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Birthdays are meant to be celebrated. After all, we are all not getting any younger, and this exact moment is the youngest we will ever be. So why not treat yourself with a mouthful of cake, a bunch of friends, an overnight party, and glasses of champagne served on repeat? Or, on the contrary, shut yourself away from the world and hibernate the day you were born because it’s your birthday, and you can just as well cry if you want to.

But you see, humans are unpredictable beings and there’s always a chance the birthday celebration can go sour any moment. In fact, below we have a fair share of evidence that any birthday, even the cutest one, can be ruined by a little thing. Like a guest wearing a very inappropriate t-shirt or a dinosaur balloon meant as a birthday gift flying away into the space.

Scroll down through this Bored Panda list below that will surely provoke some mixed emotions and let us know if you've ever had your birthday ruined in the comment section!

#1

When You’re So Excited To Make Your BF Open His First Birthday Present From An Amazon Shipment And It Happens To Be The Wrong Package Filled With Kitty Litter

When You’re So Excited To Make Your BF Open His First Birthday Present From An Amazon Shipment And It Happens To Be The Wrong Package Filled With Kitty Litter

margaurita Report

#2

When You Have Candles, But Not The "Right" Ones For Your Wife's 39th Birthday

When You Have Candles, But Not The "Right" Ones For Your Wife's 39th Birthday

Kwantumflux Report

#3

My 10-Year-Old Made Me A Birthday Card With Detailed Drawings Of The Buttholes Of Our 4 Cats And Titled It: “The Collection Of Buttholes Of The Cats”

My 10-Year-Old Made Me A Birthday Card With Detailed Drawings Of The Buttholes Of Our 4 Cats And Titled It: “The Collection Of Buttholes Of The Cats”

DIY_Cosmetics Report

No one is safe from a birthday party failure. You see, with so much pressure building up to be happy and joyful on your big day, it’s normal to have reality destroy the expectations. No wonder so many people feel anxious, sad, disinterested and apathetic when it comes to celebrating and thinking about their birthday. The phenomenon is known as birthday blues and it affects way more people than we’d think.

#4

I Told My Fiancé I Got Him The Perfect 30th Birthday Cake. It Wasn’t What He Expected

I Told My Fiancé I Got Him The Perfect 30th Birthday Cake. It Wasn’t What He Expected

MaliceMes Report

#5

My Mom Requested Balloons On My Grandma’s 80th Birthday Cake. We Got These Happy Guys And A Good Laugh

My Mom Requested Balloons On My Grandma’s 80th Birthday Cake. We Got These Happy Guys And A Good Laugh

theyseemescrolling99 Report

#6

Got My Son A Dinosaur Balloon At The Grocery Store For His Birthday. Here It Is

Got My Son A Dinosaur Balloon At The Grocery Store For His Birthday. Here It Is

MobileMiddle1824 Report

“For some, it could be tied to previous negative experiences with birthdays. Others may reflect on their lives and may not feel they are where they wanted to be by that specific age,” says Dr. Lira de la Rosa, a licensed clinical psychologist and member of the media advisory group at the Hope for Depression Research Foundation. “For others, birthdays can come during times when they are going through something difficult.”

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#7

Happy Birthday And Psychological Trauma

Happy Birthday And Psychological Trauma

FarmWhileTeamFights Report

#8

I'm On A Lockdown Due To The Covid-19, This Is How My 18th Birthday Party Is Looking

I'm On A Lockdown Due To The Covid-19, This Is How My 18th Birthday Party Is Looking

ffSpartan Report

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#9

For My Son’s 1st Birthday, I Give You The Cake We Ordered And The Cake We Got

For My Son’s 1st Birthday, I Give You The Cake We Ordered And The Cake We Got

jstehlick Report

Moreover, there could be several reasons why a person experiences birthday depression. This may be due to depression, anxiety, fear of getting old, or history of family drama on birthdays during childhood. “All of these and many other reasons can contribute to feeling sad during a birthday,” says Dr. Lira de la Rosa, and adds that these reasons are normal and valid.

