Category: Group Memory Books

47 Creative Holiday Party Ideas For Remote Employees In 2025

Looking for a guide to the most creative holiday party ideas for remote employees of all kinds? Look no further – we’ve created a list of the most unique and inspired ideas so you can come up with your most successful holiday event yet!

Whether your team is composed of local office-goers, globe-trotting digital nomads, families, singles, or a diverse mix, our list is designed to offer ideas and tips that resonate with everyone. Our commitment at Newlywords lies in prioritizing communication and fostering connections, and we’re eager to assist you in creating an unforgettable and inclusive team-building experience.

So, let’s get into it!

Holiday Party Ideas for Remote Employees: Preparation & Set Up for Success

Your remote employees may include families with young kids, singles, nomads and locals. Here are our top tips for making your party work for everyone, as well as what to think about in advance to prep for success:

  • Time zones: Ask your employees where they’ll be based on the date of your party, and come up with a time that works for everyone if possible. If it’s not going to work for everyone, make sure to record the party to send to anyone who can’t make it!
  • Choose a host or hosts: Make sure you choose a host (or more than one) who knows how to keep a party going, and knows when to move onto something new in a seamless way. If you’re not sure who this person is, there are companies you can hire to host your party for you.
  • Introduction time for families, pets, friends etc: Have a time for families, friends and pets to be introduced and included in the party, to make it fun and more personal.
  • Make it structured, but leave extra time for the unexpected: Have a pre-planned agenda to keep things moving, but make sure it’s a suggested agenda, not a rigid schedule, so people can have fun!

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com

  • Leave time for people to join in the beginning, but plan something for that time: Give people some time to show up late, but don’t have everyone waiting idly and awkwardly; plan some icebreakers, a guessing game (like guess that holiday tune) something else fun to start off strong and create a lively atmosphere for people as they join in.
  • Send out a poll ahead of time to find out what employees want to do most out of your list: Pick your favorites out of this list, and then poll your employees to find out what they’re most excited about to ensure the highest rate of success for your event. In addition, you can have employees volunteer to plan and lead some of these, only if they want to.
  • Festive Zoom Backgrounds: Send out tips and tutorials for adding holiday-themed Zoom backgrounds to make things even more fun.
  • Holiday themes: You can always pick a theme and run with it for your party, and tailor any of the ideas on this list to that specific theme!
  • Supplies Needed & Gifts sent in advance: As you look through this list, some ideas include in-advance planning, like gingerbread houses, gift exchanges, and more organized activities. Make sure to have supplies sent to employees in time, and if the employees are exchanging gifts, have a deadline for them to be mailed out to each other.

47 Holiday Party Ideas For Remote Employees

1. Virtual Piano Bar Extravaganza

Who doesn’t love an entertaining afternoon at the piano bar? While you can’t treat your employees to an afternoon out on the town, you can break up the monotony of virtual meetings by organizing a Zoom session with a guest piano player. Instead of talking shop, your team can offer up song requests and enjoy some music and some relaxing fun. This musical journey will not only provide entertainment but also bring your team closer together as they bond over their favorite tunes.

2. Gingerbread House Decorating Competition

Bring some festive fun to your remote workforce by sending gingerbread house kits to each employee’s home address. Host a virtual gingerbread house decorating competition where team members can showcase their creative skills. Encourage them to share their final masterpieces during a virtual gathering. Or better yet, have your team build their houses live over Zoom to see what they can create with some fun, competitive pressure. You can even offer prizes for the most imaginative creations!

3. Secret Santa Gift Exchange by Mail

Secret Santa is a classic holiday tradition that lives on, even in today’s remote work landscape. Use a Secret Santa generator website (such as Elfster) to assign each employee a gift recipient and set some gift-giving parameters. Then, have everyone mail their chosen gifts directly to their assigned colleague. The anticipation and excitement of receiving a surprise package will add a touch of magic to the holiday season.

4. Collaborative Memory Book

Create a sense of togetherness and preserve memories from the year by crafting a collaborative memory book. A platform like Newlywords helps you compile stories, photos, and achievements from each employee. It even allows you to invite your team to contribute their own photos, encouraging thoughts, or fun memories. You could do a company yearbook, an achievement book and more! This digital (or printed) book not only serves as a keepsake but also acknowledges and celebrates your team’s accomplishments.

