The Insurance Broker Blog

Updated for 2024

The holiday season is the perfect time to show appreciation for your employees’ hard work and dedication. Creating a festive atmosphere through thoughtful celebrations can boost morale and foster a sense of unity. From office holiday party ideas to creative decorating tips and meaningful gifts, there are countless ways to bring holiday cheer to the workplace. Here are some can’t-miss ideas to help you celebrate your team!

Office Holiday Party Themes to Delight Your Team

An office holiday party is a time-honored way to celebrate. Here are a variety of office holiday party ideas that will cater to every type of team, from formal events to casual get-togethers.

• Christmas Movie Marathon: Host a cozy movie marathon day with classic holiday films like A Christmas Story, Elf, Polar Express, and Home Alone. Create a “movie theater” in your office with cozy seating, popcorn machines, candy stations, and hot chocolate. Employees can drop by, enjoy snacks, and catch part of their favorite holiday movies throughout the day.
• Holiday Ball: This type of event typically requires an away-from-work venue – which you should have booked well in advance of now. It also typically needs a caterer and entertainment (unless your venue provides those things). You can adopt whatever theme you like – masquerade, Christmas character (where you come as a book, film, or TV favorite character), whimsy (the theme for the 2023 Word & Brown’s employee party), Nutcracker, or something else. Your menu can be a multi-course meal or a lower-key buffet. It can include hors d’oeuvres, salad, entrée, and dessert or appetizers and lighter fare. The choice is yours.
• International Holiday Potluck: Celebrate the diversity of your team by organizing an international potluck where employees bring a holiday dish from their culture or country. Not only is this a delicious way to try new foods, but it also lets everyone share holiday traditions, sparking interesting conversations and appreciation for diverse backgrounds.
• Ugly Sweater Party: Host an ugly sweater party with an award for categories like “Most Hideous,” “Most Creative,” and “Most Festive.” Include a holiday snack bar with cookies, hot cider, and mini gingerbread houses for decorating. This casual and fun party idea allows everyone to let loose and show off their quirky holiday spirit.
• Christmas Character Party: Another competition, but no dinner. Maybe pizza or snacks instead. Employees dress as a favorite holiday character – like Scrooge, Santa, Frosty the Snowman, Kevin (from Home Alone), Grinch, Elf, or some other recognizable persona. Vote on the most successful recreation and distribute one or more gift cards to selected winners. You can divide competitors into different groups, if necessary, based on how many awards you want to distribute and the size of your staff.
• DIY Hot Chocolate and Cookie Decorating Stations: For a cozy and interactive option, set up a hot chocolate bar with various toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, caramel drizzle, and peppermint sticks. Add a cookie decorating station where employees can design their own treats with icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. This fun, creative setup encourages team members to mingle and have a sweet time.
• Winter Wonderland: Transform your venue into a snowy paradise with white lights, silver and blue decorations, faux snow, and frosted pine trees. Offer a cozy atmosphere with hot cocoa, mulled cider, and seasonal treats like gingerbread and spiced cookies. For a unique touch, set up an ice sculpture or a photo booth surrounded by “snow” for employees to enjoy.
• Gingerbread Ball: Host a whimsical Gingerbread Ball with decorations inspired by gingerbread houses and candy canes. Think colorful lights, oversized candy props, and table centerpieces with edible treats. Serve gingerbread-inspired desserts, hot chocolate, and peppermint-themed cocktails. Employees can even decorate mini gingerbread cookies as a fun and interactive activity.
• Deck the Halls: This classic theme focuses on over-the-top holiday decor, making the whole office or venue feel like an extravagant Christmas celebration. Decorate with garlands, twinkling lights, baubles, and wreaths galore. Have a festive tree-decorating contest where each team decorates a mini tree, with prizes for categories like “Most Traditional” and “Most Creative.”
• North Pole Extravaganza: Create a North Pole experience complete with Santa’s workshop, candy canes, and elves! Set up festive photo stations with backdrops of Santa’s sleigh or a reindeer barn. Serve North Pole-inspired snacks like peppermint bark, snowflake-shaped cookies, and holiday-themed mocktails. This theme is great for teams who love a fun, playful atmosphere.
• Charlie Brown Christmas: For a nostalgic touch, go with a “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme. Set up decor that includes a small, sparse Christmas tree (with a single ornament), colorful string lights, and a vintage feel. Play the classic Vince Guaraldi Trio holiday soundtrack in the background and offer simple, traditional snacks like popcorn, pretzels, and hot cocoa. This theme brings back fond memories and gives a lighthearted twist to holiday celebrations.
• The Grinch Stole Christmas: For a quirky and fun theme, try a Grinch-inspired party with green decorations, Dr. Seuss-inspired signage, and Grinch-themed treats. Have someone dress up as the Grinch for photo ops or host a Grinch-themed trivia game. Serve “Who Hash,” green punch, and heart-shaped cookies to capture the fun spirit of Whoville. This theme is perfect for a casual, whimsical celebration that’s sure to get people laughing.

