We don’t always get to see our family as much as we’d like to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t throw a big bash in the comfort of your homes. Even when you can’t be together, it is possible to help your kids to celebrate the birthday of family who lives far away. Your children will want to play a role in this celebratory moment. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways they can make a birthday special.
How to Celebrate a Family Member’s Birthday Remotely
Out of ideas or don’t know how to include your children in a birthday celebration? We have you covered.
Here are 10 ways to virtually celebrate your family member’s special day with the kids.
1. Video Chat or Record a Video
Gather your friends and family together for one giant video chat. Even if you can’t be in the same room, you can still make it a special gathering with all of your children. Before you make the call, ask your relatives if they have time to spare to have a conversation with your kids.
If your family member is too busy to see you on their special day, consider creating a birthday video. Make sure everyone sings Happy Birthday and follow up with loving words and remarks.
2. Have a Virtual Movie Night
Get everyone to watch the same film at the same time, either on Netflix Party or just by hitting play at the same time. It’s not quite the same as being in the same room, but it’ll make for a fun evening. Make sure to pick a movie that people of all ages can enjoy, like a Disney or Pixar film.
3. Send Out a Party in a Box
Send your family members a gift box full of goodies. Include fun things like decorations, streamers, and a birthday cake, or a selection of snacks and drinks. Coordinate your party boxes, so you can dress up your home in a similar way. This simulates an in-person experience.
While you can purchase a premade party in a box, you can also ask your children to add a personal touch by including drawings or DIY elements. Their inclusions can also act as gifts!
4. Have a Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items that your family members can find in their own homes. The first person to collect all items wins. You can also make it competitive by setting a time limit. Ask your kids to come up with a few scavenger hunt items, like a “blue item” or something specific, like a comb.
5. Play Virtual Games
From virtual truth or dare to charades, there are loads of games you can enjoy with your friends and family. Use a video chat platform to play together, and make sure you have plenty of snacks for energy. We suggest trying Pictionary, a fun game that won’t include any mature content.
If your family member likes to play video games, you and your kids could play together. Some popular, kid-friendly multiplayer games include Minecraft, Just Dance, and any Lego game.
6. Purchase a Course
Organize an online art class where everyone can make cards or decorations. Or, give everyone the ingredients for a cake and have a virtual baking class. There are thousands of courses you, your children, and your family members could try. Just make sure it’s fun for the whole family!
7. Have a Virtual Dinner Party
Set up a virtual dinner party where everyone cooks their favorite dish. Then, everyone can join the video call and enjoy a meal together. If you’re interested in keeping your family healthy, find recipes packed with vitamins and minerals. Or, turn your favourite food into a healthier option.
For example, your kids could bake a cake with whole-grain flour, maple syrup, and fruit. Or substitute milk for almond milk, sugar for beet sugar, and baking chocolate for cocoa powder.
8. Host an Online Karaoke Session
Choose your favourite songs and get everyone to sing along. You could even have a competition to see who can perform the best. If you have a little singer in your family, put the spotlight on them. If they’re too shy, get everyone to sing the same song or avoid recording the moment.
9. Plan a Virtual Getaway
You can leave the house without actually leaving it if you book a virtual trip. These were incredibly popular during the pandemic, and many of the same locations still offer virtual tours. For example, the National Museum of Natural History has self-guided, room-to-room tours.
On the other hand, you and your kids could show your family a piece of your city. Not only could this convince your family to visit, but it also gives them a glimpse of how your family lives.
10. Make a Time Capsule
Create a time capsule with all your favourite photos, videos, and memories. Ask each of your family member’s friends or family to contribute something special. Then, open it up each year on your birthday to relive those special moments. Tell them to add one extra memory every year.
These are just a few of the ways you can celebrate a long-distance birthday with your family. If living through a global pandemic and the lockdowns and travel restrictions have taught us anything, it’s that you can still connect and share important milestones with family even when you can’t physically be together. I hope these ideas of ways to celebrate a birthday of family who lives far away, or long-distance family relationships can help inspire you to celebrate the milestones of family no matter where in the world you are.
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