5. Virtual Cooking Class

Bring a culinary twist to your remote holiday celebration by organizing a virtual cooking class. Collaborate with a professional chef or even a local restaurant to guide your team through preparing a festive dish or dessert. Most programs offer a prep packet so your team has the right ingredients and tools in place to make the most of the experience. Better yet, you can send out gift cards to cover the cost of the materials needed for the cooking class. This interactive experience is a great way to spread some holiday cheer while allowing employees to learn new cooking skills and enjoy a delicious meal together.

6. Online Escape Room Adventure

Escape rooms have gained popularity over the past few years as great team-building activities. Now, thanks to technology and demand, you can book a virtual escape room experience for your remote team. Solving puzzles and riddles together, even in a virtual environment, might improve morale and foster stronger teamwork. Not only that, but it can be an exciting and challenging way to celebrate the holidays together.

7. Secret Challenges

Inject an extra layer of fun into your virtual holiday party with secret challenges, such as the classic “take a sip every time someone says [a specific word].” Spice things up by having a designated participant unaware of the chosen word, creating an entertaining guessing game with the promise of a prize. Keep the excitement flowing by rotating this secret challenge throughout the night, ensuring laughter and surprises at every turn!

8. Customized Virtual Trivia Night

Trivia night doesn’t just happen at your local pub. Test your employees’ knowledge and create a competitive yet enjoyable atmosphere with a virtual trivia night. To make it more personal (and provoke some solid laughs) customize the trivia questions to include company facts, inside jokes, and holiday-themed queries. If you’re new to the trivia scene, platforms like Trivia Plaza to make trivia night planning a breeze.

9. Online Art and Craft Workshop

Get your team’s creative juices flowing with a holiday-themed virtual art and craft workshop. Ship art supplies to your employees’ homes and arrange for an art instructor to lead the session on your company’s preferred digital platform. This hands-on activity allows team members to explore their artistic talents and create holiday-themed masterpieces (or at least have a good laugh while trying something new!).

10. Virtual Talent Show

Unleash your team’s hidden talents by hosting a virtual talent show. Encourage employees to showcase their unique abilities, whether it’s singing, dancing, stand-up comedy, or even magic tricks. Add a little holiday flare by challenging your staff to make their talent holiday-focused. This lighthearted event will not only entertain but also foster a sense of community among your remote workforce. Not familiar with talent show etiquette? Check out these great talent show tips and ideas.

Celebrating holidays with remote employees requires thinking outside the box, especially when traditional office gatherings aren’t possible. These creative ideas not only break the monotony of endless Zoom meetings but also promote team bonding, recognition, and the festive spirit. By embracing these innovative approaches, you can ensure that your remote workforce feels appreciated and connected during the holiday season, no matter where they are located.

11. Scavenger Hunt

Plan an exciting online scavenger hunt that will have your remote team on the edge of their seats. Prepare a list of fun and quirky items or challenges for your colleagues to find or complete within a set time frame – make sure it’s items they can find in their homes. Use video conferencing to share clues and keep the energy high as everyone races against the clock. The winner could receive a special holiday-themed prize to add an extra layer of excitement!

Some ideas of things to find include:

  • Specific holiday decorations, like a Menorah or Santa Hat
  • Kitchen items for baking
  • Clothing items for the holiday or general (like running shoes, ugly sweater or holiday jewelry)
  • A pen and paper or holiday cards
  • A gift
  • Wrapping paper
  • Tape
  • Scissors

12. Make a collaborative holiday recipe book

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Bring a taste of the holidays to your virtual office by creating a collaborative recipe book (like this one with Newlywords)! Have each team member share their favorite holiday recipe, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and a festive photo. Compile these recipes into a digital cookbook that can be shared with the entire team. Not only will you get to enjoy some delicious dishes, but you’ll also strengthen the bonds within your team through a shared love of cooking.

