17 DIY Birthday Card Ideas That Show How Much You Care

Paper Candles Card

This homemade birthday card idea is bright, fun, and so easy to make! To get the look, cut thin strips of brightly-colored or patterned cardstock and use glue to attach them to the front of a blank card. Add 'flames' made from glitter paper to finish this fun birthday card.

Birthday Balloon Card

This easy DIY birthday card idea involves just a few pieces of paper. Start with a blank greeting card (or make your own from folded cardstock) and use glue or double-stick tape to attach a balloon shape cut from bright paper. Add a sweet message to the balloon, and pop this cute card in an envelope!

DIY Unicorn Card

We're obsessed with how cute this unicorn birthday card is. Plus, it's so easy to make.

1. Make three felt flowers and a few leaves from different felt colors.
2. Cut a unicorn horn and ears from glitter paper.
3. Glue the horn and ears to the front of the card, then arrange the felt flowers and leaves and use hot glue to attach them to the base of the paper shape.
4. Finally, add black eye shapes with a marker or pen to finish this pretty birthday card.

Paper Present Card

This colorful paper package is the cutest DIY birthday card idea! Start with a patterned greeting card and attach a paper rectangle to the top of the card to give your card the look of a birthday gift. Wrap a striped ribbon around the front of the card and finish off the card with a bow.

Photo Birthday Card

If making a birthday card with scissors and glue isn't your thing, make a photo birthday card ($2, Shutterfly) instead. All you have to do is upload your favorite photo of the birthday person and add a customized greeting. Remember that the card will ship to you, and you'll have to mail it to your recipient, so order a few weeks ahead.

Patterned Paper Gift Card

You can customize this DIY birthday card idea with any color. Cut a square shape from patterned paper and use twine or string to add the look of ribbons on a package. Once your paper package is complete, use glue or double-stick tape ($4, Target) to attach it to the front of a blank card.

Number Cut-Out Card

A number cut-out card makes a simple and easy DIY birthday card idea.

1. Start with a blank greeting card in a solid color and cut a piece of patterned paper slightly smaller than the front of the card.
2. Use a die-cut machine, crafts knife, or scissors to cut a number from the patterned paper ($3, Etsy).
3. Remove the cut-out number and glue the patterned paper outline to the front of the card.

Handwritten Birthday Card

A DIY birthday card idea doesn't have to be complicated to be cute. Start with a plain greeting card and use glue or double-stick tape to attach a paper banner to the front. Use a marker or pen to add a 'happy birthday' message, and pop the card in an envelope.

You Are Loved Card

This sweet homemade card will let the birthday person know just how much you care about them. Plus, our free printable makes it so easy! Simply print, cut, and glue the design onto a blank greeting card and embellish it with stickers or jewels.

Birthday Tassel Card

Transform a plain greeting card into a sweet birthday surprise with a handmade tassel. To make the tassel, cut long strips of colorful tissue paper and fold them in half, then tie off the top with a thin ribbon or thread. Use a small hole punch to add a hole in the top right corner of your card and thread the tassel through it.

Illustrated Birthday Card

For a truly one-of-a-kind DIY birthday card idea, order this customizable greeting from Etsy. You can choose almost everything so that the front of the card looks exactly like you and your bestie, sister, or mom. Specify the skin tone, clothing, accessories, and hairstyles for each person pictured, and you can even add their age in balloons along with their name.

Buy It: Personalized Birthday Card ($9, Etsy)

Dad's Birthday Card

Celebrate Dad's birthday with a homemade card that lets him know you always appreciate him—even when he starts dancing in public. To make this card, print and cut our free printable design and use glue, photo stickers, or double-sided tape to attach it to the front of a blank greeting card.

Personalized Photo Card

This DIY photo card is easy to create and will work for anyone. Simply drop in your favorite photo of the birthday person, type in their name, and add to the cart. Consider ordering all your birthday cards for the year at once.

Buy it: Personalized Photo Card ($2, Shutterfly)

Hand-Stitched Flower Card

The patterns in some decorative papers make excellent stitching guides. Pierce holes along with the outlines of the pattern. Hand stitch with embroidery floss. Then, attach the stitched paper to a blank greeting card with glue or double-sided tape for the ultimate DIY birthday card idea.

Metal Accents for Homemade Birthday Cards

Purchase theme sets of lightweight metal accents made to work with brads. The brads allow for easy attaching to any card. Form a pocket on textured card stock by attaching a piece of striped paper. Add a scalloped edge piece to the top and a narrow yellow strip to the bottom using small brads. Print your message on card stock and insert into the pocket.

Floral Birthday Card

A sparkly chipboard flower is perfect for this DIY birthday card idea. The shimmer adds a touch of shine and doesn't come off on the rest of the card. Start with patterned paper on a blank greeting card. Layer two squares of solid color paper and then attach the chipboard flower.

Make Your Own Pattern

Repeatedly stamp an image on cardstock to create a custom patterned paper. Stamp in multiple colors to add layered interest. To add more oomph, punch shapes from some of the stamped papers. Unleash your creativity and design a homemade birthday card that reflects your style.