Plan A Virtual Party with LYFETYMES Party
There are still many ways to still celebrate with your friends and family and put on the best celebration possible in 2020 you can give them while at home during quarantine and engaging in social distancing. Whether it is a Virtual Party, At-Home Party, Drive-by Party, or Hybrid of them all, we have gathered some innovative ways to celebrate the moments that matter most.
How To Celebrate Virtually In 2020
Planning a Virtual Party and not sure where to start? You can plan any Birthday Party, Baby Shower, Graduation Party, Holiday Party, and more, with LYFETYMES - the fastest-growing party planning platform and app.
At-Home and Virtual Parties can still be festive and engaging. It does not just have to be a Face-time call, you can make it as memorable as you want and it is important to celebrate those milestones and recognize they have been accomplished. You can plan for free at LYFETYMES or if you don’t have the time or non-technical, head to the LYFETYMES Vendors Marketplace to find a party stylist or wholesale goods to help plan and style your entire party at an affordable price.
There are still many ways to still celebrate with your friends and family and put on the best celebration possible in 2020 you can give them while at home during quarantine and engaging in social distancing. Whether it is a Virtual Party, At-Home Party, Drive-by Party, or Hybrid of them all, we have gathered some innovative ways to celebrate the moments that matter most.
Virtual At-Home Party
Virtual Major Moments- Great for Proposals, Gender Reveal, Sip and See’s, and College Admissions
These are intimate feel-good moments that people are going to love to be a part of even virtually. We will celebrate more of them than ever because we want to connect even more with friends and family, as these are the precious memories that will bring smiles.
Most commonly, you will physically be with less than 10 people, most likely people that live in your home only, and having friends and family join virtually. You can still decorate, open presents, have party activities, etc. You may want to move things traditionally at the end of a party to the front- So start with singing Happy Birthday, Blowing Out Candles, opening gifts, that way if people cant stay they at least get the big highlight!
Add some front yard signs to add to the moment!
There are many sign companies where you can hire (and support small businesses) to come decorate your yard with personalized signs overnight so it is ready to go in the morning! You will be surprised by the smiles, great selfies, and honking you get from well-wishers driving by!
Hosting a Successful Virtual Party
At Home & Virtual Parties can be fun, but if you want it to be as successful as possible, then it does require some planning and effort. Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!
Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It is a free one-stop-shop for parties.
No more Paper Invites-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can personalize with a picture or a video and share your LYFETYMES Party Website on FB or via text.
Add a virtual party link/URL to your LYFTEYMES from any of the services you use like Zoom or Goggle Hangouts, so all they have to do click it and party with you!
Add a slideshow link! These are great to include on your website for guests to enjoy!
Add an easy registry link for guests to send gifts to your door! Including a registry is a great way to receive cash or gifts directly.
Determine where in the house, backyard, or space you will use for the party, a fun backdrop can be great for gift opening, a central focus of the room for photos.
Determine Theme and Decor and order to your door ahead of time there are a ton of delivery solutions, like yard signs, food, cake, and balloons that can be dropped outside your door. You can add all your ideas to your LYFETYMES party!
Make an agenda, especially for your video call - make sure you have put some thought into the call- the last thing you want is a boring virtual party! You can create an agenda and digital checklist in LYFETYMES to keep you on track for songs and games!
How To Host A Virtual Baby Shower
When we think of baby showers, we typically imagine a group of a dozen or so close relatives and friends all gathered together celebrating the approaching bundle of joy!. Although celebrations around the world can be postponed- some things can’t be postponed- like the birth of a baby! Due to Covid-19, your in-person baby shower plans have probably changed or even postponed, but let’s face it, one of the best parts of the baby shower is getting some gifts that you are in dire need of day 1 of the baby’s arrival. We are coming up with solutions to mom’s to be so you can still celebrate the upcoming arrival.
Connecting Family and Friends to celebrate your baby shower.
We’ve collected all of the best ideas to help you plan your online Virtual Baby Shower!
When we think of baby showers, we typically imagine a group of a dozen or so close relatives and friends all gathered together celebrating the approaching bundle of joy! Although celebrations around the world can be postponed- some things can’t be- like the birth of a baby! Due to Covid-19, your in-person baby shower plans have probably changed or even canceled, but let’s face it, one of the best parts of the baby shower is getting some gifts that you are in dire need of day 1 of the baby’s arrival. We are coming up with solutions for mom’s to be so you can still celebrate the upcoming arrival.
