The Virtual Holiday Office Party Gift Guide

How to Find the Perfect Gift for Coworkers When You Can’t Hang Out in Person

In-person holiday bashes are definitely a no-go for 2020. Thanks, pandemic. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do a gift exchange or celebrate with coworkers virtually. We just have to get a little bit creative (and plan ahead)!

Why Throw a Virtual Holiday Party

With the pandemic and its accompanying stress, it’s more important than ever to build workplace morale and keep doing some of the things we’ve always done in the past, like holiday festivities. 

The Importance of Community and Workplace Culture During a Pandemic

If all your employees are working remotely, they may feel less connected to their colleagues and your workplace right now. A virtual party is a chance to connect, check-in, and maintain a sense of community.

The Importance of Showing Your Staff Appreciation, Acknowledgement, Respect and Flexibility

A holiday party is an opportunity for employers and managers to show appreciation for employees, who have dealt with many difficult changes and new procedures this year. They’ve been asked to be flexible and open to new ways of working, and it’s important to say thank you, acknowledge how hard it’s been, and show you appreciate their efforts.

How to Throw a Virtual Holiday Gift Exchange/Secret Santa

It wouldn’t be a holiday party without presents! For a virtual party, consider arranging a virtual gift exchange. Everyone mails their gifts to their recipients ahead of time, so they can open them at a designated time on the video call. 

Pick a Simple Theme

Having a theme simplifies your planning and helps people get into the party mood. Here are some suggestions:

• Ugly sweater
• Pajamas (because everyone’s wearing them anyway!)
• Holiday masquerade (very topical this year)
• Iconic decade (‘20s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s all offer amazing costume and décor potential)
• Holiday ho-ho-hoedown

Plan and Share the Party Details

Make sure participants receive an invitation nice and early with all the party details, including date and time, gift budget, and what platform will be used (Zoom, Google chat, etc.). Set up and send out reminders as well.

Draw Names Using an Online Tool

There are several apps and websites available to help you arrange a gift exchange, so no one has to do all the admin work. These sites often also let people provide information about allergies, clothing sizes, sports team allegiances, or other useful gift-buying tidbits.

Mail Gifts to Recipients

Provide a reasonable deadline by which people need to mail their gifts to their recipient, to ensure it arrives in time for the party. If you don’t want anyone to give away the secret of the sender before the party, ask everyone to use one organizer’s return address. Also, consider providing everyone with a small postage stipend.

Schedule Time During Virtual Holiday Party to Open Gifts

Make sure everyone gets to see their recipient open their present on-camera! Consider doing it right after the opening remarks, in case some people cannot stay for the whole party.

Best Gifts for Virtual Holiday Party

When buying gifts, remember that these are your coworkers and make sure the gift is appropriate.

Here are some ideas with broad appeal:

Gift Cards to Local Restaurants, Shops, and Services

Many restaurants and small businesses are struggling right now – why not give a gift card and help make their holidays brighter as well? Bonus: Many of these are available virtually, so no mailing is required!

Wireless Charger

We’re all relying on our technology to keep us connected these days, so a wireless charger will always be a welcome gift.

Water bottle

At home, we may find it harder to remember to stay hydrated than we do at the office, ironically. A lovely and sturdy water bottle on one’s desk is an excellent reminder.

Spirits/Good Wine

At the end of the workday, It’s nice to pour a glass of wine or mix a cocktail to relax and unwind. (Just make sure the recipient enjoys alcohol. Fancy sodas or juices are a fun alternative.)

Wireless Headphones

Since we’re all on video calls so much of the time now, a good pair of wireless (and perhaps noise-cancelling) headphones is sure to make the receiver’s day better.

Aromatherapy Diffuser

Scent can have a huge effect on our mood. An aromatherapy diffuser and essential oils can support relaxation or stimulate creativity, depending on the scent. (Check for sensitivities in the recipient first.)

Virtual/Voice Assistant

Virtual assistants like Google Home or Amazon Echo are super helpful when we have our hands full and just want to know what time it is, turn the music on or off, set a timer, or ask a question (“what time does the post office close?”) without getting up or switching tasks.

Home Office Supplies

Many people have set up home offices for the first time this year and may be lacking various pieces of nice-to-have equipment, like monitor stands, power strips, cellphone or tablet stands, ergonomic wrist rests or mousepads, and so on. Any of them would make for a lovely gift.

Read More: TIPS TO HELP YOU CREATE THE PERFECT AT-HOME OFFICE SETUP

Indoor/Outdoor Hammock

A hammock reminds you to relax and step away from the screen sometimes. Having a hammock hanging in your office can be the perfect power-napping spot; or set it up elsewhere in the house or the yard (or take it camping!) for a chance to escape your desk and let the sway take you away. It can even help with seasonal affective disorder.

Read More: EIGHT REASONS YOU SHOULD GET AN INDOOR HAMMOCK FOR YOUR HOME

Other Tips for Virtual Holiday Parties

• Keep it fun and light – no lengthy speeches
• Send a box of party favours, snacks, or decorations to everyone ahead of time
• Keep it to a specific timeframe so people know when to be available
• Keep people’s attention with icebreakers and games

Fun Virtual Games

There are tons of virtual games out there that are great for a holiday party. Some examples:

• Werewolf
• Quizbreaker or other trivia games
• Bingo
• Go games
• Virtual escape rooms

The Takeaway

In tough times, a little bit of joy can go a long way. Carefully planning a virtual holiday party and ensuring that everyone receives a thoughtful gift is an ideal way to lift everyone’s spirits and stay connected as a work team.