Shanne GanIt’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic brought our lives to a standstill, and yet some countries are still in lockdown mode. For some, that might mean another birthday spent at home. Well, no need to be disheartened, because you can still have a blast while celebrating your birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic!
While you won’t get to have a fancy meal in a restaurant or throw a huge party with your friends, these pandemic birthday ideas still take the cake! Read on to know how you can spend your big day meaningfully despite these uncertain times.
Also read: 20 Things to Do While Quarantined or Social Distancing Amid Covid-19
Ways to celebrate your birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic
1. Throw a virtual party
Image credit: Shannon Lawford
If we were living in the stone age, keeping in touch with our friends and family would be extremely tough. Luckily, we’re in the 21st century and technology is evolving faster than ever! We can now stay connected with anyone anywhere, thanks to platforms that allow us to conduct virtual meetings. Some of the most commonly used video call platforms include Zoom and Skype, which are accessible from your computer as well as your smartphone.
A virtual party might not have the same appeal as an in-person party, but trust me: It’s about the people you’re with! I celebrated my birthday in lockdown last year and it was one of the most memorable birthdays I’ve ever had thus far. My friends and I had dinner together over Zoom, and I even blew out the candles in front of them with a cake they had delivered to my house. The experience truly made me appreciate what I would otherwise have taken for granted.
What’s more, you can still customise your virtual birthday party to be exactly how you want it. Fancy a themed party? Tell your friends to come in their best costume! Who says you can’t dress up when you’re stuck at home? There are also a ton of online games to choose from; be it the viral multiplayer game “Among Us” or even just a classic game of charades, I guarantee that you’ll be thoroughly entertained.
Also read: 5 Fun Online Games To Play With Friends While Social Distancing
2. Bake your own cake
Image credit: Bob the Baker Boy Official Website
If there was ever a time to try baking your own birthday cake, this is it. Not only is it more special, it’s definitely more affordable than ordering a customised cake from a bakery.
You can even make it a family affair! Get busy in the kitchen with your family and assign a task to each member. After all, teamwork makes the dream work. Since you’re the one in charge, you can customise it to a tee: Choose your own flavours, the color of icing, as well as the candles and cake toppers.
Remember to get extra ingredients, especially if you’re a novice in the kitchen –– trust me, I’ve been there.
3. Go on a staycation
Image credit: Hyatt Official Website
Depending on the restrictions in your country, you may or may not be able to book a hotel staycation. If it is still allowed, there’s no better way to celebrate your birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Singapore, two guests are allowed in each hotel room unless they are from the same household. Some hotels have pushed out special staycation packages that are perfect for social distancing. Hotel group Millennium Hotels & Resorts has come up with such tailored packages, including an “Art Jamming” staycation package and a cocktail “Mixologist” package. They are also providing virtual reality game consoles so guests can have fun while staying safe indoors!
My birthday is over, but to be honest, these sound really tempting.
Also read: Enjoy Second Night Complimentary Stay and More With HSBC
4. Pamper yourself
Image credit: The Creative Exchange
Yes, spas and facials may not be allowed right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in self care. It’s time to stock up on face masks and oils for a proper day of pampering. If you can’t do it with your friends, it’s a really great bonding activity for the family as well.
A manicure and pedicure session is also a great way to celebrate your birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many at-home gel nail kits in the market right now that come complete with gel nail polish and a UV or LED light lamp. I recently had a manicure day with a friend where we did our own nails for less than S$20! You can even order nail stickers online at a really affordable price.
If you have a bathtub at home, end off your big day with a relaxing bath. Put on some music, light a candle, and enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub. You’ve earned it!
5. Order a special meal
Image credit: Stefan Vladimirov
Can’t dine at your favourite restaurant? Why not order in and have a dining experience in the comfort of your own home? While some may think that it’s not worth paying such a price for takeaway food, I beg to differ. Taking away food from a restaurant does not diminish the food’s quality or taste in any way!
What’s more, many F&B establishments have begun to offer various attractive deals since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s especially important to support these F&B establishments since many of them have borne the brunt of lockdown and other COVID-19 restrictions.
Set the table, and make it a night of fine dining with takeaway from your favourite restaurant! Besides, embarking on a gastronomic adventure is the next best thing while we can’t travel yet.
Also read: Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, We Still Believe in Travel
6. Host a Netflix party
Image credit: Mollie Sivaram
Sometimes, all you want for your birthday is a day of binge-watching, and that’s completely fine. It’s the one day when you can be a total couch potato without judgement from anyone!
If you’re someone who likes to binge-watch Netflix with your friends, there’s a solution for you. There’s an extension feature named “Teleparty” that allows you to watch a movie or show on a streaming platform in sync with your friends. There’s even a function for you and your friends to chat while watching.
While the extension was originally named “Netflix Party”, its developers have made it available for all streaming platforms, hence the change in its name. This means that you can also watch a show on Disney Plus, Hulu, or HBO Max with your friends!
Also read: 15 Best Feel-Good Movies to Watch on Netflix Right Now
7. Attend a virtual class
Image credit: Southside Bars Official Website
By “class”, I don’t mean Chemistry or English, but a new activity you’ve never tried before! Virtual classes are all the rage now, and many of them are either free or priced much lower than they would be if they were in person. Depending on what you’re interested in, there are heaps of different classes to choose from online. From cocktail mixing to magic tricks, why not try something new to celebrate your birthday?
Also read: 12 Hands-On Workshops in Singapore For Art And Craft Lovers
From spa days to throwing virtual parties, the possibilities for a COVID-19 birthday celebration are endless! You can still make your birthday a memorable one while social distancing. If you do try any of these out, make sure to tag us and let us know on Facebook as well as on Instagram!
Oh, and if your birthday is coming up, happy birthday to you in advance.
Featured image credit: Lorene Farrugia | Unsplash
