This article was co-authored by Jennifer Guttman, PsyD. Dr. Jennifer Guttman, is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Clinical Psychologist, and the Founder of the Sustainable Life Satisfaction®, a motivational and lifestyle platform. With over 30 years of experience and practice in New York City and Westport, Dr. Guttman specializes in treating people struggling with acute behavioral disorders stemming from anxiety, depression, stress, attention deficit, and phobias. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Drew University and a Doctor of Psychology from Long Island University. Dr. Guttman is the author of “A Path To Life Satisfaction Workbook (2018),” a monthly blog contributor to Psychology Today and Thrive Global, and a contributor to articles in major publications, media sites, and podcasts including The Washington Post, Reader’s Digest, Redbook, Teen Vogue, Health, mindbodygreen.com, Harvesting Happiness, and Unshakable Self-Confidence.
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Many of you probably remember staying up with excitement the night before your birthday, unable to sleep because of the anticipation of the presents, parties, people, and fun that awaited you. As an adult, some of the magic of birthdays is often lost, especially if you are facing celebrating your birthday alone. The prospect of being alone on your birthday—whether by choice or out of necessity—needn’t bring you down, though. Read our advice on how to make the most of a solitary birthday, whether you decide to celebrate at home or get away from it all.
Jennifer Guttman, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 26 July 2021. Sure, it’s (usually!) nice to be surprised when receiving a gift, but who among us hasn’t had to graciously fake enthusiasm for a less-than-ideal birthday gift? (Really, Grandma, a puffy-paint unicorn sweatshirt?) The advantage to being your own gift-giver is that you get to pick out exactly what you want.
- You may decide that you want to save the present shopping for the actual day of your birthday, especially if you really enjoy browsing and shopping and want to incorporate that as part of the day’s festivities.
- However, if you won’t have time to shop for yourself on your birthday, or if the last thing you want to do in your precious free time is head to the mall, then be sure to select something awesome for yourself in advance, so that you’ll have it on your birthday.
- If you shop in the store, see if the clerk is able to gift-wrap it for you. Yes, that may sound a bit silly (it’s not like you don’t know what’s in the package, after all), but there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy the ritual of unwrapping a carefully selected gift.
- Alternatively, select something special for yourself online and be sure to arrange the shipping so that it will arrive before or on your birthday.
- Whatever you buy should of course be informed by your budget, but keep in mind that you are worth splurging on. Try to choose something that you really want, that seems fun, and that you think would make you happy, even if it seems a bit frivolous. Is there something you’ve always secretly wished someone else would get for you, even though you swore you’d never buy it for yourself? Be that person for yourself on this very special day!
It’s my sister Paula’s birthday. Several years ago I wrote a post on her birthday, and later I wrote a post about ways to celebrate your birthday. I reprise and update them today, as a way to tell my little Sis happy birthday, and give us all something to think about . . .
Happy Birthday Paula!
My sister Paula had a birthday today. I won’t tell what number it is, because, well, she may not want everyone to know.
Early this morning I sent her an email, that in part read,
“…take some time to today just for you. Even if it is just 15 minutes, do something you love as a celebration of the fabulous person (and sister) that you are.”
As I read her reply a few minutes ago, about all of the tasks she has before her kids are in bed and she could even think of that 15 minutes, I realized that her story is the story of all of our lives.
We may not have it, but we all need to take that 15 minutes. It might be meditation, reading, a hobby, anything that allows us to learn, renew, refresh or reflect.
While I suggested it to my sister for a special day, let me suggest it to all of us, every day. Those fifteen minutes will make you a better leader, team member, parent. They will make you a better person.
How will you spend your 15 minutes today, whether it is your birthday or not?
If today isn’t your birthday, read the rest of this now, (and feel free to do one of these suggestions), but also, put a reminder in your calendar to read this post again the day before your next birthday (and hey, why not make it a recurring note and read it every year) . . .
