to think just because its lockdown doesn't mean you can forget birthdays

[pheasanteggs]

Parents and siblings announced that they're not sending anything this year. Siblings too. DP says we will do something for my birthday after lockdown.

As a creative person I think birthdays can be extra special during lockdown. Birthdays should be celebrated. Here are ideas on how to make someones birthday special during a lockdown for anyone who needs ideas

-Make an incredibly ambitious cake together, finding creative inspiration online

• treasure hunt involving clues leading to a gift
  
• beautiful walk with whoever you are self-isolating with
  
• picnic at home in the garden
  
• decorate the kitchen with lots of birthday signs
  
• birthday music
  
• games night with friends and family online over video chat
  
• With kids its easier, kids party games, musical statues and musical bumps
  
• Moon pig and other online card companies if you can't leave the house
  
• Many online gift companies are still operating
  
• Movie night with popcorn
  
• 3 course fancy meal with decorated table
  
• buy a kit and make cocktails, soap
  
• hang a sign from your window 'Happy birthday X'
  

If you're lucky enough to have a garden or have kids it's easier.

[sk1601]

Others not sending gifts wouldn’t bother me to be honest, but I think if you can do something at home to mark the occasion then by all means do.

My DHs birthday is this week. The DCs have hand made cards, we’re having a birthday tea then will play games/have a drink with family online at night. We’re really looking forward to it.

[Hadjab]

Nice idea, in theory. I can’t get flour for love not money round here, so no baking. In fact, anything food related his possibly going to be hit and miss right now.

I can certainly go for a walk with my fellow isolatees, whether it’s beautiful or not is open to interpretation.

Movie night with popcorn - isn’t that every night of the week now 🤣 Ditto Games Night, online Karaoke, etc.

Ordering gifts online - some may argue that these are not essentials, and that delivery workers are being put at risk.

[daisypond]

If you want to do that, fine. I think it’s over the top, though. But it is unreasonable and demand to expect others to.

[DollyDoneMore]

If you are up for it, there are lots of imaginative things you can do to celebrate a lockdown birthday.

However, many people are struggling financially, practically and mentally at the moment, so I wouldn’t be offended if any celebrations were paused for now.

[TheCanterburyWhales]

Good lord.
I thought this was going to be a "granny forgot to ring my Ds on his birthday" not full on party planning and obligatory fun.
I suppose we all know our nearest and dearest best, and whatever floats your boat but if dp ever did anything like that for me I'd just laugh.

[frazzledasarock]

Actually I agree with you. DP’s sisters birthday is later this month we had her gift ordered and sent last week as lots of places are taking ages to deliver, her gifts arriving today. But rather she get a gift early than not.

We plan on having a virtual birthday lunch together and then after lockdown will properly celebrate. Will most likely have flowers sent on the day too if possible.

Birthdays mean a lot to her and she’s lovely and we love her. So happy to do whatever it takes to make her birthday a bit special.

I’m sure if people want to they can improvise.

The whole situation currently is upsetting, any way to make it more tolerable is a good thing.

[user1493413286]

It’s mine and my DDs birthdays in April and I’m still planning to celebrate both; we will see what’s in the shops at the time and make the nicest meal possible with what’s there, same with cake. I’ve managed to order my DD presents and I’ll be making decorations despite my limited craft skills. I’m not so worried about presents for myself; I’m mostly going to ask people to give money for something I can do in a few months like my nails or a massage. I’m also hoping to just be a bit indulgent like have a lie in, a long bath, watch my favourite films and have a day a bit about me.
My DH made me a handmade card for our anniversary and it’s the best card I’ve ever had from him. Much prefer it over one just grabbed from a shop.

[PersonaNonGarter]

Please don’t stress over birthdays. They come round each year. They can be fun, of course, but don’t be a dick about your own - especially if you are a grown adult.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

I've recently had a birthday in lockdown. I think your list sounds completely far fetched. Do you expect this level of maintenance usually?

[Hearhoovesthinkzebras]

How do you buy presents etc when shops are shut?

It's my dds 21st birthday soon. She's in lockdown at uni.Just how are we meant to be celebrating, making it special?

