43 birthday ideas for a fun and socially distant celebration
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Birthdays are usually a time to celebrate with your friends and family, but since most of us are practicing social distancing, those fun gatherings aren't exactly possible. Instead, we have to think outside of the box and get creative to make the people in our life feel like royalty on their special day.
We rounded up a list of the best quarantine birthday gifts and ideas that includes everything you'll need to pull off a successful quarantine birthday while keeping your distance. From Happy Birthday yard signs, birthday cakes you can send right to their doorstep and hilarious quarantine birthday cards, we've got you covered.
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Happy Birthday yard signs
Since a lot of us aren't quarantined with all of our closest friends and family members, an easy and fun way to celebrate is with Happy Birthday yard signs.
1. Oriental Trading Company Happy Birthday Yard Sign
Oriental Trading Company Happy Birthday Yard Sign
Oriental Trading Company Happy Birthday Yard Sign $107.19 at Oriental Trading Company
Place this colorful birthday yard sign set across the street or directly in front of their home to send them a huge celebratory surprise.
2. Oriental Trading Company Personalized Cupcake Sprinkles Yard Sign
Oriental Trading Company Personalized Cupcake Sprinkles Yard Sign
Oriental Trading Company Personalized Cupcake Sprinkles Yard Sign $21.39 at Oriental Trading Company
This cupcake sprinkles yard sign is perfect for the birthday boy or girl — or anyone who loves sweets!
3. Honk Birthday Yard Sign
Honk Birthday Yard Sign
Honk Birthday Yard Sign $45.00 at Etsy
Many people have taken social distancing rules very seriously. To show your appreciation on your loved one's birthday, simply drive by their home while they're outside and honk away! Others can join in on the fun when they see this colorful sign out front.
4. Colorful Happy Birthday Yard Sign
Colorful Happy Birthday Yard Sign
Colorful Happy Birthday Yard Sign $30.00 at Etsy
This colorful Happy Birthday yard sign is bright, compact and bound to make anyone smile as they walk or drive by.
5. Customizable Quarantine Birthday Sign
Customizable Quarantine Birthday Sign
Customizable Quarantine Birthday Sign $4.57 at Etsy
If you're short on time this printable download from Etsy is easy, silly and affordable.
Birthday cake delivery
1. Bake Me A Wish! Birthday Cake
Bake Me A Wish! Birthday Cake
Bake Me A Wish! Birthday Cake $44.99 at Bake Me A Wish!
If you can't be there to enjoy cake together, have one delivered as a special surprise. Bake Me a Wish's popular birthday cakes come in a wide range of delicious flavors to suit everyone's taste. From strawberry funfetti to triple chocolate brownie, there's a celebratory dessert for everyone.
2. Bake Me A Wish! Jumbo Birthday Cupcakes
Bake Me A Wish! Jumbo Birthday Cupcakes
Bake Me A Wish! Jumbo Birthday Cupcakes $42.95 at Bake Me A Wish!
Do they prefer cupcakes? Go for this jumbo birthday cupcake basket, which comes with a chocolate cupcake, a vanilla cupcake, a strawberry jam-filled cupcake and a red velvet cupcake with cream cheese filling. Each one says "Happy Birthday" for a festive touch.
3. Baked by Melissa Sweet Birthday Gift Box
Baked by Melissa Sweet Birthday Gift Box
Baked by Melissa Sweet Birthday Gift Box $37.00 at Baked by Melissa
The little ones will enjoy these cute bite-size cupcakes. They come in a wide range of flavors from tie-dye to peanut butter and will make anyone smile on their special day.
4. Carlo's Bakery Strawberry Pastel Rainbow Cake
Carlo's Bakery Strawberry Pastel Rainbow Cake
Carlo's Bakery Strawberry Pastel Rainbow Cake $69.95 at Goldbelly
For a pop of color, send them this stunning six-layer strawberry pastel rainbow cake from the famed Carlo's Bakery. It's filled with strawberry buttercream icing, topped with confetti sprinkles and made with rainbow-colored vanilla cake!
