Virtual Kids Parties
Planning Special Celebrations at Home
"If we didn’t have birthdays, you wouldn’t be you.” – Dr. Seuss Happy Birthday to You
We believe life is full of stories worth sharing and would love to help you write your family’s storybook. Due to COVID-19, children’s birthday parties have changed. We believe that you should celebrate all of life’s moments. These kids deserve to remember their birthday as joyous chapters in their lives regardless if it is celebrated at home. We have come up with some ideas to help create a fun birthday in our new normal:
Location, Location, Location
First of all, we highly recommend that you have a virtual party for your kids. With so many virtual platforms popping up, you can pick whichever best suits your style. Popular options include Zoom, Google Hang-outs, Microsoft Teams and House Party. I personally like Zoom platform the best for virtual parties. It tends to have the least amount of microphone feedback and allows for a grid view. I like to see the face of everyoneI’m partying with.
Guest List
This is still a party and you should always create a guest list! The more people you have at a virtual party, the less enjoyable it becomes. It can get distracting, chaotic and very hard to hear. Keep it to 20 invites max. With that being said you might want to consider breaking it up into groups – family, school friends, and activity buddies. Why not have a few fun parties?
Invitations
It is important to schedule your virtual party. All people including children are craving human connection right now. Sending out a fun virtual invitation is much more exciting than a boring, standard email. Many companies have pivoted and have already created amazing virtual invitation options. It is up to you whether you want to have a birthday party during the week or the weekend. Sometimes it is hard to even know what day of the week it is right now. For children in kindergarten or older I would try to have their celebrations on the weekend as e-learning can be exhausting for everyone involved. If you are having the party on the weekend, consider scheduling it for the morning or evening. As the weather gets nicer the last thing we want to do is be cooped up indoors in front of a screen. For duration, a typical two hour party is not going to work. I recommend 30 minutes depending on the ages and attention spans of the children invited.
https://www.evite.com/gallery/category/virtual_events/
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Creating a theme
Like every party I plan, I believe it needs to tell a story and have a cohesive theme. Incorporate your child’s favorite characters or activities from Peppa Pig, Cooking to Star Wars. The possibilities are truly endless now. When purchasing cups, hats, plates, etc you do not need to order more than 1 pack since most of your guests won’t actually be there. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time due to shipping delays. Curating the theme isn’t for Instagram pictures or the sake of spending money. We feel it’s an easy way to create an escape from our normal day to day. What could be more important than that?
Tip: You don’t have to go extremely literal for the virtual birthday party. For example, when planning a Peppa Pig party, simply buy pink plates, cups, etc. You do not need to find ones that have Peppa all over them.
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Décor
Elevate the party décor by providing a Zoom background for the birthday child and guests. This is the most cost-effective way to bring a theme to life.
If you are going to go the extra mile and get items for the birthday theme online then it’s important to show them off! Setup your computer to showcase your dining room or kitchen table with your props. If you don’t have a Zoom background, decorate the area behind you to be on theme. Test your video camera ahead of time to determine what portions of your house will be visible to your guests.
Another easy thing to do is make a dress code. This can be as simple as if everyone wears a certain color t-shirt. I attended a virtual party recently where we all wore Disney themed attire. For guests who didn’t have Mickey Mouse ears they channeled Minnie with polka-dot blouses. Have fun with it!
These days the cake is strictly decor since guests are not actually eating it with you. Whether you are supporting your local bakeries with a specialty cake or making your own funfetti boxed cupcakes, having something present will make it meaningful and elevate the party.
https://pixabay.com/photos/search/birthday/
https://unsplash.com/photos/BguVgdTLUQY
Run of Show
It is important for a virtual party to have a master of ceremonies or party host. It will make everything run much smoother.
Party Flow:
Birthday Boy/Girl says hello
Party Host calls on each guest to say “Happy Birthday” Activity
Singing and blowing out candles
Goodbye
Tip: Control guests mute settings and don’t forget to take a picture!
Activities
Try to bring in an entertainment element as it will make the party more enjoyable and memorable. The activity needs to be short and sweet.
Free activities:
Simon Says
Charades
Freeze Dance
Bingo
Sing-along
Picture Drawing
Dance Party
There’s also many birthday vendors that offer virtual options. Here are some trusted sources from the blog, Mommy Poppins : https://mommypoppins.com/birthday-parties/best-virtual-party-performers-and-kids-birthday-parties-at-home
Birthday Parade
As an added bonus to the virtual party, throw your child their own parade. Invite their friends to cruise by with handmade signs and decorated cars while the guest of honor stands on the porch and waves. Give your friends a recommended time window that way it feels more festive and will be respectful to your neighborhood. Share the theme with them so those that wish to can wear outfits or make signs that reflect it. Many local fire departments are offering birthday drive-by’s for young children. Check on your local fire department’s website to see if they are participating.
Event Planner
If you need any help with planning your child’s virtual party please reach out as we would love to help you celebrate. We are offering custom goodie bags for guests within a 15 mile radius of Norwalk, Connecticut.
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