#10

When You Have The Same Birthday And Get Each Other The Same Gift

When You Have The Same Birthday And Get Each Other The Same Gift

_jessica_reyes Report

#11

My Friend's Dad Took His Mom To See The Sound Of Music For Her Birthday Present Today. This Was His View

My Friend's Dad Took His Mom To See The Sound Of Music For Her Birthday Present Today. This Was His View

DIFTHEGIANT Report

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Sara Rodrigues
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Placing seats behind objects that hide the screen or the event should be illegal.

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#12

On My 29th Birthday I Had Two Seizures, Fell Off My Bed, And Fractured My Spine In Two Places. I Now Have To Wear A Back Brace For 2-3 Months

On My 29th Birthday I Had Two Seizures, Fell Off My Bed, And Fractured My Spine In Two Places. I Now Have To Wear A Back Brace For 2-3 Months

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Quiltin Mammar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really hope your birthday next year is better and that's you're recovering well

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Allowing your emotions to arise may be key in combating birthday blues. “We tend to associate birthdays with celebrations and positive experiences, and that may not be the case for everyone. So, if you are not feeling excited or happy during this time, allow yourself permission to sit with the sadness,” says Dr. Lira de la Rosa.

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#13

Family Friend Hired Spongebob For A Birthday Party. Man Covered In Sponges Appears

Family Friend Hired Spongebob For A Birthday Party. Man Covered In Sponges Appears

toss_my_potatoes Report

#14

So A Girl At A Restaurant Who Took A Group Photo For My Friends' Birthday Dinner Managed To Capture The Very Instant I Noticed Her Hair Catching On Fire

So A Girl At A Restaurant Who Took A Group Photo For My Friends' Birthday Dinner Managed To Capture The Very Instant I Noticed Her Hair Catching On Fire

Savviie Report

#15

A “Friend” Staying Over For The Week Had A Slice Of My Mom’s Birthday Cake Before We Sang Happy Birthday

A “Friend” Staying Over For The Week Had A Slice Of My Mom’s Birthday Cake Before We Sang Happy Birthday

The18YONormie Report

According to Dr. Lira de la Rosa, turning inward to take inventory of your feelings, thoughts is a great idea. It may help you to hold tension in your body to better understand what you may be going through. She argues that “If we increase our awareness about our feelings, we can approach these feelings with compassion.” It’s a great idea to try and self-soothe and comfort ourselves by reminding that we are human beings when we feel a range of emotions. Which is totally normal.

#16

Went To The Store To Pickup A Candle For My Daughter’s Birthday, Guess How Old She’s Turning?

Went To The Store To Pickup A Candle For My Daughter’s Birthday, Guess How Old She’s Turning?

wtfbananaboat Report

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Kayla J
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

cut the 8 in half. keep the other half for when she does turn 8 and glue it back together.

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#17

This Shirt At A Kid's Birthday Party

This Shirt At A Kid's Birthday Party

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chicken
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

hope the children aren't old enough to know what that means.

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#18

This Was Supposed To Be My Brother’s Birthday Present… Thanks UPS

This Was Supposed To Be My Brother’s Birthday Present… Thanks UPS

yeetice Report

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Mama Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should be able to file a claim to have the cost reimbursed. I know it's not the same but you and your brother shouldn't be out the money for their screw up.

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Previously, we spoke with Lynn How, the author of “Positive Young Mind'' and life coach who specializes in supporting educators, parents, and children with improving and prevention of mental health issues. How said that something thoughtful is always the best way to go when picking a present for a person.

But “if you don't know the person, perhaps see if you can glean some information from a mutual friend if possible or see if their social media profiles give anything away,” she said and added to “not forget to check for allergies before buying food!”

