10 Office Thanksgiving ideas for team | SimpleCater (2024)

• SimpleCater
• November 8, 2023

• Edited 1 month ago

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When is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a special holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In 2021, Thanksgiving falls on November 25th. It is a time for expressing gratitude and coming together with loved ones. For businesses, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to create a sense of togetherness and show employee appreciation..

Funny Activities for Thanksgiving Team Building

Introducing laughter and camaraderie into your Thanksgiving celebrations is a wonderful way to strengthen bonds and foster a sense of togetherness among your team members.

Match the Plate to Its Owner

One entertaining game for Thanksgiving team building is “Match the Plate to Its Owner.” Have participants bring in a photo of themselves as a child and display the photos on a board. Each participant must guess which plate belongs to which colleague based on the childhood photos. This game encourages interaction and creates laughter as people try to match the photos with their grown-up colleagues.

Watch Something Together

Another fun activity is to watch a Thanksgiving-themed movie or a classic episode from a popular TV show. Gather employees in the breakroom or a shared space and enjoy light-hearted entertainment. This activity fosters a sense of camaraderie and allows everyone to relax, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company.

Make a Craft Together

Get creative by organizing a craft session where employees can make Thanksgiving-themed decorations. This could include creating paper turkeys, handprint wreaths, or festive banners. Providing supplies and a designated area for employees to get crafty fosters a sense of creativity, collaboration, and a festive atmosphere.

Tell Your Origin Story

Thanksgiving is a celebration of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Encourage employees to share their origin stories and celebrate the diversity within your organization. This can be done through a potluck lunch, where each employee brings a dish that represents their heritage. Allow individuals to share the story behind their dish, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures within the workplace.

Recognize Your Employees

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude, so take this opportunity to recognize and appreciate your employees’ hard work and dedication. Organize a small ceremony or gather everyone in a meeting to express your thanks and present personalized “Thank You” notes or small tokens of appreciation. This gesture shows your employees that their efforts are valued, boosting morale and fostering a positive work environment.

What About the Food?

While Thanksgiving is traditionally associated with a bountiful feast, our focus in this guide is primarily on the fun and team-building activities that can enhance the holiday experience for your group. However, it’s important to note that food plays a significant role in the overall Thanksgiving celebration.

Catering for Thanksgiving

When planning a Thanksgiving celebration in the office, catering is a convenient and delicious option. Consider hiring a corporate catering B2B company specializing in Thanksgiving menus to take care of the food arrangements. They can provide a variety of options, including traditional turkey, vegetarian dishes, sides, and desserts to satisfy everyone’s preferences.

Vegetarian Ideas

For employees who follow a vegetarian diet, ensure there are delicious options available. Consider offering dishes like roasted vegetables, vegetable lasagna, stuffed mushrooms, or butternut squash soup. Including vegetarian choices ensures inclusivity and demonstrates that you value the diverse dietary preferences of your team.

Thanksgiving Gifts for Coworkers

Expressing gratitude through thoughtful gifts is a great way to show appreciation to your coworkers during the Thanksgiving season. Here are some gift ideas to consider:

1. Personalized Gratitude Journals: Provide each employee with a journal to encourage them to reflect on what they are grateful for. Personalize the covers with their names to add a special touch.
2. Thanksgiving-themed gift Baskets: Create gift baskets filled with seasonal treats such as pumpkin cookies, gourmet popcorn, and spiced cider. Include a handwritten note expressing your appreciation.
3. Team Building Experience: Invest in a group activity or team-building event outside of the office. This could be a cooking class, an escape room challenge, or an outdoor adventure. It allows employees to bond and create lasting memories.
4. Wellness Gifts: Show your concern for your employees’ well-being by giving wellness-related gifts. This could include stress-relief items like essential oil diffusers, relaxation CDs, or yoga mats.
5. Virtual Thanksgiving Party Kits: In case your team is working remotely or unable to gather physically, send out virtual party kits. These can include customized Zoom backgrounds, virtual games, and a gift card for a meal delivery service.

In conclusion, Thanksgiving is an excellent time for corporate caterers to showcase their expertise and provide a memorable experience for businesses. Incorporating fun team-building activities, delicious catering options, and thoughtful gifts can ensure a festive and gratitude-filled celebration for your office. Express your thankfulness and create a positive atmosphere that promotes camaraderie and appreciation within your organization.