Perhaps you don’t really celebrate your birthday – some people I know don’t – or perhaps your birthday is your favorite day of the year. Either way you will want to read this article.
If you are a birthday lover – this will give you more reasons to love your day. If you aren’t a birthday fan (it just reminds you that “I’m a year older today”), this article will give you a completely different focus for this day.
Notice the title isn’t 12 ways to celebrate a birthday; it’s 12 ways to celebrate your birthday! What follows are 12 specific ideas to make your special day even more special.
- Eat your favorite food. It’s your day – you deserve it. Even if your favorite foods don’t “go together,” they do today. Enjoy!
- Do a favorite childhood activity. Maybe it was a board game, or playing tag, or doodling. Whatever it was, do it today! Do it as a way to reignite your inner child and your creativity. Do it for the pure enjoyment. You will be amazed at how it will make you feel.
- Remember your favorite birthday. If you have a particular birthday that sticks out to you, spend time thinking about it and reveling in those memories.
- Laugh out loud. Do something that makes you laugh with delight! Laughter feels good and is good for you. Perhaps one of the other ideas on this list will make you laugh out loud – if so, great!
- Give a gift to someone else. We all know it feels better to give than receive, so why not give gifts to others on our birthday? Consider starting with your mother – after all she had a more memorable day when you were born than you did!
- Give your day away! You don’t have to give a physical gift, you can give your time – to someone you love, to a charity or whatever you wish! Make your day a gift to someone else.
- Give yourself the gift of time. Sometimes our days are so packed with events and tasks that we don’t have time for ourselves. Consider giving yourself the gift of time for your own rest and relaxation (or the time to do another item on this list!). It doesn’t have to be a long time – think about the 15 minute tip I suggested above.
- Send yourself a card. A few days or weeks before your birthday find a card you love, sign it and write yourself a note. Then address and stamp the envelope and ask someone to mail it to you a couple of days before your birthday. This is a great way to guarantee a card, and I promise it will make you smile.
- Spend time with someone you love. This might overlap with a couple of other ideas on the list – but that’s OK. What could make for a better day than spending time with those you care about the most?
- Make a memory. Challenge yourself to create memories today that will last a lifetime.
- Reflect on the last year. Your birthday is a milestone, so it can be a great day to review your results and actions of the past year to see how you have done and determine what is working – and what isn’t!
- Set some new goals. Today is a perfect day to look forward, to project into the future, to set goals for the next twelve months. If you don’t have written goals, today is a perfect day to create them!
You’ll notice this isn’t like some lists you read that make you think you should try all of the ideas. It wouldn’t be possible to do all of these things in one day. The ideas fall into a focus on your past, present or future – and all of them are about you.
The key is to pick one that feels right to you and add it to your celebration. It is your day after all!
Final Note: While these ideas are written from the perspective of celebrating a birthday, all could be used – though perhaps tweaked slightly – for a team anniversary, company anniversary or other organizational milestone date. You don’t have to wait for your birthday to do any of these things. You are alive and you can celebrate for that reason using any of these ideas you’d like. You have my permission.
Oh, and one last thing. We’d love to celebrate your birthday in the future. Tell us more about yourself, including your birthday here and we’ll help you celebrate!
I have actually gone back and forth about this post today! I was going to post it…and then I wasn’t….and then I was going to… and then I wasn’t… and now if you are reading this, I guess I decided just to DO IT!
Today I am 27 YEARS OLD! I normally don’t like to announce to the world that it is my birthday – but with a few little pushes from people that I love, I decided to make a special birthday post today. The name of my blog is Today’s The Best Day…. and guess what! Today IS the BEST day! So we are going to celebrate!
FOR 25 OF THE BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY THEMES
Birthdays have always been super special in my life. I have always loved parties, presents, cake, ice cream and spending time with friends and family. I remember when I was little I had LISTS of items that I wanted out of magazines or things I saw on commercials. As I got older my lists slowly turned from pages long into one thing: gift cards and cash! I just wanted to go shopping, of course! This year, as I am a mom and a wife – I didn’t even have a list! I told my husband I didn’t need anything. I just wanted to spend the day with him and Laila. Just us three – going to the park and making memories.
