We have had lots of posts in our Facebook group @ Mum to Mum Milton Keynes about how to make birthdays special in MK this lockdown.
Trying to explain to young children why a global pandemic means they can’t have the pirate-themed birthday bouncy castle, activity centre party or birthday bash they’ve been looking forward to for weeks or months is tough. But you can soften the blow by telling them they’ll have a party at home unlike anything their friends have ever experienced before and we can celebrate again when the world outside is safe.
- Invite their friends to get dressed up and beam into the party via their parents’ smartphones or computers.
- Then send them scurrying round their respective houses in search of items like summer hats, toothbrushes and slippers on a virtual scavenger hunt.
- Games like musical statues also work well via video link.
- Plan a virtual family gathering
When our social lives moved online, it had to happen – the family party complete with a birthday cake that everyone else had to watch you eat! Or deliver doorstep cupcakes the morning of the party!
If you’re planning a virtual do for friends or family, keep children at the screen with one of these fun games that are perfect for a video call.
34 FUN SOCIAL DISTANCING BIRTHDAY IDEAS FOR ADULTS @ www.thecrownwings.com/2020/06/social-distancing-birthday-ideas
Here are a few ideas & some businesses that might be able to help
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Number Balloons, Party Packs & Other Number
With lots of the Party shops closed – There are online options like:
- 16Inch Happy Birthday Balloon Banner @ www.amazon.co.uk/16Inch-Happy-Birthday-Balloon-Banner
- Or Rainbow numbers – https://paper-dreams.co.uk
- Or number balloon delivery @ www.balloonmonkey.co.uk/age-balloons/
- Or search helium in our group @ www.facebook.com/groups/MumtoMumGroup
Lockdown Party Ideas @ https://www.partypacks.co.uk/collections/lockdown-party-ideas
Whether it’s your birthday or you were planning a Hen Party, Baby Shower or Anniversary, whatever the occasion, it doesn’t have to be cancelled with our socially distanced party ideas and virtual party kits! The Coronavirus pandemic has really thrown our plans up in the air this year but with modern technology and very careful social distancing, you really can still have a fun party.
Local Businesses you can support:
My Special Box @ https://www.facebook.com/myspecialboxmk – Balloons and Pinatas
The English Rose @ www.mumsrate.com/listing/the-english-rose/ – Flowers & Balloon Arch decor
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Entertainers
Doorstep entertainment & Zoom entertainment by:
Doorstep & Zoom (Children & Adults) – Crazy Colin @ www.mumsrate.com/listing/crazy-colins-childrens-magic-show/
Doorstep & Zoom – Corinas Cool Kids @ https://www.facebook.com/corinas.costumehire
Zoom – Captain Fantastic @ https://www.mumsrate.com/listing/captain-fantastic-milton-keynes-bedford/
Zoom – Baby Sensory MK @ https://www.facebook.com/babysensorymiltonkeynes
Party themes dropped to you:
The Land of Marvels @ https://www.mumsrate.com/listing/land-of-marvels/
Little Monsters Soft Play Hire @ https://www.facebook.com/lmsoftplay
Play Parties @ https://www.facebook.com/playpartiesuk
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Pamper & relaxation
Seems like the little ones are growing up so fast these days! And little girls love nothing more than acting like grown-ups. Rather than packing up all the kiddos and carting them to the salon, bring the pampering to them! We have tons of fun ideas for throwing a glamorous kids spa party. See https://www.gigsalad.com/blog/throw-glamorous-kids-spa-party/
Local Businesses you can support:
Virtual glitter Party @ https://www.glamavan.com/virtual-parties
- Cocktail/Mocktail Party & Props
12 mixologist quality bottled cocktails to be served at home, with friends, or as a gift to the loved ones in your life.
Perfect for parties or surprising the cocktail lover in your life, our set contains twelve 200ml handbatched, vegan and gluten free organic cocktails @ https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/tappdcocktails/product/cocktail-gift-set-twelve-handcrafted-cocktails?
Or: www.uopen.com/subscription-box/muddlebox
Or: https://www.homecocktails.co.uk/shop
- Birthday Cakes & Sweets
Cake The Biscuit @ https://www.facebook.com/cakethebiscuituk
Photos Below of just 2 of the cakes that can be made #Lockdown Birthday Cake 2021
Cake the Biscuit review
I’ve got a dairy intolerance and I asked Enchanted cakes for some vegan cupcakes for my 30th birthday and they were amazing! All my work colleagues and friends enjoyed them and they went the extra mile to drop them at my workplace for me. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend!
The Scrumptious Cakes @ https://thescrumptiouscake.co.uk/
“I ordered the cake for my husband’s birthday during lockdown and the cake absolutely exceeded our expectations. This amazing cake thrilled my husband on his birthday party. The cake was ready on time, looked and tasted amazing and was really reasonably priced. I will definitely be ordering birthday cakes from here again. Thank you, Mayura”
Marina Savu
Sweets @ Sweet Bootique @ https://www.facebook.com/sweetbootique6082
- Zoom Murder Mystery Game
A 6-20 player version of Murder at the Manor – same murder but with six all-new suspects to accommodate up to 20 guests!
You’re invited to Heathcliff Manor, where Lord Heathcliff is hosting a dinner party to celebrate his recent marriage. But before anyone can toast his happiness, Lord Heathcliff is killed with the candlestick in the pool room. Host your own party to find out who snuffed out his candle!
