5 Virtual Birthday Ideas To Bring Smiles During COVID-19

Photo by Lidya Nada on Unsplash

Despite social distancing and shelter-in-place orders, social media has kept us connected to the outside world. We praise new parents, applaud anniversaries, and cheer achievements of all kinds – all without leaving the house. Type. Type. Click.  And you’re all set.

But what about birthdays? What about birthday dinners? Decorations? Cake? Do we have to forgo fun until this is all over?

Don't let COVID-19 spoil birthdays. You can still make birthdays extra special while following social distancing and stay home restrictions. Check out five virtual birthday ideas that are sure to bring smiles:

Treat them to dinner

You can’t dine out, but you’re not out of luck. Support local restaurants and order food to go, instead. Surprise them! Have their favorite dish delivered to their door. Or pick up curbside service. Some restaurants even serve cocktails with a minimum purchase. Easier to let them order themselves? Buy a gift card from their favorite restaurant. Or give them a virtual gift card. OpenTable is helping local restaurants by selling gift cards through its website. If their favorite joint doesn't deliver, check out DoorDash. They offer No-Contact delivery. Bon Appetite!

Let them eat cake

What’s a birthday without a cake? Send them a birthday cake or a sweet treat from your local bakery. Most local bakeries offer delivery or curbside service. Pre-orders are typically required. Don't forget to add candles! If your bakery doesn't deliver check out Bake Me A Wish they offer nationwide delivery. In the gift note, tell them to call you when the cake arrives so you can sing Happy Birthday together.

Deck their halls

Nothing brightens up a birthday like cheerful decorations, right?  Let Birthday In A Box or Crated deliver a box full of festivities to their door. They have everything from cake plates to confetti. You choose the theme and pick the items. There are themes for adults, kids, holidays and other special occasions too.

Catch a movie

Movie theaters are closed, but Netflix is always open.  NetFlix Party brings friends together for a virtual movie party. You pick the movie; invite your friends and all watch the same movie from the comfort of your own couches. You can even chat about the movie on screen.

Sing and smile across the miles

If you can’t be together, brighten their day with a smile and a song. Video chats and Facetime make it easy to celebrate birthdays “face-to-face”. Sing Happy Birthday, watch them blow out their candles, offer a toast or just chat about their day. 

Don't limit these ideas to birthdays. Keep them in mind for anniversaries, holidays or just a friendly pick-me-up. After all, it's the thought that counts! Stay safe and enjoy the day!