What can adults do for their birthdays?
I decided though that today… I am going to have fun! I may be getting older, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t celebrate! In fact – as women, it seems like we are ALWAYS doing things for other people and never for ourselves. Do you agree?
I am so grateful to be alive! I am another year older. I have had so many blessings come into my life this year – one being YOU! This past year I started this blog and it has grown into something bigger and better than I could have ever imagined… because of you! THANK YOU! SO – let’s celebrate!
Birthday Celebration Ideas for Adults
Make this birthday different from the rest by doing a NachoBirthday. Nachobirthday.com is a new crowd funding website that lets users celebrate life in there own special way whether that means helping others, giving back, or raising funds for something you really want … check it out ..It’s the new birthday online …
In addition to checking out Nacho Birthday, also take a look at the list below. I asked 27 WOMEN
1. Go out to a super yummy dinner and go home to have cake and ice cream with friends and family
2. Get a hotel room for the night
3. Go out to a nice dinner with your husband. Let HIM choose and surprise you!
4. Have a family game night
5. Go see a movie
6. Enjoy breakfast in bed and stay in your pajamas all day long
7. Go to the beach
8. Order pizza and rent a movie – date night in!
9. Don’t clean or cook all day
10. Throw a party
11. Go to the temple and thank God for the blessings in your life and the opportunity to be on the planet another year.
12. Go somewhere as a family – a museum or amusement park
13. Go on a vacation
14. Go shopping and buy a new outfit
15. Take a picture as a family every year and see how much you
16. Go around town and do acts of service
17. Have a movie day
18. Do something YOU love!
19. Take a nice long bath
20. Have the husband take the kids to the park and enjoy your own quiet time
21. Get a pedicure or manicure
22. Write all of your blessings from the year down in a journal
23. Buy yourself a gift!
24. Check something off your Bucket List
25. Go to karaoke or do something out of your box.
26. Go to the spa and get a massage
27. Write a note of appreciation to the people who remembered you on your birthday
My uncle would send his mom flowers on HIS birthday every year, just to say thank you for giving him life and being such a good mom. His sweet mother has passed on now, but being a mom myself now, I know how special that is. I am sure she loved that act of kindness. What a wonderful way to show your love to YOUR mom, on YOUR birthday! He has inspired me to do something for my mom every year from now on.
One of my favorite quotes that I try to live by is, “She who leaves a trail of glitter…is never forgotten!”
I hope as each of our birthday’s approach this year
I am so grateful to be a little older today! I am excited to celebrate and to spend time with the people that I love so much! I hope we all will remember to make a memory and to find joy in the journey of life. Here is to 27… I hope it feels like heaven!
Don’t forget to share! –
Today’s The Best Day received compensation for portions of this post. We thank you for reading and supporting our message. We only partner with companies and organizations that we know can help the lives of our readers and women everywhere. You are appreciated! Thank you!
I have actually gone back and forth about this post today! I was going to post it…and then I wasn’t….and then I was going to… and then I wasn’t… and now if you are reading this, I guess I decided just to DO IT!
Today I am 27 YEARS OLD! I normally don’t like to announce to the world that it is my birthday – but with a few little pushes from people that I love, I decided to make a special birthday post today. The name of my blog is Today’s The Best Day…. and guess what! Today IS the BEST day! So we are going to celebrate!
FOR 25 OF THE BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY THEMES
Birthdays have always been super special in my life. I have always loved parties, presents, cake, ice cream and spending time with friends and family. I remember when I was little I had LISTS of items that I wanted out of magazines or things I saw on commercials. As I got older my lists slowly turned from pages long into one thing: gift cards and cash! I just wanted to go shopping, of course! This year, as I am a mom and a wife – I didn’t even have a list! I told my husband I didn’t need anything. I just wanted to spend the day with him and Laila. Just us three – going to the park and making memories.