This game is designed to be played by up to 10 male and 10 female players, in any combination (recommended minimum of 6)
https://www.murdermysterystore.co.uk/product.asp?item=486
- Escape Room Game
Have an escape room in your house!
Zero Crystal is a unique “break-in” game kit full of electronic devices. Its challenging puzzles, impressive light and sound effects will instantly turn your house into a professional escape room. You will be buzzing for hours afterwards!
Escape for real will deliver the kit to your door and collect it at the end of the 2-hour renting slot @ https://www.escapeforreal.co.uk/portable-game
- Food and drink
https://www.instagram.com/sophie_etc/ “Happy new year and happy new lockdown?! This guide has been live on my blog for almost a year now and every time a lockdown rolls around I give it an update… I didn’t really anticipate another full lockdown in January, but here we go again! This is a guide to the independent food vendors, restaurants and cafés that are continuing to offer takeaway or delivery throughout lockdown.
The guide has had a total facelift since the last update, with new places added, new categories and new images. I’ve featured as many places as I can, so if I’ve missed any, let me know and I’ll update the lists at the bottom of each section.”
The Best MK Food Blog @ https://www.sophieetc.com/independent-delivery-takeaway-milton-keynes/
Check Out Aminas Flavours @ https://www.facebook.com/aminasflavours-100910038284213
Make your own pizza party – Or have a local delivery @ https://www.facebook.com/TheGreedyItalian
The Fenny Kitchen also make great pizza! Check when they are open @ https://www.facebook.com/FennyPizza/
DIY Afternoon Tea Idea or a Made for you service from @ https://www.mumsrate.com/listing/afternoon-teas-by-creme-brew-lait/
- Personalised Gifts @ absolutegift https://www.facebook.com/absolutegift
- Personalised Photo Book @ Journeys bound
- Personalised Clothing @ Ooh Baby Baby https://www.facebook.com/oohbabybabystore & Phoebes Person gifts @ https://www.facebook.com/ppgifts68
- Children’s Books – Kirstie @ https://www.kirstiewatsonauthor.co.uk/book-shop
- Madd About Books @ https://www.facebook.com/maddaboutbooks
- Usborne books @ https://www.mumsrate.com/listing/usbornebooksnicki/
- The Lion Sparkles @ https://www.thelionsparkles.com/
- Gift Hampers & Stationary
Otter & Moose @ https://www.facebook.com/otterandmoose
Got2jot @ https://www.facebook.com/got2jot
Folley Soap Co @ https://www.facebook.com/thefollysoapco
- Parks & Walks
The Outdoors Mum blog has lots of ideas @ https://www.theoutdoorsmum.com/
- Flowers
The English Rose @ www.mumsrate.com/listing/the-english-rose/
Order Online for next Day Delivery @ https://www.prestigeflowers.co.uk/next-day-flowers/rose-and-lily-hand-tied-bouquet
Or some other ideas…
- Family Fancy Dress : Dig out the Fancy Dress Costumes and have some fun! Online Fancy Dress Competition even!
- Learn to facepaint: Now this one could be funny!
- Ask people to send birthday messages: Love a video message!
- Make plans for after lockdown: Make a family plan for when we can all go out safely again!
Buy Gift Vouchers – Local Businesses you can support:
Book a Holiday @ https://www.facebook.com/Veronicajacksontravel
Escape Room: https://www.escapeforreal.co.uk/book-now/gift-voucher-for-portables
Gravity: https://www.gravity-uk.com/xscape-milton-keynes
Showtime Circus – for when they can open again @ https://www.gravity-uk.com/xscape-milton-keynes
Soca tots – for when they can open again @ https://www.facebook.com/socatotsmk
Teddy Sport classes – for when they can open again @ https://www.facebook.com/teddysportsclubmiltonkeynes
Yoga voucher – for when they can open again @ https://www.facebook.com/tattybumpkinmiltonkeynes
Yoga bellies @ https://www.facebook.com/yogabelliesmiltonkeynes
Toddler sense – for when they can open again @ https://www.facebook.com/toddlersensemiltonkeynes
Photoshoot Experience @ Zen Shots: https://www.zenshots.co.uk/
Style Voucher @ Own Your Style @ https://www.ownyourstyleuk.co.uk/
Beauty Voucher – Beauty & Nails by Reena: https://www.facebook.com/beautyandnailsbyreena
Sports Massage Voucher @ CB Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation: https://www.cbsportstherapy.co.uk/
Hair Salon Treat @ Decesare Hair Salon: https://www.decesare.co.uk/
Spa Calm @ http://www.spacalm.co.uk/
Waxing – Maria Waxing @ https://www.facebook.com/MariaWaxing
Chiro – Dots Chiropractic @ https://www.dotschiropractic.co.uk/
Pregnancy Scan Voucher @ https://www.ultrasound-direct.com/clinic-locations/milton-keynes/
Acupuncture @ https://www.facebook.com/MK-Acupuncture-in-Milton-Keynes-2022492917863871/
Fitness – Energie – Brooklands @ https://www.facebook.com/energiefitnessbrooklands
Osteo @ Form Osteopath – https://www.facebook.com/energiefitnessbrooklands
Babysitting Voucher @ Guardian Angels @ https://www.guardianangelschildcare.co.uk/
Cleaning Voucher @ https://www.facebook.com/ExtraHelpMK
Top Jump @ https://topjump.uk/
MK Trainer: http://mktrainer.co.uk/
Thank you to our PR Partner @ MK Prep