Even before the pandemic had us celebrating big milestones through our video cameras, we still lived in a world where many of our friends lived in different cities or towns – far enough away that the friendship would be considered long distance. Celebrating a birthday of someone who lives far away is often tricky, but tricky doesn’t mean impossible. Here’s 6 great ways to celebrate a long distance friend’s next trip around the sun:
Have a Film Night
Just because you’re not together in person, doesn’t mean you can’t both enjoy a film together. Sync up your Netflix accounts and countdown to when you press play. Oh, and be sure to both buy some classic film snacks – but this time, you don’t have to share!
Make a Video
From watching a video, to making one. Give your friend something to remember by recording a personal video message from you and the rest of your friends, then collating the clips together into one huge public declaration of how much you love them! Better yet, post the video to social media so everyone can also wish them a happy birthday!
Treat Them to Lunch
Take your friend out for lunch from across the ocean by sending them a gift card to a nearby restaurant. Most restaurants let you easily buy a gift card online (and will even send it straight to your birthday friend’s email address) and if all goes to plan, they might even take you back the next time you go over to visit!
Make a Birthday Donation
If you think your friend would rather you spend your money elsewhere, why not make a donation to a charity on their behalf? One of the most thoughtful present ideas out there, this idea is great for those friends who already have everything they need, but you still want to buy them a special little something.
Long Distance Book Club
This one’s for all the sentimentalists out there. Reread one of your favourite books – or one you and your friend have read together – and annotate it with post it notes. When they receive the book in the mail they’ll likely be so grateful for the added personal touch that you’ll get your own book in return!
Send Some Sweet Treats
Sometimes the simplest of ideas can be the best. Sending your friend a chocolate box or another sweet surprise will brighten their special day, and make the long distance between you, seem just that little bit smaller.
Whatever you choose to do, surprising your friend with a long distance birthday gift will definitely make their day one to remember. Whether it’s a traditional box of birthday chocolates, or a donation to a charity you think they would want to support, these six ideas will be sure to minimise the space between you.
