Waterlemon
Sure, we’re all stuck inside and social distancing, but don’t let that stop you from throwing a birthday bash your child will always remember. The internet is full of creative ways parents are marking their child’s special day, from birthday car parades, Zoom scavenger hunts, virtual game parties, Disney movie marathons and virtual museum visits.
Add a little something extra by bringing in a surprise or two. We have six ideas for you.
Goofy Faces
Have an artist draw a caricature of your child, family and friends virtually. Goofy Faces’ artists interact with each guest to draw them live. Laptop, tablet or computer with a webcam and internet required. Cost is usually $160 per hour, but ask for specials during the pandemic. Final sketches are uploaded to a Dropbox folder for immediate download.
In addition, Goofy Faces face painters are offering virtual face paint workshops for kids and families. Quotes provided upon request.
Royal Princess Parties
Royal Princess Parties
Give your birthday child a special greeting from their favorite princess or hero, with at least a dozen characters to choose from for a live chat. Chats can include stories, games and singing through Google Hangouts (gmail address required.) The 15-minute chats, available 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday, are $30.
Waterlemon Birthday Bash Boxes
No need to fret over where to get the party decorations. Waterlemon has created birthday bash boxes to take care of everything. With themes of space, mermaids, sharks, unicorns, dinos, the circus and tea party, these boxes complete the festive fun. Boxes include plates, napkins, cups, festive banner, crown, birthday number candle, 5 11-inch helium-filled balloons, 1 helium-filled specialty balloon (filled balloon delivery only available within 10 miles of the La Grange store, otherwise balloons are sent unfilled), plus fun candies. Cost: $100.
Magical Randy
Magical Randy and his assistant, Joy, through Magical Virtual Memories offer customizable virtual 30- to 45-minute birthday parties. Families choose the platform that works best for them, such as Skype, Zoom or Google Meet. “My only goal in life is to put smiles on children’s faces,” he says.
Packages start at $20 and might include magic tricks, balloon twisting, slapstick comedy, games, songs, a birthday shout out, and interactive activities. Each child also receives a personalized birthday card and a coupon good for another virtual party or an in-person party once the pandemic ends.
Sky Zone
Photo Credit: Cortney Fries
The popular indoor trampoline park company, closed for in-person parties, is instead throwing free virtual birthday parties Tuesday-Saturday for kids. As part of the package, it creates the birthday invites for all the guests, then a Sky Zone Party Pro leads the birthday child and up to 10 of their friends through 20 minutes of active play and games in their own homes. Request a virtual party by emailing Birthdays@SkyZone.com. Be sure to include a phone number and your child's name.
The Princess Party Company
Bring a princess or superhero to the party live with a 20-minute video chat through FaceTime or Skype, that includes a story time, one-on-one time with a favorite princess or superhero (there are three of each to choose from) and interactive games for $49, or get a special recorded message from a princess, with a personalized greeting and custom message, for $29. Be sure to check out the story times streamed live on Facebook and Instagram, including a Q+A with Captain Marvel.
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