Physical distance doesn't have to mean social distance!
A few years ago I hosted a bridal shower for a dear friend of mine. Six friends living in six different states made it difficult to get together in person, so we did something a little out of the box. We celebrated the bride-to-be with a virtual party! We connected, laughed, played silly games, and made unforgettable memories much like you would at a typical party, yet we were all comfortably settled in our own homes thousands of miles apart.
So I'm here to tell you that hosting a virtual birthday party, baby shower, graduation party, or another special occasion can be really fun -- whether you're time zones apart or just down the street but separated by stay-at-home orders.
Here are 10 unique party themes to help you plan a special, virtual get-together during the coronavirus crisis:
Work of Art
- Theme: Come as you are! Get ready for artsy fun with a few pieces of blank paper and drawing utensils.
- Activity: Choose a drawing tutorial video from Art for Kids Hub and have all the guests draw together.
- Invitations: Send your party attendees invitations to your virtual event, like these Paint Party Invitations.
Clowning Around
- Theme: Wear crazy wigs or fancy clothes.
- Activity: Do a makeup tutorial together!
- Cake Topper: Make the cake extra special with this Cake Topper.
Masked Karaoke
- Theme: Wear a fun mask.
- Activity: Sing karaoke together.
- Decor: Although this says it's a Baby Name Welcome Sign, it would also make a great decoration for your special birthday kid!
Day at the Derby
- Theme: Wear a fun hat.
- Activity: Host a horse race. Set a timer and then race to collect items around your own house that start with letters that spell out the word H-O-R-S-E.
- Napkins: How about some special napkins to celebrate the special event? These Hold Your Horses Party Napkins will do the trick!
Ready, Set, Action!
- Theme: Set the stage of your special event by selecting a play script.
- Activity: Assign characters to each attendee, dress up in costumes, and have each person read their lines while acting out the scene. For more than 600 FREE kid-friendly play scripts, we recommend Kidsinco Online Scholar Source.
Pajama & Movie Night
- Theme: Wear your PJs.
- Activity: Stream a movie or show to watch together. Netflix Party can help you do just that!
Spa Day
- Theme: Plan ahead. Prior to your event, set your hair in soft curlers.
- Activity: Make and apply your own face masks. A quick DIY recipe: 1/2 banana + 1/2 avocado + 2 Tbsp. plain yogurt. While the mask sets, play a round or two of "20 Questions." Once dry, rinse your mask and drop your curls!
Prince or Princess
- Theme: Wear a royal crown.
- Activity: Have guests each assemble their own macaroni necklace or jelly bean bracelet. Make sure to put it on and twirl for your friends to show off your creation.
- Can Coozies: Keep your drinks cool with these Princess Birthday Can Coolers.
Tropical Paradise
- Theme: Wear your best Hawaiian shirt or a lei. Don't have a floral lei? You can make one yourself.
- Activity: Play a classic game like Pictionary or Hangman by sharing your screen and using a drawing app like Paint, Photoshop, or Zoom Whiteboard.
- Thank You Cards: Don't forget to thank your friends for coming with these Flamingo Thank You Cards.
Game On!
- Theme: Assign a color to each guest to wear as their team color.
- Activity 1: Play Cookie Face, a game made popular by the hit TV show, "Minute to Win It." Set a timer for one minute and see which team can get a cookie from their forehead into their mouth faster without using their hands.
- Activity 2: Have each guest print out the ABC Categories game sheet below. Pick four random letters and assign one to each list. Set a timer for up to 3 minutes for each round, and have players write down items that fit within each category. Give points to participants for each unique answer.
