A well-crafted birthday email example can show just how powerful these messages are — not just as a friendly gesture, but as a tool for boosting engagement and driving repeat sales.
The examples covered in this post will showcase how brands can leverage these emails to achieve their marketing objectives while connecting with their customers on a deeper level. We’ll walk you through 15 effective birthday email examples perfect for marketing campaigns and personal messages alike.
From a simple happy birthday email message to creative reward programs, they will serve as inspiration for creating birthday emails that resonate with your audience.
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Key elements of an effective birthday email
Creating birthday emails that get opens, clicks, and sales requires more than sending a celebratory message. Before getting into our birthday email examples, let’s explore the essential components for a successful email birthday message:
Personal touch: Using the customer’s name is just the start. Include their purchase history, loyalty points balance, or browsing preferences for better email personalization. This can set your birthday message apart from your competitors.
Clear reward structure: Your birthday email offer must be straightforward and valuable. Set a reasonable minimum spend, include a clear expiration date, and use simple language to explain your terms. Your customers should understand exactly what they’re getting and how to claim it.
Mobile-friendly design: Keep your design clean with plenty of white space and easy-to-tap buttons. Ensure your images scale properly and text remains readable without zooming.
Strong call to action: Guide customers to take the next step with a single, prominent call to action. Place it where it’s easily visible and use action-oriented text that creates urgency without being pushy.
Timing and automation: Send birthday emails early in the morning on the actual birth date or a few days before to build anticipation. Set up your automation to handle this timing automatically.
Visual appeal: Use colors and imagery in your happy birthday wishes email that match both your brand and the celebratory nature of the message. Consider taking visual appeal further by adding animated GIFs or interactive elements to make the email more engaging.
The following birthday email examples represent some of the most effective approaches brands use to engage customers and drive results.
Each birthday email example offers practical insights and creative strategies that businesses can implement in their campaigns, regardless of how advanced their email marketing efforts are.
1. The simple celebration email
A minimalist birthday email strips away unnecessary elements to focus purely on the celebration and offer. This straightforward approach to sending a happy birthday email to customers focuses on personal connection.
When done right, simple birthday emails can feel more personal and authentic than elaborate designs, potentially leading to higher engagement rates.
Key features
A clean, uncluttered layout that draws attention to the birthday message
Single, prominent call to action that stands out visually
Personal tone that makes the customer feel valued
Straightforward reward structure with clear terms
Best for: Brands with a minimalist aesthetic
Here’s a great example of how Nike executes this birthday email example perfectly, using a striking black and white design with orange accents.
Nike combines artistic hand-drawn “HAPPY BIRTH” lettering with a clear offer of 10% off purchases over $100, keeping the focus on both celebration and value:
Sending birthday emails before the actual date builds anticipation and gives customers time to plan their purchases.
This birthday email campaign idea ensures customers don’t miss out on their birthday rewards due to busy schedules or delayed email opens. By giving advance notice, brands can create excitement while maximizing redemption rates.
Key features
Extended redemption window (typically two to four weeks)
Pre-birthday timing that creates excitement
Clear countdown or expiration details
Preview of rewards or special offers
Best for: Businesses with physical locations or companies whose products benefit from advance purchase planning
In its birthday month email, Nike creates anticipation with a playful illustration of a shoebox with balloons and a special birthday discount code.
The design of this birthday email example is cheerful yet practical. It also includes clear redemption instructions and a prominent “SHOP NEW ARRIVALS” button to drive immediate action:
Image via Really Good Emails
3. The personalized product showcase
The personalized product birthday email example demonstrates the effective use of customer data. This approach uses past purchases and browsing behavior to create a highly personalized birthday experience.
By analyzing past purchases, browsing behavior, and activities, brands can recommend relevant products alongside birthday wishes, making the email both celebratory and actionable.
Key features
Custom greeting using the customer’s name and preferences
Customer-specific product recommendations based on purchase history
Personalized activity or achievement stats
Best for: Ecommerce companies with diverse product catalogs
This birthday email example from Fitbit showcases personalization at its finest. It combines celebration with smart data presentation by showing the customer’s activity stats compared to others their age.
The email includes engaging metrics like average daily steps and active minutes, making the happy birthday email both personal and motivational:
Image via Really Good Emails
4. The birthday bundle
Birthday bundles combine multiple products or perks into a special birthday offering. This birthday email example increases perceived value while encouraging larger purchases.
By curating themed collections or special packages, brands can make their birthday offers feel more exclusive and gift-worthy.
