You may not be able to have your families or your little one’s friends over for cake and games, but out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind while you’re practising social distancing. Instead of skipping his or her birthday celebrations, consider “e-viting” friends and loved ones for an online birthday party. If your kid only has three virtual guests (or lesser) on his or her list, then use apps like Whatsapp or Google Hangouts for a fun video call. Alternatively, log on to Zoom to invite groups of 10 or more for a birthday singalong and cake-cutting session.

You can also play a few party games: Collect song requests from the guests for a Spotify playlist, which you can play against a disco backdrop in your home; play a game of Musical Statues (they freeze when the music stops) or set up a scavenger hunt where everyone finds something in their home that matches the designated theme – they have to find something blue, for example – and bring it back to the front of the computer.

Treats can be just as fun at home as they are outdoors. Does your child love exotic animals? If the answer’s yes, then surprise him or her with an hourlong exotic animal presentation by Urban Safari. The handlers will showcase a selection of beautiful animals via Skype or Zoom for birthday babies anywhere in the world. All you have to do is email them at info@urbansafari.ca for a date and time and make a small donation.

If Disney princesses are more their cup of tea, then treat your tot to a very special birthday video by Sing Along Princess Parties. For a small fee, the company provides a personalised video greeting and birthday song in character – think Disney princes and princesses like Moana or Cinderella. Best birthday ever? We think so, too.

Covid-19 may have grounded planes and closed many of the world’s borders, but its natural and man-made wonders are still open to curious little ones. Why not spend the day going on a virtual field trip? Spend the day with cake in the African bush as you watch the wildlife interact with one other, learn about the ins and outs of life on a Canadian farm, explore the surface of Mars or virtually walk along the Great Wall of China. The options are endless! You can also log on to Story Time From Space for videos of astronauts reading children’s stories from space to wind down after a fun day of “travelling” around the globe.

Without heading to the cinema, of course! Instead, log on to Netflix on the Google Chrome browser and download the Netflix Party extension. Then pick a kid-friendly flick and activate the extension to get a shareable URL link, which you can share with your child’s friends. They can watch the movie together and chat at the same time in the chat window that sits on the right side of the computer screen. Add an extra dose of fun for your child by turning your living room into an indoor camping site, complete with a pop-up tent, fairy lights to mimic the stars and plenty of kid-approved snacks.

Instead of getting a custom birthday cake, why not rope your child in to bake one at home? Not only does it help you bond with him or her, it’s a great way for them to develop motor skills, too. Don’t stop at the birthday cake; throw a pizza party for your kid as well. Pick up homemade pizza dough from any supermarket, and let your child assemble the pizza of his choice from a variety of sweet and savoury toppings.

Text: Hazel Vincent De Paul