We’ve been navigating so many new things while under Quarantine. While we’ve learned new and exciting ways to adapt and connect during social distancing, I cannot wait for that day (soon) that we’re back together in real life. In the meantime, we’ve been sharing advice and tips for how to plan the perfect virtual party. One of the first things we suggest? Pick a theme!

Here are my top 10 favorite party themes, as well as some notes on how to bring them to life:

Unicorns

I think I’ve said this before, but I don’t think the unicorn theme will ever go away, which makes perfect sense, because it’s just the happiest theme. There are so many whimsical unicorn options in the market so you can create a super festive table to enjoy cake and cookies while setting a magical tone for your little guest of honor.

To make for an interactive, fun, unicorn birthday party that can be setup for their virtual celebration in a flash…send the birthday girl or boy our All That Glitters Party in a Box! This box comes with cookie mix and darling unicorn cookie cutters. So, while you set the table (and even create an extra special backdrop if you want to add on some pretty party supplies)…your little unicorn can bake & frost some treats to enjoy during the party!

Rainbows

Whether you’re pairing rainbows with your unicorn birthday party theme, simply loving the ROYGBIV color palette, or celebrating PRIDE, our Rainbow Pride Party in a Box is sure to brighten your celebration! Have some fun with your guests and ask them to each dress in one of the color of the rainbow, or to whip up a snack or cocktail / mocktail in their assigned hue. You could even take it a step further and send each guest the tee shirt you want them to wear.

Farm Party

I’d say the most classic of children’s party themes is the Farm Party. I chose this theme for Gavin’s 2nd birthday, and had the celebration at the Scholastic store in Soho. I loved how they incorporated games and reading into the party…it was so perfect for that age. To organize a successful zoom for a toddler, albeit, it will be very short, and that’s ok (!), I suggest a story reading. Will be soothing and sweet for the child to listen to. Take it a step further and hire a character actor as a farmer, pig or cow to show up and crash the zoom party! You can even organize a virtual visit to a farm so they can get up close and personal with some of the animals on-screen! The kids will go wild.

Disco Fever

I think seriously, my most favorite theme as an adult is disco. What a trend disco balls became in the party world! Disco balls scream “have a good time” and party! Now while you’re not strapping on your disco boots these days, we’re adjusting the theme for the moment to be a little more low-key. In our Disco Made me Do it Party in a Box we included a disco puzzle which happens to be so perfect for those who may be quarantining alone for their birthday. Set a pretty tablescape for dinner, hang the metallic balloons to make your space shine, and put on a disco playlist & boogie down while you work on your puzzle!

80’s Baby

If you’re a long time follower, then you’ll remember the 80’s prom that I threw for Adam and I when we turned 40 back in 2018. This party was the most epic party we have thrown to date. We asked everyone to come dressed for prom and our guests took it to the next level. I look forward to the day that we can gather this group of people back together to celebrate again.

If you go with an 80’s theme for your virtual celebration you can find tons of 80’s specific decorations online and this theme feels so right for a dress up party. This theme is another opportunity to circulate a fun playlist in advance. Ask your guests to wear their best 80’s outfit or neon threads to your party and be sure to set aside time for a virtual fashion show. I recommend taking tons of screenshots of this one so you can always remember this birthday (and embarrass your friends and family for years to come).

Superhero

One positive to all the challenges going on in the world right now is we’re reminded that the world is full of superheroes! Since father’s day is coming up, we went with this theme for our limited edition Super Dad Party in a Box! If you’re using this theme for a birthday party, set a backdrop with lightening bolts and stars for your zoom and make sure you have candles or a sparkler to light when you sing happy birthday to your guest of honor. Speaking of which, if you know you’re going to sing Happy Birthday, set a time for it on your invite to ensure everyone is dialed in for that special moment. If you’re celebrating a smaller superhero - order them a cape to wear for the festivities!

Adventure Party

The Adventure Party in a Box is absolutely perfect for a summer celebration. Gather around the bonfire, prop up the phone and set a playlist so every family can be connected while they roast marshmallows. No bonfire? Line a terra cotta pot with foil and throw in a few charcoal briquettes and you’ll have s’mores in no time. Once you’ve enjoyed your sweet treat, you can do our LMP scavenger hunt! If you get rained out of our awesome outdoor adventure, you can easily take the scavenger hunt indoors by challenging guests to find things around the house - ie: something yellow, a paper clip, a tape measure etc. A fun spin for adults is to take it digital and challenge them to find pictures on their phone camera roll - ie: first one to hold up a photo with the host, a photo of a sunset, etc.

Patriotic

For summer babies, like my son Luke, the themes are endless (I once did a beach theme for Luke’s party and it was SO cute). For those born around the Fourth of July like our very own Crafty Maggie, it can be fun to celebrate their birthday along with America’s! Stars, red, white and blue, a cookout in the backyard and you’re ready to PARTY. My absolute favorite thing about our Party in the USA box is the water balloons. My kids are obsessed (and let’s be honest they’re fun for adults too)! It’s the most mindless, fun entertainment for a hot summer’s day and can last for hours with the clean up. Make the balloon trash a challenge for the kids and who ever picks up the most and makes the yard the cleanest, wins a prize. The prize doesn’t have to be something tangible either…for kids making a donation is such a great way to learn how to give and communicate about the world right now. For a fun backyard game that doubles as on-screen entertainment, challenge your guests to a hula hoop competition!

Hollywood

Do I keep saying “My favorite theme is"…”. Well this one is. For real. I swear. I love watching TV and Movies!! How perfect is a movie party? AND if we can’t snuggle on the couch with our friends, we can set the computer up next to us and watch Netflix together! I know crazy right? When Shaylan shared this resource NETFLIX PARTY with me I nearly died. Genius. Send our Movie Party in a Box to your bestie and then set a date to start a new show or watch a movie together. Make sure you both have your popcorn, candy and cocktails ready when you sit down on the couch.

Cooking

There are so many fun classes that you can take online now and one of my favorites is cooking. I’m so glad we can still cook virtually because I truly love cooking classes, as do my children. My kids cook every week with Freshmade and it’s a delight watching them in the kitchen. For me, I sometimes connect with a group of moms from school where one leads the group in preparing her traditional recipe, while we drink wine and and chop together. It’s something I always look forward to. You can book a private cooking party to make brunch or a dessert or a really fun lunch with your friends, and of course end with singing happy birthday!

No Theme!

As you can see…I REALLY love a good theme but if you’re stumped for the right one, or just want to stick to a chic color palette, that works too. Send your guest of honor a Make a Wish Party in a Box for a fun & festive celebration that works for all ages and party on…virtually of course!