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Luckily, you have a few options (thanks, technology!
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Speaking of, Zoom isnt your only option when it comes to virtual platforms for socializing.
Have everyone prepare a favorite memory, toast, or roast.
The downside ofvirtual hangoutsis that its nearly impossible to re-create the feeling of an IRL gathering.
People cant break away to have side conversations and youre bound to feel like youre taking turns.
The best bet is to lean into the formality rather than count on the conversation to flow naturally.
Or make it a game of show-and-tell.
Whatever you think will spark a fun roundtable.
Host a game night.
Fake a restaurant outing.
I dont know about you, but the intimatedinner partyis one of my favorite ways to spend my birthday.
Bonus points if you surprise the birthday person with delivery from their favorite restaurant.
But theres no need to get fancy.
Re-create a bar trivia night.
Whether you want to stick to a beloved theme (doesHarry Pottertrivia ever get old?)
No extra equipment is needed, just a little planning and a dedicated host to keep things running smoothly.
Record the Happy Birthday song ahead of time.
Trust me on this one.
Instead, have guests record themselves singing Happy Birthday ahead of time and have a tech-savvy guest-edit it together.
You know,celebrity Imagine video-style, but without the cringe factor and the social media backlash.
Or make a full video of birthday messages.
Watch a movie together.
Perfect for a birthday movie nightor a full-on birthday slumber party if you really want to lean in.
Take a virtual tour together.
Most of them are free.
Dont know where to start?
Trythe Louvre,the Vatican,the Met, orthe San Diego Zoo.
Set a dress code.
Maybe you want to instruct guests to get ultra glam or maybe you want to throw a specificcostumeparty.
Belt it out for karaoke night.
Yep, karaoke has gone virtual too.
Host a murder-mystery party.