Last updated on March 3rd, 2022 at 10:15 am
Remote work has come with its fair share of low-key luxuries for many employees, like skipping the commute and working in pajamas, at least on the bottom. Overall, the working world has learned how to bring best practices to Zoom and other online platforms to really take advantage of what remote work has to offer in terms of efficiency.
However, sharing genuine moments of fun with colleagues doesn’t come as naturally in the socially distanced, highly scheduled world of online meetings. Companies like Apple and Wegmans are ahead of the pack in recognizing that employees having fun is good for business.
While there is no substitute for knowing there’s a big birthday cake waiting for you after lunch, making your boss wear a goofy party hat, or laughing at just how bad your colleagues’ singing voices are, the era of remote work still has opportunities for bonding over silliness and celebrations. Here are some creative ways to bring a little levity to your workplace through humorous gifts.
Wacky Wardrobe
Even if all your meetings are virtual, you can still see your co-workers, at least from the waist up. In honor of your boss’s birthday, your team can surprise him or her by all wearing the loudest, most obnoxious, clashing ensembles possible. Take a moment to really appreciate anyone who goes above and beyond. If Scott from accounting shows up to the morning huddle in a scuba suit, clown tie and sombrero, he definitely deserves a team-wide slow clap.
Gag Gifts
Online shopping offers a world of possibilities in terms of really funny gifts you can ship right to the birthday girl or boy’s door. From a bowl featuring Lionel Richie’s face and the slogan “Hello, is it keys you’re looking for” to the classic motion-activated, singing, mounted fish, there are tons of charming gifts sure to make your boss chuckle. Don’t forget about JibJab, either. We all know them as the gold standard of comedic, personalized videos, but they also offer hilarious personalized books.
Freedom Day
Sometimes getting out of something you dread is a truly amazing gift. If you can, give the gift of a relief valve. Give PTO or a long lunch break. Offer to take over a task your colleague doesn’t like, like taking meeting notes or putting together the office supply order. Feel free to wrap up a gift certificate in an American flag or attach it to a Monopoly game Get Out of Jail Free card.
Terrible Trophy
There are two funny ways to use a really awful trophy as a fun gift. You can give it as a silly MVP award or you can pass it around the team, like a torch, to whoever’s birthday it is. Regardless of the reason, anyone who gets this gem must display it during team meetings to remind everyone of just how awesome they are.
Hit up your local thrift shop or second-hand store for the weirdest, most unlikely trophy you can find. Don’t be afraid to add your own embellishments either. A hot glue gun and some faux gems can only add to the impressiveness.
Karaoke
Virtual karaoke is a real thing. Now you know. So, get singing! The bonus is that, with Zoom, you get to see everyone’s reactions to how well you can carry a tune.
De-Stress on Us
If you have a great boss who gets stressed, you can take a serious gift and make it funny. A gift certificate for a massage and a card that says, “sorry we’re the reason you need this!” is both thoughtful and humorous. The same goes for getting his or her favorite bottle of wine and a card that says “we might be the reason you drink, so this one’s on us!”
Fun Meet Up
There is really no substitute for meeting up and having fun together in person. If you have the means, organize a bowling night or mini-golf tournament to celebrate someone or something on your team. Around the holidays, organize a white elephant gift exchange in which each person gets the choice of unwrapping a gift or stealing one from someone who already unwrapped it. The gamesmanship around getting the Santa socks and avoiding the scented soap set is a hoot to watch unfold.
