Since large gatherings are being discouraged because of COVID-19, birthday parties are being canceled. But, they don’t have to be completely canceled, just modified. Here are some tips to help you throw a Virtual Birthday Party.

Similarly to a virtual baby shower, a virtual birthday party still keeps the focus on celebrating the occasion with some distance between party-goers.

What You’ll Need

• Choose a date and time for the event
• Internet access and smartphone or webcam
• Send out invitations – either real invitations, an e-vite, or even a text
• Share an address to ship the gifts, if desired
• Birthday cake!
• Optional: send out favors or games to participants ahead of time, Netflix

How a Virtual Birthday Party Works

There are several ways to go about hosting a virtual birthday party. Instead of meeting at a home or party place, everyone can join in an interactive video chat like Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook Messenger or Houseparty.

You can even get a free basic Zoom membership, which would be great for something like this!

If you need something a little more passive, Facebook Live might be the way to go, but it would probably be best to share opening gifts or some kind of surprise.

If you have some people in your life who are not tech-savvy, you could always text them the video after or watch it together once things calm down.

Activities

Think of whatever activities you would normally do at a birthday party and make some adjustments.

Have a virtual movie night thanks to Netflix! The new Netflix Party is an extension that can be used with Chrome browsers. Everyone can watch the same show or movie at the same time and a group chat will appear so you can all react together.

For older kids who are into gaming, playing a game online together could be part of the party.

For the grand finale, some people are having parades for the guest of honor. Everyone who would normally attend drives by to say happy birthday while social distancing. The birthday kid stands in the yard while friends and loved ones drive by. Some even have balloons or cars decorated. There are so many creative ways to make people feel loved while keeping everyone safe.

Celebrate

Of course, you’ll want to sing happy birthday to the guest of honor!

You can send/drop off a slice of cake and a candle for everyone to join in the fun.

Messages

You can invite “guests” to send a special message or video to the birthday child ahead of time. It will make their day extra special to read, watch or hear all the special messages.

Having everyone spend this time together will be a special way to remember what will surely be a unique birthday! Plus, virtual birthday parties allow even out of town guests to be a part of the celebration.

Shop Gift Ideas for Baby Now!