Even a social distance can’t stop the major life milestones that happen every day—and it shouldn’t! Celebrating the extraordinary moments really can be special – even if we have to stay at home. Here’s a few ideas you can use to make these days shine.

Birthdays

We wait all year for that one day that’s ours and spending it inside doesn’t have to feel like a consolation prize. Here are a few ways to mark the day:

Make It Festive: If your celebrant is in your home you can set up streamers, balloons, and even signs around the house. Make them feel extra special with a homemade crown. If they live somewhere else, consider sidewalk chalking messages outside their home, and maybe hanging a few streamers where you can.
Host a Virtual Party: Connect with your closest friends online all at once. Everyone will enjoy seeing each other, and they can help you sing!
Bring in the Experts: Level up your video party with something that is truly entertaining. For kids, hire an entertainer who can sing, dance, and have fun with them so that it feels like a party, even from far away. Celebrating an adult? Performers including stand-up comedians and singers are looking for ways to bring in income after cancelled gigs, so hire one for an hour of virtual entertainment.
Get Outside: If you’re together, consider outside games or competitions to give the party a carnivalesque vibe. You can find some ideas here!
Have Your Cake: We all know it’s critical to the success of any birthday party, and now you don’t need to share.
Drop a Gift: A great game makes social distancing a little bit easier. Find some starting under $10 at Gabe’s!

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Graduations

This year’s senior class had to sacrifice many things, but the pride they feel at graduation shouldn’t be one of them. Here are some ways to honor their hard work.

Set a Date: Designate a day and time for an at-home celebration.
Speak Your Pride: Ask family members to each come up with a short speech about how the graduate inspires them.
Have a Ceremony: Watch a commencement speech from some of the world leaders being offered online for free or find an older one that speaks to you!
Make It Official: Dress up, cook the graduate’s favorite meal, and take lots of pictures.
Have Cake: Again, a celebration without cake is just a meeting. Want something smaller? Try these cute graduation themed cupcakes!
Gift the Grad: Make the day one to remember with a gift they’ll love. Try tech, travel, or a Gabe’s Gift Card they can use when they’re ready to decorate their dorm or apartment!

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Prom

Probably the hardest rite of passage to miss, prom is a memory we all deserve to have. While a date with their friends will have to wait, here are some ways to tide your teen over.

Set a Date: Decide when you’d like to host your at-home prom and get everyone involved to help.
Pick a Theme: Enchantment Under the Sea or Famous Couples Through Time? Whatever you decide your prom should look like, get the streamers, balloons, and decorations that will make it feel special. Send it out so everyone can decorate their homes with the theme!
Get Dressed Up: If they’d already chosen their prom look, have them get ready for the night as if they’re really heading to the big ball.
Be the Glam Squad: Help your prom-goer with their glow up—try dramatic eye makeup and a bold lip for a look that will look great in pictures. And don’t forget the bling! Jewelry is a must for prom night.
Take Pictures: The “ready for prom” pic is an iconic moment—make sure your teen gets theirs.
Have a Fancy Dinner: Create a memorable meal and set the table to the nines—cloth napkins, fancy glasses—do it all!
Dance: Have your teen create their own playlist and put it on full blast.
Invite Friends Virtually: Set up a video hangout for your friends so they can check out their friends looks—and dance moves!
Have Cake: Why not?

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Weddings

The work that goes into planning a wedding can take years, and one obstacle most couples don’t usually consider is a pandemic. If your friends or family have cancelled or postponed their nuptials or decided to say “I do” on their own, consider these ways to make them feel celebrated.

Send Out Invites: Create a small guest list and invite them to a video conference for the couple.
Get Dressed Up: Wear your best party dress and be prepared to celebrate (heels not required!)
Start the Toasts: Ask your guests to prepare a 2-3 minute speech about the couple, and go around the video chat until everyone has spoken.
Raise Your Glass: Toast the happy couple and vow to meet again when it’s safe.
Drop a Gift: Leave something special on their doorstep or ship it through the mail—they’ll love feeling remembered and think of how you made their moment happen whenever they see their gift. (Pro-tip: Consider a framed snap of their virtual party to hold them over until the real one!)

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New Babies

One of the joys of early childhood is getting visits from your loved ones as they arrive to meet your baby. These days that’s impossible, but you can still make new parents feel special.

Decorate Their Door: New parents arriving home to a decorated front door will feel special and loved, even if they can’t invite you in.
Make a Meal: Sure, you can’t snuggle the baby while they eat it, but new parents will be incredibly grateful for such a caring gesture.
Shop Smart: Pick up the hard to find items you know they’ll need, like baby wipes, diapers, and cleaners.
Give a Gift: Baby gear—including onesies, burp clothes, and pacifiers—is always welcome.

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Celebrating in Quarantine: A Guide