Pick a theme, unite the team

Two forward-thinking organizations use team holiday gifts to elevate work parties

By Suzanne Worwood

Brigham Young University brings it home for the holidays

As a member of a team tasked with “revolutionizing the human resources and finance systems” at Brigham Young University opens in new window, Mary Blake knows the importance of being on the cutting edge. A forward-thinking mindset not only helps her implement crucial information management systems on campus, but it also helps her plan next-level holiday parties.

Blake is the program administrator for Program Granite, the university’s HR and finance systems implementation team. Last year it held a holiday party with an “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” theme. Taking place in the Provo, Utah, campus theatre, the celebration included about 70 employees. Among them was a special guest—BYU mascot Cosmo the Cougar—who sported a blue Santa suit and handed out team holiday gifts, including Nike^® duffel bags.

“It was so fun,” said Blake, who rolled up the bags in ribbon and adorned each with a bow and candy cane. “We tried to keep the vibe like a family party. It was right before Christmas break, so the duffel bags were gifts everyone could use when traveling over the holidays.”

Creative party planning pays off

While offering spirited fun, a workplace holiday celebration provides more than just good times. It can also foster a sense of belonging opens in new window, boost morale, celebrate diversity and strengthen relationships, among other positives.

“We tried to keep the vibe like a family party. It was right before Christmas break, so the duffel bags were gifts everyone could use when traveling over the holidays,” said Mary Blake.

A theme can bring extra creativity and lend joy to a holiday party and is among the top party trends of 2024 opens in new window. The right theme idea can make a year-end celebration special. And as Blake’s work shows, including holiday gifts for employees puts it over the top. “People really appreciated our effort to encourage family time and take a real break from work,” she said. “Everyone was really excited about it.”

Columbia Basin Hospital hosts a holiday-movie night

Party ideas worthy of applause

Another group turning up the fun on holiday festivities is Columbia Basin Hospital opens in new window in Ephrata, Washington. Susan Scheib, director of communication and development, organizes its annual “Night at the Movies” holiday celebration. Each December, a local movie theater is reserved for employees and guests to come together for pizza, snacks and a family-friendly show.

Years ago, the event would include opportunities for employees to win raffle prizes. The preparation was both extensive and expensive. Last year, Scheib changed course and prepared swag bags using tote bags stuffed with fleece blankets, lip balm, candles and other items. The new team holiday gifts were a big success.

There was still a chance to win prizes too. “Each employee received a swag bag when they came in, and nobody knew what was in each one,” Scheib said. “I put an Elf on the Shelf^® in one bag, and whoever found it won a $50 gift card to a local pizza place. Honestly, the swag bags were such a hit that I’m going to do it again next time.”

About 200 people came to last year’s celebration, including employees, family and friends. Because the full team can’t attend the party—the hospital must remain staffed, of course—swag bags, pizza and snacks were delivered to employees working the night shift.

“Now our people carry those bags everywhere,” Scheib said. “Some use them as purses; other people use them as lunch totes. And the blankets went over well too. Some of the families were wrapped up in their blankets while watching the movie.”

Holiday gifts for employees show appreciation

Program Granite and Columbia Basin Hospital are two examples of how creative party planning, including incorporating a theme and thoughtful team holiday gifts, can create a memorable experience. And with established success, both groups plan to continue those winning strategies through another holiday season.

Trademarks