Pinterest features a list of hundreds of other possibilities, too. If you want to forego a film- or TV-themed party, you can go with a broader theme. Maybe Santa’s Workshop (where employees bring or build gifts for Toys for Tots, a Children’s Hospital, or another charity), Holiday Lights, or Christmas Cooking.

Easy Office Door Decorating Ideas to Add Holiday Cheer

A holiday door decorating contest doesn’t have to be complicated! With simple materials and quick setup, these easy door decorating ideas will bring plenty of holiday spirit to the office with minimal effort. Here are some ideas that anyone can pull off with just a few supplies:

• Snowflake Wonderland: Cover the door with blue or white paper and add large, cut-out snowflakes. You can use pre-made snowflakes or quickly cut your own from paper. Scatter them across the door and add some silver or glitter accents to make them stand out. Finish with a sign that says “Let It Snow!” for an extra wintery touch.
• Holiday Wreath Door: Hang a large, festive wreath on the door and wrap a string of battery-operated lights around it. For a little extra flair, add a holiday bow or ribbon at the top of the door. This classic decoration takes just a few minutes but makes a big impact.
• Reindeer Door: Turn your door into a reindeer with a big red nose, googly eyes, and antlers. Use brown paper to cover the door, attach a red paper or pom-pom nose, and add antlers made from cardboard or foam. This simple and playful idea brings Rudolph to life with minimal effort.
• Peppermint Candy Door: Create a peppermint candy effect by covering the door with red and white wrapping paper. Cut out large white circles with red swirls, and place them in rows to mimic giant peppermints. Add a “Sweet Holiday Wishes” sign for a fun and inviting look.
• Simple Gift Wrap Door: Transform your door into a giant gift with festive wrapping paper and a big bow in the center. Use shiny paper or patterned designs for extra flair. For a personal touch, add a gift tag that says “To: Our Amazing Team” or “From: Santa.”
• Santa’s Belt Door: Cover the door with red paper and add a wide strip of black across the middle to resemble Santa’s belt. Attach a large square cut from gold or yellow paper for the belt buckle. This easy design is bold, festive, and perfect for bringing a bit of Santa’s charm to the office.
• Holiday Garland Border: Line the edges of the door with a holiday garland and attach small ornaments or bells. Use removable adhesive hooks or tape to secure the garland, creating a festive frame for the door. This simple decoration adds holiday charm without covering the entire door.
• Snowman Face Door: Create a snowman’s face by covering the top of the door with white paper. Add black circles for the eyes and mouth, and an orange triangle for the nose. If you want, you can tape a scarf across the bottom of the door for a cozy, wintery look.
• Merry and Bright Lights Door: Hang a string of colorful, battery-operated holiday lights in a zigzag pattern across the door. Add a “Merry & Bright” sign at the top. This cheerful decoration is quick, eye-catching, and perfect for any door in the office.
• Ornament Door: Cut out several large ornaments from colorful paper or use real shatterproof ornaments if you have some to spare. Arrange them to look like they’re “hanging” down the door with ribbons. This bright and festive display is simple but creates a big holiday impact.
• Happy Holidays Banner: Keep it easy with a holiday banner that reads “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.” Hang it across the top of the door and add a few mini ornaments or holiday stickers around it. It’s a quick and cheerful way to add holiday spirit without any complex decorations.
• Elf Legs Sticking Out: For a whimsical look, create elf legs sticking out from the bottom of the door as if Santa’s helper got “stuck.” Use striped wrapping paper for the legs and add paper or felt shoes with jingle bells. It’s a funny decoration that brings instant smiles.
• Holiday Card Display Door: Cover the door with a plain paper background and use it to display holiday cards from team members or clients. Attach them with clothespins, small clips, or double-sided tape. This creates a festive, community-oriented decoration that’s meaningful and easy to assemble.
• Tinsel Trim Door: Use colorful tinsel garland to outline the door, and add a holiday-themed sign or wreath in the middle. The tinsel adds a bright, festive look with very little setup, making it perfect for a quick holiday touch.

