Step 1: 🎁 Get Personal with Gifts That Land
Sending gifts to remote employees isn’t just about “stuff.” A great gift feels personal, intentional, and shows your team you see them. Here’s how to deliver more joy and fewer awkward “Thanks?” reactions:
- Let Them Choose: Use platforms like Snappy or Giftogram to send personalized gift options—employees can pick what they want, and you avoid shipping mishaps.
- Digital Delights: For a seamless experience, send e-gifts like:
- Food and drink: UberEats vouchers or curated snack boxes (check out SnackMagic).
- Self-care: Subscriptions to Calm or Headspace.
- Experience gifts: Tickets for online classes (MasterClass or Airbnb Experiences).
- Handwritten Touch: Include a digital or mailed note. A heartfelt message goes further than you think. Example: “Emma, thank you for steering those big client projects this year—your leadership has been everything. Happy holidays!”
Pro Tip: If shipping internationally, account for delivery times and costs by planning at least 3–4 weeks ahead.
Step 2: 🎄 Host a Virtual Holiday Bash (That’s Actually Fun)
Virtual holiday parties get a bad rap. But they don’t have to be a boring Zoom free-for-all. Instead, give your team something to look forward to:
Plan an Interactive Event:
- Game Time: Play virtual games like Jackbox, Skribbl.io, or Codenames. Platforms like Kahoot (trivia) or Teamland make it easy to set up.
- Cooking Together: Send team members a simple recipe kit, then hop on Zoom to cook or cocktail together. Imagine everyone shaking up espresso martinis live!
- Themed Awards Ceremony: Create fun awards like “Best Zoom Background” or “Most Unmuted Laughs.” Use tools like Slido for live voting.
Keep It Short and Sweet: Cap the party at 1.5 hours—enough time for laughs, not enough for screen fatigue.
Encourage Festive Vibes: A theme (ugly sweaters, holiday PJs) can bring out everyone’s creativity. Bonus: small prizes for participation.
Pro Tip: Create an invite that builds hype. A Slack countdown or sneak peeks of the agenda can increase anticipation.
Step 3: 🥂 Wrap Up the Year with Gratitude and Highlights
Before you “see you next year,” take a moment to reflect, appreciate, and inspire:
Celebrate Wins: Compile team highlights from the year—big wins, milestones, and funny moments. Present them with:
- A lighthearted “Year in Review” deck or slideshow.
- A team-created meme wall for the best inside jokes (Canva is great for this).
Give Public Shoutouts: Recognize individual contributions with a “thank you” spotlight during your virtual gathering or on Slack. Example:
“Shoutout to Raj for pulling off that client proposal in record time! You saved the day—twice!”
Set the Tone for the New Year: Wrap up the year on an inspirational note. Share what’s coming in 2024, focus on team goals, and leave everyone feeling motivated.
Pro Tip: Encourage team members to share their own reflections. Ask:
- “What’s something you’re proud of this year?”
- “What’s a goal you’re setting for 2024?”
Step 4: ✨ Build Team Connections Over the Break
The holiday season is busy, so allow room for flexibility and casual fun:
Set Up a Holiday Slack Channel: Think #HolidayCheer24. Encourage team members to:
- Share photos of their decorations, pets in sweaters, or holiday food creations.
- Post favorite traditions, music playlists, or fun holiday tips.
Create a “Secret Santa” Exchange: Use tools like Elfster or DrawNames for an easy virtual gift swap. Add a twist: all gifts must be under $20 and digital (e.g., e-books, Spotify playlists, or coffee gift cards).
Small “Coffee Chats” to Connect: Pair team members randomly for virtual 15-minute chats over coffee. It’s an easy way to maintain connections during the busy season.
Pro Tip: Keep participation optional for any holiday activities—remote work should feel flexible, not forced.