What can adults do for their birthdays?
I decided though that today… I am going to have fun! I may be getting older, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t celebrate! In fact – as women, it seems like we are ALWAYS doing things for other people and never for ourselves. Do you agree?
I am so grateful to be alive! I am another year older. I have had so many blessings come into my life this year – one being YOU! This past year I started this blog and it has grown into something bigger and better than I could have ever imagined… because of you! THANK YOU! SO – let’s celebrate!
Birthday Celebration Ideas for Adults
Make this birthday different from the rest by doing a NachoBirthday. Nachobirthday.com is a new crowd funding website that lets users celebrate life in there own special way whether that means helping others, giving back, or raising funds for something you really want … check it out ..It’s the new birthday online …
In addition to checking out Nacho Birthday, also take a look at the list below. I asked 27 WOMEN
1. Go out to a super yummy dinner and go home to have cake and ice cream with friends and family
2. Get a hotel room for the night
3. Go out to a nice dinner with your husband. Let HIM choose and surprise you!
4. Have a family game night
5. Go see a movie
6. Enjoy breakfast in bed and stay in your pajamas all day long
7. Go to the beach
8. Order pizza and rent a movie – date night in!
9. Don’t clean or cook all day
10. Throw a party
11. Go to the temple and thank God for the blessings in your life and the opportunity to be on the planet another year.
12. Go somewhere as a family – a museum or amusement park
13. Go on a vacation
14. Go shopping and buy a new outfit
15. Take a picture as a family every year and see how much you
16. Go around town and do acts of service
17. Have a movie day
18. Do something YOU love!
19. Take a nice long bath
20. Have the husband take the kids to the park and enjoy your own quiet time
21. Get a pedicure or manicure
22. Write all of your blessings from the year down in a journal
23. Buy yourself a gift!
24. Check something off your Bucket List
25. Go to karaoke or do something out of your box.
26. Go to the spa and get a massage
27. Write a note of appreciation to the people who remembered you on your birthday
My uncle would send his mom flowers on HIS birthday every year, just to say thank you for giving him life and being such a good mom. His sweet mother has passed on now, but being a mom myself now, I know how special that is. I am sure she loved that act of kindness. What a wonderful way to show your love to YOUR mom, on YOUR birthday! He has inspired me to do something for my mom every year from now on.
One of my favorite quotes that I try to live by is, “She who leaves a trail of glitter…is never forgotten!”
I hope as each of our birthday’s approach this year
I am so grateful to be a little older today! I am excited to celebrate and to spend time with the people that I love so much! I hope we all will remember to make a memory and to find joy in the journey of life. Here is to 27… I hope it feels like heaven!
Don’t forget to share! –
Today’s The Best Day received compensation for portions of this post. We thank you for reading and supporting our message. We only partner with companies and organizations that we know can help the lives of our readers and women everywhere. You are appreciated! Thank you!
It’s my sister Paula’s birthday. Several years ago I wrote a post on her birthday, and later I wrote a post about ways to celebrate your birthday. I reprise and update them today, as a way to tell my little Sis happy birthday, and give us all something to think about . . .
Happy Birthday Paula!
My sister Paula had a birthday today. I won’t tell what number it is, because, well, she may not want everyone to know.
Early this morning I sent her an email, that in part read,
“…take some time to today just for you. Even if it is just 15 minutes, do something you love as a celebration of the fabulous person (and sister) that you are.”
As I read her reply a few minutes ago, about all of the tasks she has before her kids are in bed and she could even think of that 15 minutes, I realized that her story is the story of all of our lives.
We may not have it, but we all need to take that 15 minutes. It might be meditation, reading, a hobby, anything that allows us to learn, renew, refresh or reflect.
