9 Party Products to Make Your Next Zoom Call Feel More Like a Special Occasion
Celebrating special occasions is complicated these days, but it’s still doable—you just have to get creative. I canceled my bachelorette party, but that didn’t stop my friends from setting up a Zoom call where we all dressed up in sunglasses and swimsuits and sipped on margaritas. It may not have been Mexico, but you can’t beat quality time with your closest friends and family, even if it’s virtual.
With a few thoughtful decorative touches and ideas, you can turn any digital gathering or milestone moment into a memorable special event. It just takes a little extra planning and coordination. And, of course, DIY party decor is always an option if you or other attendees have supplies on hand. But as what’s traditionally thought of as wedding and summer party season begins, things look a lot different than in the past. But you can still add a festive touch or two to an e-party to make it feel special—and here are a few fun favorites.
Gold Banner
With its 59 gold paper letters and three yards of twine, this banner kit from Molly Hatch can be used to spell out a custom message or your favorite celebratory greeting. Hang it up behind you for a festive backdrop for your call, and change it up as many times as you like.
Buy: Say Anything Banner, $20 from Molly Hatch
Potted Plant
Plants make a lovely addition to events, and digital gatherings are no exception to this rule. While all of your attendees might not be able to take care of greenery right now, it’s nice to send a plant or flower arrangement in advance of your call to mark a special occasion for a coworker, friend, or family member. A Hoya heart succulent would make a cute on-screen prop for the guest of honor to put out for the festivities and should be pretty easy to care for post-party.
Buy: Hoya Heart Succulent, $24.99 $21.24 from Plants.com (take 15% off using code APARTMENTPLANTS15!)
Party Headband
Send your guest or guests of honor a special crown to wear during the celebration, and they’ll stand out from the rest of the party. Choose from five fringe colors, five font colors, and even pick the phrase you want displayed across your headpiece (though note that there is a character cap).
Buy: Party Headband, $9.60 from Etsy
Wine Tasting Kit
Want to host a virtual wine tasting for a friend’s birthday? Have everyone order the same tasting kit from California Coastal Wines, which includes eight 6-ounce bottles. Yes, it’s a little bit of a splurge, but this way, you can all be sure you’ll find the same varietals and can compare tasting notes together. Just make sure everyone partaking is over 21 and that you all order well in advance.
Buy: California Wine Mixer, $65 from In Good Taste
Baby Shower Photo Props
Hosting a virtual baby shower? These photo props would be a cute way to create an easy centerpiece to have on screen. Or split up the set of 22, sending one item to each attendee in advance. That way, you can all take a fun group photo on screen with props in hand.
Buy: Hooray Baby Blue Photo Props, $10 from Coterie
Silly Sunglasses
If you’re hosting a digital bachelorette party for a friend, have everyone order a pair of these cute sunnies, so you can coordinate together. They’re not wedding specific at all, which means you’ll be able to wear them again.
Buy: Bachelorette Sunnies, $8 from Brideside
Flamingo Drink Koozie
When you can’t get to the beach or pool, a flamingo koozie can make your home feel just a little sunnier. It’ll also keep your drink cold all Zoom party long.
Buy: BigMouth Inc Pink Flamingo Drink Kooler, $9.99 from Amazon
Wedding Forks
For an e-wedding, send the happy couple custom forks, engraved with their wedding date, in advance. They can use them to indulge in their wedding cake after they’re done exchanging vows.
Buy: Wedding Forks, $28 for a set from Etsy
Balloon Bundles
What’s a party without balloons? Send a curated bunch to your guest of honor for whatever the occasion may be—birthday, congrats, baby on the way, or something else.
Buy: Party Balloon Bundles – Cheers Ballon Pack, $14.00 from Bracket