13. Have a Contest/Giveaway to Incentivize motivation and excitement

Boost motivation and excitement by organizing a festive contest or giveaway during your virtual holiday party. Whether it’s a quiz, a raffle, or a creative challenge, make sure there are exciting prizes up for grabs. This will add an element of friendly competition and encourage active participation. Consider gift cards, holiday-themed items, or even extra days off as enticing rewards.

14. Recognize employees throughout the party (and get everyone involved)

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Spread holiday cheer by recognizing your hardworking colleagues throughout the party. Before the event, encourage team members to submit shout-outs or virtual high-fives to recognize their peers for their accomplishments or positive contributions. During the party, share these accolades, allowing everyone to feel appreciated and valued. It’s a simple yet powerful way to boost morale and create a positive atmosphere.

15. Karaoke/Lip Sync Carols Battle

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Turn up the holiday tunes and let the singing (or lip-syncing) begin! Organize a virtual karaoke or lip sync battle where team members can showcase their musical talents or just have a good laugh together. Create a festive playlist and let each participant pick their favorite holiday song. This lighthearted activity is sure to bring joy and entertainment to your remote holiday celebration.

16. Paint and sip

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Unleash your team’s creativity with a virtual paint and sip session. Send out paint kits to each employee’s home and schedule a live painting class over video conferencing. A professional artist can guide the group through creating a festive masterpiece while everyone enjoys sipping on their favorite beverages. It’s a delightful way to foster teamwork and artistic expression in a relaxed, social setting.

17. Murder Mystery

Transform your virtual holiday party into a thrilling adventure with a murder mystery activity. Choose a holiday-themed storyline, assign roles to your team members, and let the mystery unravel over video conferencing. This engaging and interactive experience will have everyone working together to solve the puzzle while enjoying a unique and entertaining holiday celebration.

18. Virtual Travel/Tours

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Take your team on a virtual journey around the world with a holiday-themed travel and tour experience. Explore different countries’ holiday traditions, customs, and festive decorations through virtual tours and presentations. This educational yet entertaining activity allows your team to embrace the diversity of holiday celebrations and learn something new together.

19. Gift-wrapping party

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Turn the task of gift-wrapping into a fun and collaborative activity. Schedule a virtual gift-wrapping party where team members can showcase their creativity and share wrapping tips. Encourage everyone to use festive wrapping paper and embellishments. This not only adds a touch of holiday spirit but also turns a routine chore into a shared, joyful experience.

20. Gifts for a charity gift-wrapping or send-off party

Spread the holiday spirit by organizing a gift-wrapping party with a charitable twist. Have each team member wrap a gift to donate to a chosen charity. You can also use this opportunity to send off care packages to frontline workers or military personnel. Share the joy of giving back and make a positive impact on your community while celebrating the holidays together.

21. Holidays around the world

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels.com

Celebrate the richness of global holiday traditions with a virtual journey to holidays around the world. Have team members share stories, customs, and unique celebrations from their cultural backgrounds. This enlightening experience fosters cultural awareness and strengthens the bonds within your diverse team.

22. Cocktails/Mocktails Party/Virtual Class

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Raise a virtual toast with a festive cocktails/mocktails party or a mixology class. Send out a list of ingredients in advance, allowing everyone to prepare their favorite holiday drinks. A professional mixologist can lead the group through the process, offering tips and tricks for creating delicious beverages. It’s a spirited way to unwind and enjoy each other’s company during the holiday season.

23. Cookie Decorating

Photo by Tim Douglas on Pexels.com

Bring out the inner pastry chef in your team with a virtual cookie decorating activity. Ship cookie decorating kits to each participant and let the sugary creativity flow during a live video session. Share tips, tricks, and holiday-themed designs, and watch as your team creates tasty and visually appealing treats together.

24. Guessing Songs

Test your team’s musical knowledge with a fun and interactive guessing songs game. Create a playlist of holiday tunes and play short snippets for your colleagues to guess. You can use online platforms that allow participants to submit their answers in real-time. It’s a playful activity that adds a musical twist to your virtual holiday celebration.

25. Holiday movie night

Transform your virtual gathering into a cozy holiday movie night. Pick a festive film that everyone can enjoy, and use a platform that allows synchronized streaming. Encourage team members to prepare their favorite movie snacks and cozy up for a shared cinematic experience. After the movie, you can discuss your favorite scenes and share laughs together.

