AD, gifted – This post contains gifted items but all thoughts and opinions are my own
Remember back in April when we were all in the first stages of the stricter lockdown and anyone who had a birthday mentioned that they had a “lockdown birthday”? Well little did we know then that actually, unless your birthday was in January, February or the beginning of March, we were ALL going to have a lockdown birthday. As I’m sure most of us didn’t expect COVID and the craziness of this year so far to go on for as long as it has.
But alas, we’re here, at the end of September and I doubt any of us have had a “normal” birthday this year. Whether you were stuck in complete lockdown for yours, couldn’t see your loved ones or your birthday venue was shut, this situation really has impacted all of us.
But whether we like it or not, birthdays will always come around, whatever is going on in the world and we might as well make the most of it regardless. I think that’s the motto I’m going to take from this year, “might as well make the most of it” because if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that absolutely none of us know what’s around the corner.
So today I want to share a few tips on how to make a 2020 birthday special. Whether that’s your birthday that’s still to come or a loved ones birthday. And Moonpig are here to help me do that! It was my Mum’s birthday on 22nd September and Moonpig kindly sent me some goodies to help celebrate. I’ve used Moonpig MANY times in the past and I’d always recommend their birthday gifts and personalized birthday cards.
Let’s take a look at what we received in the Moonpig hamper:
The White Wine Hamper
I’ve actually ordered this hamper for my Mum myself in the past, so I already know she’ll love this. A cute little hamper of wine (you can choose from a red wine or Proscco hamper too), roses and Thorntons chocolates in a sweet little basket. These are ideal for birthdays, Mother’s Day or perhaps a little pick-me-up.
Happy Birthday Balloon
Can’t have a birthday without balloons so this will be a nice addition to the decorations I’ll do for her on her actual birthday. I’m pretty impressed with how this got delivered so safely too! I can’t imagine delivering a delicate balloon is the easiest thing in the world.
Sea Salt and Lavendar Two-Wick Yankee Candle
Both of us are huge candle lovers, ESPECIALLY Yankee Candle. So I know she’s going to be absolutely thrilled with this. I’ve never smelt this scent before but it’s absolutely beautiful and the square jars from Yankee look so lovely on the mantelpiece.
Lavender Garden Sleep Mask
Keeping with the lavender theme (which I absolutely loved!) is this gorgeous sleep mask. This mask is super high quality and it’s filled with dried lavender so you know the scent is going to be absolutely amazing before you even open it.
Lavender Garden Pillow Mist
And finally, we got the lavender pillow mist which I’ve sprayed generously myself already and I can confirm it’s absolutely beautiful. I love pillow mists and I find them incredibly relaxing to go to sleep to, so me and Mum will definitely be sharing this!
Birthday cards
I was also kindly given some Moonpig credit to order some birthday cards for her so I got one from me, one from Dad and one from the dog (of course). I don’t think I’ve gone to a shop and bought a card for around 5 years as I always use Moonpig because I love their huge range of cards and the personalization options for them!
Doing birthday shopping on the go? Download the Moonpig app and use coede APP20CA for 20% off birthday cards! Download the app here!*
* Promotion ends end of October
How to make a 2020 birthday special:
Let go of all and any expectations
Even if establishments are open again, I would still suggest letting go of all expectations for your / your loved ones birthday. This year is unpredictable. It’s going to continue being unpredictable. So if you’ve made plans for your birthday, accept that some people might not be able to go last minute, accept that there might be changes within the Government guidelines or that an establishment might have to shut.
Appreciate the little things in life
This year, chances are you’re not going to be going all out with your birthday. No massive party or fancy holiday to celebrate. But accept that that’s OKAY. It sucks for sure but it’s okay. Instead, try and embrace and appreciate the little things in life EVEN MORE this year. Because I feel like 2020 has tried to teach us that too.
Do something you love at home
I know, we’ve spent the majority of our lives at home this year already. But your home has kept you safe this year, when COVID was raging outside. So instead of going out for whatever reason, plan to do something you love at home instead. Whether that’s a game night, your favourite takeaway with your family or spending your entire birthday, curled up in your duvet, watching Desperate Housewives. Do you.
Just eat the cake
This year has been rough, man. So I beg of you, just forget calories and diets and fitness for one day and eat the damn cake. You deserve it. I had the most delicious Galaxy Ripple cake for my birthday at the beginning of December and I promise you, it lasted about 45 minutes.
Make plans for next year instead
Of course be wary because I don’t think any of us know how long this COVID situation is truly going to last and how much of a lasting impact it’s going to have on all our lives. But a great way to celebrate your birthday is to make some extra special, kick-ass plans for your birthday next year instead. Heck, book yourself a holiday. Why not?