20 Thanksgiving Celebration Ideas for the Workplace | Plum (2024)

In a world of watercooler whispers and coffee-stained memos, where the humdrum of office life often feels like an endless maze of spreadsheets and stale snacks, one day shines brighter than the rest.

A day when cubicles transform into cornucopias, and the boardroom becomes a banquet hall. That day, my friends, is Thanksgiving in the workplace!

Get ready to toss your TPS reports aside, because we've got a feast of 20 Thanksgiving celebration ideas that will turn your office into a whimsical wonderland of turkey talk and cranberry creativity.

From cubicle cook-offs that will make Gordon Ramsay blush to the heartwarming acts of gratitude that will make even the grumpiest office Grinch shed a tear, we've got it all.

So, grab your gravy boat and strap in for a rollercoaster ride of quirky, dramatic, and downright delicious ways to celebrate this year's office Thanksgiving like never before.

Let's turn that break room into a cornbread carnival, and those Monday morning meetings into a magnificent masquerade of thanks! 🎉🍂

When is Thanksgiving in 2023 and Why do we celebrate it?

Thanksgiving in 2023 falls on Thursday, November 23rd. People celebrate Thanksgiving for several meaningful reasons:

• Harvest homecoming: Thanksgiving is an ode to the autumn harvest. It's the culmination of months of toiling the earth, tending to crops, and reaping the rewards. Imagine, after a year of hard work, you're finally reaping the fruits of your labor – quite literally!
• Historical roots: Our tale begins with the Pilgrims, who sailed across the treacherous seas in the Mayflower in 1620, seeking a new life. These resilient souls faced harsh winters and uncertain futures. Thanksgiving, as we know it, commemorates the bountiful feast they shared with the Wampanoag Native Americans in 1621, a symbol of harmony and gratitude.
• Family ties: Thanksgiving is a time to strengthen family bonds. It's a tradition that brings us all together, no matter where life may have scattered us. Whether it's across town or across the country, loved ones converge to create cherished memories.
• Culinary delights: Ah, the feast! Thanksgiving is a gastronomic masterpiece. The centerpiece, a plump and juicy turkey, takes center stage, surrounded by a supporting cast of delectable sides, from creamy mashed potatoes to the sweet embrace of cranberry sauce. It's a culinary marvel we look forward to all year.
• Gratitude unleashed: This holiday ignites the spark of gratitude within us. As we share stories of our year, we are reminded of the blessings in our lives – family, friends, shelter, and sustenance. It's a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of life and express thanks for all we have.
• Unspoken tradition: Thanksgiving has transformed into an unspoken tradition. It's a reminder that, regardless of our daily struggles, there's always something to be thankful for. It's the perfect blend of history, food, family, and a dash of magic.

So, as the aroma of roasted turkey fills your home on November 23, 2023, take a moment to savor not only the delicious fare but also the centuries of tradition, history, and gratitude that this remarkable day encompasses.

Give thanks, for in doing so, you're preserving a cherished part of our collective identity.

10 Thanksgiving celebration ideas for the employees

Celebrating Thanksgiving with employees is a great way to foster a sense of gratitude and teamwork. Here are 10 Thanksgiving celebration ideas for your employees:

1. Thanksgiving luncheon

Organize a company-wide Thanksgiving potluck lunch where employees bring in homemade dishes to share with their colleagues. To make it competitive and fun, you can reward the best dish with a special gift, such as a Xoxoday’s San Diego restaurant gift card or a kitchen gadget.

2. Gratitude wall

Set up a Gratitude Wall in a common area where employees can write down what they're thankful for, whether related to work or personal life. Consider selecting the most touching or creative message and reward the author with a recognition certificate or a personal development book.

3. Thanksgiving decoration contest

Encourage different departments or teams to compete in a Thanksgiving-themed office decoration contest. The winning team could receive a group reward like a catered lunch or a team-building outing.

4. Thanksgiving-themed games

Host a series of Thanksgiving-themed games during the celebration, such as a turkey trot race, a pie-eating contest, or Thanksgiving trivia. Award prizes for the winners, which could include gift cards, company merchandise, or extra paid time off.

5. Employee recognition awards

Create special Thanksgiving-themed awards for employees who have excelled throughout the year. These awards could include categories like "Most Helpful Team Player" or "Best Problem Solver." Recognize their achievements with custom trophies or plaques.

6. Thanksgiving charity drive

Embrace the spirit of giving by organizing a Thanksgiving charity drive within your company. Employees can contribute non-perishable food items, clothing, or money to a local charity. Recognize and appreciate the top contributors with a special reward, Points for People gift card offered by Xoxoday or make a donation in their name to the chosen charity.

7. Pie giveaway

Surprise your employees with a selection of delicious pies, such as pumpkin and apple, to take home for their Thanksgiving celebrations. Attach a heartfelt thank-you note expressing your gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

8. Employee Thanksgiving parade

Bring some creativity and laughter into the workplace by organizing a mini parade. Employees can dress up in Thanksgiving-themed costumes and walk through the office or showcase their outfits virtually. Recognize the most imaginative costume with a gift card or a small trophy.

