Is anyone else as fed up as I am of lockdown already? No-one knows what’s going to happen, but it certainly looks like social distancing is going to be a feature in our lives for some time. So, what does this mean for traditional parties and celebrations? Celebrations of all kinds reinforce who we are, why we are here and what we believe in. Social meetings and gatherings in every corner of the world is an important part of daily life and ingrained in our culture.

As a parent of a child soon to turn 8 and owner of a children’s party business, I want to know what this means for children’s parties and how we can continue to make sure our children’s birthdays stay special. I am in this job because I have many happy memories of birthday parties and celebrations large and small from disco’s in the village hall, and sleepovers with midnight feasts to Halloween fun in the front room. I learned from the best (thanks mum and dad) and I want to pass this on to families everywhere.

Currently, with the spread of the current coronavirus we must stay within our own households and that is going to limit the kind of things that families can do to celebrate. Our families are all different shapes and sizes with the average family in the UK now having just 1.7 children and what is available for a larger family might not work for a smaller one. For example our flagship product Children’s Party Kit can be used to celebrate your child’s birthday at home for families with 4+ people in them and can create a fantastic 1 ½ - 2 hour party experience (adults will need to play too!). However, many families are 2 or 3 person families. This blog looks at 6 ways you can celebrate your child’s birthday during lockdown whatever the size of your household.

1. Have a traditional party with the people in your household: Why not create an invitation to give to your little one inviting them to their birthday party? Set a time and a room that the party will take place. Make some party food, put up the decorations and make a cake. You could even put together a little party bag. There are lots of party games that you can play with two people. Our next blog will be looking at games you can play with smaller numbers.

2. Have an online party: There are lots of children’s party businesses that are looking at ways that they can make your child’s day special. There are all sorts of packages and you can invite your friends to take part from their own homes. These are interactive and usually involve some sort of show.

3. Have a cinema night with popcorn and a sleepover in the front room: You could make a birthday den, put together some special snacks, their favourite film or hire some tepee’s from a company who will come and set it all up for you.

1. Plan a birthday playday: Put together a schedule of what your little one wants to do. It could be arts and crafts, play in the garden, play board games, hide and seek, or a nerf war. The important part is that it is led by your little one.

2. Treasure Hunt: It’s a classic and kids love the anticipation of what they are going to find. You will need to write out some clues that will lead your child to find more clues, presents, or surprises hidden around your home and/or garden. You could include family and friends by asking your child to call them for clues and spread it throughout the day.

3. Sing happy birthday with as many people as possible: When it’s time for dinner and time for the cake get yourself on a video conferencing app. Set it up so friends and family can see your little one and they can see a gallery view of everyone on the screen and bring in the cake. Make sure your little one blows out the candles and makes a very special wish.

No matter what you decide to do all we wish all children and adults alike a very enjoyable and memorable lockdown birthday.

6 ways to celebrate your child’s lockdown birthday