Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer are the “Must Have” Birthday Gifts of 2020

Quarantine has definitely been a party pooper; just roll with it.

Olivia LiPuma
Lehigh Mobile Storytelling
3 min readJun 7, 2020

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Self isolating on your birthday? Look on the bright side, you don’t have to share your cake!

Photo by André Ravazzi on Unsplash

The stereotypical birthday is often described as a big birthday bash full of friends, family, and food. Social distancing does not have to stop you from celebrating.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted everyday life and has certainly changed the way people are celebrating big life events.

Day 31 of quarantine was my birthday. April 8 started just like every other day. I woke up to the sound of my alarm, put on my clothes and set up for my virtual Zoom class. I was in a funk thinking about how I could not go to a restaurant and order my favorite dessert. My list of disappointments were endless. To be honest, I was anticipating a dismal day, but it ended up being one of the most memorable birthdays. I am here to tell you a “Birthday in the Q” is not as bad as you’re expecting.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate from home. It all boils down to creativity.

What’s a birthday without a perfect picture to post? Turn a room into a live photo booth. Decorate, decorate, decorate. Balloons, streamers, banners, get it all. Make it memorable.

Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash

If you were planning to see your friends, a birthday beep out is calling your name. Invite family and friends to drive by the house at a certain time. Encourage them to make signs, wear party hats and honk. Different cars and different faces will definitely bring delight. You can spend more time with your friends by planning a Zoom outing such as a virtual game night or happy hour. Or if it is nice out, you can even do an outdoor movie or ice cream bar.

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

If you are over 21 and were planning to celebrate at the bars, here’s my advice for you: Set up a home pub crawl. In each room or area of your, home create a different drink. You can pick up the new skill of bartending as you make these creative cocktails.

And what’s a party without music? Spend a couple minutes to create the perfect playlist turning your home into the bar you were dreaming of.

Photo by Kobby Mendez on Unsplash

If you were planning to spend time with your family, you’re in luck! If it’s a nice day out, spend the day at a local beach, go on a hike or even go on a picnic. Look through old photos and videos to reminisce about the good old times. Cook a potluck dinner and homemade desserts for a sweet ending to the night.

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

There are so many different ways to make the best of the situation while staying safe and protected. Imagine your bathroom with two ply toilet paper and 128 ounces of hand sanitizer. Don’t forget to wish for the hottest gift of 2020 when you blow out your candle. All it takes is a little preparation and you can create an unforgettable birthday.

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