A virtual birthday party celebration for your little one is the perfect way to share their special day celebration with friends and family near and far. Due to Covid-19 celebrating a birthday party for your child in the traditional way carries some safety concerns for your child and others. So I say if you have such concerns why not use today's technology and still make your child's special day an extra day to remember?
Since there are more than a few different video-calling platforms available start by picking the video-calling platform you like and feel comfortable with. The different face-time providers have different participant limits some as low as 8 participants (Facebook Messenger) and others like Face Time allow up to 32 participants. Explore video chat apps like Bunch, Air Time, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger Rooms, whoever you choose do a little research on them (google it) even give the platform you choose a test drive by trying out the virtual provider yourself.
Once that's done it's time to start thinking about sending out invitations to the names on your guest list. Use e-invites to reach the parents of the children on your electronic invitation list and do your best to explain the virtual concept to anyone not totally clear about a virtual birthday party idea.
Choose a theme, if that idea appeals to you, decide on party decorations, and set up a loose schedule. Choose a craft or activity that can be completed by virtual party guests while video chatting. Be sure to give the other parents a heads-up about what supplies will be needed in advance. Depending on the size of the virtual part crowd you're expecting you can also safely hand-deliver or send out party crafts or supplies to each virtual attendee.
Since many of your child's favorite superheroes, fairy tale creatures, and princesses have turned to technology to keep them safe, and active, during these shelter-in-place days. And, also have access to the internet in their kingdoms and secret hideouts. Given enough warning, (and a costume if needed) it is totally possible to have your child's favorite character make a virtual appearance in your virtual party setting, on your child's special day. Decide on a gift, and for goodness sake don't forget to sing happy birthday!
Another good virtual activity is sharing favorite YouTube videos or watching a movie as a group. Of course, the guest of honor gets to choose the movie on a streaming platform like Netflix Party all of the virtual party goers will be able to enjoy a motion picture together and at the end, after the credit roll, chat with each other about their favorite parts of the movie. Consider dropping off small packages filled with a juice box, popcorn, or another fun movie snack if the attendees live close enough to where you are or suggest these items when letting the other parents know what will be needed beforehand.
My favorite is a game of virtual Bingo Tabletopia is a platform that offers over 800 different board games to choose from. It's a good idea to choose, or have your child choose a few games in advance to avoid spending a large part of your virtual time browsing all of the available options.
Bring out the birthday cake, encourage your child to make a wish, and blow out the candles. Keep an eye on the clock and do your best to stick to your virtual birthday party agenda. The Goal as always is to make sure your little birthday bundle of joy feels special and safe.
