Virtual team-building gifts and experiences to boost engagement

By Mae Strehlow

About one in five U.S. employees work remotely opens in new window at least some of the time, which means teammates often collaborate across cities, states and time zones. When employees don’t share the same physical space, engagement requires more intention. Virtual team-building experiences can benefit organizations spread across multiple locations. Interactive games, challenges and celebrations provide employees with opportunities to experience shared moments, strengthen relationships and reinforce culture—even from afar. Pair these activities with thoughtfully chosen virtual team-building gifts to create lasting memories, strengthen company culture and level up employee engagement.

Virtual talent shows

A virtual talent show provides an opportunity for employees to show their full selves—not just their professional personalities. Choose a light theme, like pets and hobbies, hidden talents or a one-minute show-and-tell. Be open to multiple formats, including live performances, recorded videos or even photo submissions, to help everyone feel comfortable.

Send participants and attendees popcorn tins to enjoy during the show. Use live polls to cast votes on light-hearted categories, like “most creative,” “biggest surprise” and “best effort.” Award winners with team-building prizes they’re sure to use, like travel mugs, plush blankets or laptop backpacks.

Or choose prizes based on winners’ locations. For example, give bucket hats and flip flops to those in tropical climates, and fleece jackets or vests to those in colder areas. Did you know? One promotional jacket averages 9,000 impressions over its lifetime opens in new window—more than any other promo product category.

Awards ceremonies

Virtual awards ceremonies bring structure and fun to employee recognition, even when teams aren’t in the same place. That’s important, as nearly 82% of employees say being recognized for contributions improves engagement opens in new window.

82%

of employees
say recognition improves engagement.

Start by defining award categories related to both performance and personality. Think “Customer Champion,” “Problem Solver” or “Walking Encyclopedia.” Gather nominations or hold an anonymous poll and spotlight finalists in a presentation.

Take the experience to another level by mailing gifts in advance to remote employees. Choose traditional awards, like lapel pins or paperweights—or fun and whimsical prizes, like plush toys or color-changing tumblers. Include a note to open after the ceremony.

When winners are announced, they can open their prize on camera, creating an instant shared moment. Team members who don’t win get a small recognition item, such as a charging cable, reminding them they’re part of a team that notices effort.

Virtual book clubs

A book club can create space for conversation and connection, which isn’t always easily attainable among remote colleagues. Poll employees on genre, title or subject options, and set a loose discussion schedule every few weeks. Keep expectations clear and simple. Participation can include reading excerpts or listening to the audio version.

Make the experience special by kicking it off with virtual team-building gifts. Mail participants a themed package with a branded bookmark and sticky book for notetaking. Include a camp mug or pint glass and encourage participants to bring a favorite beverage to the discussion.

For larger groups, use breakout rooms for smaller talks. End each cycle with a small giveaway—like a cozy fleece blanket or lumbar pillow—along with a vote for the next book. Not a team of avid readers? TV or movie clubs can operate much the same way.

Video shout-outs

Build connection across remote teams using a simple and flexible video shout-out strategy. Plan a regular cadence—weekly or monthly—and invite employees to submit short videos recognizing teammates for workplace wins.

Encourage participation by pairing shout-outs with small rewards. Enter those who submit a video into a drawing. Team-building prize ideas include diner coffee mugs, drawstring sportpacks and wireless chargers.

Video shout-outs are impactful when they’re authentic and unscripted. These spontaneous moments create genuine opportunities for connection, recognition and support—providing a boost to the workplace. Research shows 89% of U.S. employees say being happier and more satisfied at work opens in new window allows them to be more productive.

89%

of employees say being happy and satisfied
at work allows them to be more productive.

Online fitness clubs or challenges

An online fitness club or wellness challenge takes well-being from an individual to-do list to a shared experience. Kick things off with a simple challenge—steps walked, minutes moved or activities accomplished—so everyone can participate at their own pace. Organize teams for friendly accountability and create a shared tracker to celebrate progress.

Send participants a wellness box to build momentum. Include a water bottle, exercise band and cooling towel. These practical promotional items build excitement and help employees feel invested before the challenge even begins. As the weeks go by, award small weekly prizes, like running belts or sunglasses, for milestone achievements.

Plan a midpoint check-in where participants reconnect and consider revising their goals. Once the finish line is reached, host a virtual celebration and announce grand prizes. Consider performance pullovers or outdoor coolers for those who crushed their goals or saw great progress.

Want more fitness ideas? Check out 7 steps to a successful workplace walking challenge opens in new window.

Bring employees together using engaging experiences and inspirational team-building gifts

Whether teams are celebrating wins, building healthy habits or bonding over shared interests, virtual experiences can go the distance. Pair those moments with virtual team-building gifts that are practical and thoughtful, and they become even more memorable—boosting engagement, fostering connections and strengthening culture from anywhere.

Mae Strehlow

Mae Strehlow has 23 years of importing and merchandising experience at 4imprint—and 15 years in international and domestic retail before that—bringing nearly four decades of expertise to the promotional products industry. Over the years, she’s worked across a wide range of product categories, but drinkware is where her true passion lies. Mae thrives on product development, whether it’s creating exclusive private label lines or collaborating with suppliers to turn market trends into practical, successful solutions. She loves the challenge of refining shapes and styles to meet the unique demands of the promotional products industry. She believes that transparency, collaboration and a shared commitment to success—both internally and with 4imprint’s vendor partners—are what truly sets 4imprint apart.

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