9. Themed workshops

Offer Thanksgiving-themed workshops or classes that allow employees to learn new skills or engage in creative activities. Options might include cooking classes, craft sessions, or gratitude journaling workshops. Recognize participation with certificates of completion or a thoughtful gift.

10. Thanksgiving raffle

Create excitement by hosting a Thanksgiving raffle with attractive prizes such as electronics, spa vouchers, or even a paid day off. Employees can earn raffle tickets through their hard work, dedication, or by completing specific tasks throughout the year. This provides an extra incentive and builds anticipation for the Thanksgiving celebration.

These Thanksgiving celebration ideas and rewards can help create a sense of unity, express appreciation, and boost employee morale during the holiday season. Remember to customize the ideas and rewards to align with your company's culture and budget.

5 Thanksgiving celebration ideas for the customers

Celebrating Thanksgiving with your customers is a great way to show appreciation and strengthen your customer relationships. Here are 5 Thanksgiving celebration ideas for your customers:

1. Thanksgiving-themed virtual cooking class

Host a virtual cooking class led by a professional chef where customers can learn to prepare a special Thanksgiving dish, such as a unique dessert or side dish. To incentivize participation, offer a discount on their next purchase or a culinary-themed gift basket to those who attend.

2. Exclusive VIP shopping event

Invite your top customers to an exclusive VIP shopping event, either in-store or online. Offer them early access to Black Friday or Thanksgiving weekend sales, and provide an extra discount or a gift card on Lifestyle, Myntra, , etc for their loyalty.

3. Personalized Thanksgiving cards

Send personalized Thanksgiving cards to your loyal customers with heartfelt messages of appreciation. Include a special discount code or a small gift card as a token of your gratitude for their continued support.

4. Thanksgiving storytelling contest

Host a Thanksgiving-themed storytelling contest where customers can share their favorite Thanksgiving memories or traditions related to your products or services. Reward the most heartwarming or creative story with a substantial prize, such as a gift card for a holiday getaway or a special product bundle.

5. Thanksgiving giving back campaign

Launch a special Thanksgiving giving-back campaign where a portion of each purchase goes to a charitable cause. Allow customers to choose the charity they'd like to support. Reward the customers who contribute the most with a custom-made, such as a gift card of Tanishq, Malabar and other brands for personalized ornament or a framed certificate of appreciation.

These distinctive Thanksgiving customer appreciation ideas help strengthen the bond between your business and valued clients. Ensure they align with your brand values and match the loyalty level you want to recognize.

5 Thanksgiving celebration ideas for the clients

Celebrating Thanksgiving with your clients is a thoughtful way to strengthen business relationships. Here are 5 Thanksgiving celebration ideas for your clients:

1. Virtual wine and cheese tasting

Organize a virtual wine and cheese tasting event for your clients. Ship a selection of wines and artisan cheeses to their homes in advance. During the event, a sommelier and cheese expert can guide them through the tasting process. Clients who participate could receive a wine club membership or a Total Wine gift card by Xoxoday.

2. Custom Thanksgiving dinner experience

Partner with a high-end restaurant or catering service to provide clients with a custom Thanksgiving dinner experience. Send them a gourmet meal package that includes a full Thanksgiving feast, complete with dessert.

Clients can enjoy the meal with their loved ones, and you can offer a discount on future services or a personalized holiday ornament as a reward.

3. Personalized gratitude videos

Have your team create personalized video messages expressing gratitude to each client. These messages can highlight the unique aspects of your relationship and how much you value their business. Reward clients with a video message with a small, heartfelt gift or a discount on future services.

4. Interactive virtual art class

Collaborate with a local artist to offer an interactive virtual art class. Clients can participate in a guided painting or crafting session.

Those who attend can receive a professional art kit and the opportunity to showcase their artwork on your company's social media channels. Also, you can enhance their celebration with the Thanksgiving gift card offered by Xoxoday.

5. Thanksgiving-themed escape room challenge

Organize a virtual escape room challenge with a Thanksgiving twist. Clients can form teams and work together to solve Thanksgiving-themed puzzles and mysteries. The winning team can receive a unique escape room-themed gift, like a personalized puzzle or a gift card for a local escape room experience.

Use these Thanksgiving client celebration ideas to strengthen professional relationships. Customize them to your client's preferences and business goals, ensuring thoughtful rewards.

Unveiling the grand finale of workplace Thanksgiving

In conclusion, the workplace Thanksgiving celebration isn't just about stuffing our faces with pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes – it's about stuffing our hearts with gratitude and camaraderie.

These 20 quirky and dramatic ideas will not only bring a fresh breath of festive air to the office but also remind us that, even in the midst of deadlines and emails, we can create memorable moments of togetherness.

So, this Thanksgiving season, take a break from the daily grind, gather your colleagues, and embark on a journey of thanks that will leave your office buzzing with joy and appreciation. Who knew that in a world of office politics and paper trails, a simple celebration could light up our work lives like a supernova of gratitude?

Happy Thanksgiving, and may your workplace festivities be as quirky and dramatic as you dream them to be! 🦃🍁🎉