Ever heard of the saying, “An Apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Similarly, “Social Distancing from friends keeps the coronavirus away” It has almost been the one year anniversary of the pandemic that is causing people to spend their big milestones at home and not with the grandeur they envisioned it with. Proms, graduations, anniversaries and most importantly, birthdays have all come to a halt due to isolation. Yet, does being at home mean that the celebration cannot continue?
Having an 18th Birthday and celebrating many others birthdays in quarantine has given me the opportunity to think outside the box and go above and beyond to make my beloved ones feel more special on their special day.
Below are some creative ideas that have not only been put to the test but may spark some personal and creative ideas for you on how to appreciate your loved ones.
THE SURPRISE: The Deliveries! Getting any sort of present through the mail can be exciting! When a gift is unexpected it feels all the more joyous to know that someone is thinking of you even when they cannot be right next to you. Deliveries of flowers and chocolates are the classic way to go – yet, why not put a spin on a classic? Choose a budget- $25 or $50 and buy a sequence of tiny trinkets, wrap them and put them all in a box to ship to your beloved one. You can even make this present into a game! On top of each wrapped item, write a quote or hint as to what the gift is for the recipient to guess!
THE ENTERTAINMENT: The Parades! With the Christmas season coming soon, we are all going to miss the cherishes Santa Claus parades. What if you put a birthday spin on your favourite Christmas activity? Arrange a group of friends to dress up with signs and posters to drive by your friend’s house. Just because you’re social distancing does not mean that your love must distance.
THE GUESTS: The Memories! Software such as Animoto and Reels make this personalized gift super easy to put together. Get a collection of your friends and families then compile virtual birthday wishes for them. In between, you can even add images or videos of memories they have with each attendee to make the video complete. In addition, adding a meaningful song might help bring a tear to their eye because let’s face it, what’s life with no song?
THE VIRTUAL CHILL: Lastly, with this pandemic going fully virtual – why not make a virtual birthday eventful? Consider sending out e-invites, a dress code and a zoom link and woolah a party in your room! Need an activity? Well, there’s always the Netflix and popcorn route, or to be more current you can host an Among us Game night party! Discuss possible suspects and even let the celebrated guest suspect who’s the imposter.
This pandemic has proven to show that birthdays are not simply materialistic and need to be envisioned to have glamorous dresses, an outstanding DJ and multiple gifts. Using some of these ways to brighten a virtual birthday shows that, even with extreme circumstances, your love will never stop you from making them feel special on their special day.