Some ideas for movies include:

  • Elf
  • Miracle on 34th Street
  • It’s a Wonderful Life
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas
  • White Christmas
  • A Christmas Story
  • The Man Who Invented Christmas
  • All I Want Is Christmas

26. Holiday TV show round-up

Celebrate the season with a virtual holiday TV show round-up. Have each team member recommend their favorite holiday-themed TV episodes or series. Create a watchlist and schedule a time to enjoy these shows together over video conferencing. It’s a relaxed and enjoyable way to share laughter and holiday spirit.

27. Holiday book club

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Encourage a love for reading during the holidays by organizing a virtual book club. Choose a festive book, novella, or collection of short stories related to the season, or a personal development book everyone has on their list but hasn’t made the time for yet! Set a timeline for reading and host a discussion over video conferencing. It’s a thoughtful and intellectual way to connect with your team while embracing the holiday spirit.

28. Virtual holiday games

Bring back the nostalgia of classic games with a virtual holiday games session. Choose from favorites like BINGO, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Pictionary, Charades, and more. Use online platforms to facilitate these games and create an atmosphere of joy and friendly competition. It’s a fantastic way to engage your team in light-hearted fun.

29. Talent Show

Photo by Martin Lopez on Pexels.com

Unveil the hidden talents within your team by hosting a virtual talent show. Invite team members to showcase their unique abilities, whether it’s singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or any other skill. This entertaining activity allows your colleagues to express themselves creatively and fosters a sense of community.

30. Sharing favorite holiday traditions

Create a warm and inclusive atmosphere by inviting team members to share their favorite holiday traditions. Whether it’s a special family recipe, a unique cultural celebration, or a cherished annual activity, this sharing session builds understanding and connection within your team.

One great way to do this for large groups is to split into smaller groups so people have more time to share. Then, when you come back together have a group leader for each breakout to share their favorite tradition or story from the group!

31. Superlatives and/or “Guess the employee…”

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Inject some humor and camaraderie by hosting a superlatives session or a “Guess the Employee…” game. Create playful categories like “Most Festive Decorations” or “Best Holiday Pajamas” and let your team vote or guess the winners. It’s a lighthearted way to celebrate individuality and add a touch of friendly competition.

32. Costume Contest and/or Ugly Sweater Party

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Get into the holiday spirit with a virtual costume contest or ugly sweater party. Encourage team members to dress up in festive attire or show off their most creatively ugly sweaters. You can even have categories like “Most Creative Costume” or “Ugliest Sweater.” This playful activity adds a dose of humor and holiday cheer to your virtual gathering.

33. New Year’s Resolutions/Goal-Setting Workshop

Gear up for the upcoming year by hosting a New Year’s resolutions or goal-setting workshop. Discuss aspirations, share personal and professional goals, and inspire each other to start the new year on a positive note. This reflective session promotes team bonding and sets a forward-looking tone for the future.

Some ideas:

  • Make vision boards
  • Pick a goal, choose steps and put them on the calendar
  • Choose accountability partners or groups and times to check-in with one another

34. Gift Ideas Mastermind

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Spark creativity and collaboration by organizing a gift ideas mastermind session. Have team members share unique and thoughtful gift ideas for different occasions or recipients to help them choose presents for their family and friends. This brainstorming session not only helps everyone discover creative presents but also generates a lively and festive discussion.

35. Rewrite Classic Holiday Tunes & Tales

Put a creative spin on holiday classics by organizing a re-writing session. Encourage your team to rewrite the lyrics of a beloved holiday song or craft a modern twist on a traditional tale. This imaginative activity allows your colleagues to express their creativity and share a good laugh.

You can also make Mad Libs for a really fun laugh!

36. Skill-Learning Session with an Expert

Bring in an expert to conduct a skill-learning session during your virtual holiday party. Whether it’s a cooking class, a crafting workshop, or a dance tutorial, this interactive experience adds a unique and educational element to your celebration. It’s a great way to learn something new together and create lasting memories.

