Sometimes, birthdays can feel a little bittersweet when we live too far away to celebrate with our loved ones. Fortunately, there is a literal treasure trove of possibilities online, from e-cards to themed care boxes. But it gets better!
You can order beautiful peach chiffon birthday bouquets and your loved ones’ favorite cookies, delivered fresh the very next day. This gift idea is a wonderful way to kick off a virtual party with surprise video messages.
Distance can bring back certain traditions that feel more personal, like writing handwritten letters on birthday-inspired stationery or crafting scrapbooks from old photos and mementos.
Explore these ideas further to help bridge the distance on birthdays!
Birthday Bouquets and Gourmet Treats
Finding the right gift can be a challenge, especially when your loved one isn’t right there.
While living away from family and old friends can be difficult, flower delivery services really have you covered. Besides peach chiffon and classic cookies, you could send seasonal-inspired birthday flower bouquets, like sunflowers for a summer birthday. Paired with chocolate-dipped strawberries, this gift idea is sure to light up the recipient’s day.
Pair your bouquet and treats with a card or phone call to wish the person a happy birthday.
Themed Care Package
Think about the types of hobbies, activities, and experiences your loved one really enjoys. Do they love movies, frequently travel, or paint in their spare time?
For example, you could assemble an arts and crafts box filled with your friend’s favorite creative activities, including:
- Knitting and crochet supplies
- Embroidery
- Watercolors
- Jewelry making kits
- Sketchbooks with pencils
For the long-distance movie buff, consider assembling a themed care box with classic DVDs or a birthday card with a free Netflix subscription. Include vintage sci-fi t-shirts, microwavable popcorn packets, and movie theater-style candy.
If your loved one has a green thumb, curate a gardener’s box! This idea is perfect for spring and summer birthdays. Fill the care box with new hand shovels and gloves, seeds, garden decor, and a flower identification guide.
Birthday Snail Mail
Include a handwritten note or letter in your themed birthday box to make the gift extra special. This could be the start of a new tradition that gets people off of their smartphones and writing letters again. You can find themed stationery at your local craft store, complete with old-fashioned sealing wax and special ink pens.
You could write about fond shared memories, like a family vacation or your time together on a soccer team. For example, if you want to write about a cherished Disneyland trip, you could use Disney-themed stationery with Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse stickers. Sprinkle some colorful star sequins to add a little “pixie dust” to the letter.
“Open When” letters are also a popular idea for birthdays. Write a series of letters that are meant to be opened on certain dates, like milestone birthdays, graduations, and holidays.
Birthday Scrapbooks
After establishing a birthday snail mail tradition, you could paste some of the letters in a scrapbook. On each page, create a collage of notes, ephemera, drawings, photos, stickers, and sealing wax imprints. Consider gifting a blank scrapbook with supplies to kick-start the tradition of sending it back and forth between loved ones, with each person adding a page.
Virtual Celebrations
Apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Skype allow long-distance family and friends to hold virtual birthday bashes. You can also hook up your computer or phone to a TV monitor to bring virtual guests into the room. You could even enjoy a virtual movie night where everyone can watch the same film and share reactions.
Create a birthday-themed video reel showcasing memorable moments from over the years, such as weddings, new arrivals, new jobs, and family trips to Europe. Include a personalized birthday message at the start of the reel.
As loved ones watch your video surprise, coordinate a well-timed pizza delivery. This is a great way to plan a literal surprise birthday party from a distance.
Celebrate from Anywhere
Despite the distance, you can still celebrate birthdays in a meaningful way.
Order a birthday bouquet and a cookie tin, delivered fresh on the doorstep. Assemble an exciting themed box with trinkets and activities people love. Start a tradition of sending birthday snail mail and scrapbooks.
Bring the party to your friends and family with a surprise video reel and pizza!
Discover even more ways to celebrate. Follow us for gift ideas for beauty gurus, fashionistas, and travel connoisseurs.
Published by HOLR Magazine.