7 unique ways to celebrate your child's birthday in the lockdown

The pandemic has forced all of us to stay indoors for our own safety and well-being. Of course, that also means that it has put a damper on a lot of our plans, including celebrations.

Kids and adults definitely look forward to celebrating birthdays and in the early years, it's a milestone to remember and celebrate- be it the first, fifth or the eleventh. However, this year, a lot many will be celebrating their birthdays in the lockdown without their friends and family.

That may sound dull and boring, but it doesn't mean your lockdown birthday can't be any special. We list down 7 different and unique ways for you to spruce up your child's birthday and leave a smile on their face.

Ain't no party without some decorations, right? Even though you might not get to go out, doesn't mean you can't have a happy birthday inside the home. A theme party, DIY decorations or making use of old hangings can definitely make the event a lot more special and rememberable.

Video calls are the flavour of the season. If you can't invite family over or have your child's friends come together, how about a cool virtual party? From a dance-a-thon, playing games, there are many different ways for your little one to enjoy their special day.

One of the best activities to come out during this lockdown is family baking and cooking sessions. If your birthday boy or girl loves dabbling a bit with kitchen ingredients, he or she would surely love baking a cake. They can select their own flavour, toppings and decorations and it could turn into a fun bonding session which they will remember for the rest of their life!

Kids birthday is a milestone and during times like these, they can feel stressed and left out as well about missing their big birthday party. One way of making them feel special- make it a 'me' day for them. Allow them to have their wishes fulfilled, whether it is their favourite meal, cartoon, wearing the outfit they like or playing a game, as long as the birthday wishes follow social distancing protocols.

No matter what age you are, birthday greeting cards hold special significance, especially the ones made by hand. If the lockdown norms allow for it, ask your family and friends to send it their wishes for the child or share a photograph. If not, voice notes and special video messages could also work. If your neighbourhood is accommodative, you could also think of some other interesting ways to mark your child's lockdown birthday in a special way.

Do you remember the times when our birthdays growing up would involve snack parties and games and would usually be a sober affair celebrated at home? That was something we all looked forward to. How about replicating the same for your child this year? There are plenty of indoor games you could try and involve your family. Scanvenger games, dart games or other simple games would make for an exciting adventure for you and your little one.

If there's something the pandemic has taught all of us, it has to be the value of family and gratitude. If you want your child's birthday to be special, you could encourage them to participate in any act of charity, do something for the ones in need of resources right now. Else, you can also make them write a thank you note, asking them to pen down what they feel.