[AnneOfCloves]

Given the requests not to make unnecessary trips, not buy unnecessary items by mail order to reduce risk to those working in warehouses and delivery companies, YABU.

It’s great to find creative ways at home to celebrate, especially for children, but only using what we’ve got already.
We have 4 birthdays in the next 3 weeks and we’re not bothering too much, just some extra games/favourite activities.

Prioritising cutting back on interactions has to be our focus if we’re to protect everyone.

[Iwalkinmyclothing]

That's more than I do to mark anything other than really special birthdays in normal times!

[astropoodle]

We have put all birthday celebrations on hold for now. My elderly mother has a birthday next week and will not accept any deliveries (the care home where she lives refuse them now) so we can't get a present to her as no visitors are allowed or even a cake. I have asked the care home to make her a cake, not sure if they will do that though.
It's really depressing, she was telling me on the phone that it is probably her last birthday (she'll be 90) and that she'll be spending it alone. My father was in hospital on his last birthday and we couldn't see him so it's painful.

[simplekindoflife]

Definitely OP. It's my DD's birthday in May. The disco party she had her heart set on with friends and family is obviously cancelled and she's been such a trooper about it.

We'll try to make it as special for her as we can at home. Ordering stuff from Amazon now in preparation.

[P1nkHeartLovesCake]

I wouldn’t expect a gift sent at the moment, I think a happy birthday call/email/ text would be nice to show you still care

However from the man/partner I lived with Yes I’d expect him to be creative and cook a nice meal, light a few candles or whatever. Effort is attractive

I mean it was our wedding anniversary the end of last week, we had to cancel our child free break away but when the dc were in bed me & DH got dressed up, he cooked a nice meal and we had champagne on the patio with the fairly lights he’d put up.

[Justmuddlingalong]

I think anything over and above surviving at the moment is completely over the top. If we can get through this, any special occasions can be celebrated then, surely.

[SleepingStandingUp]

Op you're brave. On MN being an adult who expects special treatment for birthdays makes you immature and pathetic.

Ds turns 5 end of May, no idea what the situation will be by then but we already have his presents, will use whatever wrapping paper we have, might have to make a card, will v buy a box cake recipe and just make an effort to let him have his own way as far as reasonable

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

So sorry about that astro

[BernardsarenotalwaysSaints]

You’re an adult, do you really need an ott birthday this year when you’re old enough to know you’ll have another one next year?

[Hmmmm88]

I've just had my birthday and it was surprisingly nice/ different. I had no gifts but had a couple of homemade cards and my DH cooked me a lovely meal. I wasn't upset just grateful to be well and here to celebrate another birthday

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Exactly Hmmmm88.

[Fivefourthree]

I really don't think adults should stress over birthdays. I appreciate my family members calling or sending a nice text, but that's it. My birthday will be happening during lockdown, and we've cancelled a restaurant booking (obviously) and will do something later (will be more like celebrating that we can get together though, as I'll have forgotten I had a birthday by then)
I only live with DH and he'll probably bring me a cup of tea in bed and give me a cuddle, and join in a group WhatsApp chat with our kids during the day.
I'd hate to be forgotten on my birthday but certainly don't feel the need to do anything from the OP 🎂🎉

[PrincessHoneysuckle]

It's my 40th on Wednesday and my parents are coming to the path in front of my house,I'll talk to them from the front door.I appreciate the effort they are making.Acknowleging birthdays doesnt have to be about money.Yanbu.

[TwinMum89]

It is my birthday today. My DH gave me a card from him and another from my 8 month old twins. He also sorted presents. Received some cards and a few presents from family and close friends. DH has also baked me a large gingerbread cookie with 31 as an alternative birthday card. It has been lovely so far. We are having a takeaway curry this evening as well. To be honest, I just feel very grateful that I’m spending it with my 3 favourite people and we are all safe and well.

[Pepperoniextracheese]

I agree with you to a certain extent. It's my dad's birthday this week. I haven't ordered anything online as im trying to avoid nonessential orders, but I did pick up a bottle of JD with my last big shop.

I'll be using my exercise time to drop that at his door with a homemade card, then wave from across the street when he opens the door. It's his 60th so I would have liked to have done more but big celebrations will have to wait. Doesn't mean I should do nothing though.