To host my daughter's 11th birthday party..?

[XelaM]

Hi All,

My daughter is turning 11 in early February and it now appears that everything (even her riding stable and even the zoos which remained open in Tier 4) will be locked down, so there appears to be nothing at all that I can do that doesn't involve the usual crappy "zoom party". She's in year 6 and I'm quite sad she won't be able to celebrate it with her primary friends who will be going to separate secondary schools next year. But trying to make the best of the situation...

Does anyone have any ideas and/or has anyone hosted any successful online parties that were actually fun and maybe slightly different that just everyone shouting on zoom? I read something about online party entertainers - has anyone used any services like that?

Open to any suggestions - the more unusual/bonkers the better

We did a virtual pamper party for my daughter. I put together packs for each child with nail varnish, face packs, hair accessories etc Plus a party lunch box, party hat, party bag. We dropped them off to each child (all live close) and then they got together On zoom and did their nails and face packs etc. It went really well and DD loved it.

Online bingo ? Everyone prints their cards and call the numbers ? Fancy dress party ? Desert Island Discs episode ?

Not helpful for you in terms of online ideas, but we are provisionally planning a "half-birthday" party in July for our January birthday child. We will have a quiet family day (cake, balloons, bubbles, extra special presents) and then celebrate properly with friends when there is less risk, vaccinations are underway and we are hopefully subject to less restrictions.

People got quite creative for Christmas office parties moving to Zoom and there were quite a few where items were delivered to each participant in advance so that they could join in - cocktail making is probably not appropriate (although there was a non alcoholic version so people weren’t left out) but cupcake making/decorating, pizza, biscuits, crafting, painting etc might work for you. The company arrange the delivery so you don’t have to worry about the logistics.

Have you come across Outschool. Its an online platform with all sorts of classes and activities for children. You type in what you are looking for, ages and times and it comes up with suggestions. The providers are all independent and in their own homes/spaces. You could choose something that everyone would enjoy, ask all the Mums to sign their dc up (reimburse them) and then supply any needed materials. My 12 yr old has done lots of arts and crafts classes, a flute lesson, a math lesson and one taught by a Hollywood voice coach on how to speak in different accents. Just keep an eye on the instructor reviews and how many times they have offered that class (you could also sign up for an earlier session of a few classes to test them out iyswim). Some of the instructors might even do a special party session for you if you contact them through the site

I recently organised food deliveries and a Zoom Magician for a Christmas Party. Content was suitable for adults and children. It went down really well. Lot’s of people are adapting entertainment, if you look around for on,ine entertainers I’m sure you’ll find something

The national marine aquarium is doing virtual birthday parties with tours for up to 10 guests I think - quite tempted myself www.national-aquarium.co.uk/events/virtual-aquarium-birthday-parties/

Have a look at Jack Box Party, lots of games - kids need a phone and another screen to play. Most games suitable for kids some not - 12 year old zoomed for hours for his lockdown birthday with friends (it's secure too so you have to have an invite/code to play together - no ransoms). You set up a zoom meeting, and then the party host screen shares their screen game. Kids view the shared game on their laptop and enter their individual answers on their phone. Lots of different games, drawing, word games to rap battles, guess the imposter, to design a tee shirt. It's paid for but inexpensive compared to the price of an actual party!

My DN recently had a Zoom 11th birthday party where they played 'Among Us' - its an online game where you have to work out who the murderer is. My DD plays it with her friends and her cousins.
They also like playing minecraft together.

My friend did an online Taskmaster party for five of us the other day; it was hilarious. She played the video over Zoom then we had a few mins to do stuff like make a scene from items in your home, or make yourself look like a rockstar, then she would judge and award points for the best.
I think it was this one: www.surf4hub.com/charity/tvs-taskmaster-launches-online-game-to-support-homeless-charities/?cn-reloaded=1

We used Magic Gareth (on fb) for my son's Zoom party. He's a bit younger but Gareth was really good at adapting to the audience - the adults enjoyed it as much as the kids. There are some excellent escape rooms now too - I've played a couple in the last few weeks. It might be worth looking for one aimed at kids though as they were quite tricky.

For our Christmas party, we had a magician. Very surprisingly, the magician was really good and engaging. Maybe that's something to consider?

I also recommend online escape room, I have done a few by this company, The Great Cake Caper is a kid friendly one I think:

www.knowescapeonline.co.uk

Cookery party?

www.smartraspberry.com/parties/party-enquiries/

Have you asked your DD what she would like to do OP? DS was 17 and he was happy to have the day with us and a takeaway and birthday cake and played XBox with some school friends.

Get her a fabulous balloon delivery.

Cooking party either yourself or professional. Drop off ingredients and via zoom. Could be pizza base and all make pizza then cake to decorate or make from scratch. Add can of drink and nibbles so they can chat after, girls love to chat.

DD2 had a virtual entertainer called Captain Fantastic at the weekend for her 8th birthday, they do silly challenges and play games and things, she really loved it and had a great time, I salute anyone who can entertain kids over zoom

You can make your own quiz in kahoot (my daughter did one about herself to see which friend knew her best) and they can all play it while on a zoom call. Or just a paper based quiz where they write down their answers. Karaoke also fun. A friend of ours did bingo. Other ideas you could do a Lego challenge-give them five minutes to see who can make the best creation. Or decorating cookies, or something. Pictionary on the whiteboard, or charades are doable too.

How about an online magic party?

We have a tiny theatre not far from us, and the owner and resident magician (Jasper) has been doing zoom parties. Contact him here: [email protected]

My DD turned 11 during the last lockdown. I spent the day with her doing lots of fun things just the two of us. I got her to come up with the things she wanted to do and basically had a super girl day of pampering, junk food, films, and take away. She really loved it plus we got all dressed up after pampering with a dance party for two including festival make up etc.

It was lovely and she loved getting to dictate everything we did that day (within reason)

Hope she has a great day what ever you end up doing.

I totally understand you want to do the best by your daughter, but PLEASE do NOT traipse round delivering party packs. You could be infectious without knowing it. It’s not enough to think you’re safe. Please don’t break the rules. You can promise your daughter a super party in the summer.

My daughter was in the same position in the last lockdown.

I arranged with family to do videos for her which my cousin put together in a video.

Other than that it was just us. We watched her choice of films and tv, had cake and a takeaway. She said it was the best birthday ever!

Could you delay a few weeks? It’s likely she’ll be back at school after half-term, so late Feb. We might be allowed gatherings by then.

If anyone is looking for online children’s parties, a member of my family does them very successfully. She has years of experience in hosting real time parties in London, and has switched to online during lockdown. PM me for details if interested.