Key features
Themed collections around specific occasions or styles
Special bundle pricing that demonstrates clear value
Gift-worthy presentation with premium packaging
Limited-time availability to drive urgency
Best for: Businesses with complementary product lines
Stanley executes the birthday bundle email brilliantly with its zodiac-themed birthday email. It features a curated collection of products perfect for the Taurus season.
In this birthday email example, the brand pairs its signature drinkware with complementary accessories, creating an appealing bundle while maintaining its brand aesthetic:
Image via Really Good Emails
5. The birthday choice
This birthday email example allows customers to take control of their rewards. Giving customers several options for their birthday rewards empowers them and increases engagement.
This approach lets customers select the perk that’s most valuable to them, leading to higher redemption rates and satisfaction. It also provides valuable data about customer preferences.
Key features
Flexible redemption window that fits all schedules
Multiple reward options with clear descriptions
Easy redemption process for every option
Clear terms for each reward choice
Best for: Food and beverage companies or retailers with diverse product lines
This Dutch Bros. birthday email message perfectly illustrates the birthday choice approach by offering customers a choice of drink and size. The message is warm and celebratory, emphasizing the freedom of choice:
Image via Really Good Emails
6. The birthday event invitation
While many birthday email examples focus on direct sales, this approach creates memorable experiences that drive long-term loyalty.
Birthday event invitations turn a simple reward into an engaging experience, making customers feel part of something special. This strategy creates a sense of exclusivity while driving foot traffic or online engagement during specific periods.
By framing the birthday offer as an invitation to an event, birthday emails from companies can build excitement and create a stronger emotional connection with customers.
Key features
Exclusive access messaging that builds anticipation
RSVP or registration options with clear instructions
Event-specific timing for optimal attendance
Special event-only perks for attendees
Best for: Retail stores with physical locations
In this birthday email example, Jeni’s birthday event invitation takes an engaging approach by building excitement for a new flavor launch.
The playful party invitation design, complete with confetti and colorful typography, creates anticipation while driving customers to both its shops and online store:
Image via Really Good Emails
7. The birthday loyalty boost
The next birthday email example on our list shows how brands can combine birthday celebrations with loyalty program benefits. This approach maximizes the special occasion to deepen customer relationships.
By offering enhanced loyalty rewards during birthdays, brands can encourage both immediate purchases and long-term program engagement.
The strategy works by creating a “birthday bonus” period where customers can earn additional points, unlock special tier benefits, or receive exclusive loyalty member perks.
Key features
Extended earning periods during the birthday month
Double or bonus points offerings with clear terms
Special loyalty member perks for celebration
Tier status acceleration opportunities
Best for: Retailers with established loyalty programs and subscription services
For its “BEE-DAY” birthday email, Applebee’s rewards customer loyalty with a heartfelt message and a discount offer. The email also features an image of an appetizing dessert while promoting its mobile app for easier reward redemption:
Image via Really Good Emails
8. The birthday surprise
This birthday email example demonstrates how mystery and anticipation can drive engagement. Adding an element of mystery to birthday emails creates excitement and encourages interaction.
The key is balancing the mystery with clear value. Customers should feel confident they’re getting something worthwhile, even if the reward is unknown. Mystery elements often lead to higher open and click-through rates as curiosity drives engagement.
Key features
Playful, anticipatory language that builds excitement
Interactive reveal elements that drive engagement
Mystery rewards or gifts worth discovering
Time-sensitive reveals with clear deadlines
Best for: Beauty and lifestyle brands or brands offering subscription boxes
This birthday email example by St. Ives masterfully builds anticipation with “REVEAL SAVINGS!” CTA that’s placed strategically above an attractive product collection. This makes the reward feel like a special gift while showcasing its product range:
Image via Really Good Emails
9. The last-minute birthday save
Unlike other birthday email examples that focus on initial offers, this approach captures otherwise lost revenue. Last-minute reminder emails help capture sales from customers who haven’t redeemed their birthday offers.
Effective last-chance emails often include the original offer details for easy reference, clear expiration timing, and simple redemption instructions.
These emails target customers who have already shown interest by not opting out of birthday communications but may have been too busy to act initially. This creates an avenue for conversions.
Key features
Clear expiration timing with countdown elements
Original offer reminder with complete details
Urgent but friendly tone that compels readers to take action
One-click redemption for easy conversion
Best for: Any business offering birthday rewards, especially those with digital or easily redeemable offers
In this birthday email example, Tattly’s “Last Day!” birthday sale email creates urgency with bold typography and playful illustrations. This makes the final call to action “Go! Go! Go!” feel fun rather than pressuring:
Image via Really Good Emails
10. The birthday cross-sell
This birthday email example proves that strategic product recommendations can enhance the celebration while driving additional sales. By suggesting complementary items or showcasing new collections, brands create additional purchase opportunities without diminishing the birthday message.
