To throw or not to toss
Many parents’ first reaction when faced with an upcoming birthday is to delay the celebrations.
It’s easy to do, but it will most likely disappoint those who want to attend a party.
In these times of uncertainty, it is difficult to predict when the parties will return to their ‘new norm,’ let alone what that may mean.
If you want to celebrate with your immediate family, ordering take-out from a local restaurant or playing a favorite game may be enough. But if the friends are a part of the celebration, it might not work.
What can you do if a traditional celebration is not possible for some time and you want to avoid crying?
Virtual vs. Outside Parties
It’s good to know that you can create a party as magical as the traditional ones with some planning and creativity.
Here are some ideas on throwing a party for physically challenged people who are fun and social but also respect their limitations.
We will concentrate on two scenarios of children’s physical distance birthday parties. First, there is the virtual party. Second, it is an external party that can include friends.
Four questions will help you determine the best option.
What is your plan for the party in terms of the lockdown restrictions?
What are the government guidelines in your area for social distancing?
What format are you and your fellow parents comfortable with?
What is your level of preparedness to risk the weather?!
Plan Virtual Parties
Zoom parties are the next best option. You create a fun online activity and invite your family or friends to participate. It could be something as simple as singing happy birthday and cutting a cake or hiring a professional entertainer.
There are some benefits to your child’s inability to see friends or extended family.
There is less mess to clean after the party! This is a good argument for the parties to become the new normal.
Zoom is a great tool for virtual meetings but not just for family.
Many people are now more comfortable with video chats.
Zoom, Houseparty, and Microsoft Teams are all video chat platforms that can be used to host parties.
They send out a link to your guests to join you virtually at an agreed time.
Here are some virtual party tips
Before the event, familiarize yourself with the video conferencing platform you have chosen to avoid any problems or delays.
Avoid inviting large groups of guests as the interaction is more difficult.
Create a Zoom Party Background to enhance the mood – you can do this on Canva
Make sure you know how to mute the microphones of participants if needed
Name badges will help you identify your children more easily.
Keep the number of activities down to a minimum. In a virtual world, 20-30 minutes should be enough, as children can easily become distracted.
You may be limited to 40 minutes with a free Zoom account (or you will have to create a new invite for everyone who wants to join again).
Most video conferencing platforms make recording the party as a memento easy.
Cake Cutting
It’s a great way to bring a party into the virtual world. You can use the camera to focus on the cake while your child blows the candles out – and of course, the virtual rendition of “Happy Birthday” will play.
You can bake a smaller version of your cake, which is a great alternative to the larger one.
It’s easy to set up virtually as a stand-alone activity. But you can add it to any other event that you plan. You can also add simple games and/or present-opening if people have sent you presents beforehand.
Online entertainers are available to hire
Many kid’s entertainers now offer virtual packages catering to the online environment.
This tool is great for music, storytelling, magic, and other party games.
Magicians have modified their show to keep the magic going without asking kids to come and help.
Virtual audience participation is possible so that the show can still be interactive.
PartyWizz Magician Carl Campbell says :
Virtual parties are awesome. It’s the same fun and excitement as a live magic show but online. “Mr. Fluffy, the rabbit, appears in my Zoom show too!”
PartyWizz allows you to book Carl and other guests for a virtual party.
Carl Campbell – Online Parties
Virtual games and activities
You can arrange simple interactive activities and games if you do not want to hire an entertainer.
Google Play and App Store both offer a variety of multiplayer online games. House Party offers some games, such as Heads Up, without downloading.
Psych is a new game from the same creators of Heads Up, where you can lie by making up fake trivia answers! You’ll have more fun with this than your virtual boot camp!
Space TeamVR is a new virtual reality game that has just been released. You and your team must keep your spaceship flying by following incorrect instructions. The game is incredibly immersive and fun, but it requires your children and their friends to have a Virtual Reality headset.
Art and crafts activities can be a lot of fun when done together. Send out all the materials beforehand and invite everyone to make crafts online. Ask your guests to show their work to the camera so everyone can admire it (or examine it).
Genie Mackers Outdoor Parties
Planning Outside Parties
Outside parties are a great way to celebrate the Summer as social distances lift and people feel more comfortable meeting in person.
Weather is always an unknown. It can be a gamble in Ireland or the UK, where the weather is notoriously unpredictable. You may not be able to go inside if you are socially isolated.
It can be an excellent option for those willing to take a risk (or happy to postpone the event or have a virtual one).
