Not being able to get together to celebrate your birthday can be one of the most depressing parts of this entire pandemic. While we are still encouraged to practice social distancing, you can probably guarantee that if your birthday is in the next few months, it will be celebrated at home. This means that instead of preparing your standard birthday party stuff, you may have to get a little more creative. To make things easier, I have put together a guide to help you host a virtual birthday party at home.

Have Your Guests Send a Card

Instead of having your friends and family give you gifts at your party, have them send cards. If they want to send a gift, they can always ship it directly to your home, but cards are less likely to have a month-long delivery window. Instead, your guests can take the time to write a nice card for you, and you can read them during your party.

Get on Video with Your Guests

There are so many options for connecting with your guests virtually. There are thousands of video chat apps or places where you can even live stream your party! Facebook, YouTube, or even TikTok can give you a chance to share your party experience with your guests! If you’re looking to chat with your guests, consider apps such as Hangouts, Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime to chat.

Stream Your Entertainment

Streaming services have made it easier for virtual guests to experience things together! You can virtually tour museums, national parks, or watch movies together using watch party apps. Many video streaming services allow you to share your screen, or you can always use Netflix and other streaming services that let you stream entertainment that way.

Have a Remote Sleepover

Remote sleepovers can be a lot of fun! This is an excellent option for people who miss the typical Friday night sleepover birthday party! Instead, get your webcam ready and grab your sleeping bag! You can stay up late watching movies, playing games over video, and talking with your loved ones!

Enjoy Desserts Instead of a Cake

Many restaurants are still offering takeout right now! Take advantage of this to send food or desserts to your guests! This will help make sure that everyone has a sweet treat to enjoy when it’s time for your guest of honor to blow out the candles! Sure everyone might not get the same thing, but it’s more the concept and the thought that really counts here.

Make Some Party Swaps

Any birthday can easily be transformed into a virtual party with a little extra help. Sometimes it’s as simple as making a quick swap. 

Here are some swap ideas:

• Share the playlist with your guests and have a dance party instead of dancing at your party.
• Share recipes with your guests ahead of time so you can enjoy food together instead of having them come over for a meal.
• Create a party backdrop and mail favors instead of having them enjoy them at the party.
• Play online party games or whiteboard games instead of board games or party games that need to be done in person.

A birthday party away from your loved ones is never fun, but these tips will help make the experience a little better. While these might not work for everyone, hopefully, some of these tips will be helpful for you.