Now is the time to host online parties, they’re all the rage right now. Whether you’re hosting on ZOOM or FaceBook LIVE or another way, doing everything virtually is the best to go. I’m getting ready to host our first virtual birthday party for my son Benjamin right now who will be turning 13 years old during this quarantine time.
Online Parties: How to Host a Virtual Birthday Party
There are so many changes right now that are occurring. It’s going to be our new “version” of life for awhile now. One thing that hasn’t changed is that people are still celebrating birthdays! A birthday is a milestone and though we can’t meet up together, we can host online parties and throw a virtual birthday party!
I want to share some ideas and tips on how to host online parties and the best way to come up with “long distance birthday ideas” right now.
Online Parties: Pick a theme.
Maybe you’re going to have a tea party or a Disney party or superhero party or a sports themed party. Stop and try to come up with the best theme possible for your virtual birthday party.
The best part is that you can still have a birthday party theme. I know for my kids, this is probably the most exciting and important detail.
Victoria has already decided that in July she’s going to have a PRINCESS party. That’s her theme. My son Ben for his 13th birthday still has to decide on a “theme” for this virtual party, but whatever it is – we can make it work virtually with some creative thinking.
Once you have a theme, your online parties can take shape from there.
Online Parties: Guest list.
The good thing about virtual birthday parties and online parties is that you can have a bunch of people attend! You don’t have to have one person on the other line, you can bring in a whole little party.
For each virtual party and depending on what software you’re using, it will vary… but all in all, you can bring in a handful or more of people. The one thing you need to make sure is that they have the appropriate devices.
Online Parties: Choose day and time.
Just like you would do for an in-person party, make sure you have a time and a date for your virtual birthday party. This is essential because people need to know when to log on.
Online Parties: Decor and party essentials and seeing the scene.
Here’s an inside tip when it comes to shooting ANYTHING virtually, you want to make sure you have a set in mind.
OK… I know this isn’t a TV show that you’re shooting, but you need to make sure you have a spot in your house or your yard with good lighting and where people are going to be able to see you clearly.
The good thing is that your attendees and guests don’t have to worry about this as much as you, but it’s important for YOU to have a spot you’re going to stay in.
Maybe it’s your dining room.
Maybe it’s your yard.
Maybe it’s your kitchen.
Maybe it’s your basement.
Just have a set spot and decorate that area! Bring on in balloons and streamers! Make posters and signs! Make it look like a party space for yourself. This is where your theme will really come into play because you’ll be able to highlight what it is that you’re going to be centering your party around.
Are you have a cooking themed party? Maybe you’re sitting in your kitchen with balloons and streamers about to bake something with your guests. Are you hosting a sports themed party?
Maybe you’re positioning yourself in your yard showcasing something cool that has to do with sports. Maybe you’re setting up some obstacle courses for people to see.
Parties Online: Ideas for the actual party.
This is probably the most important part of any party, the activity! When you go to a bowling party, you’re going to bowl. When you’re going to a roller skating party, you’re going to roller skate. When you’re going to a laser tag party, you’re going to do laser tag.
When you’re hosting an online virtual birthday party, make sure you have an activity to do.
Maybe you’re going to do a craft. You could send out the idea in the evite and make sure everyone has the supplies.
Maye you’re going to create an outdoor obstacle course. You could make sure everyone knows ahead of time to set up certain things outside.
Maybe you’re going to bake cookies You could make sure everyone has the necessary ingredients.
Maybe you’re doing to have a spa theme, so you make sure everyone has nail polish on hand.
Maybe you’re going to teach kids a new hairstyle or dance.
Maybe you’re going to have a artist themed party where you’re going to try and draw Disney characters or something.
Maybe you’re going to have to host a game day where everyone participates. You could do charades or Pictionary or TABOO.
There are ways to host a party online, you just need to make sure you’re thinking it out.
Online Parties: Cake and Favors? What to do.
So one thing that will suffer is the fact that you can’t enjoy cake with everyone, but they can watch you blowout your candles and they can sing to YOU! This might not be the best case scenario, but it’s a scenario that works.
If you really wanted to send favors, you could send along a $5 gift card to a store or something special like that. Most everyone that will attend will most likely have to gift to you a virtual gift card, so this could be your way of thanking them for taking the hour or so to “attend” your party.
I wanted to make sure I showed you that it is possible to host a virtual birthday party. It won’t be as easy as one in person, but it could be as fun if you play your cards right and plan it out. This got me thinking about writing a blog post on some virtual gift ideas, too!
To everyone out there celebrating birthdays under this really crazy time, I’m wishing you a heartfelt HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I hope it’s a good day for you and I hope you remember this one someday and smile, knowing that this one was quite the unique birthday celebration.
Make sure you check out my latest online “party”! Vera Sweeney and I are hosting THE RESET, a digital lifestyle show for moms and dads out there navigating this new world!
Here are 10 Virtual Games for you to Play with your friends.