37. Play the Story Game

Embark on a storytelling adventure with the Play the Story Game. Here’s how it works:

  • Assign each participant a number.
  • Set the theme for the story; for example, “A Snowy Day in the North Pole.”
  • Ask each person to write two sentences on a piece of paper, contributing to the theme.
  • Begin the story with two sentences you prepared earlier, setting the scene.
  • Call out number one to read their lines, followed by number two, and continue in order.
  • Record the session to capture the laughter and spontaneous twists.
  • Conclude the story with the last two sentences you provide.

This lighthearted and collaborative game often results in a hilarious narrative. After the party, type up the story and share it with each guest as a keepsake.

38. Guess Who

Get ready for a delightful guessing game that combines pictures and stories. Here’s how to play:

  • Before the party, ask participants to send in a picture of themselves along with a short holiday-related story or memory.
  • Compile the pictures and stories without revealing who each participant is.
  • During the party, share the pictures and stories one by one without disclosing the identities.
  • Encourage the team to guess which colleague is represented in each picture and story.
  • Revel in the laughter and surprises as the group tries to match the anecdotes with the right faces.

This interactive and engaging game not only sparks joy but also allows your team to learn more about each other’s holiday experiences in a fun and unique way.

39. The Gift of a Memorable Meal

While traditional office parties might be out of the question, you can still create a memorable holiday experience for your remote employees. Consider giving each team member an American Express Gift Card to enjoy a special dinner with their significant other. This not only allows employees to relish a delicious meal but also strengthens their personal connections, a crucial aspect of remote work. Depending on the size of your team and how much time you have, you can take it up a notch by giving gift cards to each employee’s favorite restaurant or somewhere new and fun they wouldn’t normally treat themselves.

40. DIY Ornament Decorating

Photo by Todd Trapani on Pexels.com

Ship ornament decorating kits to each team member’s home and host a virtual DIY ornament decorating session. Provide various craft supplies and let your team unleash their creativity. You can even turn it into a contest with categories like “Most Festive,” “Most Creative,” or “Best Use of Glitter.”

41. Holiday Storytelling Open Mic

Photo by Dominika Roseclay on Pexels.com

Create a cozy virtual space for your team to share their favorite holiday stories. Encourage team members to prepare short anecdotes, memories, or even read a holiday-themed poem. It’s a heartwarming way to celebrate the season and learn more about each other’s cherished traditions.

42. Virtual Icebreaker Bingo

Break the ice and foster connections with a holiday-themed icebreaker bingo game. Create bingo cards with holiday-related statements or activities (e.g., “Has watched Home Alone this season” or “Decorated the house with holiday lights”). The first team member to complete a row can win a festive prize.

43. Holiday Cheers & Jeers

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Set up a virtual Cheers & Jeers session where team members can share their highlights (Cheers) and funny mishaps (Jeers) from the year. It’s a humorous and reflective way to acknowledge the challenges while celebrating the successes, creating a positive atmosphere for the upcoming year.

44. DIY Hot Cocoa Bar

Photo by Kristina Paukshtite on Pexels.com

Send out hot cocoa kits to each team member’s home and host a DIY hot cocoa bar over video chat. Include a variety of toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Everyone can create their custom cup of cocoa while enjoying a warm and cozy conversation.

45. Holiday Charitable Challenge

Turn your holiday celebration into an opportunity to give back. Challenge your team to participate in a charitable activity, such as a virtual charity run, fundraising competition, or volunteering from home. Celebrate the collective impact your team can make during the holiday season.

46. Holiday Desk Decorating Contest

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Encourage team members to showcase their festive spirit by hosting a virtual desk decorating contest. Set specific themes or categories, like “Winter Wonderland” or “Best Use of Office Supplies.” Have everyone give a virtual tour of their decorated workspace, and let the team vote for the most creative setup.

47. Virtual Fireside Chat

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

Create a virtual fireside chat setting with a crackling fireplace background. Invite a special guest, such as a motivational speaker or industry expert, for a relaxed and insightful conversation. It’s a unique way to bring a touch of warmth and inspiration to your virtual holiday gathering.

FAQs: Holiday Party Ideas Remote Employees Will Love

How do you throw a remote holiday party?

To host a remote holiday party, schedule a virtual gathering on platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, plan festive activities like games or a virtual Secret Santa, and ensure everyone has the necessary details to join in the fun.

