There's nothing quite like the disappointment of a child who’s just been told they can’t have a birthday party this year. But although group events and parties-in-person are still very much a no-no in the current climate, little ones can still celebrate together – albeit from afar – thanks to the hottest new social distancing trend: virtual birthday parties.
Children’s Entertainment from Katie Jane Dubai
While you can of course arrange a Zoom call with a group of your child’s friends, have you ever noticed how little ones’ video chat conversation doesn’t exactly… flow? Whether it’s a stilted awkwardness, lack of interest, or cacophony of overlapping exuberance, kiddos can definitely benefit from some sort of guidance when it comes to group video meets. And that’s where it pays to bring in the experts: enter Katie Jane Dubai, much-loved providers of child-led workshops and classes and absolute specialists in engaging kids and encouraging imaginative play.
Focusing on 1st to 4th birthdays, Katie Jane Dubai’s Virtual private birthday packages bring all of the fun of their in-person classes online, and can be tailored to suit all ages and levels of interest. With themes such as Under The Sea, Wild Animal Safari and The Farm – or whatever your little one might prefer – the aim is to make your party as stress-free as possible, so you can enjoy the fun with your little ones.
Katie Jane will arrange everything – from E-vite invitations and customised birthday party backgrounds, to organising the virtual set-up and meeting on Zoom with all of your child’s friends and, of course, a party MC and co-ordinator to lead the activities, advise you on any technical issues, and even arrange photos and a birthday video.
The party begins with some songs with actions and singing, followed by party games that everyone can join in with from their own homes. Next will be the Happy Birthday Song and a story to end the session, with it all lasting roughly one hour and costing Dh300.
Details: Dh300 per party, booking must be done at least three days in advance. Grandparents and/or friends and family overseas are also welcome to join in. Email hello@katiejanedubai.com
Kid’s Party Food from Pebbles and BamBam Catering
Party food is always a highlight of any birthday celebration, and Pebbles and BamBam Catering has tweaked their usual kids’ party fare offering so that your little one can celebrate with their friends from the required social distance.
Kids can help choose from the vast menu of hot and cold savoury and sweet party bites, featuring everything from hot dogs and sandwiches to popcorn bags, muffins and marshmallow pops. Once the menu is chosen, on the day of the event, a box filled with selected food and treats will be delivered to all the guests from two hours before the start of the ‘virtual party’.
Starting from Dh35, these food boxes can be customised to include messages, balloons and return gifts. At the time of the video call the birthday boy or girl cuts the cake as the rest of his or her friends sing ‘Happy Birthday’. Afterwards, everyone can enjoy the treats together.
“We understand that this is a difficult stage for everybody, especially kids, however we need to adapt to these testing times. Kids are missing their friends and they’re missing celebrating their birthday with them. At Pebbles and BamBam Catering, we want to make sure that kids will not only celebrate, but do so in a way they will remember for years to come” said Yashika Kumar Agarwal, Founder of Pebbles and BamBam Catering, a division of Basil and Spice Catering, which goes to the greatest lengths to ensure food safety and contactless delivery in these times, including a walk-in sanitizing booth outside the kitchen for all staff.
“My son was so happy to celebrate his birthday with his school friends. He was excited to be able to cut the cake and share treats with his friends. His friends were taken by surprise when the delivery from Pebbles and BamBam reached their house before the party as they were not expecting it. This is a birthday we are all going to remember,” says Nisha Malhotra who recently had a virtual birthday for her son’s 6th birthday.
Details: Minimum order of 10 children, packages range from Dh35 per child to Dh65 per child, plus Dh5 delivery fee per address. Contact: Yashika Kumar 0558894166, pbc@basilandspice.ae