Introducing the virtual baby shower. That’s right: virtual. All online, no matter the distance. The concept of virtual baby showers is not new, we have been including our loved ones who can’t be there for some time now by virtually. having them on video chat here and there. The difference is now it is just not Aunt Becky in Georgia, it is pretty much everyone that will need to attend online. So it takes a bit more organization and effort so it’s enjoyable for everyone.
What is a Virtual Baby Shower?
Virtual or online baby showers are generally the same concept and usually will happen before the baby arrives The difference is you will only have one or two people attending in person with you vs. 10 or 20, and more than likely, they are living in the house. Once the baby is born, it is a great time to have Virtual Sip and See, which we will cover in a later post.
We should acknowledge mom-to-be’s feelings now- a virtual shower isn’t going to totally replace the one you have been dreaming and planning since you found out you were expecting. This situation isn’t normal, so if you are feeling a bit down or disappointed—it is ok, that’s normal. It will be different, but that does not mean you can’t celebrate, register, have a theme, open gifts, play games, and everything else you dreamed of!
If you are thinking of taking your baby shower virtual, here’s our expert guidance on how to pull off an amazing and unique virtual baby shower.
Who Hosts a Virtual Baby Shower?
The nice thing about Virtual Showers is the rules are thrown out on hosting. Here are FOUR options
1) The expecting parents to host their own shower. Start planning your shower for free at LYFETYMES, -everything you need in one place to plan any party or shower.
2. You can also have a close friend or family member help you host.
3. But even if your Co-host or Co-Hosts live far away, it’s still totally possible to coordinate via LYFETYMES, since the party is entirely virtual anyway and you can be added as Guest Of Honor.
4. Check out our LYFETYMES Vendor Marketplace to find party services such as event planning, balloon stylist, photography, catering, and more.
Steps to Hosting a Successful Virtual Baby Shower
Virtual Showers can still be festive and engaging. It does not just have to be a Face-time call, you can make it as memorable as you want, but if you want it to be as successful as possible, then it does require some planning and effort. Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!
Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It is a free one-stop-shop for all thing parties.
No more Paper Invites-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can add a virtual party link, so all they have to do click and party with you! Digital invitations are super popular and totally boring. At LYFETYMES, you can create your Shower Website in a few clicks, add links to your registry and personalize with any picture or short video. Guests can RSVP and get all the party details from your site and just simply click on the virtual party link when it is Shower time! We also have Digital Thank you’s you can email once the shower wraps.
Add an easy registry link for guests to send gifts to your door! Including a registry is a great way to receive cash or gifts directly.
Determine where in the house, backyard, or space you will use for the party, a fun backdrop can be great for gift opening, a central focus of the room for photos. Zoom just launched backgrounds you can add to virtual call which is fun or you don’t want to worry about decorating.
Determine Theme and Decor and order to your door ahead of time there are a ton of delivery solutions, like yard signs, food, cake, and balloons that can be dropped outside your door. Tableware isn’t really necessary. Streamers and balloons? Definitely be camera-ready. Check out the best Balloon Bar we have found yet here.
Make an agenda, especially for your video call - make sure you have put some thought into the shower flow- the last thing you want is a boring virtual party with no structure!
Cue The Music! Get in the mood with our favorite Baby Shower Songs here!
Drinks! Check out the Parents 20 Fun Baby Shower Cocktails and Mocktails Recipes.
The Tech- Video Chat Services
There are lots of solutions out there to choose from, we recommend going with a free video service like Zoom, Skype, Facebook messenger rooms, or Google Hangouts. As long as you and your guests have an internet connection and a phone or computer with a webcam, then they can join. These are the top four easiest video solutions we have found:
Zoom: Zoom is free for everyone to use, allows up to 100 connected devices (500 for an extra charge), and doesn’t require you to download an app, though there is an app option. All you need is an internet connection and a web browser (you can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone). The host sets up a virtual room with a unique ID and password, then sends out the information to guests. Guests don’t need an account to gain access to the party. Keep in mind: The free version of Zoom allows up to 40 minutes of meeting time per room; additional time is available for purchase, but you can also close out the room and start a new one, with that said, if some of your guests are not technical, this could prove to be trying exercise. Additionally, Zoom has come under fire lately for privacy concerns, but they claim they’re taking measures to increase security.
Facebook Messenger Rooms- Facebook is launching this feature to compete with Zoom. Messenger Rooms make it easy to spend quality time with friends, loved ones, and people who share your interests. Create a room right from Messenger or Facebook, and invite anyone to join your video call, even if they don’t have a Facebook account. Rooms will soon hold up to 50 people with no time limit. Facebook plans to add ways to create Rooms from Instagram Direct, WhatsApp, and Portal as well. Features will include 14 camera filters and changeable backgrounds.