5. Mrs. Fields Happy Birthday Big Cookie Cake
Mrs. Fields Happy Birthday Big Cookie Cake
Mrs. Fields Happy Birthday Big Cookie Cake $44.99 at Mrs. Fields
You can never go wrong with a classic cookie cake from Mrs. Fields, which you can have delivered straight to their door.
6. Dylan's Candy Bar Bash Cake
Dylan's Candy Bar Bash Cake
Dylan's Candy Bar Bash Cake $50.00 at Dylan's Candy Bar
Believe it or not, you can have your cake and eat it too! Dylan's Candy Bar's Bash Cake is a tabletop, cake-shaped piñata made of milk chocolate, filled with mini milk chocolate covered pretzels and makes for a delicious and tasty centerpiece. It comes decorated in a ribbon and includes a matte to bash your way through. The Bash Cake is 7.5 inches tall, 7 inches wide and has a shelf life of nine months!
Birthday gift baskets
1. Harry & David Classic Birthday Basket
Harry & David Classic Birthday Basket
Harry & David Classic Birthday Basket $49.99 at Harry & David
Who doesn't love tasty treats on their birthday? This birthday gift basket from Harry & David is filled with delicious sweets. Think red licorice, jelly beans, vanilla shortbread cookies and more.
2. Cookies by Design Butterfly and Daisy Birthday Cookie Bouquet
Cookies by Design Butterfly and Daisy Birthday Cookie Bouquet
Cookies by Design Butterfly and Daisy Birthday Cookie Bouquet $47.99 at Cookies by Design
This adorable bouquet of cookies is as sweet as it is beautiful. Anyone from Mom to Grandma would enjoy this edible work of art.
3. Edible Arrangements Happy Birthday Fruit Basket
Edible Arrangements Happy Birthday Fruit Basket
Edible Arrangements Happy Birthday Fruit Basket $69.99 at Edible Arrangements
If the birthday girl or boy enjoys eating healthy (even on their birthday), send them this happy birthday fruit basket from Edible Arrangements. It includes an array of cantaloupe, grapes, honeydew melon, pineapple and strawberries.
4. Milk Bar Assorted Cookie Tin
Milk Bar Assorted Cookie Tin
Milk Bar Assorted Cookie Tin $20.00 at Milk Bar
Milk Bar is known for its mouth-watering cookies, and this cute tin would make a perfect gift. It includes six individually wrapped cookies: a "compost" cookie, a cornflake-marshmallow-chocolate-chip cookie, a corn cookie, a blueberry and cream cookie, a chocolate-chocolate cookie and a festive confetti cookie.
5. Harry & David Birthday Pears and Apples Gift
Harry & David Birthday Pears and Apples Gift
Harry & David Birthday Pears and Apples Gift $34.99 at Harry & David
Another thoughtful but healthy option is this pear and apple gift basket. It comes with five royal Verano pears, two seasonal apples, and a pre-printed Happy Birthday corner card.
6. Hickory FarmsBest Birthday Wishes Gift Box
Hickory Farms Best Birthday Wishes Gift Box
Hickory Farms Best Birthday Wishes Gift Box $29.00 at Hickory Farms
If they prefer more savory snacks, this gorgeous gift box has them covered. It comes with beef sausage, smoked gouda, a block of cheddar cheese and more.
7. Gourmet Gift Baskets Champagne and Truffles Gift Basket
Gourmet Gift Baskets Champagne and Truffles Gift Basket
Gourmet Gift Baskets Champagne and Truffles Gift Basket $99.99 at Gourmet Gift Baskets
If you really want to surprise them, this basket is totally splurge-worthy. It comes with your choice of bubbly drink and an assortment of cookies, truffles and toffee.
8. Gourmet Gift Baskets The Ultimate Beer Gift Crate
Gourmet Gifts The Ultimate Beer Gift Crate
Gourmet Gifts The Ultimate Beer Gift Crate $59.99 at Gourmet Gift Baskets
If beer is more their thing, you can't go wrong with this cool crate. It comes with five cans of beer and salty snacks for a perfect pairing.
