Last-minute additions: Company holiday party favors and prizes to make your celebration memorable

By Michelle Banks

In the blink of an eye, holiday party-planning time has arrived. If your organization is one of the nearly 65% of U.S. companies opens in new window holding an in-person holiday party, and it feels like the end-of-year festivities just snuck up on you, don’t worry. There is still time to plan, and that plan can include customized products. Let’s explore company holiday party favors, prizes and other items that ship fast and can take your gathering to the next level.

Nearly 65% of U.S. companies hold in-person holiday parties.

Small party favors employees will love

Bring the team together in the workplace to celebrate the year’s successes. Or host your gathering at a bowling alley, winery or another fun location. If sticking to a holiday theme, give branded holiday stockings or snowman stress relievers as part of a gift bag. If the weather outside is frightful, adopt a summertime theme and include sunglasses and can coolers for employees to use when it’s more delightful.

Organize a secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange for your staff. Hold a drawing to determine whom each employee will buy for, then assemble the group at a local restaurant or gathering place to visit and open gifts. At the conclusion, surprise the team with branded mouse pads, phone stands and wireless earbuds to improve their workspaces for the new year.

Promotional prizes everyone wants to win

Invite smiles to the festivities by planning team-building activities, games or competitions. Trivia, two truths and a lie or charades are popular options. Maybe there’s an indoor basketball hoop they can use. Or break out the board games, draw up tournament brackets and let the good times roll. Items like travel mugs, water bottles and bamboo cutting boards can be the victors’ spoils.

Create silly awards based on workplace happenings. For example, acknowledge the employee who tells the funniest stories or provides the best snacks. Another might get a shout-out for being most likely to talk on mute in a virtual meeting. Give winners gift packs with a branded beanie, hurricane cup and a restaurant gift card stuffed in a holiday sportpack.

Company party decorations to turn up the fun

Deck the workplace halls with promotional items that return year after year or become take-home gifts at the end of the evening. Hang holiday ornaments on a tree or attach to wreaths or garland. Better yet, display Bluetooth^® speakers as hanging ornaments that employees can take home.

Incorporate candles into centerpieces or decorative displays, then raffle them off as take-home gifts. Or use year-end data, like highest customer ratings or another measurable specific to your industry, to determine the recipients. For a holiday happy hour, distribute red and green vinyl coasters at each table and “decorate” each employee’s seat or workspace with a chenille throw.

Work party favors to fit your theme

Not all holiday parties involve reindeer and snowmen. Many organizations choose other fun themes for year-end gatherings. For example, an office can plan a casino night with an assortment of themed games. Outfit game table attendants in visors, and reward winners with trail mix or bubble games. No matter who wins, everyone takes home work party favors, like playing cards and a stackable beer stein or stemless wine glass.

Make it a movie night. Assemble the team, pop popcorn, pass out Sour Patch Kids^® goody bags and watch a favorite film. When the curtains close, give employees a popcorn popper as a year-end thank-you gift.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

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