These Virtual Events Are the Perfect Way to Stay Close (From Afar)

Whether it’s for an adult or kid, hosting a Zoom (or Facebook Messenger or Google Hangouts) birthday bash is a great way to get family and friends together for a mini celebration. In lieu of physical gifts, ask guests to create video or photo montages or show up attired to suit a specific theme. You can even do a curbside delivery of some party favours or treats in advance so everyone can enjoy the goodies at the same time. Additionally, you can arrange a drive-by where everyone decorates their cars and sings “Happy Birthday” from a safe distance. If you’re curious, here’s what Canadians have been buying since COVID started.

If you enjoy curling up with a good book, why not start your own virtual book club with like-minded friends and relatives? Arrange a video call once a month (or even once a week) to discuss the agreed-upon book in depth. We also love these novel ways turning book collections into works of art.

Keep hands and minds busy by arranging crafting video dates where you all learn a new skill or revisit a beloved hobby together. Painting, knitting, embroidery, pottery, container gardening… the possibilities are endless. You can also get crafty by making your own reusable disinfectant cleaning wipes, cloth face masks or DIY hand sanitizer.

It can be a little difficult to find the motivation to exercise every day, especially in our current circumstances, but what if we included our friends in our daily routine for an added incentive? Join online yoga practices or follow a routine together with friends via a video call. Sometimes having even one extra person to hold you accountable can make all the difference. Find more creative ways to to stay active and healthy at home.

If you’re at home with little ones it can be hard to keep them entertained, especially if you have a 9-to-5 job consuming eight hours of your day already. Consider setting up virtual playdates with your kids’ friends – whether it’s a movie session, games, online museum tours or arts and crafts, having a specific activity for them to enjoy with their buddies will keep them busy longer. There are also plenty of virtual games they can play for free, from Uno to Pokemon Go. Psst, we’ve also got quick tips to master working from home with kids.

While the kids can keep busy virtually playing MarioKart Tour with friends, adults can enjoy their own virtual game nights. There’s a plethora of options ranging from naughty (Cards Against Humanity or certain JackBox options) to nice (Bingo or Trivial Pursuit). Find more activities to do while spending time at home.

With the advent of streaming services and theatrical releases currently available online, it’s never been easier to catch up on the latest flick from the comfort of your living room. Set up a video call with loved ones and watch the movie simultaneously – complete with your own hilarious running commentary because, guess what? No one can shush you in your own private theatre. Check out these home theatre designs that will make movie nights a hit and find all the latest HGTV Canada shows you can binge watch right now.

Get dressed up and ready to party from the comfort of your own kitchen with a socially distanced dinner extravaganza. Cook a specific recipe together as a group or order curbside pickup – either way, make it an occasion. (You deserve it!). Whether “fancy” is your pick for a straight-forward theme or you’d prefer something more specific, like outfits based on characters from The Office or Harry Potter, just have fun with it. But don’t forget to snap some pictures of that video call so you can share on social. Find more of our favourite food trends to come out of quarantine.

There’s no need to hit pause on this exciting milestone. You can easily host a baby shower remotely – simply arrange for video-friendly shower games (quizzes, guessing games, virtual guestbook, etc.) and deliver treats curbside in advance so invitees are kept busy and entertained throughout. There are even websites designed specifically for hosting virtual baby showers (for a fee). Only have a few remaining minutes to spare before your virtual party? This is how to make every room in your home look clean and organized in under 10 minutes.

Although wedding planning is on hold for the foreseeable future, that doesn’t mean you have to celebrate an engagement in private. Plan a virtual announcement of your upcoming nuptials or invite family and friends to join you for an evening of cupcakes and champagne via Zoom. If you want everyone to enjoy the same goodies, do a quick curbside delivery in advance. If you’re the host, have invitees craft mini video or photo montages for the happy couple. You can even host it from the comfort and safety of your own backyard. Here’s how to makeover your backyard for less than $100.