#20

When You Try To Surprise Him With An Oreo Cake And You Drop It... Then Catch It On The Cabinets

When You Try To Surprise Him With An Oreo Cake And You Drop It... Then Catch It On The Cabinets

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Rabbit Carrot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But at least you can still eat it! Crushed cake is still cake. Cabinet cake is not floor cake. Grab a spoon and dig in.

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#21

Thanks To The A-Hole Who Stole My 14th Birthday Money. I Hope You're Happy

Thanks To The A-Hole Who Stole My 14th Birthday Money. I Hope You're Happy

Hexxu Report

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KJ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope they got compensated, surely USPS has security cameras.

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How reminds us that when it comes to expensive gifts, love can't be bought and although the odd grand gesture is lovely, “I'd much rather receive a thoughtful smaller gift or experience such as being taken on a surprise picnic with some lovely food!”

“Gifts become materialistic if they become expected and regular but it depends on what your ideals are for your individual relationship as well as how long you have been together.” How concluded that “Someone who showered me with expensive gifts after only a few dates might be coming on a bit too strong for my liking!”

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#22

That Time At My 36th Birthday, When My Husband Made Me Go On Stage With All The Other Birthday Boys And Girls. That Is The Face Of Mortification

That Time At My 36th Birthday, When My Husband Made Me Go On Stage With All The Other Birthday Boys And Girls. That Is The Face Of Mortification

MissRothmar Report

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UNP Snae
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thankfully J.W.G. was not around that party... Although he looks like him!

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#23

Had Literally 2 People Over For The Roommate's Birthday Party. They Started Wrestling And Broke My Plant, Christmas Tree, And Blinds

Had Literally 2 People Over For The Roommate's Birthday Party. They Started Wrestling And Broke My Plant, Christmas Tree, And Blinds

ButtMunchSupreme420 Report

#24

Not A Fan Of The Sparklers

Not A Fan Of The Sparklers

ping.a.nator Report

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Chinmayee Kalghatgi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I myself aren’t a fan of them, I always fear that one of those sparks may start a fire

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#25

Broke And Dislocated My Arm. Happy Birthday To Me

Broke And Dislocated My Arm. Happy Birthday To Me

tonehasson Report

#26

First Time Ever Making Waffles For My Husband’s Birthday Breakfast

First Time Ever Making Waffles For My Husband’s Birthday Breakfast

Lululabear Report

#27

Are Baking Fails Tolerated Here? My Birthday Cake Just Had A Nose Dive

Are Baking Fails Tolerated Here? My Birthday Cake Just Had A Nose Dive

shapeshif7er Report

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chicken
Community Member
1 year ago

If I were you I would be more worried about cleaning up the mess. but only after I devour the parts of the cake that has yet to touch the ground

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#28

My Brother Had His Window And His Life’s Belongings All Stolen From His Van On His Birthday Yesterday. Feels Bad

My Brother Had His Window And His Life’s Belongings All Stolen From His Van On His Birthday Yesterday. Feels Bad

WinNicely Report

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#29

The Way My Mother-In-Law Sliced This Birthday Cake

The Way My Mother-In-Law Sliced This Birthday Cake

Cavalier26 Report

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malenchki
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the flippity floppity f**k is THAT cutting

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parmadillo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I kind of appreciate it. Non-prescriptive sizing. Extra icing for icing lovers. And a center slice for those who don’t like the dry bits.

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CookieCrump
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried doing this on a piece of paper to my mom. She grounded me.

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T5n
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If she cuts a cake like this, she may be a future ex-mother-in-law.

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Anna Tribe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A mother in law who thinks that you and your side of the family are fat, hence tiny slices but her side of the family are perfect (of course) and deserve big slices of cake

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GPZ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Between the way she cut the cake and the cloth coaster, I think the MIL might be a homicidal axe murderer

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Deson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks to me like she started to slice it normally and got halfway through and realized that there were 11 people and not ten and so got "creative" with it.

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BabyBooby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Big fatass slices for my big fatass🤣🤣🤣🥳🥳🥳

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Pacer Three
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

grrrrrrrrrr, my life in a nutshell. my old man drives me nuts cutting every dessert into any geometric pattern his heart fancies, after 35 years I now expect it!