Birthday gift boxes
1. Birthday In A Box
Birthday In A Box
Birthday In A Box $24.00 at Etsy
This "birthday in a box" gift is thoughtful, cute and includes tons of goodies! This gift box comes with a sparkling gold birthday crown, a birthday cupcake scented bath bomb, a sweet lollypop, a pinwheel to blow and make a wish, confetti to toss, an "I'm kind of a big deal" pin and a thoughtful birthday card.
2. Birthday In A Box Gift Set
Birthday In A Box Gift Set
Birthday In A Box Gift Set $70.00 at Mouth
If they have a sweet tooth, this delicious candy box will be the gift that keeps on giving. It's packed with everything from cotton candy popcorn to fruit taffy and double chocolate chip cookies.
3. Happy Quarantined Birthday Gift Box
Happy Quarantined Birthday Gift Box
Happy Quarantined Birthday Gift Box $28.99 at Etsy
This quarantine birthday gift box is fun and practical. It includes a wine tumbler that can be personalized and one item of your choice (options include a monogrammed keychain, a can cooler and a bath bomb).
4. Dear Ava Birthday Spa Gift Box
Dear Ava Birthday Spa Gift Box
Dear Ava Birthday Spa Gift Box $39.00 at Dear Ava
If you know they've been stressed out, a spa gift box may be the perfect quarantine gift to give them on their special day. This box from Dear Ava comes with a lavender soy candle, two bath bombs, lip balm and soap.
5. FromYouFlowers One Dozen Birthday Balloons
FromYouFlowers One Dozen Birthday Balloons
FromYouFlowers One Dozen Birthday Balloons $71.24 at FromYouFlowers
What's better than a box of chocolates on your birthday? A dozen colorful balloons!
Related: Though you may have to wait to celebrate, these gifts will make them smile.
Happy Birthday banners
1. Quarantine Birthday Banner
Quarantine Birthday Banner
Quarantine Birthday Banner $23.98 at Etsy
Imagine this beautiful banner hanging above an array of breakfast food as they walk down the stairs on their birthday.
2. Honk Birthday Banner
Honk Birthday Banner
Honk Birthday Banner $33.00 at Etsy
Decorate the front of their house with this colorful "honk" banner so everyone knows to wish them a happy birthday on their special day.
Quarantine birthday cards
1. Finest Alcohol Quarantine Birthday Card
Finest Alcohol Birthday Quarantine Card
Finest Alcohol Birthday Quarantine Card $5.50 at Etsy
If they enjoy the finer things in life, tease them a bit with this comedic card about hand sanitizer.
2. Happy Birthday Social Distancing Card
Happy Birthday Social Distancing Card
Happy Birthday Social Distancing Card $3.85 at Etsy
If they love dogs, they will be thrilled to open this card on their birthday!
3. Quarantine Birthday Card
Quarantine Birthday Card
Quarantine Birthday Card $5.01 at Etsy
Since it's likely that your friend or family member might be a tad bummed their birthday is "canceled" this year — make light of the situation and make them laugh with this card.
4. You vs. Paper Quarantine Birthday Card
You vs. Paper Quarantine Birthday Card
You vs. Paper Quarantine Birthday Card $5.50 at Etsy
It's no secret that there's been a toilet paper shortage all over the country, therefore this funny card shows just how much you mean to them.
5. No Sharing Cake Birthday Quarantine Card
No Sharing Cake Quarantine Birthday Card
No Sharing Cake Quarantine Birthday Card $3.20 at Etsy
There's always a bright side to every situation — and not having to share their cake this year is definitely one of them.
6. Singing Happy Birthday Quarantine Card
Singing Happy Birthday Quarantine Card
Singing Happy Birthday Quarantine Card $3.20 at Etsy
Now more than ever, it's important to wash your hands. This card plays on that in a cute and funny way!
7. "No One Else I'd Rather Isolate With" Quarantine Birthday Card
"No One Else I'd Rather Isolate With" Quarantine Birthday Card
"No One Else I'd Rather Isolate With" Quarantine Birthday Card $3.59 at Etsy
If you're celebrating a quarantine buddy's birthday, this is a sweet option to give them on their special day.
