Over the last year, everyone has experienced a lockdown birthday, which probably wasn’t as celebratory as usual. However, if someone in your household will mark being another year older before restrictions are expected to lift, you can still plan an incredible day for them.
While big events and indoor parties are currently prohibited, there are plenty of creative ways to make their birthday special. If you’re stuck for ideas other than Zoom quizzes and ordering a takeaway, read on for some inspiration.
1) Holiday-themed food
Food has provided a lot of comfort to many of us through lockdown, whether that’s through adventurous cooking or ordering takeout from your favourite restaurant.
For something a bit different, plan your meals around a country that the birthday person has always wanted to visit. For example, if Italy is their dream holiday destination, prepare pastries, coffee, pasta, pizza, tiramisu, and gelato. You could even select a location for each meal.
2) At-home fireworks display
To create a unique and unforgettable birthday, surprise them with a stunning firework display in your back garden.
Fireworks Kingdom has a range of impressive fireworks for sale in various colours and styles to suit all budgets. If you’re worried about disturbing your neighbours or have pets, the fireworks retailer also offers silent fireworks. Ensure you follow any safety guidelines provided with the chosen products, though.
3) Birthday cake
The birthday cake is a fundamental part of the occasion, no matter how many candles are on top, so you don’t want to get it wrong. If you aren’t the best cook, commission a showstopper cake from a local bakery with all their favourite flavours.
4) Video messages
Video calls have become a lockdown-staple, with it being one of the only means of communication that’s allowed. Turn this trend into something the birthday person can keep forever by compiling video messages from their loved ones together.
You could even pay for their favourite celebrity to send a personalised birthday video message through Cameo, the video-sharing platform.
5) Cinema night
Until the cinemas can reopen, why not recreate this outing in your living room? Several of the latest films have been released to hire on-demand while theatres remain closed. To accompany the movie, get an array of snacks to enjoy, such as popcorn, pick and mix sweets, and nachos. You could even create a ticket to give to the birthday person, with the chosen film’s title and the ‘showtime’.
Invite some friends or family to watch along too using a ‘watch party’ feature on streaming channels, where you can all chat about the film.
Although the options for planning a memorable birthday are limited at the moment, consider this as a challenge to find inventive ways to celebrate the occasion that they won’t expect.
*This is a collaborative post