7 steps to celebrate adult's birthdays in lockdown
Is your brother turning 18 soon? Your partner’s 40th is approaching? I am sure you know someone who’s having their birthday soon and whether there are part of your household or on the other side of the world, now is the perfect time to get involved as they will need your help to go through this special occasion...
When it comes to birthday celebrations, everyone is used to celebrating outside and making the most of it with their family and friends. We all enjoy a good meal in a restaurant, a crazy night out or a fancy dress party.
Unfortunately, these are things we have had to put on hold but that doesn’t necessarily mean we can’t celebrate in style! You just need a bit of imagination (and this guide) and to let loose! The more creative ideas the better, and I’m sure your birthday boy/girl will feel pretty special!
Below you will find a step by step guide on how my sibling and I have made my sister’s 25th birthday one of her best birthdays ever! We always celebrate her birthday by doing something outside, so to do this at home and for her to say it was better than going out….says it all.
This can also be done for anniversaries or special occasions in the comfort of your home, making it that extra special for someone.
-STEP 1-
Pamper morning
Make them feel special from the start of the day and adjust the morning according to their personality and what they like to do! A pamper morning is always a sweet way to wake up and to forget you can’t go out. Add an English breakfast to it and you’ll get the best smile on their face.
As soon as she woke up, we made her breakfast in bed. We ran a bubble bath, lighted some scented candles, bought a face mask and eye mask and a new PJ and slippers set when she got out.
They will already feel special that you’ve gone out of your way and it is only 11 am!
-STEP 2-
Decorate the house with balloons, banners and bunting.
Who doesn’t love balloons? This might be the part that will take you the most time but it’s definitely worth it! On top of celebrating the person’s birthday, it is a great activity to do as a family, no matter how old you are, and it makes the day feel completely different to all the other days you’ve spent in lockdown so far! This is where you can express your creativity and set a completely customised décor for your loved one!
We bought a big can of helium from Asda and bought tons of balloons and banners online (which came within 2-3 days). We woke up early and filled the entrance and living room with all the decorations which transformed the house.
As soon as she came down, we got the whole family to surprise her with party poppers - It was a great start to her morning!
You can even get letter balloons and blow them up with a straw - super easy and cheap from Asda (£6) or you can buy it online if you can’t go to the supermarkets.
-STEP 3-
Organise an online Party
Missing your family and friends on your birthday? Those video apps are not only made for work meetings but are actually perfect for a birthday celebration.
Houseparty app lets you have 8 people all at once on the screen, so everyone can sing ‘Happy birthday’ at the same time :) It also has a few games you can play with friends, ideal if you’re on your own and want to have a good laugh!
Zoom doesn’t have the mini games option but it more suited to larger groups. If you prepare this in advance you can get the guests to meet online first and bring your birthday celebrant last for a surprise birthday party! Go one step further and organise a themed party, surprise tears guaranteed!
-STEP 4-
Go OTT
This is the only time you can fully go over the top and not make them feel embarrassed. There is very little chance that they will have to run outside and bump into their ex boyfriend/girlfriend so you can get as crazy as you wish with their outfit / accessorise, and even organise a make-up session if you feel that’s the spirit.
Dressing up is not only for children and whether you have shopped special items for this or decide to go through your wardrobes and get the most ugly outfit, it’s always a good time!
We bought my sister a big birthday badge, a birthday sash, tiara (King crown for a guy) party hats and a confetti canon, making her feel like a queen (all of it is available HERE). Everyone really does love being fussed over on their birthday (even when they say they don’t).
-STEP 5-
Surprise birthday drive-by
If you live close by, don’t hesitate to knock on their door and sing them happy birthday from the other side of the street or drop a nice a bottle of Prosecco by their front door.
My sister’s friends surprised her by driving to the house, dropped off her birthday gifts at the door with an amazing cake, stepped 2 metres away and sang happy birthday to her (also don’t forget to record it so you can post it on social media afterwards) :)
This made her day!
-STEP 6-
Netflix watch party
A lockdown version of going to the cinema is having a Netflix watch party with your friends. Get them together, let the birthday person decide on the movie, and watch it together on your own screens. It synchronises video playing and adds group chat, so if you need to get more snacks, you can pause it for all of your friends so you don’t need to ask them what you missed when you are back! Make sure you all get your cocktails ready too!
-STEP 7-
Surprise meal
Who doesn't love a surprise diner, especially when you’ve made the effort to actually cook the meal?
Dressing your room and your table will always make it look like a special diner. You don’t need to spend money or go crazy, simple things can make a big difference. Use a tablecloth if you have one, light up candles, spray some fragrance, use dished you never do…
I got some lovely rose gold leaf fairly lights and put it across the window, happy birthday confetti for the table. Hung up buntings across the ceiling, a happy birthday banner and rose gold balloons filling the room.
For the meal, prepare their favourite dish, even if it is a dish that you haven't made before. It is the thought that counts (also have a takeaway menu on the side just in case).
She thought we were just going to have a takeout in the evening, it ended the night perfectly.
The fact that you went out of your way and put in the effort, will make their special occasion so much more memorable!