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Susanne B
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe she has experience that some participants wants bigger slices. Maybe she is just not very good at geometri

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Michael Largey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Genius! She should be in charge of asset division in some divorce court.

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Jane Jane
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is BRILLIANT! Something for everyone. I am NOT a fan of icing while others are. I want a small slice while others want HUGE.

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Katie
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean hey I'd be happy with that big slice at the bottom, but that cutting is horrendous lol

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Yoga Kitty
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually like it! I always try to cut pieces in different sizes for guests with more or less appetit, however, it never occured to me to just section off a part of the round cake and cut that first. My best idea so far was to cut off center, resulting in longer and shorter pieces...

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#30

We Bought Some Decorations For A Birthday In The Household, And Both Of Them Are Somehow Spelt Incorrectly. Happt Birthdat And Celebraae

We Bought Some Decorations For A Birthday In The Household, And Both Of Them Are Somehow Spelt Incorrectly. Happt Birthdat And Celebraae

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#31

4-Year-Old Nephew's Birthday? Seems Like The Perfect Time And Place For A Beer Bong

4-Year-Old Nephew's Birthday? Seems Like The Perfect Time And Place For A Beer Bong

BroodPlatypus Report

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#32

Someone My Fiance Knows Did This For Their Daughter's First Birthday

Someone My Fiance Knows Did This For Their Daughter's First Birthday

DarthLemur89 Report

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Wubbleyew
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank goodness those cake nipples are censored! You have saved my innocence

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#33

The Toilet At My Friend's 18th Birthday Party Broke, Flooded Two Rooms And Trapped Us In With A Poop Water

The Toilet At My Friend's 18th Birthday Party Broke, Flooded Two Rooms And Trapped Us In With A Poop Water

mossyfen Report

#34

Barbecue Went Up In Flames On My Grandad's Birthday

Barbecue Went Up In Flames On My Grandad's Birthday

Jimbob_Shannon Report

#35

One Day Before My Birthday I Went To A Skating Place With A Friend And A Furry Wearing A Mask Couldn’t See Me. Happy Birthday To Me

One Day Before My Birthday I Went To A Skating Place With A Friend And A Furry Wearing A Mask Couldn’t See Me. Happy Birthday To Me

The-Epic-Cyan Report

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Kira Okah
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Knowing how limited the vision is in fursuit heads and masks, what compelled them to wear one at an ice rink? Well dangerous.

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#36

Happy Birthday, Rich Evans

Happy Birthday, Rich Evans

RedLetterMedia Report

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chicken
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the shirt is a bit weird but not extremely weird since it used to be a common name. the part I hate is the fat rat next to him. he'll be in my nightmare.

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#37

I Bought A Lemon Pie For My Dad’s Birthday And It Came Like This

I Bought A Lemon Pie For My Dad’s Birthday And It Came Like This

valjide Report

#38

I Ordered My Son's Birthday Cake. I Asked Them To Put XI (Roman Numeral) And Underneath That Write Xavius (His Name). This Is What They Made

I Ordered My Son's Birthday Cake. I Asked Them To Put XI (Roman Numeral) And Underneath That Write Xavius (His Name). This Is What They Made

danielle.queenb Report

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Kel_how
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, XI isn't 10 🤦‍♀️ Was this a legit bakery? If so, I'd get my money back because the cake looks like shite.

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#39

I Asked For "Happy Birthday" On My Husband's Cake But Got This Instead Today

I Asked For "Happy Birthday" On My Husband's Cake But Got This Instead Today

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#40

Heard A Loud Splat From The Kitchen, Turns Out My Mother Had Just Dropped My Birthday "Cake"

Heard A Loud Splat From The Kitchen, Turns Out My Mother Had Just Dropped My Birthday "Cake"

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Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think you may have been fortunate here - that "cake" looks awful!

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Note: this post originally had 70 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.