How to Throw a Hybrid Birthday Party for Kids
If your child’s birthday is coming up and you feel stuck in limbo, then you’re not alone. The good news is that parents are planning hybrid birthday parties to ensure the fun goes on!
Yesterday, I was speaking with a Mom who just felt stuck. Her son’s 5th birthday is coming up, but she’s worried it’s too cold to celebrate outside, their NYC apartment’s too small, and COVID-19 numbers might cause venues to close unexpectedly.
That’s when I suggested a hybrid birthday.
Hybrid birthday parties combine the best of virtual and in-person experiences so that a small group can attend in-person, and a larger group can participate online.
As a professional magician and facilitator, I’ve performed for and helped plan a lot hybrid birthdays. In this article, I’ll share the steps and some tips so that your child can have the fun and special birthday he or she deserves!
7 Steps to a Successful Hybrid Birthday for Kids
Step 1: Decide on your safety protocol
For example, how many in-person guests are you comfortable with? Do in-person guests need to be vaccinated? Take a rapid test? Wear masks?
There’s a lot to consider, so make these choices first so that you’re comfortable and can communicate the measures effectively.
Step 2: Create a guest list
To invite guests who’ll be attending remotely, I recommend checking out Luma.
Invite in-person guests with your favorite service (paperless post, evite, paper invites, etc)
Step 3: Plan your tech set up
If you want to keep it simple, then a laptop with a camera is all you really need.
Position everything with the idea of giving remote guests the chance to see and participate.
Step 4: Plan games and activities
A scavenger hunt, trivia, dance party and/or a magic show are just a few activities that translate well online and in-person.
Step 5: Get party supplies and decorations
Create a fun and festive atmosphere with balloons, decorations, cake, etc.
Some parents even drop off cupcakes and/or mail goodie bags to guests who’ll be attending remotely.
Step 6: Set up
Setup as much as possible the night before, and give yourself as much time as possible.
Step 7: Celebrate!
This is when all of your hard work pays off. Laugh, engage and enjoy… you deserve it!
A Few Tips, Tricks and Resources
If I were planning my child’s birthday, then I’d be intentional about documenting both the in-person and virtual experience.
Yes, hit record on the Zoom meeting; also, remember to take pictures and video of the in-person party as well!
Another tip comes from Priya Parker, a faciliator, strategic advisor and author of Art of Gathering: “create psychological togetherness in virtual settings as quickly as possible.“
The chat box, she notes, is an underutilized tool for quickly creating an inclusive party atmosphere.
Here are some other resources to support you in your party planning:
- 5 Virtual Welcome Activities for Your Child’s Zoom Birthday Party
- Top 5 Resources for Planning a Virtual Birthday Party
Okay, let’s re-cap
When done well, hybrid birthday parties offer the potential for safe, interactive and weather-proof fun.
They make the joy of in-person celebrations possible, while also including a larger group – without worrying about travel expenses or a heightened risk of getting sick.
If you want more ideas about planning a hybrid birthday party, then there’s only one thing left to do…
Contact me, Magic Evan of course :-)
I’m Magic Evan, and I’m wishing you the best in the planning of your child’s special day!