8. "Let The Good Times Roll" Birthday Card
"Let The Good Times Roll" Birthday Card
"Let The Good Times Roll" Birthday Card $5.99 at Etsy
This chic pink card reminds them to see the positive side of life and keep rolling with the punches.
Quarantine birthday gifts
1. UrbanStems The Unicorn Bouquet
UrbanStems The Unicorn Bouquet
UrbanStems The Unicorn Bouquet $55.00 at UrbanStems
There's nothing like a classic bouquet of Happy Birthday flowers after weeks of staying inside. This unique but gorgeous piece from UrbanStems is called "The Unicorn" for its vibrant mix of purple, lilac, and pink flowers.
2. Towel Selections Women's Turkish Terrycloth Robe
Towel Selections Women's Turkish Terrycloth Robe
Towel Selections Women's Turkish Terrycloth Robe $36.95 at Amazon
Another thoughtful gift to send someone for their birthday is this cozy terrycloth robe from Towel Selections. It's affordable, comes in over 20 different colors and has over 2,200 positive reviews (plus an impressive 4.4-star rating) on Amazon, so you know it's going to be a good one. This brand also offers the same robe with a hood.
3. Anthropologie Capri Blue Volcano Iridescent Jar Candle
Anthropologie Capri Blue Volcano Iridescent Jar Candle
Anthropologie Capri Blue Volcano Iridescent Jar Candle $32.00 at Anthropologie
Help them relax at home with this popular candle from Anthropologie. Not only does it smell good, but it also makes a great décor piece.
4. Anthropologie Lustered Coupe Glasses
Anthropologie Lustered Coupe Glasses
Anthropologie Lustered Coupe Glasses $56.00 at Anthropologie
It's 5 o'clock somewhere! Just because they're stuck at home doesn't mean they can't enjoy themselves on their special day. Gift your friend or family member this set of four stunning lustered coupe glasses to help them get the party started.
5. "Cravings: Hungry for More" Cookbook by Chrissy Teigen
"Cravings: Hungry for More" Cookbook by Chrissy Teigen
"Cravings: Hungry for More" Cookbook by Chrissy Teigen $19.21 at Amazon
"Cravings: Hungry for More" Cookbook by Chrissy Teigen $19.21 at Walmart
"Cravings: Hungry for More" Cookbook by Chrissy Teigen $26.39 at Books A Million
If they like to spend time in the kitchen, give them some cooking inspiration by sending them a cookbook for their birthday! Crissy Teigen's "Cravings: Hungry For More" is a The New York Times Bestseller and includes fun recipes like fluffy popovers with melted brie and blackberry jam.
6. Cards Against Humanity Game
Cards Against Humanity Game
Cards Against Humanity Game $25.00 at Amazon
Cards Against Humanity Game $25.00 at Walmart
Cards Against Humanity Game $25.00 at Books A Million
If they don't already own this game, Cards Against Humanity is a great quarantine birthday gift. It's easy to play and is guaranteed to have the group howling with laughter.
7. Apple iTunes & App Store Electronic Gift Card
Apple iTunes & App Store Electronic Gift Card
Apple iTunes & App Store Electronic Gift Card $10.00 at Apple
Since most of us are probably binge-watching shows and reading books more than ever before, an Apple iTunes gift card is a great present. They can buy or rent films, music, books or even audiobooks.
8. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Stripe Throw
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Stripe Throw Blanket
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Stripe Throw Blanket $49.97 at Nordstrom Rack
This cloud-like throw blanket will make it even harder to get out of bed in the morning. The Barefoot Dreams CozyChic blankets are great because the fabric doesn't shrink, pill or wrinkle, which makes it perfect for snuggling up on the couch for a movie or during family game night.
9. TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $49.99 at Amazon
TaoTronics Active Noise Cancelling Headphones $49.99 at TaoTronics
A lot of us are working from home for the first time and probably dealing with an entirely new work environment. To help them stay on track during office hours, get them this pair of noise-canceling headphones from TaoTronics. They're just as good as more expensive brands but a fraction of the cost!
For more gift recommendations, check out:
Send your loved ones a "socially distant hug" with this adorable gift
32 premade birthday gifts that can be delivered right to their doorstep
Treat them to a self-care subscription box while social distancing
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