While I suggested it to my sister for a special day, let me suggest it to all of us, every day. Those fifteen minutes will make you a better leader, team member, parent. They will make you a better person.
How will you spend your 15 minutes today, whether it is your birthday or not?
If today isn’t your birthday, read the rest of this now, (and feel free to do one of these suggestions), but also, put a reminder in your calendar to read this post again the day before your next birthday (and hey, why not make it a recurring note and read it every year) . . .
Perhaps you don’t really celebrate your birthday – some people I know don’t – or perhaps your birthday is your favorite day of the year. Either way you will want to read this article.
If you are a birthday lover – this will give you more reasons to love your day. If you aren’t a birthday fan (it just reminds you that “I’m a year older today”), this article will give you a completely different focus for this day.
Notice the title isn’t 12 ways to celebrate a birthday; it’s 12 ways to celebrate your birthday! What follows are 12 specific ideas to make your special day even more special.
- Eat your favorite food. It’s your day – you deserve it. Even if your favorite foods don’t “go together,” they do today. Enjoy!
- Do a favorite childhood activity. Maybe it was a board game, or playing tag, or doodling. Whatever it was, do it today! Do it as a way to reignite your inner child and your creativity. Do it for the pure enjoyment. You will be amazed at how it will make you feel.
- Remember your favorite birthday. If you have a particular birthday that sticks out to you, spend time thinking about it and reveling in those memories.
- Laugh out loud. Do something that makes you laugh with delight! Laughter feels good and is good for you. Perhaps one of the other ideas on this list will make you laugh out loud – if so, great!
- Give a gift to someone else. We all know it feels better to give than receive, so why not give gifts to others on our birthday? Consider starting with your mother – after all she had a more memorable day when you were born than you did!
- Give your day away! You don’t have to give a physical gift, you can give your time – to someone you love, to a charity or whatever you wish! Make your day a gift to someone else.
- Give yourself the gift of time. Sometimes our days are so packed with events and tasks that we don’t have time for ourselves. Consider giving yourself the gift of time for your own rest and relaxation (or the time to do another item on this list!). It doesn’t have to be a long time – think about the 15 minute tip I suggested above.
- Send yourself a card. A few days or weeks before your birthday find a card you love, sign it and write yourself a note. Then address and stamp the envelope and ask someone to mail it to you a couple of days before your birthday. This is a great way to guarantee a card, and I promise it will make you smile.
- Spend time with someone you love. This might overlap with a couple of other ideas on the list – but that’s OK. What could make for a better day than spending time with those you care about the most?
- Make a memory. Challenge yourself to create memories today that will last a lifetime.
- Reflect on the last year. Your birthday is a milestone, so it can be a great day to review your results and actions of the past year to see how you have done and determine what is working – and what isn’t!
- Set some new goals. Today is a perfect day to look forward, to project into the future, to set goals for the next twelve months. If you don’t have written goals, today is a perfect day to create them!
You’ll notice this isn’t like some lists you read that make you think you should try all of the ideas. It wouldn’t be possible to do all of these things in one day. The ideas fall into a focus on your past, present or future – and all of them are about you.
The key is to pick one that feels right to you and add it to your celebration. It is your day after all!
Final Note: While these ideas are written from the perspective of celebrating a birthday, all could be used – though perhaps tweaked slightly – for a team anniversary, company anniversary or other organizational milestone date. You don’t have to wait for your birthday to do any of these things. You are alive and you can celebrate for that reason using any of these ideas you’d like. You have my permission.
Oh, and one last thing. We’d love to celebrate your birthday in the future. Tell us more about yourself, including your birthday here and we’ll help you celebrate!
World Vision India
Mar 31 · 3 min read
It is a magnanimous gesture to help poor children on your birthday. There are plenty of NGOs that are actively working among the most vulnerable children, in the country. Numerous children in India are in need of an intervention. They need help not only with education but also with the issues they constantly battle. A birthday donation is the best thing that can happen to them.
