Despite its best efforts, Covid has not cancelled Christmas! This year, in particular, your team needs to know how much their hard work and achievements are valued.  It’s been a tough year for everyone, with very few opportunities to “let our hair down”. So let’s end the year on a high, virtually!

To get the party going we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to hosting a virtual Christmas do. Make it extra special by adding a charity to your invitations, so colleagues can make safe donations and party with a difference! Need any help?

How to throw a Virtual Office Party?

1. Choose a theme

This is the opportunity to engage with the team and get their buy-in. Ask the social committee to come up with a theme and entertainment options.

These can range from simple DIY activities or virtual experiences delivered by a pro entertainer.  

2. Choose an invitation

Make it feel festive and different to a typical Zoom call by sending a themed invitation.

Any invitation will work for a virtual party. Just select the ‘virtual event’ option and add a video call link in the venue field. 

To support a charity select an invitation from the charity fundraiser section. Guests will have the option to make safe donations when they RSVP.

3. Choose a charity  

When so many people around us are struggling, what could be more appropriate than supporting a good cause? Use your Christmas celebration as an opportunity to give back to your community.

We partner with over 40 local grassroots charities that provide vital services to people in need such as food & shelter, clothing, education, social inclusion and wellbeing. We also work with some very special international charities that help children in families in the developing world.

If your charity is not on our list, please get in touch and we will add them.   

4. Celebrate and donate

Raise a toast for those who need it most! Make it easy for your team to donate as you celebrate. 

How to make it fun?

We’ve scoured the city and asked around for the best party tips in town. The options are pretty straightforward – keep it simple or book a virtual experience.

Keep it simple & informal

Even on a small budget you can still make it a Christmas to remember. Keep it friendly and informal with a few fun activities.  

Raise a toast

Thank your staff for their hard work and reflect on this year’s achievements. Send in a hamper with Christmas goodies such as a Christmas party box, a Charcuterie and Cheese Platter or cocktails in a box from Artisan Drinks.

Games & trivia night  

Let your social committee organise some popular party games and charades ahead of time. A bit of competition always helps, so split the team into different groups and award a few prizes to the winners.  

Online masterclass  

Take an online class with the team. Yodomo offer a wide range of online Crafts & Christmas activities or choose a live workshop with an instructor such as Wreath Making, Drinks Mixology or a Pasta making masterclass with Caroussel.  

Ugly jumper competition 

Put a funny spin on the WFH etiquette and encourage the team to wear the ugliest thing they can find in the wardrobe; then award a few prizes for the Worst Dressed, the Funniest Jumper, the Best DIY Crochet, Most Creative, etc.  

Home scavenger hunt 

To get the party going, come up with some silly tasks. Ask the team to raid the drawers, empty the handbags and pick up the weirdest thing they can find or the funniest photo they have.     

Virtual X Factor 

Do your colleagues have some special talents no one knows about? Let them shine on as they sing, dance or crack silly jokes… You might be surprised by the unexpected talents you may find. Especially the younger and more socially outgoing team members would jump on the opportunity to show off their skills and get the spotlight.   

Book a Virtual Experience 

For an easy and hassle-free Christmas party, book a party entertainer. The benefit of using a pro is that by now they’ve done hundreds of virtual parties and can tailor their gig to suit your needs. All you have to do is choose the experience, send your invitations (hint, hint on Kindergifts) and zoom in on the day.  

Here are some of the best virtual party experiences this year, many of them available to book directly on Kindergifts:   

Switch watching Tele for Tagliatelle 

London’s famous party entertainers, Sharky & George, will throw a virtual party to remember. Cook along with a private chef and a party team that will gnocchi your socks off!

Zoom Magic Show  

Treat your team to a truly unforgettable Magic show with Pete Heat. This is a fast-pace, fun and genuinely astonishing act where you don’t just watch, you’re part of it… Suitable for any corporate or private events.

Drinks mixology with Mike 

Mike’s online mixology experiences combine high-quality artisanal drinks with the knowledge and passion for mixing the perfect cocktail. You can choose a pack of 4 unique flavours, tonics and garnishes to be delivered to your team ahead of time. 

Music & dance party 

Let’s boogie with DJ Mister Fix! A high-energy, festive experience perfect for the Christmas season. Your own DJ will play all your favourite songs with live interaction, requests & shout outs, throwing in bespoke party games, quizzes and fun activities.

Virtual escape room 

A popular choice for teams who love challenge, problem-solving missions and teamwork. The objective of the game is to solve a series of challenges to escape the virtual room. You can try Trapped in the Web or The Panic Room. For a more bespoke experience that’s fully led by a live host we can suggest Zing Events. They also offer a number of other virtual team building experiences.

Wine tasting

For all those wine-lovers, this fun and informative wine tasting experience with MV Demetri is a must. All you need to do is choose the theme from volcanic wines to hidden gems, France vs the New World and plenty more.

Virtual mystery challenge 

Another favourite by Sharky & George, this is a problem-solving team building game delivered through the magic of internet wizardry. Will your team be able to find hidden drawers, secret doors, tunnels, keys, codes and puzzles in order to uncover the mystery of the room?

Discover more on our Virtual Entertainment page and when you’re ready send your Christmas invitations.

Cheers to the New Year!