How to Host a Virtual Birthday Party

"Celebration Inspiration" is all about bringing you top-notch advice and creative ideas to make the most of life’s special moments. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or going all out for a holiday, we’re here to share decorating tips, gifting advice, and fun, festive ways you can make a lasting impression!

Looking to make the most out of a loved one’s birthday despite social distancing? Big birthday parties might be canceled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate! From decorating and sending out invitations to singing “Happy Birthday” and mailing gifts, virtual parties can be lots of fun! To help, we’d like to share our virtual birthday party planning checklist. It will keep you organized when hosting the big day!

Make a Virtual Birthday Schedule

As with any gathering, sticking to a schedule is important. Depending on how many people are attending, you can get surprisingly busy, and you don’t want to veer off track. With so many activities planned, such as singing “Happy Birthday” and opening gifts, you’ll want to make sure you’re able to interact with everyone while enjoying all that's planned.

Select a Video Chatting Software

Before sending out invites, test multiple video chat platforms to see which is best for your group. Remember, the software should be compatible with the number of guests you’ll be having. From Google Hangouts to Zoom, you're sure to find an app for your party! Below is a list of common video chat platforms.

• Zoom
• Google Hangouts
• Google Duo
• FaceTime (For Apple users only)
• Skype
• Facebook Messenger

Send Virtual Invitations

Don’t forget to send the invitations! Remember, invitations are the first impression your guests will have. So, set the tone of the event by making your invitations welcoming and exciting! Plus, you’ll want to get RSVPs so you know how many people to expect.

Birthday Decorations and Themes

Virtual birthday party or not, decorations are a must! It helps to have a theme while decorating, so sort that out before getting crafty. With a mermaid theme or Star Wars theme, for example, you can decorate with matching banners and streamers. If you want to go simple, choose a calmer scene, such as a black and white theme. You can also be silly and have a pajama theme, where everyone signs on with their pillows and blankets. Whatever you choose, everything will come together nicely if there’s a theme to decorate around. If you choose not to have a theme, at least have some balloons or wear birthday hats!

Children's Birthday Ideas

Letting your imagination run wild for a child's virtual birthday party can be so much fun. Perhaps you want to do a Disney theme for your little one's party, where all the kids enter the virtual chat dressed up as their favorite characters. Be sure to decorate with balloons, banners, streamers, and party blowers that match the theme. Another idea sure to surprise them is to have their favorite character send them a video. Although Rapunzel or Sheriff Woody can't make a physical appearance, search for a company that provides this service and ask if their characters can send a video message.

Being in a virtual room filled with children, you're going to want to keep them entertained. Here are some games and activities that are sure to hold their attention:

• Simon Says
• A one word at a time story
• I Spy
• Would You Rather
• Trivia
• What's in Your Room? (like What's in Your Purse?)
• Dance party
• Fashion show
• DIY crafts

Sing “Happy Birthday”

There’s no catchier tune than the well-known “Happy Birthday.” Even social distancing can't take that away from us! When the cake comes out (and you should have a cake), it’s time to sing. Make sure everyone at the party has something sweet to eat after the guest of honor makes their wish.

You Can Still Send a Birthday Gift

What’s the best part about birthday parties? Opening gifts! This is totally optional, but if you plan ahead, you can still send birthday gifts to friends and family. Whether sending birthday flowers, a plant, birthday cake delivery, gift baskets, or any other gift the birthday boy or girl may like, it's thoughtful to consider their preference as you shop for the perfect present. Then, during the celebration, have them unbox their gifts as everyone oohs and ahhs.

Play Birthday Party Games or Ask Ice Breaker Questions

If you want to make this celebration one they won’t stop talking about, get ready to play exciting party games! There are so many you can play virtually, such as I Spy, Truth or Dare, Never Have I Ever, and Charades. Or, you can have a costume contest!

It’s also fun to mix in some ice breaker questions, such as:

• What’s your favorite food combination?
• Who's the most talented superhero?
• How did you meet the guest of honor?
• What do you admire most about the guest of honor?

Have you thrown a virtual birthday party

We'd love to hear about it! Let us know on social!