Get my FREE PRINTABLE party hat props and other great ideas for how to celebrate birthdays while social distancing!
Social Distancing poses some obvious logistical challenges for anyone celebrating a birthday right now — and that can be especially disappointing for kids. Max’s 6th birthday is tomorrow and we’ve had to get pretty creative coming up with fun ways to safely celebrate. Luckily, we live in a world full of creative, caring people who have come up with tons of fun and easy ideas to celebrate birthdays while social distancing!
Here are just a few:
Birthday Idea 1: Throw An Old-Fashioned Family Party
With a little creativity you can transform your house into party-central without ever setting foot in a store.
Bake a Cake: No birthday celebration is complete without cake and kids absolutely love helping to bake and decorate. No matter if you bake your cake from scratch or use a boxed mix, you’ll still be baking up some great memories together! I’ve got some great recipes for cupcakes and cakes here on my site, if you’re looking for a project!
Birthday Bash in a Box: Waterlemon, a party and event space in La Grange is offering shipping and home delivery of their Bash Boxes which include everything you need for the perfect party setup, from balloons and garlands to plates and cups and even a birthday crown. No need to run out to a party store or worry about forgetting to pick up candles — you’ll have everything you need without ever leaving home. Order online at waterlemonkids.com
Birthday Idea 2: Throw A Virtual Party
Organize an online party using your favorite virtual meeting software like Zoom or Google hangouts.
Free Printable Party Hats: To get everyone in the spirit, I’ve created a set of free printable party hats and balloon props. Download the PDF below absolutely free by clicking the link. Then email the file to everyone when you send them your virtual party link. All they have to do is print and cut out the props to join in the party fun!
Hire a Host: Looking to create a party with a little more “structure”? Lots of businesses are offering ‘virtual party hosting’ services to make the party experience extra special.
Magic Together: Professional magician Scott Green is offering an interactive virtual magic show called “Magic Together.” Book your show at www.magictogether.us and Scott will mail you a box that you won’t open until your performance begins. During the 45 minute production, the items in the box will combine with the magician live on a Zoom feed to create the experience. There’s a show for families and a different show for adults. Find out more at www.magictogether.us
Bubbles Academy: This is a great option for younger kids — Bubbles Academy is an early childhood learning center based in Chicago. Right now they’re offering a ton of free virtual classes for younger children and are also offering customized virtual birthday experiences — find out more at bubblesacademy.com
Royal Princess Parties: is offering live virtual birthday parties for up to 12 friends. Your party will be hosted by the princess OR superhero of your choice. 30 minutes for $60. You can find out more on their facebook page or email info@royalprincessparties.com
SkyZone is also offering virtual parties for up to 10 guests and they are absolutely FREE. Send your child’s info to birthdays@skyzone.com and they’ll follow up with all the details.
Birthday Idea 3: Plan a Birthday Parade
Finally, if you’ve got a kiddo who truly can’t stand the idea of celebrating without seeing family and friends in person, try throwing a birthday car parade! This a fabulous way to celebrate with friends from a distance and make sure the birthday boy or girl feels special. Ask friends and classmates to drive by your house at a certain time of day, while your child stands at the door or on the front porch. As they drive by, they can honk and wave at the birthday boy or girl and show off homemade signs and balloons.
