Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Birthday celebration ideas during the pandemic
With social distancing measures in place for an indefinite period we know that many families are looking for ways to mark special occasions such as birthdays. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of ideas to help and inspire you that can be adapted to individual circumstances as we know that every family is facing its own challenges at this time.
If you have any ideas or have celebrated your own lockdown party for children we would love to hear from you - send us an email via lisa@writeplacemedia.co.uk
(Please note that whilst we cannot accept responsibility for the content of external sites and we recommend parental discretion at all times when using these sites)
1. Check out our party board on Pinterest.
We have collated over 200 ideas (and growing) for celebrating birthday parties on our Party Ideas Pinterest board. Whilst these ideas were not designed for the current situation in mind, there are lots of ideas for themes, activities, games and decorations that can be easily adapted for the current situation and should provide some inspiration
2. Get Friends and Family involved
- Live video apps such as Zoom and Houseparty are great for bringing friends and family together at the same time for a virtual party or conversation. To ensure things run smoothly, make sure you have registered/tested the apps at some point prior to the scheduled meeting and Check out these online safety guides for Houseparty and Zoom if you are concerned about security whilst using them.
- Cards - why not encourage friends and family to send cards through the post. Also see here for some ideas for making homemade birthday cards. If they are not able to get to the shops to buy or post cards or get stamps then sites such as Moonpig or Funky Pigeon can do this for you with the added option of being able to personalise the text and images used.
3. Think about a theme
There may be practical limitations to activities and meeting up with loved ones, but there is no limit to what you do with your chosen theme, specific to what your youngster enjoys and loves. Why not think about a festival theme with or pick their favourite sports activity, film, TV or book characters - check out our Pinterest party ideas board for more inspiration.
https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/bingo-cards
4. Food
Our Pinterest party page has lots of themed food ideas, but also check out the BBC Good Food page for kids party food, afternoon tea and picnic recipes. Or why not try a small family brunch, film night, pizza making, cupcake decorating or pancake bar party ideas. All of these ideas can be adjusted quantity wise for the size of your family.
With regards to the birthday cake centrepiece, the BBC Good Food website has kids party cake recipe ideas. as well as general inspiration ideas . We also recommend these new birthday cake recipes from the Good to Know recipes from the Good to Know website. It is also worth investigating whether local bakery business are in the position to offer you personalised cakes whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines and of course, supermarkets are still stocking themed novelty cakes.
5. Entertainment
Check out our Pinterest board but also think about these ideas
- Music - Build your own playlist on your preferred music streaming service or find ready-made ones from Kidz Bop Kidz. Disney Hits, Movie Hits. Use the Spotify browse function to find the 'Kids and Family' section for lots of child-appropriate playlists. Why not also try out Karaoke apps or themed karaoke videos on the YouTube Kids app or Amazon Prime.
- Bingo - check out Activity Village for these fantastic themed downloadable bingo cards and here for more traditional numbered ones. If you are playing the numbers game then bingo calling apps such as Bingo at Home are a fantastic tool.
- Online Escape Rooms - taking the principle of regular puzzle-solving Escape Rooms - many sites have been developing their own online challenges. The Mama Teaches website has compiled some of the best digital options that can be done with a small number of people.
- Entertainers - some entertainers are adapting to the situation and offering online birthday party options. Search on social media and Google as well as asking for recommendations via local Facebook parenting groups and the nationwide 'Family Lockdown Tips & Ideas' should be able to help as well
- Home cinema - with an enormous amount of family films available online via chargeable on-demand or streaming services you could always host a family film night/afternoon. Check out these tips from the BBC Good Food and Good Housekeeping websites.
6. Decorations
Obviously the way you choose to decorate the party will depend on the themes/colours that your child loves - so here are some general ideas.
Pinata out of cereal box
- Make your own- if your family feel inspired to make your own decorations then don't hesitate to check out our Pinterest board as well as the Hobbycraft website and these great ideas from the Oglee Poglee blog.
- Buy decorations online Don't forget also that Amazon sell ready-made and themed decoration sets but remember to check whether your local party supplies store is still providing products via their online store. Supermarkets are also still selling a limited range of party decoration