Celebrating a child’s birthday abroad

[Twilightstarbright]

DS’ school is slightly out of sync with the norm holidays wise so we could go on holiday abroad (unaffordable otherwise) but it would be over his 5th birthday. How do you do a birthday abroad? Do you take presents with or keep them to open at home? Special trip out that day to the zoo/water park?

Take something small that can be used on the holiday. Rest of presents at home afterwards.

I have a 13 & 4 year old.

When we go on holiday my 13yo will turn 14
We are going to take her to the theme park that day and buy a cake (if we can find one in Spain)

For my nearly 5 year old- as she doesn’t know what date it is I think I’d move her birthday to the day before we leave or the day after we get back.
She would be none the wiser.
That way you can do all the special things at home .

Two of my sons have birthdays in July and August and we've done quite a few holiday birthdays. They both prefer to travel on their birthdays rather than be there for them. 4 year old thought it was a blast to have a birthday day out in Portsmouth and then get on a ferry to France!

We take all of the presents with us. I've made birthday cakes and taken them with us or sometimes found something locally. Those self-inflating birthday banners are good. Take up no space in the bags but make a good surprise. Same with balloons.

If we're on holiday they'll always have a day out that's something they enjoy. Boat trips, animal park, etc.

Personally, I wouldn't pretend it's a different day, not sure it would feel the same. But you can certainly make something of it.

Thank you, I especially love the inflatable balloon idea!

My birthday is mid-August and as a child, family holidays were always over that date.

I loved it.

Little present(s) on the day - usually a locally bought souvenir or something for the holiday. Cards, including any that had arrived before we left home.

I chose the food for the day and we went out for the special meal of the holidays that evening.

Happy memories.

I'm 60 now, and have never spent a full birthday day at home.