These easy door decorating ideas are quick to set up and bring plenty of holiday charm to the office. With just a few supplies and a bit of creativity, each door can add to the festive atmosphere and make the holiday season even more enjoyable for everyone.

Office Holiday Gift Ideas to Show Appreciation

Holiday gifts are an excellent way to express gratitude for your team’s hard work. Here are some office holiday gift ideas that are sure to make your employees feel valued.

• Customized Gift Boxes: Curate custom gift boxes tailored to each employee. Include items like premium coffee, gourmet snacks, branded office supplies, and holiday candles. Add a personalized note to make each gift box feel special and show that you appreciate each team member individually.
• Tech and Desk Accessories: Practical gifts like wireless chargers, blue light glasses, or personalized planners are useful for work and everyday life. Office accessories like stylish notebooks, ergonomic mouse pads, or custom water bottles also make thoughtful and practical gifts that employees will appreciate.
• Wellness Kits: Give your team the gift of relaxation with wellness kits that include items like essential oils, stress-relief candles, herbal teas, and cozy blankets. This is a thoughtful way to encourage self-care during the busy holiday season.
• Gift Cards for Local Experiences: Experience-based gifts, such as gift cards for local restaurants, spa treatments, movie tickets, or an escape room experience, provide employees with an enjoyable outing. These thoughtful options allow them to unwind and relax outside of work.
• Holiday-Themed Gift Exchange: Organize a “White Elephant” gift exchange or Secret Santa. Set a budget limit and encourage employees to choose fun, quirky gifts. This gift exchange adds an element of surprise and enjoyment, making it a lighthearted way for employees to celebrate.
• Charitable Donations in Employees’ Names: Make a donation in each employee’s name to a charity of their choice. This thoughtful gift reflects your company’s commitment to giving back, while allowing employees to feel that they’ve contributed to a meaningful cause.

Funny Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Employees

Giving funny gifts to your employees is a great way to add some cheer to the office holiday season! These quirky, lighthearted gifts are sure to bring smiles, laughs, and make everyone feel appreciated. Here are some fun and creative gift ideas that will keep your employees chuckling all season long:

