19 Virtual Birthday Party Ideas in 2024
Virtual birthday party ideas allow you to gather your friends and family from across the country (or even the globe) and have everyone interact and have a great time together. Nothing beats face-to-face interaction, of course, but virtual events offer more creative options, and with a few inventive twists, you can easily change a traditional birthday party into a virtual experience that’s still fun for everyone.
Below, you’ll find 19 virtual birthday party ideas to help you plan a birthday party in 2022.
Jump to Section
- How to Host a Virtual Birthday Party
- Take a Fun Class
- Throw a (Virtual) Party
- Move the Fun Outdoors
- Low Cost and Free Ideas
- Easy Party Ideas at Home
How to Host a Virtual Birthday Party
Planning a party can be tough enough, but planning one that’s virtual is even trickier. You’ll want to create a guest list ahead of time and send out invites with ample time for your guests to schedule it on their calendars. When sending out invites, it’s best to send them all out in the same format. Whether you’re mailing invitations, emailing or texting, you'll want to remain consistent and invite everyone using the same method. This will help ensure that guests all get the same information and you won’t lose track of who you invited and how.
Pick a party theme for décor or fun costumes, such as silly hats or pajamas. This will give your guests a little something extra to look forward to. Throughout the process, make sure that you remain available to help answer your guests’ questions to ensure a seamless party the day of.
The 18 Best Virtual Birthday Party Ideas
Take a Fun Class
1. Online Cooking Classes
With everyone spending more time at home, they have more time to learn to cook like a chef. Online cooking classes are a great way to share a meal with loved ones from afar, whether your group is full of confident home cooks or newbies kicking off their culinary journey with online cooking classes for beginners. Not only will you enjoy a decadent meal, but you’ll learn new cooking skills to use for future dinners — maybe even a virtual dinner party!
2. Online Mixology Class
Learning how to master your favorite cocktails is a great way to spend your birthday. Why not sip on some drinks that you made yourself? Gather your friends and family and take an online mixology class that will have you feeling like a professional bartender in no time. A virtual happy hour is a great way to celebrate a new year of life!
3. Virtual Wine Tasting
You can spend your birthday at the vineyard — virtually! A virtual wine tasting experience is an unforgettable way to learn from the expertise of a world-class sommelier or chef. Not only will you get to sample wines from around the world, but you'll also learn about food pairings that perfectly complement every glass.
4. Virtual Whiskey Tasting
A virtual whiskey tasting experience will pair you and your group up with a knowledgable scotch steward well-versed in all things whiskey, scotch and bourbon. You'll get insight into tasting techniques, food pairings and more, plus the history behind your favorite whiskey-based drinks.
5. Online Coffee Classes
If wine and cocktails aren't your vibe, another fun virtual birthday party idea is an online coffee class! Led by talented industry-leading baristas, you and your virtual crew can learn how to brew café-quality espressos, lattes, Americanos and more from the comfort of home.
Throw a (Virtual) Party
6. Virtual Entertainment
Entertainment options for birthday parties — such as clowns, magicians or comedians — can be streamed live and then shared via a link with your guests. Many party entertainment companies are now offering online virtual birthday party ideas you can take advantage of.
7. Dance Party
Let go, kick off your shoes and host a virtual dance party with your friends. Have some fun decorating your house with funky lights or a disco ball to set the mood. Send out a virtual meeting and celebrate your birthday with your favorite tunes and good company, all while letting loose.
8. Karaoke Night
If dancing isn’t your thing, maybe singing is! Host a virtual karaoke night and show off your talented voices by joining a virtual meeting with friends. Don’t forget to have everyone order a microphone a few days before the meeting so you can get the real experience.
9. Dress Up
Just because you’re not going out doesn’t mean you have to remain in your PJs. A birthday is the perfect occasion to dress up. Wear your favorite outfit, do your hair and makeup and enjoy feeling extra special even if you have dinner on your couch.
10. Happy Hour
Regardless if you’re working from home or in the office, a nice cold drink for your birthday is well deserved. Ask your guests to join you in their own living rooms, backyards or wherever else they feel the most chilled out, and imbibe their favorite beverages with you.
Move the Fun Outdoors
11. Visit a Museum, Park or Zoo
Back during the pandemic, museums and zoos began offering virtual tours of their facilities to lift everyone's spirits and keep people engaged and learning. It was such a hit that a number of establishments have kept this fun option going. Trip.com has a great list of museums and zoos that offer great virtual tours.
12. Outdoor Movie Night
If going out to the theater isn't an option, bring the movies to your own home. With a simple white sheet, fence or flat surface you can easily make your own DIY movie screen. Next, just buy a movie projector, add popcorn and play your favorite movies while under the stars.
Low Cost and Free Ideas
13. Sing Happy Birthday as a Group
Set a time and date to video chat live and invite friends and family to join in to sing happy birthday all at once. This is an easy way to get everyone together and isn’t too time consuming, so guests can get back to their busy schedules after singing along.
14. Deliver a Gift
Surprise your loved one with a gift from you delivered straight to their doorstep. It doesn't need to be pricey; a Postmates delivery of their favorite snacks makes a sweet and thoughtful gift.
15. Create a Video Montage
Spend some time a week or two ahead of their birthday to collect videos from friends and family. Have them say something nice, sing happy birthday or do a dance. Whatever it is, these individual messages are sure to make someone smile, and they’ll enjoy hearing from people they haven’t seen in a while.
Easy Party Ideas at Home
16. Paint a Picture
Creativity is an easy way to boost morale and unwind. Pick a painting class ahead of time, whether it’s a local studio hosting a class or a YouTube video. Your guests will need the proper paint colors and supplies before you begin. Send out a virtual meeting invite and make sure everyone has their supplies ready before starting. Grab a few drinks and snacks and follow along with the video tutorial together. Each of your paintings will differ in their own ways and you’ll have a souvenir to remember this unique birthday party.
17. Spa Day
Bring the spa to your home and invite guests on a virtual meeting where you can paint your nails together, do homemade facemasks and more.
18. Game Night
There are lots of virtual gaming options out there, including trivia and video games that you can play with multiple players. By arranging a virtual meeting, you can grab your favorite snacks and drinks and meet your friends for some traditional game night fun.
There are many virtual birthday party ideas you can try to celebrate another milestone. It’s the time spent together that matters the most, so get creative and try something new virtually.
If you're looking for more fun ideas for virtual events, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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