How to Plan A COVID Safe Party At Home
We knew we weren’t the only ones struggling to find safe and fun ways to celebrate our kids in the world of COVID. House Of Playful Soul wanted to share some ideas and suggestions to consider when planning a COVID safe birthday party at home.
A Change Of Plans
For the past two years, the day after our oldest son’s birthday, he began planning his birthday for the next year. From the theme, to where we would hold it, to who he wanted to invite. So this past year, we were heartbroken to know that all the planning he’d done wouldn’t be a reality. We spent weeks trying to prepare him and each time his response was the same, “let’s wait and see if it gets better.” And to his credit, when the time came, he was very mature about all of it. He understood why it wasn’t a safe time to have the party he wanted and accepted an alternative. We were really proud of him. But we were also lucky. Since his birthday fell in August, we had a small outdoor park party.
Virtual Parties
In order to make a virtual party successful, the kids need to be engaged and entertained. Some places and businesses have been very creative with virtual parties. For virtual parties, we’ve seen a demand for characters like superheroes and Disney zoom calls as well as music and art parties that create fun entertainment for kids.
To make cake time more fun, ensure everyone has their own
dessert whether cake, ice cream or cookies. This way, after the group sings happy birthday, everyone can have dessert together. This is also a good time to share affirmations for the birthday child! Social contact is limited these days for them so give them the chance to hear those affirmations!
Ask friends and family that can’t join to send a birthday message. You can edit the videos together with music overlaid to share during the party for an added special touch.
Decorations
A child’s world is comprised of all the things and people they love. So an easy way to make it special and memorable is to ensure the theme is something your child loves. With a little creativity, you can create an experience they will enjoy no matter what you do.
If you have a yard, think about yard banners, signs, balloons, and chalk messages.
But don’t leave decorations for just outside the house. You’d be amazed what some balloons and cards can do. If you’re feeling crafty, there are countless ideas searchable on pinterest that you can create to add a personal touch or there is always retail and etsy if you prefer spending your time planning rather than creating. You will likely need to leave everything up for a few days to keep the party spirit alive.
Creative Party Ideas
For a special COVID safe birthday celebration
Drive By Party
Spa Party
Glow Party
A Watch Party
This is a great way to see family and friends if you’re still needing space but want that live connection.
Have friends and family make banners and signs for the birthday child.
Arrange for a time to experience the birthday procession.
Add some music to liven up the energy.
If COVID has taught us anything, it’s how important self care is! What little girl doesn’t treasure a chance to get pampered like their mama? Grab some face masks, nail polish, and a curling iron to give her the star treatment.
But don’t end there, add to the spa themed experience. Try a salt bath using Epsom salt or bath bombs with a mocktail in hand and some relaxing music in the background.
Glow in the dark anything is fun to kids! Package up some glow sticks, glow paint, LED glasses and other fun glow in the dark accessories to drop off to friends and family if you’re hosting a virtual party. Then turn out the lights! Have them decorate themselves as a stick figure and play simon says. For a fun in-person game, make your own glow in the dark ring toss using paper towel roll and cardboard.
Movie birthdays were a favorite when I was growing up. With the advancement of technology, now you can host a COVID safe movie party at home using Netflix. On the app, you can synchronize video playback and add group chatting.
To make it really special, hang a white curtain with some twinkle lights, make a cozy viewing spot and grab some movie treats like popcorn and candy.
House Of Playful Soul is a unique and dynamic indoor playground that creates fun for families across Queens and the greater New York City area! If you instead need a hands off, work free, stress free party experience, check out our party packages. We specialize in 1st and 2nd birthday celebrations. Families enjoy exclusive use of our play space for a safe and fun experience for children and adults.