How do I make a virtual office Christmas party?

Create a virtual office Christmas party by coordinating a date and time, choosing a video conferencing platform, planning engaging activities like games or a virtual gift exchange, and fostering a festive ambiance with decorations and holiday spirit.

What is a virtual holiday party?

A virtual holiday party is an online gathering where people connect remotely to celebrate the holiday season. It often includes activities like games, virtual gift exchanges, and shared moments of holiday cheer over video conferencing.

How do you celebrate remote work?

Celebrate remote work by organizing virtual team-building activities, recognizing achievements through online shout-outs, and fostering a positive work culture with occasional virtual gatherings or themed events.

What are Christmas ideas for Microsoft teams?

Christmas ideas for Microsoft Teams include hosting virtual games, a festive office decorating contest, or organizing a digital Secret Santa gift exchange to bring holiday cheer to your remote team.

How to do a Zoom Christmas party?

To host a Zoom Christmas party, schedule a meeting, plan virtual activities like holiday trivia or games, encourage festive attire, and create a joyful atmosphere with decorations or a virtual background.

How do you play Secret Santa long distance?

Play Secret Santa long distance by using online Secret Santa generators to assign gift recipients, setting a budget and shipping deadline, and exchanging thoughtful gifts through mail or online delivery.

How do you make Secret Santa fun virtually?

Enhance virtual Secret Santa by incorporating interactive elements like online games or challenges, creating a guessing game for recipients, and adding a festive touch to the gift exchange experience.

How long should a virtual party be?

A virtual party should ideally last between 60 to 90 minutes, providing enough time for engaging activities and socializing without causing online fatigue.

How can I make my office more Christmassy?

Make your office more Christmassy by decorating with festive ornaments, incorporating holiday-themed desk accessories, organizing a decorating contest, and playing cheerful holiday music to create a joyful atmosphere.

How do you socialize at an office Christmas party?

Socialize at an office Christmas party by engaging in conversations, participating in team-building activities or games, and making an effort to connect with colleagues in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Conclusion: The Most Creative Ways to Celebrate Holidays with Remote Employees

Hosting a memorable and engaging remote holiday party for your team is not only possible but can also foster a sense of togetherness and festive joy. Whether through virtual games, creative activities, or shared traditions, the magic of the holiday season can transcend physical distances. Embrace the spirit of connection, laughter, and celebration as you bring warmth to your virtual workspace.

May your remote holiday party be filled with moments of shared happiness, making this season truly special for your team. Here’s to creating cherished memories and spreading holiday cheer in the most innovative and delightful ways!

Evite vs Paperless Post vs Punchbowl vs Greenvelope

Planning an upcoming party? Online invitations are a great choice for so many reasons. Whether you’re saving paper, lack physical addresses for your guests, or want to save time by getting it done online — or you’re simply keeping the budget down! — you may be wondering about popular sites like Evite vs Paperless Post vs Punchbowl vs Greenvelope. In this guide, we discuss the pros and cons of each so you can see what’s available and how to make the best choice for your upcoming event invitations.

Evite

Evite is considered the pioneer of electronic invitations. Founded in 1998, it is nearly a decade older than Paperless Post, Punchbowl, and Greenvelope. As one of the original online invitation platforms, it has also experienced the most change as new designs and technologies hit the market. Today, Evite is known for online invitation design and sending, as well as managing guest lists to plan social events. They offer several unique features that set them apart from other invitation platforms. 

Advantages

All four companies compared in this article — Evite, Paperless Post, Punchbowl and Greenvelope — share some, if not many, features. Evite allows you to send invites via email, text, or social media, which all the other platforms also include. Evite includes customizable fonts, colors, and layout of your invitation; and the option to fully upload your own design if you don’t want to use a template — all great features to have when working on a digital invitation. 

Evite offers different features based on three tiers: free, Premium, and Pro (all the advantages of Premium with the ability to send unlimited invites/events). We’ll discuss pricing later in this article, but it’s helpful to note that with Premium, you have control over your guest list with the ability to send automated reminders, see when guests have viewed your invite, and put guests into categories for better organization. You can send updates about the event, and when the party is over, you can send thank you notes for free (a feature also shared by other companies), and you can track RSVPs plus connect gift registries.