The strategy is effective when recommendations are personalized and relevant to the occasion. The key lies in maintaining a gift-focused mindset — helping customers treat themselves or find perfect birthday-worthy items.
Key features
Curated product suggestions based on preferences
Celebratory birthday-themed groupings
Complementary item pairings that make sense
New collection highlights with special access
Best for: Beauty brands and businesses with natural product combinations
In this birthday email example, Soon Skincare skillfully combines a celebratory 20% discount with carefully selected skincare products, using lifestyle photography and clear pricing to make the cross-sell feel natural and enticing:
Image via Really Good Emails
11. The brand birthday email
Birthday emails aren’t just for customers. Celebrating company milestones creates a shared moment of joy with customers while driving sales. Brand birthday emails often feature special limited-time offers or exclusive products.
This birthday email example works by tapping into the customer’s connection with the brand and creating a sense of community around the celebration.
The messaging typically highlights the brand’s journey, achievements, or values while thanking customers for their role in the company’s success.
Key features
Brand story elements that create a connection
Anniversary-specific deals with special value
Celebration-themed design that stands out
Limited-edition products for the occasion
Best for: Established brands with loyal customer bases
HOP WTR’s fourth birthday email cleverly plays on staying “four-ever young” while offering an attractive bundle deal. This example perfectly balances brand personality with promotional value:
Image via Really Good Emails
12. The icon birthday email
Celebrating famous figures, historical dates, or cultural icons relevant to your brand creates engaging content while driving sales. This unique spin on birthday emails expands beyond customer birthdays to tap into broader cultural moments and interests.
By linking products or offers to celebrated figures, brands can add depth to their happy birthday email marketing while attracting like-minded customers. This birthday email example proves especially effective when the connection feels authentic and adds value to the customer experience.
Key features
Limited-edition collections with meaning
Themed product selections that customers can relate with
Cultural figure tie-ins that feel authentic
Educational elements about the icon or celebrity
Best for: Companies with strong cultural associations or heritage elements
Felix Gray, through its creative happy birthday email example, celebrates the birthdays of Alan Turing and Lord Kelvin. The brand cleverly connects its eyewear styles to these scientific icons while offering a themed discount:
Image via Really Good Emails
13. The pet birthday email
An unusual birthday email example, pet birthday emails tap into customers’ emotional connections with their furry family members. This example creates engaging moments that drive sales.
By treating pet birthdays with the same importance as human birthdays, brands can strengthen customer relationships and create memorable experiences.
These campaigns typically combine cute imagery, playful language, and pet-specific offers to create highly shareable content that resonates with pet parents.
Key features
Special half-birthday offers with unique value
Unique promotional codes for the occasion
Clever, playful messaging that entertains
Light, humorous tone throughout the content
Best for: Pet supply retailers and pet care service brands
This Little Beast birthday email perfectly captures the spirit of this birthday email example. It includes a photo of a cheerful dog, playful design elements, and carefully curated pet clothing suggestions, making the celebration feel special for both pet and owner:
Image via Really Good Emails
14. The birthday registration email
Inviting customers to share their birthdates sets the foundation for personalized birthday campaigns while building anticipation. These emails need to communicate the value of signing up while making the process simple and appealing.
The messaging of this birthday email example often emphasizes exclusive rewards and special treatment to motivate customers to provide their information. This way, you not only collect valuable data but also increase customer engagement long before their actual birthday arrives.
Key features
Simple registration process that minimizes friction
Preview of exclusive birthday perks and rewards
Trust-building elements that ensure data security
Clear value proposition for sharing birthdates
Best for: Businesses looking to build their birthday marketing program
Ray-Ban’s birthday registration email effectively combines cool imagery with a clear value proposition. This makes birthday signup feel like accessing an exclusive club rather than just sharing personal data:
Image via Really Good Emails
15. The half-birthday email
Half-birthday email campaigns create additional touchpoints with customers while offering a unique twist on traditional birthday marketing.
This creative strategy helps brands stand out by celebrating an often-overlooked occasion, particularly effective during slower business periods. The unconventional timing keeps the brand top-of-mind and provides an extra opportunity for engagement.
This birthday email example is a sales magnet because it’s unexpected and gives customers a delightful reason to shop even when it’s not their actual birthday yet.
