Birthday parties are special, right? Not only do they mark the passing of another fabulous trip around the sun, but they’re also one of the best ways to gather your friends and family to laugh, cherish, blow out your candles and create long-lasting memories.
But what if your friends and family can’t come to your birthday party? Does that mean your birthday is cancelled?
‘No way Jose!!’ There is no reason why you cannot celebrate your special day virtually. And Louise Larkin, founder of Melbourne not-for-profit organisation Friend in Me, says she wants to be a part of it!
Friend in Me‘s aim is to bring birthday magic to your screen and make sure that your day is as special as it should be. Their mission is to create a memorable occasion that you oh-so deserve.
Louise gives her 7 steps on how to hold a fabulous virtual birthday party for kids. Now you can have the biggest, most amazing party with all your friends on the screen!
How to host a virtual birthday party
1. Download a video conferencing platform
Set up a free account with your video conferencing platform of your choice such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, Webex and House Party. You can download the software onto your phone, tablet or PC but we say the screen the better. You can even connect to your TV.
If you’re wanting to organise a long-distance movie night or TV-watching party then try the Netflix Party Google Chrome extension or Disney Plus Party Google Chrome Extension. Netflix Party and Disney Plus Party synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favourite shows.
Our favourite platform is Zoom, mainly because most people are familiar with using it. For extra party atmosphere, you can do cool things download a virtual background (to hide all the rubbish behind your screen) and even include a touch-up filter of your video feed.
2. Set up a link for the party of the year and send it to all your friends
One good thing about holding a birthday party online is that there are no restrictions on the number of people you can invite!
Just think: you may have a cousin in America or a good friend in Italy, that without a virtual party would not be able to celebrate with you – and (yippee!) now they can.
3. Order food, cake and decorations
When you have a birthday party remotely you get to eat ALL the cake!
There are lots of businesses offering contactless delivery of food and cake. To jazz up the atmosphere you can include balloons and other decorations.
Also check out these Melbourne small businesses who offer deliveries of cake, biscuits and grazing boxes. You can also contact Friend in Me for their recommendations.
To up the ante, organise an at-home glamping experience or slumber party! Dream Away Glamping Parties, Sleepovers R Us and Nitein Slumber Party Hire are all offering DIY glamping packages where you can hire tents, bedding, decorations and more for a family set up in your own house.
4. Order your presents online for direct delivery
With many shops moving to online shopping or offering local delivery, buying a birthday gift has never been easier!
You can direct friends and relatives to the 21 best toys and books to keep kids busy and learning, the 31 best toys and games kids under $50 and the best children’s bookshops in Melbourne. Gifts can then be delivered straight to the birthday boy or birthday girls’ door. Everyone loves receiving surprise post!
5. Put on your best birthday outfit for the day
Who says you cannot dress in style and be at home (adults if you want some inspiration, check out the hysterical Bin Isolation Outing Facebook group!).
You could even have everyone wear a silly hat or have a full-blown costume theme for your party.
6. Virtually connect with all your friends and family
Log on, laugh, smile and know that nothing will stop this celebration!
Friend in Me can also call on princesses and superheroes to celebrate with you too!
How super cool that Spider-Man can sing you Happy birthday or Elsa can do some magic tricks all the way from Arendale for your party or maybe it is Batman wishing you well all the way from Gotham City!
7. Send out party favours
It’s traditional to give out party favours, a goodie bag or party bag to all the guests to thank people for coming to your party.
You could post everyone a small gift or take a photo of your virtual birthday party and send it to all your guests as a postcard using Touchnote.
So yes, physical parties are cancelled but we guarantee you that you can still make this special day one to remember via the internet!
[mv_video key=”vxr5jdr8ejjkhnlafnqo” volume=”70″ aspectRatio=”true” title=”7 Steps for Holding a Virtual Birthday Party | TOT: HOT OR NOT” thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/video/upload/vxr5jdr8ejjkhnlafnqo.jpg” jsonLd=”true” doNotOptimizePlacement=”false” doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” sticky=”false”]Louise Larkin is the founder of Friend in Me, a not-for-profit organisation that runs inclusive community events with a mission to enhance children’s and families’ social inclusion and promote kindness. Louise is committed to ensuring that no child is made to feel lonely; that no child is left behind.
You can connect Friend in Me on Facebook and with Louise via hello@friendinme.org.au
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This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase using the links there is no extra cost to you and I earn a small commission that helps me to provide free, valuable and useful information for you! Thanks Joyce
