Birthdays have really been scaled back during the pandemic. We were thinking about this as we started to plan for L’s celebration, which was just going to be for those living under our roof. We went into it thinking how can we still make it extra special?
Choose a fun theme
We always do this for the bigger group parties but did less with it last year. Never again! The theme helps you set the decor, the cake, everything!! Just transforming your space to the theme will have an impact on your little ones feeling that birthday magic. This year’s theme for L? Unicorns!
Don’t skimp on the decor.
We didn’t do this last year, but this time we got the themed plates and napkins. And we also got some garland and some simple foil backgrounds to use for the photos. And birthday hats? They were a must, especially once I found out that Target had unicorn horn ones. (Amazing, right?)
Take all the photos.
It’s easy to sing ”happy birthday” and move on, taking fewer photos than usual. Don’t do this! Your kids will look back later and want those photos. Do them!
Pro-tip: kids overwhelmed and too tired to take all you want the day of the celebration? Pull out the same clothes and take them the next day or two. Works like a charm!
A nice cake is a must
When I think of birthdays, I immediately think of cake. Apparently my daughter is the same, since she immediately demanded one when she woke up on her birthday!
While we could have cut some corners on the cake, going the designed, decorated route really paid off with the kids. We did themed cupcakes on the actual day of our daughter’s birthday and did the cake for the bigger celebration on the weekend. Only thing we skipped was blowing out the candle — think COVID kind of killed that tradition unless it’s in a cupcake.
Zoom family/friends in for the sing-a-long!
Since L’s favorite song at the moment happens to be ”happy birthday” we thought a Zoom was a must! It really worked pretty well this year, with her being more aware of what was happening on the screen. We also learned small kids really enjoy watching others eat cake — and of course open presents! (I mean, should we be surprised considering how much our kids love Ryan’s Mystery Playdate?)
If you’re specifically looking to do a unicorn-themed party, here are some of the decorations we used:
- Unicorn horn party hats
- Unicorn napkins
- Unicorn plates
- Unicorn tulle party dress
- Jellycat stuffed unicorn
- Metallic fringe backdrop
- Iridescent multi-colored garland
Alsot special shout out to Natale’s Bakery for the unicorn cake and Bovella’s for the unicorn cupcakes!
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