• Mini Desk Vacuum: For the snack-lover who’s always eating at their desk, a mini desk vacuum makes for a funny yet practical gift. They’ll laugh at the tiny gadget, but it’ll likely get plenty of use cleaning up those cookie crumbs.
• “Another Day, Another Meeting” Mug: For the team member who’s always in back-to-back meetings, a mug that sums up the struggle can be perfect. It’s a humorous nod to the daily grind, and they’ll appreciate having a special mug for their marathon of coffee refills.
• Novelty Socks: Give socks with messages like “If You Can Read This, Bring Me Coffee” or “Warning: Hangry” for a personal touch that’s cozy and comical. These are great for casual Fridays or just kicking back at home.
• Decision-Making Dice: For employees who struggle with indecision (especially around lunch), a set of decision-making dice can add a fun twist. With choices like “Take a Nap,” “Order Pizza,” and “Coffee Time,” it’s a humorous way to “help” them make those tough choices.
• Mini Zen Garden: For the employee who’s always stressed, a tiny Zen garden for their desk can bring a bit of calm—along with a laugh. Label it “For When You Need a Vacation” to add a humorous reminder to relax.
• Snack Emergency Kit: For the resident snack fiend, create an “emergency” kit with candy bars, chips, and popcorn, labeled “For Snack Emergencies Only.” It’s both hilarious and a thoughtful way to ensure they never go hungry.
• “Not Today” Desk Plate: A desk plate that reads “Not Today” or “Nope, Not Dealing With It” is ideal for the employee with a great sense of humor. It’s a fun way to add a touch of attitude to their desk and set the tone for those tough days.
• Selfie Light for “Perfect Zoom Calls”: For the employee who wants to look their best on every Zoom call, a mini selfie light is both funny and useful. Add a note like “For Flawless Zoom Meetings” and watch them laugh as they open it.
• Face Socks: Get custom socks printed with their face or something they love (like their pet or even your company logo!). These socks make for a quirky, personalized gift that’s sure to get a laugh every time they’re worn.
• Desktop Punching Bag: For those really stressful days, a desktop punching bag lets employees blow off steam. It’s a funny and practical gift for anyone who might need a quick outlet in a playful way.
• Mini Basketball Hoop for Trash Can: A small hoop that attaches to the wastebasket or desk lets employees practice their free throws. It’s a funny gift that can turn mundane tasks into fun mini competitions.
• “Out of Office” or “Do Not Disturb” Button: Give a button that says “Out of Office” or “Do Not Disturb” as a humorous signal for those times when they’re “checked out.” It’s funny—and sometimes totally necessary!

Other Celebration Options to Recognize and Reward Your Team

In addition to traditional parties and gifts, here are some other celebration ideas to keep the holiday cheer alive while recognizing your team’s efforts.

• Board Game or Trivia Afternoon: Host an afternoon of board games or holiday trivia. Games like Scrabble, Pictionary, and trivia questions based on holiday movies or history can bring out friendly competition. Provide small prizes for winners to keep things lively.
• Food Truck or Catered Lunch: Treat your team to a delicious meal with a food truck visit or a catered lunch. Opt for a festive menu with holiday-themed dishes, or go with employee favorites like tacos, barbecue, or sliders. This is an easy way to bring people together for a shared meal and show appreciation.
• Holiday Raffle and Prizes: Host a holiday raffle with prizes like gift cards, an extra day off, or fun gadgets. Give employees tickets to enter, and draw winners at your holiday gathering. This adds excitement to the event and gives everyone a chance to win something special.
• Secret Santa or White Elephant Gift Exchange: Secret Santa is a classic that brings employees together and adds an element of mystery. Set a price limit to keep it affordable and encourage creative or funny gifts. For a twist, try a white elephant exchange where employees bring humorous, unique, or quirky gifts to swap.
• Karaoke Night: For a spirited and interactive celebration, rent a karaoke machine or book a karaoke room for an off-site gathering. This fun event lets employees showcase their talents (or simply enjoy the laughs) in a supportive, relaxed environment.
• Year-End Recognition Awards: End the year with a lighthearted awards ceremony to recognize your team’s contributions. Create awards like “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day,” “Best Dressed,” or “Office Snack Connoisseur.” Presenting these awards is a great way to show appreciation and celebrate everyone’s unique impact on the team.
• After-Work Happy Hour: Plan an after-work happy hour at a nearby bar or pub. Offer drink vouchers so everyone can enjoy a drink of their choice, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Combine this with other ideas like trivia, an ugly sweater contest, or Secret Santa for a relaxed, festive night out.
• Charity Volunteering Event: Organize a day for employees to volunteer together at a local charity, food bank, or shelter. This meaningful activity fosters team unity and embodies the spirit of giving. Follow up with a small celebration, like coffee and treats, to wrap up the day.

Final Thoughts

Celebrating the holiday season with your team is a wonderful way to show appreciation and bring everyone together. From unique office holiday party ideas and festive decorating options to thoughtful gifts and additional celebration options, there are countless ways to create a memorable holiday experience for your employees. Embrace the joy of the season and let your team know just how valued they are, ensuring that your holiday celebrations are filled with fun, gratitude, and a sense of togetherness.

Happy holidays to you and yours!