Why we all need a virtual party
It is in our human nature to crave social contact. We need others for support, wellbeing and entertainment1. The latest social distancing measures have made fulfilling this need more of a challenge, but, thanks to digital technology, we can still enjoy virtual social gatherings. If someone in your social network has a reason to celebrate on the horizon, or if you just want to enjoy a fun and sociable end to your week, these virtual party ideas offer some new and fun suggestions to make your parties special.
Adult’s virtual birthday parties
Don’t let a Spring birthday go by without a proper celebration. Get creative and make this birthday memorable.
Group meetups platforms
Zoom2 is becoming a popular tool for virtual meetups.
Another good alternative with added benefits is Houseparty3. Like Zoom, you can chat with multiple friends or family, but it also offers the fun of online quizzes and games to play together.
Decorations and themes
Make your online chat stand out as a birthday celebration by adding some festive details. Get your guests to bring decorations to the party. As well as traditional balloons and banners, you could theme your party and ask your guests to dress up. The 1920s, Hollywood, tropical fiesta, English tea party or Medieval Britain are just a few examples to spark the imagination4.
Birthday cake and bubbly
Contact local suppliers to check the availability of delivery to your guest of honour. Alternatively, you could all have mini cakes with candles and share in a birthday song. And with a glass in hand, you can all raise a toast to a birthday like no other.
Children’s virtual birthday party ideas
The online meetup platforms work just as well when hosting a birthday party for children too. Get children involved in different activities in the lead up to the occasion to give it more significance.
Activities to do before the party
With plenty of time currently being spent at home, activities to prepare for the virtual party are an excellent way to keep children amused. They could make invitations, birthday cards, decorations or fancy-dress costumes, all of which will add to the sparkle of the virtual birthday party celebrations.
Virtual birthday party fun
There are plenty of activities your children can enjoy together online; for example, sharing jokes, playing Pictionary or charades and singing songs5.
Ladies’ party night in
Just because physical contact is limited, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a ladies’ (or lads!) virtual party night. Make it a real occasion and get glammed up. We all need an excuse to dig out our favourite partywear, put on our best make-up and do our hair. Decide on a cocktail in advance or maybe some bubbly, even prepare some party snacks, so that you can share the experience, just like an evening at your favourite bar.
For a more relaxed evening, how about hosting an old-fashioned, but virtual, slumber-style party? Take the opportunity to pamper yourself with new nail colours, face-masks or foot-treatments and enjoy a bit of time to unwind.
A virtual night at the movies
Cinemas may be closed for the time being, but by using Netflix Party, you can still share movies with your friends, even if they are not in your household6. Its unique, synchronised video playback means you can pause and resume the film as one and grab those all-important movie snacks. A group chat section is also included so you can share comments as the story unfolds.
Last updated: 29 April 2020
Sources:
1 https://www.explore-life.com/en/articles/the-importance-of-human-interaction-and-relationships
2 https://zoom.us/
3 https://houseparty.com/
4 https://www.partydelights.co.uk/adult/parties-for-adults.aspx https://www.mytuesdaytherapy.com/party-ideas/virtual-birthday-party-for-kids/
5 https://www.netflixparty.com/
