Collaborative Post¦ Last Sunday it was my Nan’s 80th birthday. However, in these odd times, our family wasn’t entirely sure how to celebrate it. Thankfully, lockdown has eased enough for us to be able to celebrate, although it wasn’t perhaps how we usually would have done. In spite of this, we found lots of ways to make her day truly special and memorable!
A special welcome
Rather than going out for a meal somewhere, we invited my Nan for a socially distanced roast dinner. To make it feel more special, we set my 3 year old daughter to the task. We printed off some “Happy 80th Birthday” images from the internet and got her to colour them in. She was excited to make them really bright and colourful. I then placed it on the front door with some balloons for a birthday welcome!
The personal touch
Giving cards and presents that are personal, or even personalised, make things that extra bit special. The recipient knows that you put extra thought in for them! I ordered a birthday card for my Nan from Moonpig, using some photos from the last 10 years. (Yes, that is my husband and I as baby faced 18 year olds!) She was delighted and said she’d never seen a card with photos on it like that before.
I actually ordered it on the Friday afternoon before her birthday with next day delivery. I was a little concerned whether it would actually arrive before her birthday on Sunday or not. However, it arrived at 1.30pm the following day. Phew!
As for gifts, I always try to buy her a gift that is helpful or a little bit luxurious for her. She spends a lot of time gardening, so some pretty gardening gloves and shea butter hand cream are perfect for her. I have to admit, I only knew of Moonpig for their cards. I never realised that they actually have a lovely selection of gifts and flowers too! I’ll definitely bear this in mind for the future, especially if I’m buying for friends or family who don’t live locally.
Treat them a little more
If you can, it might be nice to treat them a little bit more than usual to compensate for what their birthday is lacking. Sure, it’ll never make up for all the hugs they’re missing out on, but it will make them smile to see the effort you’ve put in. It’ll probably make you feel a bit better about the situation too! It doesn’t necessarily have to be a grand gesture. This lovely little hamper contained lots of small treats for my Nan to enjoy.
Sometimes I’ve put packing peanuts or tissue paper in a box and individually wrapped little presents. It’s really fun to see what treat you pull out next, no matter what age you are!
Flowers are also something that can cost as little or as much as you would like them to. Even after the day is gone, flowers bring a smile to your loved one’s face as they think back on the memories of their birthday. If they’re living on their own in lockdown, it will also help brighten their room and change the scenery up a little after months of isolation. These flowers from Moonpig were absolutely gorgeous and gave us delicate vintage vibes. They smelled absolutely beautiful too!
Cake
What is no birthday complete without? CAKE!!!!
Whether it’s a cupcake, or a full-blown party cake, there surely needs to be a cake present.
Now, my Nan had been shielding since March, so we were sure she was Covid-19 free when blowing out her candles. However, it might be a good idea with most people to have candles on a separate little cake just for them to eat. Sadly, that’s what I’m expecting will be the case for my daughter’s 4th birthday in September!
Be there
Of course, the most important thing you can do on any birthday is be there in whatever capacity you can. Whether you’re in a bubble, keeping your distance, or the other end of the phone, you can certainly make a landmark birthday special!
Psst…viewing this blog post on your phone? Download the Moonpig app here and use the code APPFREEWGIFT to get 1 free card when you order a gift. Promotion ends 17th August 2020.
Disclosure: This post was written in collaboration with MoonPig. I received all products mentioned for the purpose of this post. Thank you MoonPig for the efficient delivery and packaging and for helping to make my Nan’s birthday so special. As always, all views and opinions are my own.
