Holidays often represent the height of corporate gifting in all of its forms. Meanwhile, clients, team members, managers or vendors all need fun events to look forward to at work — and especially during the holidays. Over time, seasonal activities can become favorite office traditions that everyone will look forward to year after year, building enthusiasm, motivation and good will. All it takes is the right mix of thoughtful corporate gift giving elements—a bit of time, a few resources, some effort, a shot of creativity and lots of inclusive ideas. Here are some of our all-time favorites:
1. Organize a Team Outing
Keep it fun and simple. It should be a few stress-free hours for everyone to do something together and power down—go out to lunch, go bowling, tour a local attraction or even volunteer at a favorite charity. Just about anything off-site can be a refreshing change of pace. Ask for ideas, and be generous with the invitations. You might be intrigued by how interesting some of the suggestions might be.
2. Arrange an Ugly Sweater Day
Gaudy, loud holiday sweaters that are too much of everything have become a must-have holiday activity for many. In fact, ugly holiday wear has expanded to allow for a truly impressive holiday ensemble that may include pants, ties, leggings, shoes and more. You might even want to award a few superlatives for employees who show up in the most creative outfit. Set your office’s official “Ugly Sweater Day,” and watch the festivities unfold!
3. Cheer Up Their Day with a Cookie Tray
Cookies are the classic holiday sweet. Pick a day for your cookie event, invite everyone to bring servings of their favorite cookies and show up ready to share. If people in your office like to bake, homemade is great. However, purchased trays are also great (and convenient), offering tasty varieties of holiday favorites. Be sure to include a few diabetic-friendly or gluten-free selections for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.
4. Give to a Local Charity
Donating to a good cause together is a wonderful way to grow closer as a team. Elderly residents at your local nursing home may be thrilled to receive new slippers or nonslip socks. Local animal shelters love holiday donations of cat and dog food, cleaning supplies and litter. Boys & Girls Clubs often have donation wish lists that include everything from school supplies and movie tickets to USB drives and scientific calculators. Giving to those in need is truly corporate giving at its finest — and it’s a great way to make your entire team feel warm and fuzzy this season.
5. Declare a Decoration Spirit Week
Nothing says Christmas like cheerful decor to set the mood. Cubicles, lounges, meeting spaces, offices, lobbies, lockers, and even doors and thresholds can benefit from a bit of holiday sparkle, so why not make things fun by hosting an office-wide decoration contest for work spaces? You can even choose to incentivize team members by offering a prize for the best decorations.
6. Have a Potluck or Catered Lunch
Sometimes humorously referred to as “pig-ins,” potluck lunches are amongst the most popular workplace holiday events. The idea is simple: Everyone brings a favorite dish to share, and with so many participating, it becomes a great time to not only enjoy holiday staples but to also expand your palate with new culinary delights. An alternative option that requires less work on your team’s part is to have a large catered lunch. Regardless of which option you go with, be sure to have takeout boxes available for individuals who might otherwise miss out or for anyone to take leftovers at closing time.
7. Exchange Gifts at Work
Two perennial favorites in gifting games are Secret Santa and White Elephant gift exchanges. For Secret Santa, gifting is anonymous, and the fun is in each recipient trying to guess who their Secret Santa might be. For white elephant exchanges, the fun is in watching each participant decide whether to open a new gift or steal one that someone else already has. Either game offers plenty of entertainment and fun for your crew — with relatively little investment or time commitment.
8. Give Corporate Holiday Gifts That Everyone Will Love
An official gift from the company or business brings a successful year to a close on a high note of appreciation for jobs well done, challenges well met and potential for the year to come. Like all of the other traditions we love, the best gifting strategies are inclusive rather than exclusive:
- Employee gifts represent a huge thank you to the workers who have remained committed to doing a good job despite the challenges of the past few years.
- Vendor gifts serve as a reaffirmation of the partnerships you’ve struck with other business owners and suppliers.
- Client gifts deliver that extra attention so crucial for keeping current clients happy and firming up relationships with newly developing ones.
A lot of options are available out there, but gifts of food are always winners—especially when they’re distinctive treats that recipients can share with family. The best choices often become something everyone looks forward to year after year.
Give Tastefully This Season
Nothing else is quite like the look, taste, smell, texture and crunch of a gourmet pecan, and we take it all a step further with custom arrangements and personalized tins that leave no question in a gift recipient’s mind of the quality treat they’ve received.
If you want to give something memorable this holiday season, let our corporate gifting specialists help you find the perfect gifts to make their season. Whether you’re gifting clients, employees or vendors, the selections at Cane River Pecan Company have you covered with premium pecan treats, pecan pies, popcorn and a variety of Southern specialties.
Keeping your business ahead of the curve means developing strong relationships — and lots of them. From clients and customers to business partners, vendors, employees and more, your list of vital players is ever growing and increasingly harder to handle. With professional gifting tips and industry insights, Cane River Pecan Company is here to help.