Google Hangouts: This service only works if you have a Google/Gmail account, which is free and fairly easy to sign up for. Google Hangout video calls allow a maximum of 10 devices, but up to 250 participants if the call is audio/phone only. They just launched the tile view comparable to Zoom and planning on adding noise-canceling features.
Skype: One of the most well known and been around a while. Skype is free to use on any computer, tablet, or mobile device, and it doesn’t require you to download the app if you’re using a computer web browser. The key differences: it allows up to 50 devices, and there’s no password protection.
Gift Opening at a Virtual Baby Shower
So with any Virtual Celebration, we suggest you flip around the traditional agenda! People love to see their gifts opened and you want to keep the shower engaging and not everyone can stay on for over an hour so start your first activity with drinks and gifts! You open the gifts sent to you (because you provided the information on your LYFETYMES Guest Website) on camera for everyone to see. Or you can have guests hold onto their gifts during the shower and open them for you on camera so you can see (then they can send them to you later). Or you can do a combination of both! We are seeing delays in shipping due to Covid-19, so the earlier you plan and get the word out, the better!
Virtual Baby Shower Games
You can still have a ton of fun playing Baby Shower Games with your guests- but keep it simple!
The Price Is Right: Have guests take a moment to fill out a card with their best guesses for the price of each item as they join. Toward the end of the shower go through the list and the person with the closest price of each item scored one point. The guest with the most points won bragging rights! Get copies of the game card that you can download and print for free HERE from https://realhousemoms.com/ Tip: Look up prices ahead of time!
Baby Bingo- Everyone loves bingo—and when it’s baby-themed, it’s even better. Use these printable bingo cards to get the party going when the mom-to-be opens presents. Instructions: Have Guests print out bingo cards ahead of time. Each gift that the mom-to-be opens at the shower becomes a clue for bingo. You can download a free set of 24 Bingo Cards to print HERE.
If you are wanting to be more adventurous, check out our How To Throw A Drive-By Baby Shower article here!
7 Must-Try Virtual Party Games
So you've settled on hosting a virtual celebration but have no idea what to do during the live stream? What about a few party games to keep things fun! Check out these five completely VIRTUAL party games with little to no prep work!
7 Must-Try Virtual Party Games
By April Sharer and Carmen Lopez
So you've settled on hosting a virtual celebration but have no idea what to do during the live stream? What about a few party games to keep things fun! Check out these five completely VIRTUAL party games with little to no prep work!
1. Two Truths and a Lie
Two Truths and a Lie is the perfect ice breaker for a virtual party! It can be played with any number of people. As the host, ask guests to prepare two truthful statements about themselves and one lie. Each person in the group gets a turn. When it Is your turn, tell the group two things about yourself that are true and one untrue thing (your lie). Be sure not to say both of your truths first and then the lie because that makes it easier to guess. Mix the order up each time it is your turn. Everyone in the group has an opportunity to try to guess which statement was the lie. Once everyone in the group has guessed, the person will reveal what was true and what was false. The person that answered correctly can go next. This game can go around as many times as you would like or so that everyone gets a chance to go once. You might learn some surprising things about your party guests!
2. Charades
Most everyone knows the rules to this game, so little explaining will be necessary! For those that are unsure how to play, virtually Charades requires the player to mime or imitate a specific action or subject that the rest of the team has to figure out. Direct your guest to a word generator for their word. Taking turns, each guest acts out the word from the generator as all other guests shout out their guesses. This tried, and true party game will be a favorite at your virtual celebration!
3. Minute to Win It Challenges
Minute to Win It started as a game show where contestants had to complete a task using household items in less than a minute to move on. It is now becoming a simple but fun party game. As the host, come up with a list of challenges that can be completed with everyday household objects. It might be a good idea to send out a supply list for each guest before the party to help guests prepare. Also, to ensure that everyone can be included in the challenges. Frugal Fun 4 Boys is another great resource.
Man Vs. Clock
In this version, one player will be trying to beat the clock for each challenge you created. They will have to complete that challenge within a minute. It's best for you to keep track of the time on your end. For this game, I recommend choosing a different person for each challenge. You could also divide your guests into teams.