World Vision India works among the most vulnerable children and their families in over 143 districts impacting around 26 lakh children and their families in over 6200 communities spread across 23 states and 3 union territories to address issues affecting children. The organisation reaches out children even in remote locations where dire issues such as child marriage is widely practised and challenging it would invite adverse reactions. However, World Vision India is a child-focused organisation and therefore focuses on the well-being of children, despite the opposition. On your birthday, sponsor a child through World Vision India.
Vinita was only 17 when her parents decided to get her married. She had always dreamed of attending college at Lalitpur, 30km from her village. Her parents didn’t share the same dream. Her mother never started school and her father dropped out in the 8th standard. Vinita was destined to follow her parents’ life: get married early and slog out in the paddy field all her life, like most folks from her village.
But destiny took a sharp turn. Instead of getting married Vinita went to Lucknow and attended Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) course for two years. “Before the training, my parents were planning to get me married. I was 17 years of age then. At that time World Vision India staff talked to my parents and told them they would send me for a nurse training,” said Vinita.
Vinita was a sponsored child for 14 years. But those two years at Lucknow turned out to be the best years of her sponsorship. After completing her course, she came back to Lalitpur and started working in a children’s hospital.
Vinita’s heart is still at her village. She has always wanted to serve the people and be useful. She got the opportunity when she wasn’t expecting any and she wants to return the favour. “Today I have become a nurse. World Vision India has helped me a lot: spent a lot of money on my education and for that I’m very grateful. If World Vision India had not helped me I would not be here and my siblings would not have got this opportunity to study.”
This week I am turning another year older. I have learned to treasure the days, the weeks, the months, and the years as life ticks fast. And I learned when my 40 year old brother died from a heart attack that going up in numbers is the only option or you’re dead!
And I am living in the last quarter of my life, for sure. I thank God for life here on earth. And I am thankful that once I leave this earth, I know without a doubt, I will be in heaven with my Father God and there will be no more tears, pain, or brokenness in relationships.
How does a single woman celebrate her birthday when ones closest loved ones are not near?
It all boils down to one thing, a choice!
Only YOU can make your day(s) work well.
NO ONE else on this earth is to do your life for you!
Do your life, and that means on your birthday too! DO what you LOVE and make it special.
- I coach women to do this step. Tell people it’s your birthday.
- Set your birthday cards up to read and receive.
- Buy yourself a favorite meal or coffee.
- Splurge on yourself. Pedicure. Manicure. New outfit. Just do something for YOU!
- Be aware of your birthday coming and think and plan on it ahead of time.
- Buy a cake if you want one.
- Call a loved one… A college roommate and I have tried to touch base in the month of July each year, as our birthdays are that month.
- NO pity parties are allowed, receive love all day long. Be the one to step out and celebrate yourself. People do not know it is your birthday, unless you tell them. And do that and watch how people will stop and wish you a Happy Birthday!
- It’s your BIRTHDAY. GOD HAD YOU PLANNED.
- Look at something special for your Birthday. My parents gave me a wind up porcelain birthday figurine when I was in my teens. Every year I wind it up and it plays, Happy Birthday to YOU! And yes, that is it, in the picture.
- Let others do for you.
- RECEIVE. RECEIVE. RECEIVE.
- GET OUTSIDE!
- Make it memorable.
- GIVE thanks all day long!
- Look at the calendar, it comes only once a year, and only GOD knows, if you will be alive next year.
- Believe GOD.
- Believe what GOD says in the BIBLE. He made you. Loves you. And you have breath because only HE is allowing you breath.
- Reach out to someone hurting on your birthday.
- Look in the mirror and smile.
- Buy yourself some flowers… and make it a great birthday!
What have you done for yourself on your birthday?
And if this hard for you, then learn to live. Be coached. Live while you have breath!
