
- A small thing about Sam that nobody else would notice.
- The story about Sam you tell most.
- The moment you knew you had a proper friend in Sam.
- Something Sam did that only a friend would.
- A thing you still laugh about together.
- The time Sam turned up when it mattered.
- Something Sam knew about you before you said it.
- Something Sam did for the family that went unsaid.
- A habit of Sam's that you have caught yourself copying.
- A memory of Sam from when you were younger.
- Something Sam put up with from you.
- Something Sam taught you, mostly by example.
- A small thing Sam did that you noticed and never mentioned.
- The moment you knew.
- Something Sam did this year that made things easier for you.
- A thing about Sam you would not change.
- Something Sam carried that was yours to carry.
- The thing you go to Sam for.
- Something you picked up from working beside Sam.
- A bad day at work that Sam turned round.
- Something a new starter should be told about Sam.
- Something Sam did that made the job feel worth doing.
Or write without one.
What people write
A few examples. Pick one, change the name, and sign.
From friends
Happy 18th. We are very proud of you and absolutely not threatened by how young you are.
Eighteen. Everything is legal now and most of it is a bad idea. Happy birthday.
Happy birthday. You are officially an adult, which means you can make your own mistakes.
Happy 18th. The world just got slightly worse odds.
From family
Happy 18th birthday. We have watched you grow into someone we are glad to know.
Eighteen years. Every one of them a good one. Happy birthday.
Happy birthday. You were worth every grey hair.
Eighteen already. We are proud of you, and slightly terrified for the world.
Choosing and sending this card
An 18th is a big one. Send the link as soon as you know the date, not the week before, so everyone has time to sign.
If the group is large, add a note saying who the card is for. Not everyone will recognise the name from a link alone.
Check the opening date when you set up the card. It should open the morning of the birthday, not the day after.
How it works
One card, one link, opens on the day.
- 01
Set the date.
The card opens on the 18th birthday morning and not before.
- 02
Send the link.
Friends, family, old teachers. Each person signs once, from any browser.
- 03
They open it on the day.
Every name and every 18th birthday message, theirs to keep.
Questions
Can I send an 18th birthday card from a group?
Yes. On tbf you create one card and share a link. Everyone signs in their own time and it arrives on the day.
When should I set up the group card?
A week before is plenty. Earlier is better if the group is large or scattered.
What if I miss the birthday?
You can still send it. A late card with twenty names on it lands better than nothing.
Somebody has a day coming up.
Everyone's words in one card.