Key features
Playful messaging that acknowledges the unconventional “birthday” celebration
Special half-birthday offers with exclusive discounts
Personalized timing for mid-year engagement
Creative campaign themes that stand out
Best for: Businesses looking to create additional customer touchpoints throughout the year
In this half-birthday email example, Outdoor Voices plays on the concept with a birthday cake illustration and witty copy about half-birthdays being “underrepresented.” It then pairs this with a compelling offer of $20 off a $100 purchase:
Creating effective birthday email campaigns goes beyond just sending a discount code. Let’s look at proven strategies to make your birthday emails stand out and drive results.
These strategies, drawn from the best birthday emails, will help you create more engaging campaigns:
Perfect your timing: Send a sequence of emails starting a few days before the birthday. Start with an early announcement followed by one on the day of celebration, and then a final reminder to engage. That said, early morning sends on the actual birthday tend to work well, as customers can plan their purchases throughout the day.
Make your birthday email subject lines count: Use personalization and celebratory language in birthday email subject lines. Instead of generic phrases like “Happy Birthday,” try something more engaging like “Your birthday treat is inside, (Name)!” or “Time to celebrate YOU!”
Keep redemption simple: Minimize friction in the redemption process. Use easy-to-remember promo codes, one-click activation, or an automatic discount application. The easier it is to claim the reward, the higher your conversions will likely be.
Test different reward types: Experiment beyond standard discounts. Try gifts, exclusive access, double points, choice-based rewards, and other birthday email campaign ideas to find what resonates with your audience.
How Omnisend can help you create automated birthday emails
Birthday email automation saves time while ensuring no customer celebration gets missed. Omnisend makes birthday email campaigns simple and effective by facilitating the following:
Efficient data collection: Add a birthday field to your signup forms and landing pages. Omnisend automatically stores and organizes this information, making it readily available for personalized campaigns.
Smart automation workflows: Create birthday email sequences that trigger automatically. Send early reminders, day-of celebrations, and follow-up messages without manual intervention.
Personalization at scale: Use customer data to customize each birthday message. From addressing customers by name to including loyalty point balances or personalized product recommendations, Omnisend helps make every birthday email unique for each individual.
Design flexibility: Choose from pre-built birthday email templates or create custom designs. The platform’s drag-and-drop editor allows you to add interactive elements, countdown timers, and dynamic content blocks.
Here are some sample birthday newsletter templates:
Image via Omnisend
Conclusion
Birthday emails remain one of the most effective ways to engage customers and drive sales. They create personal connections while generating revenue for your business.
The success of your birthday email program depends on how well you blend timing, personalization, and clear value propositions.
With tools like automation helping you maintain consistency and scale your efforts, birthday emails can become one of your most reliable sources of customer engagement and revenue.
Use one of the birthday email examples in this guide to help you create these emails with ease.
Happy birthday email examples FAQ
1. What is a birthday email?
A birthday email is a personalized message sent to customers on or close to their birthday. These automated emails typically include special offers, rewards, or exclusive perks to celebrate the customer’s special day.
2. What are the benefits of sending birthday emails?
Birthday emails consistently deliver higher engagement rates than standard promotional emails. According to Omnisend’s data, birthday emails achieve a 43.37% open rate and a 14.30% click-to-conversion rate.
These emails also help build emotional connections with customers, increase loyalty program participation, and drive repeat purchases.
3. Is it hard to create a birthday email?
With the right email marketing platform, creating birthday emails is straightforward. The key is setting up proper automation workflows that trigger based on customer birth dates.
Tools like Omnisend provide templates, automation features, and personalization options that make it easy to launch and maintain effective birthday email campaigns.
4. How do I write a professional birthday email?
Start with a warm, personal greeting using the customer’s name. Keep the tone celebratory but aligned with your brand voice. Include clear offer details and redemption instructions.
Focus on making the customer feel special while maintaining a professional presentation. Lastly, avoid overwhelming the readers with too many promotional elements in your birthday emails.
5. How do I send a birthday message via email?
Use an email marketing platform that supports automation and personalization. First, collect customer birth dates through signup forms or loyalty programs. Then, set up automated workflows to trigger emails on or before birthdays.
6. What is the best message for a birthday?
The best birthday messages combine genuine appreciation with clear value. Keep the tone warm and personal while clearly stating any offers or rewards. Avoid generic greetings — instead, offer personalized discounts and freebies.
Send birthday email campaigns that drive results and keep your customers happy
Bernard is the Sr. Director of Communications & Creative at Omnisend, with a passion for good research, helping ecommerce businesses with their marketing automation needs, and beating absolutely everyone in Mario Kart 64.
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