Free Book Preview: Unstoppable
Celebrating your team member’s birthday in 2021 looks a little different than in years past, but it is still an important way to cultivate team culture, boost morale and improve your business’s bottom line. Celebrating employee birthdays shows that you care and can serve as a great motivator for employees to do their best at work.
A 2019 study from talent advisory company Kincentric found that rewards and recognition were the strongest drivers of workplace engagement aside from pay and benefits. Recognition is also tied to lower turnover and higher performance at work. Celebrating your employees’ birthdays is a simple yet effective way to reward your team members, improve engagement and boost workplace productivity.
But at this point, many employees are continuing to work remotely or work hybrid schedules. This means the way you used to celebrate birthdays in the office might no longer be possible. Here are 10 ways to celebrate your employees’ birthdays remotely that’ll help them feel recognized and appreciated at work while improving outcomes for your business.
1. Wine tasting and virtual happy hour
Choose from one of many wine tasting companies, or reach out to a local vineyard and have tasting-sized wines sent to your employees’ homes. Get together online, drink wine and celebrate your employee for a fun, new take on virtual happy hour.
2. Airbnb getaway for the weekend
Some people don’t love being the center of attention on their birthday. Recognizing this and organizing a birthday for your worker that suits them shows you’re paying attention and truly care about your team. A weekend getaway in nature can be the perfect gift for someone who loves spending time outside or whose idea of a good time doesn’t include large celebrations with coworkers.
3. At-home relaxation kit
Sending a basket of at-home relaxation supplies can be the perfect way to celebrate that one employee who never seems to take a break from work. This gift shows your employee that you recognize their efforts and encourages them to take some much-needed time off to relax.
Consider including a candle, a facial roller, a calming playlist or a virtual meditation or yoga video to help your employee unwind and reset. If you want to save time and brainpower, consider ordering a premade spa gift basket to your employee’s home.
4. Play a game of online trivia
Get the team together for a friendly game of online trivia to celebrate your employees who have a strong competitive spirit. Online trivia is a strong team-building activity that spices up an average virtual happy hour. Plus your employee who loves competing will appreciate a birthday celebration that reflects their idea of a fun time.
5. Organize a paint and sip class
A virtual paint and sip class is a good remote birthday celebration for those who love exploring their creative side. Send a canvas, some paint and a beverage to your employees’ homes and let your creative juices flow. You can hire an online instructor who will lead your team through a series of simple steps that will leave everyone with a fun piece of art they can treasure forever.
6. Get together for virtual pictionary
For those who are both creative and competitive, virtual pictionary is the perfect birthday party activity. All you need for this activity is a timer, a random word generator and Zoom’s white board feature. This activity is a great way for team members to connect and take a break from their day to day work routine.
7. Send a singing telegram
Hire a singing telegram and deliver a birthday tune wherever your employee works from home. Singing telegrams can be funny, affordable and a touching way to show your employee that you’re thinking about them on their special day.
8. Collaborate on a playlist
Have each member of your team choose one or two songs and create a personalized playlist for the birthday boy or girl. You can have colleagues include a brief message about why they chose each song for a memorable gift that will make your employee feel appreciated and thought of on their birthday. This playlist will set the tone for the rest of the day and can be played in combination with any of the other birthday celebration ideas on this list.
9. Prepare a picnic
A picnic is a fun way to get outside and celebrate a special occasion. Send your team member a picnic blanket, a bottle of wine and some cheese and crackers on their birthday and encourage them to step out of their office and soak up the sun.
10. Write a birthday card
The simplest birthday tradition may be the most effective way to boost employee recognition at your company. Write a thoughtful birthday card, with specific reasons why you appreciate and value your employee to make your employee feel recognized on their birthday.
A 2016 Gallup poll found that the most memorable recognition comes from a high level leader or CEO, so make sure to have managers and company leaders write a thoughtful note. Sending your employee a personalized birthday card might be the most impactful and affordable way to improve employee engagement and make your employees feel recognized on their special day.