A year ago when I wrote an article about social distancing birthday party ideas, I would have never guessed that I’d be planning a second one for my son. As a mom, I’m mourning the loss of party planning a little bit. His parties always seem like a milestone for both of us. The reality is that many of these kids with spring birthdays are experiencing a second COVID celebration. And once again, we need to make lemonade out of lemons.
What have we learned since last year? With the world opening up a little bit and our comfort levels changing by the day, here are some ideas for making your child’s day a memorable one.
Yes Day
I’ve heard about this for several years, but never tried it myself. Essentially, you pick a day where your child gets to decide everything (within reason). Meals, activities, what to wear, etc. I know I’d like a Yes Day for myself.
Yard Signs
Birthday yard signs have escalated during the last year. It’s a fun visual way to acknowledge the day and makes for a great photo op.
Balloon Delivery
Who doesn’t love balloons? Want unicorns? Need superheroes? Love of Character has various balloon packages depending on your budget and taste.
Bust out those Baby Photos
Whether it’s Reels or a slide show, pull together photos you can share with your child and the world.
Tell the Birth Story
Every year on the night before his birthday, we tell our son all about the day of his birthday. What happened leading up to the hospital, the time he was born, who all was there. It’s fun for all of us to reflect on the day.
Options for Small Pod Gatherings
If you have a family pod and a school pod, no need to combine the two. Plan for two smaller gatherings. Then everyone still gets to celebrate with your child, yet feels comfortable.
Smash Cake or Cupcake for Blowing out Candles
One thing we will probably never go back to after all that 2020 brought us is a child blowing out candles and then serving that cake to everyone. In order to not miss out on the fun of blowing out of the candles, have an alternative option for the birthday kid.
Pre-wrapped Cookies
Several bakeries and individuals around town make delicious, adorable themed cookies. Ask them ahead of time if they can wrap each one individually for you. If not, offer to supply the bags or wrap them up yourself.
Individual Servings
Tiny hands reaching into a bowl of party snacks has always had a bit of “ew” factor. After 2020, it’s just taboo. Either pre-wrap individual snacks or buy the snack packs of popular treats at the store. You’d be amazed how many snack packs you can get for less than $10 at our local wholesale stores.
Sanitation Areas
Make sure to have plenty of hand sanitizer on hand.
Picnic in the Park or Parking Lot
Don’t feel comfortable meeting inside? Try a park where you can reserve a space for your guests. Another fun option is a tail gating party in a church parking lot or your office parking lot on a weekend. Make sure to get the proper permission so you don’t get busted.
Whether you go low budget or splurge, here’s to making 2021 birthdays the best they can be.
