How to Host a Virtual Surprise Birthday Party for Older Kids
If your older child has a birthday coming up, consider hosting a virtual surprise party. There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate a tween’s or teen’s birthday while observing social distancing. Read on for ideas and tips to make your child’s virtual party a memorable and fun event.
The Basics of Hosting a Virtual Surprise Party
A virtual party is one held online, usually over conferencing software such as Zoom. Multiple people can interact and talk via video chat, making this type of software ideal for hosting a virtual celebration. Invite friends and family far enough in advance that they can send presents in time for the party — or everyone can choose a virtual gift card that kids can use for online shopping. Send invites via email or social media — just do it privately so your child doesn’t see.
Choosing a Party Theme
One way to make your older child’s virtual party fun is with a party theme. Pick a theme based on your child’s interests, or go with one of the following:
- Baking Party: Your older child and lots of friends can participate in a baking challenge, where everyone makes a birthday cake or cupcakes. Provide your tween or teen with baking supplies, including plenty of colorful decorations. Casual, comfortable outfits are a must-have for a baking party — think machine-washable separates such as women's sweatpants and a cotton tee.
- Dance Party: Crank up the music and host a virtual dance party for your older child and a socially distanced dance floor full of friends. When the kids are finished dancing, they can hang out on video chat and talk. If you’re looking for a casual outfit to wear during the celebration, you can’t go wrong with leggings and a tunic top.
- Game Night: Host a trivia game for your child and a bunch of friends via video chat. You could give the questions a theme, such as entertainment or whatever your child’s favorite topic is. If you want to offer prizes, award the winner a virtual gift card.
- Movie Night: Another idea for a surprise party is a movie night. Everyone can watch your child’s favorite movie together on video chat, then talk about it afterward. Supply plenty of popcorn and other treats, and create a cozy environment by giving your child a personalized pillow and fuzzy throw blanket to snuggle with while enjoying the film.
These are just some of the virtual party ideas older kids can enjoy. Consider your child’s interests when coming up with a theme, or keep things casual with a celebration that doesn’t have a theme. Party attendees can wish your child a happy birthday, then watch their friend blow out the birthday candles. Attendees can also watch your child open all the presents to make your virtual celebration similar to a traditional birthday party.
Make your child’s virtual party festive by decorating your home with balloons and streamers in a favorite color. The family can yell “Surprise” when your older child enters the room. From there, all that’s left to do is get your child on video chat for a fun celebration with friends. Document the celebration from your point of view so there will be plenty of treasured memories to enjoy later.
Gift Ideas for Older Kids
Clothing is always a great gift idea for tweens and teens. For girls, there are plenty of apparel options. Girls’ jeans are always well-received, as are leggings and jeggings. Also called denim leggings, jeggings provide the comfort and stretch of leggings with the look of jeans. They pair well with tunic tops and sweaters and are versatile enough to wear with boots or ballet flats.
Girls’ dresses are also a gift idea to consider. They come in a variety of options, including long-sleeve mesh polo styles that are cool and casual, but can be dressed up with a cardigan sweater. There are also T-shirt dresses ideal for teens who love a casual look, and maxi dresses that coordinate well with denim jackets and most any type of shoe.
For boys, denim is a must-have. Boys’ jeans come in different washes, cuts, and styles, so you can find a pair your older kid will love to wear. Loungewear is another gift idea to consider. Consider boys’ hoodies and sweatpants, or go with flannel pajama pants and a matching pajama top or coordinating T-shirt.
It’s the Thought That Counts
Your child’s virtual surprise party doesn’t have to be perfect. No matter how it turns out, they’re sure to appreciate your effort and enjoy seeing friends and family. Take a relaxed approach, show how much you love and appreciate your child, and the virtual celebration is sure to be a hit.