MINUTE TO WIN IT FOR TEAMS
Split guests into teams. For every game, choose one player from each team to go head to head. For example, one person from each team will be given the list of supplies and game instructions. When you say go, the first players to compete will start the challenge. The first team to complete the challenge receives a point. The guest or team that accomplishes the most challenges wins! These games are fun, inexpensive, and typically hilarious!
4. Thumper
This game will keep you on your toes and get your brain working! Each guest chooses a silly face or hand gesture as their "symbol." The host can choose to be the leader and start the game or pick a guest to lead. Make sure every guest shares their Symbol with the party. The leader then performs their Symbol, immediately followed by the Symbol of another player. This player then performs their own gesture, followed by another player’s gesture. Symbols continue to be passed from guest to guest until someone responds too slowly or misses their cue. To take this up a notch when someone makes a mistake, everyone must drink, and that person then becomes the leader for the next round.
5. Most Likely To
This casual game is fun to play with a group of longtime friends. Take turns creating "Most likely to ________" statements and ask guests to cast their votes using the chat function on the video call. The person with the most votes can take a drink or do a dare. There are no winners or losers in this game, but should definitely be shared laughs! You can have guests download the Most Likely To app on the App Store, or come up with your own. Beware the app is 18+.
6. Spin A Tale
This game promotes creativity and will have guests thinking on their feet. To start the game, make up the first line of a story. Then choose a guest to add a line to your sentence. Members take turns adding to the story until the whole plot develops! Let the story go along on its own route, that is what makes the game fun; you never know what each guest is going to add and where the story will end up.
Here are some ways you can start your tale…
· Today I woke up at 8 a.m. and saw….
· Sofia woke up on the couch this morning and tried to remember how she got there…
· I was supposed to have a virtual meeting today, but…
· When I looked outside my window, I saw…
· Today during quarantine, I started discovered my hidden talent…
7. Online Games
I'm sure you've heard of JackboxTV offering plenty of games to play online. However, besides Drawful2, most of the games have to be purchased to play them. Playingcards.io offers free card games that can be played virtually with your guests. They have also added an online version of Cards Against Humanity.
Feeling overwhelmed with party planning? Check out our LYFETYMES Vendor Marketplace to take the stress away. Find vendors that offer party planning, decor, catering, photography services, and more.
The At Home & Virtual Quarantine Survival Guide
There are still many ways to still celebrate with your friends and family and put on the best celebration possible in 2020 you can give them while at home during quarantine and engaging in social distancing. Whether it is a Virtual Party, At-Home Party, Drive-by Party, or Hybrid of them all, we have gathered some innovative ways to celebrate the moments that matter most.
How To Celebrate In 2020
by Liz Grisham and Katie Cunningham
Celebrations both large and small have been canceled or postponed that was planned for the Spring and Summer, which are the most popular Seasons for major milestone life events such as Weddings, Showers and Graduations. Not only has this interrupted these important life events friends and family had looked forward to, but the entire event infrastructure we use to help us with these Celebrations mostly made up of small businesses, have been severely impacted.
Many of us have considered canceling a Birthday Party, Baby Shower, Graduation Party, etc that are coming up in the next few weeks or months due to Social Distancing related to COVID-19. This may seem like a realistic approach to celebrating “when this is over” leaving some very disappointed kiddos, graduates, and moms to be, but the Leading Physiological Experts say this does more damage than good.
Take Your Party Medicine
It’s important to revisit why we celebrate milestones in the first place and the positive emotional effects brought forth by continuing it. It is not just important for our children, but there are major benefits that we as adults can benefit from celebrating.
According to social psychology researcher Fred Bryant and others, when we stop to savor the good stuff, we buffer ourselves against the bad and build resilience—and even mini-celebrations can plump up the positive emotions which make it easier to manage the daily challenges that cause major stress. Which is so important for all of us right now.
When we have something to look forward to or look ahead to something worth celebrating, we feel more optimistic, according to research led by Hadassah Littman-Ovadia.
Dr. Allen Schwartz states: In my opinion, as a therapist, mental health worker, and human being, these (Celebrations) things are not only not childish, but are extremely important. These celebrations are markers of achievements in our lives and the celebrations to recognize or remember these events help to reinforce to each of us our significance as unique individuals. Perhaps the most important celebration of all is the birthday because it demarcates our arrival on this earth.
Traditions and celebrations surrounding birthdays are important for other, deeper reasons, too, and are a “special – and necessary – part of childhood,” says Heather Ulrich, Ph.D., child, and family psychologist in Asheville.