While many of Evite’s most advantageous features are shared by the other platforms, there are some things that make it a great option for your next event. What makes Evite unique starts with its longevity. As one of the longest standing digital invitation sites, most, if not all of your guests will recognize it or know how to access their invitation. Another thing that makes Evite different is that many of the invitation designs include animation, setting it apart from Punchbowl and Greenvelope. From fun, flashy birthday invitations to elegant animation on a baby shower invite, the website offers plenty of free and paid options. Evite is also the only platform to offer video as part of your invitation. You can upload up to 3 minutes of video to make your invitation extra special — and extra personal. 

After the event, you can also add photos of the party to share with guests, a fun feature that is also a brilliant technique to keep customers coming back to Evite after the party is over. One other unique feature is the ability to add a co-host to your invitation, so you can share party planning, messaging, and tracking RSVPs with someone else. 

Other fun add-ons for your Evite invitation include a poll for your guests, a “What to Bring” list, and even gift suggestions and donation options. 

Drawbacks

While the Evite website is clean and simple to use, it can be difficult to find details about features and pricing options without first creating a login. This could be a tactic to get more people to join their platform, but it may be a deterrent for those simply exploring their options who aren’t ready to commit to one digital invitation platform. What we did discover is that Evite’s web pages for both their Premium options and Evite Pro are clearer and more detailed. However, finding these pages from their original site is a mission. The good news is, Evite offers and app, both in the App Store and Google Play, which mitigates some of these desktop website snafus.

The Premium and Pro pages of the site are easier to navigate (and the content is very clear), but there are multiple reviews from long-time users who are frustrated. Customer service can be slow to respond, emails cannot be edited, and multiple customers complain of “glitches” where evites don’t send and they have to pay again to resend.

Some customers also complain that evite emails end up in recipients’ spam folders. And while ads in the Evite emails can be misleading to guests, you can purchase ad-free invitations through the Premium and Evite Pro options, much like on other platforms.

Paperless Post

Paperless Post, founded in 2008, is one of the first electronic invitation platforms that sought to offer unique and elegant designs — and an experience akin to opening a real printed and mailed invitation. If you’ve ever been sent a Paperless Post, then you likely enjoyed the animation of opening the envelope to reveal the beautifully designed invitation inside. One of the differentiators from other online invitation platforms is their printed designs through Paper Source and their partnerships with major stationary designers and fashion icons.

Advantages

Like we shared above, Paperless Post has very similar advantages as the other platforms. You can send your invitations via email or text, create custom designs, track RSVPs, and message guests. But there are also a few features that are unique to Paperless Post. 

In 2018, Paperless Post introduced Flyers, a tech-savvy alternative to their classic (read: traditional) invitations. Flyers are invitations that are much more customizable, include plenty of animations, and look great sent via text message. They’re an informal option for easy-going get togethers.

Also, while Paperless Post isn’t unique in offering text invites, their text options are superior to those of Evite and Punchbowl. They take up the entire phone screen to look like a real invitation over SMS (vs a plain text SMS with a link to the invite). This is great for the party organizer who loves the classic look of Paperless Post invitations but also loves the ease of text.

As we mentioned earlier, another fun feature of Paperless Post is that they also partner with iconic artists who are unique to their company, such as Kate Spade, Rifle Paper, Anthropologie, and Oscar de la Renta, among other designers. On top of cute designs, they offer tons of customizations to make each design your own. If you’re planning a wedding, the Paperless Post features are especially beneficial. You can send a digital Save the Date with a map, gift registry link, and even highlight local accommodation. Then, print the formal invitation and get the best of both the digital and classic invitation world. 

Finally, both the Paperless Post website and the app are as well designed as their invitations — clean, beautiful, and easy to use. Their designs appeal to a specific style of event: a combination of elegant, fun, and modern, with a slightly traditional twist.

Drawbacks

One drawback that customers express regarding Paperless Post is the cost. Another downside to the service is that they use a coin system that skews the actual monetary cost — and is somewhat confusing, especially for the less tech-savvy crowd. The coin system can be cumbersome for some users. For example, each premium feature costs a certain number of coins per invitation. If your invitation requires 5 coins per guest and you have 20 guests, it will cost 100 coins (or $22). 

