Social distancing is the last thing one wishes for, especially when a birthday, anniversary, religious event is around the corner. There is excitement of getting presents, the decor, friends and family gathering as well as choosing the perfect venue. The planning process for special occasions is an exhilarating ordeal in itself. However, when unforeseen circumstances come into play like a pandemic forcing us to quarantine and isolate ourselves from crowds and gatherings, occasions including celebrations tend to either be put on hold or postponed for an uncertain period of time. The thought of not being able to celebrate special events in their allotted time may be a little discouraging. However, here are a few ways in which you can make events in quarantine just as special as any other.

A Piece Of Cake

A staple piece of any special occasion is a cake. It is the sweet and tasty baked good that everyone looks forward to at any party. To top it off is the creative level of artistry that goes into the decoration of the cake, admittedly a slowly but steadily growing field of art. Friends and family tend to go to extreme lengths to make cakes as personalized as possible, some go to bake stores like SugarMoo and Sugaholic that offer customized treats for every occasion. While others opt for the ready-made but elegant variety of sweets and baked goods available in online stores like Melange, that is offering a special Salted Caramel quarantine cake which can be delivered to a friend or loved one to let them know you’re thinking of them, or just one for yourself to quarantine & chill on your special day. Sweetspot is another online store that offers customized cheesecake pots for various occasions and delivers it straight to your doorstep. For cupcake fans, Sugargram is the perfect place to order online. It is a bite-size cupcake concept that’s the perfect gift for every occasion. The delivery only gift boxes come in customizable bite-size cupcake flavors.

The Perfect Present

Receiving and giving presents is a form of spreading happiness that is enjoyable for both the receiver and the giver. Finding out what the other person wants most to unexpected surprises, customized gifts to branded items, the options are limitless and so is the joy they bring. Even with the social distancing protocol in place, making sure that your loved ones know you are thinking about them on their special day will help brighten up their quarantine.

Order customized gift items or packs from websites like Custom Factory that is the premier provider of a wide range of personalized products including passport covers, laptop covers, travel wallets, luggage tags, grooming kits and more made of vegan leather; Etsy that offers a variety of personalization options on an even bigger variety of gifts ranging from small keychains for your best friend to carved wooden picture frames for your significant other. Don’t let the kids miss out on the fun, online stores and websites like firstcry.ae, Mumzworld and Early Learning Centre are loaded with kids toys and games to buy from. For all your picky friends you are having a difficult time choosing a nice present for, online shopping platforms like SHEIN offer a range of gift cards you can choose from.

Flowers & Chocolates

One of the most noteworthy and intimate ways to send well wishes to loved ones is through sweet gestures of flower bouquets, chocolate boxes and handwritten cards. Use websites like theflowershop.ae, Bliss Flower Boutique and 800flower to send beautiful flower arrangements to your friends and family. Don’t forget to add a small note of appreciation and love to accompany the flowers. Other websites like Ferns N Petals helps you pick out not only creative flower bouquets but thoughtful gifts like chocolate boxes, decorations, gift hampers and they also have the option to mix and match in their combo section. Allowing you to go all out for any special occasion you are celebrating.

Celebration Decor

No occasion feels quiet like a celebration till you have the decor set in place to match the excitement and joy. With stores under lockdown, buying decorations online is the only available option. However, having a vision in your mind of what you want the decor to look like will help you narrow down options and bring the preparations together. Purchase fairy lights from online stores like Amazon to light up your home or use them as an artistic backdrop for all your photo sessions. Scented candles from Bath and Body Works can help set the vibe for your evening celebrations while decorative lanterns from Ikea can add a rustic yet elegant feel to the whole event in case you are planning on a themed setting. Other online stores and websites offering decoration delivery also include noon.com, Party Zone, Party Centre and Namshi.com.

Don't let anything stop you from enjoying days that are special to you and your loved ones! #StaySafe and #StayHealthy.