How to Keep Birthdays Fun When You’re Stuck Inside
It’s a tough time to be a parent right now. You’ve got to figure out how to explain the Coronavirus to your kids in a way they will understand, sing “happy birthday” while washing hands together all day long, and come up with new activities so they won’t get stir-crazy from being stuck at home for weeks. If your little one has a birthday coming up it’s even worse. Parties are getting canceled left and right and even small family gatherings feel risky. Without the big bash your kid was looking forward to, how can you help them FEEL extra special?
9 Easy Ways to Celebrate a Birthday Without a Party
No matter your reason for ditching the big party this year, it’s still 100% possible to make your favorite birthday kiddo feel like the star of the day that they are. From fun countdowns to drum up excitement to sprinkle-filled breakfasts, there are plenty of ways to celebrate at home. Pick one, pick two, pick all 9!
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Create a Birthday Countdown
Anticipation is a huge part of any exciting event and you can help build their excitement for the big day with a countdown tracker. It’s a simple way to give your birthday kiddo a little extra attention in the days or weeks leading up to their birthday. Read: 13 DIY Birthday Countdown Ideas Your Kid Will Love
Get a Custom Birthday Cake Plate
Having a special birthday plate for your child to eat their slice of birthday cake or sprinkle-covered birthday breakfast off of is a fun way to start the day. You can find lots of custom plates on Etsy, like this one, though you should double-check with the sellers on turnaround times. Or you could make your own if you’re able to find the supplies.
Make a Special Birthday Breakfast
Changing up your breakfast usuals to the birthday kiddo’s favorite is an easy way to get the whole family in a celebratory mood from the get go. From cake batter pancakes to funfetti oatmeal, find 15 tasty and fun birthday breakfast ideas.
Plan A Day Around Their Favorite At-Home Activities
Let the birthday kiddo be in charge of the day’s agenda (or at least the afternoon agenda…). If they’re into Lego, everyone builds together. Loves art? Everyone works on a big family project. Play their favorite board games, dress up and have a tea party, make mud pies, play soccer, etc.
Have a DIY Pizza Party
Buy premade crusts and sauce or make your own. Prep lots of toppings and let everyone make their own personal size pizza. While they’re in the oven, browse Netflix or Disney+ for a fun family movie. Add popcorn or your kid’s favorite candy for movie snacking after the pizzas are gone. Find recipes at Natasha’s Kitchen.
Make a Cupcake Bar
These are really fun at parties so why not at home? Make your favorite cupcake flavor, pipe on frosting (or leave that off if your kids are old enough to pipe their own), and arrange lots of dishes of fun toppings – a rainbow of sprinkles, various candies, etc. See this cute botanical-themed DIY cupcake bar idea here.
Jazz Up a Simple Cake
Make a DIY cake topper by yourself or as a fun activity with your kiddo if they’re old enough. Here are 23 fun ideas. Or print out my free rainbow and unicorn cake topper.
Have a Present Scavenger Hunt
Prolong the unwrapping process by turning finding the present (or unwrapping multiple presents) into an activity! A scavenger hunt is a fun way to build excitement. And it won’t even take you much time because the smart blogger at Play Party Plan has already done the hard work for you!
Don’t Forget Pictures!
Just because your birthday plans had to change doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get plenty of great pictures to remember this special day. Set up a mini photoshoot at home: draw a fun chalk backdrop on your driveway, take a picture with a giant number balloon, give the birthday kiddo confetti to toss in the air, and of course get plenty of photos of the family enjoying whatever fun activities you’ve all decided on.
And don’t forget a birthday shirt to show off their new age! Yippitee shirts for ages 3+ have detachable finger puppets that snap on and off for extra fun!
I hope this list helps you celebrate your loved ones! If you think of other ideas I missed, please share in the comments.
Stay safe and wash your hands!
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