“Children come to depend on these events for consistency and continuity in their lives and birthdays, in particular, provide unique benefits for children cognitively, socially and for parent-child relationships,” says Ulrich, who is also an assistant professor of psychology at UNC Asheville and the parent of two girls, ages 4 and 7.
“Celebrating a child’s birthday allows parents to demonstrate the joy and love they have due to the addition of that child to our world (and the family),” says Ulrich. “Sharing special experiences and creating memories enhances the bond and security between parent and child, and increased secure attachment has lasting effects on a child's self-esteem, development, behavior, and emotions.”
Celebrating a child's birthday every year helps them to understand “the growing up process of aging each year and assists them in understanding what each age means and its developmental significance,” says Ulrich. “It’s not the party or elaborate celebration that matters; it’s the focus on the individual child for that day and a focus on their new age and development.”
Neuroscience on https://www.psychologytoday.com/ explains what impacts by having positive celebrations can have on emotions:
Celebration Conversations elevate the level of such “feel good” chemicals like oxytocin and the endorphins—neuropeptides produced in the central nervous system. Their release into our system gives us a sense of well-being.
Serotonin that is boosted by cheering and pleasant conversations is widely known for increasing motivation and can even transform stress into success.
When you celebrate, endorphins are released inside your body and you feel incredible. When you accomplish something and don't take the time to celebrate, you are robbing yourself of an important feeling that reinforces your success.
Conversely, if you fail to celebrate, you are training your brain that what you are doing isn't all that exciting and important. Simply put, the lack of celebration will lead to a feeling of emptiness lower our self-esteem over time.
So What in the Confetti do we do?
There are still many ways to still celebrate with your friends and family and put on the best celebration possible in 2020 you can give them while at home during quarantine and engaging in social distancing. Whether it is a Virtual Party, At-Home Party, Drive-by Party, or Hybrid of them all, we have gathered some innovative ways to celebrate the moments that matter most.
Virtual At-Home Party: Great for Birthdays and Baby Showers
Most commonly, you will physically be with less than 10 people, most likely people that live in your home only, and having friends and family join virtually. You can still decorate, open presents, have party activities, etc. You may want to move things traditionally at the end of a party to the front- So start with singing Happy Birthday, Blowing Out Candles, opening gifts, that way if people cant stay they at least get the big highlight!
Do a Drive-By: Great for Birthday Celebrations
Even though we’re social distancing, that doesn't mean you can't get into your car! Deck out your car with balloons and signs then drive by your friends or family’s house. Tell them to look outside and start singing "Happy Birthday" when they come out to look! The extra thought, time and attention decorating your car will make anyone smile.
Trunk Party! Great for Graduation and Baby Showers
The way this works is you have a specified time and date at your house, you turn your vehicle around or put up a table and friends get out of their car (one at a time) and drop off the gift and set it in the trunk or leave on the table. We have many vendors that offer services that set up some amazing banners and balloon displays in the front yard. You can say hi and wave from a socially safe place.
Virtual Major Moments- Great for Proposals, Gender Reveal, Sip and See’s, and College Admissions
These are intimate feel-good moments that people are going to love to attend. We will celebrate more of them than ever because we want to connect even more with friends and family, as these are the precious memories that will bring smiles. These can last around 15-30 minutes, decorate a cute backdrop and have confetti bomb ready!
Hosting a Successful Virtual Party
At Home & Virtual Parties can be fun, but if you want it to be as successful as possible, then it does require some planning and effort. Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!
Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It is a free one-stop-shop for all thing parties.
No more Paper Invites-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can add a virtual party link, so all they have to do click and party with you!
Add an easy registry link for guests to send gifts to your door! Including a registry is a great way to receive cash or gifts directly.
Determine where in the house, backyard, or space you will use for the party, a fun backdrop can be great for gift opening, a central focus of the room for photos.
Determine Theme and Decor and order to your door ahead of time there are a ton of delivery solutions, like yard signs, food, cake, and balloons that can be dropped outside your door. We are obsessing over Hero parties where they dress as our Front line Hero’s reinforcing how critical these roles are in our community.
Make a mental agenda, especially for your video call - make sure you have put some thought into the call- the last thing you want is a boring virtual party!
What will be your first Virtual Celebration?
So At-Home and Virtual Parties can still be festive and engaging. It does not just have to be a Face-time call, you can make it as memorable as you want and it is important to celebrate those milestones and recognize they have been accomplished. You can plan for free at LYFETYMES or if you don’t have the time or non-technical, head to the LYFETYMES Vendors Marketplace to find a party stylist or wholesale goods to help plan and style your entire party at an affordable price.