6 ways to celebrate your birthday while social distancing in Birmingham

Celebrating your birthday while social distancing can be tough—especially when Birmingham has so much to offer. Instead of moping around, it’s Bham Now to the rescue! Here are a few ways to make your quarantine birthday special.

1. Throw a Zoom Bash with Family + Friends

Work may have us all Zoomed out, but on your birthday, this handy service will be worth your while.

Not only will you get to see and talk with those you love most, but you can go all out and throw a real party! 

Consider a theme where everyone dresses up 

Here are a few themes to consider:

• Masks + Mimosas
• Rock ’n Roll
• 70s, 80s or 90s
• PJ Party
• Fave Character

Another idea is to throw a craft party. Plan ahead and order one of these local craft kits and your Zoom party will be filled with colorful paint, creativity and entertainment. 

2. Host a Netflix Watch Party

Is binging on Netflix your go-to for quarantine entertainment? You definitely aren’t alone. I’ve effortlessly binged my way through several series myself. 

Since everyone loves a good show or movie, why not host a Netflix Watch Party on your birthday?

All you have to do is download the Netflix Party Extension and you and your crew can watch in real time all together. Be sure to grab some snacks from Sidewalk Film’s Curbside Concession Stand before the party starts.

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Snide remarks and laughter are so much better with others, wouldn’t you agree?

For some ideas on what to watch, here are some recommendations.

3. Create a Car Caravan

Want your quarantine buddy to feel extra loved on their birthday? Then gather your crew and create a birthday-inspired car caravan.

All you have to do is decorate your car, make some birthday signs and cruise by the birthday-ers home for a fun surprise. It’s also the perfect time to treat them to some food, desserts and gifts on their special day—curbside, of course!

4. Enjoy a Celebratory Meal + Cocktail

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A yummy breakfast, lunch or dinner can make a birthday feel special. And though you may not be able to dine out, you can definitely dine in. So grab the fam for an at-home meal from your favorite restaurant.

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Be sure to toast to another trip around the sun with a tasty drink. Birmingham’s bars and breweries are selling lots of cocktail kits, so choose your top pick and grab it curbside.

5. Indulge in a Sweet Treat

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No birthday is complete without something sugary sweet. Whether you choose to celebrate with a cake or other favorite treat, you can find whatever you’re craving at Birmingham’s many bakeries. Many can even be delivered to your door.

Check out these two lists filled with delicious local goodies.

• List 1
• List 2

6. Venture on a Virtual Tour

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If you typically go somewhere special on your birthday, you may be feeling a bit blue that you’ll have to celebrate at home this year. To feel as if you are out and about in Birmingham, why not go on a virtual tour?

Happily, Birmingham has lots of free virtual tours to choose from.

Here are some to consider:

Birmingham Museum of Art: If you love art, take part in #BMAfromHome, which offers something for everyone, like:

• Art classes
• Live gallery talks
• Mini-exhibitions
• And more!

Birmingham Botanical Gardens: If flowers make your feel special on your birthday, there’s no better way to view their glorious petals and colors during social distancing than with a virtual tour of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 

Alabama State Parks: Are you a nature buff, but are unable to travel to one of Birmingham’s state parks? Bring it to you with virtual resources, such as: 

• Virtual hikes
• Live Facebook videos
• Never-before-seen photos
• Interesting park stories
• Online challenges

Wine Tasting: With a few simple clicks, you can order wine from local shops and say cheers to a good birthday during a virtual wine tasting. Learn more. 

What are some more ways to celebrate your birthday while social distancing? Let us know on social @bhamnow.