To purchase a printed version of your invitations, you must go through Paper Source, which can also be a bit pricey. You can’t see the names of plus ones, which can make planning a bit difficult. On the free flyers, you must remove the extras and uncheck “premium” to make sure it’s free. Premium is the default, which can catch customers off guard. You can include video with the flyers, just not with the classic card invitations. And while Paperless Post allows you to gather information from guests (such as addresses), they don’t include the “potluck” or “what to bring” feature that is prominent with Evite and Punchbowl.

Punchbowl

Punchbowl was originally called MyPunchbowl and was a free site for end-to-end party planning. Started in 2007, it was created in the same era as Paperless Post and Greenvelope. Punchbowl grew to become the original provider of Disney characters for online invitations, and added more collaborations with iconic kid’s character companies like Nickelodeon, Sanrio, and many more.

Most recently, Punchbowl acquired Memento, a video recording and shared album platform where people can also make group videos and collaborate memories. 

Advantages

Punchbowl sets itself apart as a great resource for family friendly gatherings and fun, casual events. Because it was once a standalone party planning site, Punchbowl is also a great resource for party ideas and favors.

Punchbowl, like Greenvelope, helps support causes focused on sustainability, so they’re well-liked by people who care about using electronic invitations as a means to support sustainability and climate change.

By far the thing that stands out the most about Punchbowl are their great options for kids’ parties and events. Fun characters such as Peppa Pig, Trolls, Spiderman, and Minions make planning a themed party incredibly easy. 

Like the other platforms, Punchbowl invitations can be delivered by text or email (or link via social). They also include an app in both the App Store and Google Play — fantastic for people on the go. Organizers can include a custom message to guests, or even use the Potluck tool to ask guests to bring food to the gathering! The best way to describe Punchbowl is the e-invitation site that keeps things simple. The designs, process, and tools all make sending digital invitations simple and fast, so you can get to the fun part of planning and prepping for your event. 

Drawbacks

Some drawbacks about Punchbowl include the presence of ads on the invitations, even with the free trial — customers must upgrade to the Platinum plan to have them removed. Also, their texts can look like spam links (as opposed to the full-frame invitation or graphic that appears with other platforms), which can make it confusing for recipients or even cause them to delete the text.

While Punchbowl’s RSVP tracking and messaging features may not be as robust as some of the other platforms, they offer a competitive invitation service for a fraction of the cost. Platinum membership — their highest tier — is only $15.99/month when not on sale, and it allows you to send invitations for up to 500 guests per event. All in all, many customers find the easy-to-use service a great choice for quickly organizing events for family and friends.

Greenvelope

Greenvelope is a Seattle-based company founded in 2008 that is focused on helping people go paperless to preserve the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. They focus on invitations that have a realistic opening experience and the same elegant “feel” as a classic, paper invitation. Greenvelope specializes in online invitations and RSVP tracking, making the platform a great resource for large events.

Advantages

Greenvelope is lauded for its tracking and planning features. You can easily import guest lists, send surveys, message guests, and more with Greenvelope. The platform also offers email address verification, so you can avoid the issue of double paying and still have the emails end up in junk.

Greenvelope partners with artists across the globe, so you can find beautiful and unique designs. This gives the sense of exclusive designs and a more specialty appeal for your event. Greenvelope also offers a free trial that you can use for an unlimited amount of time with limited features. However, their paid plans offer the bulk of the benefits that are part of the Greenvelope experience.

There are no ads on Greenvelope. They offer device support, and are focused on user experience so you can customize your digital invitations, add registries and more. Custom designs usually come with added fees.

Possibly the coolest thing about Greenvelope is the sustainability causes they support, which include the National Park Foundation, National Forest Foundation, Mountains to Sound and 1% for the Planet. They also have a bus program and plant trees. Greenvelope has overall really good reviews, and they’ve won some awards as well.

Drawbacks

One of the biggest drawbacks to Greenvelope is the cost. It is more expensive (after the free trial) than other platforms but with the big cost comes some big benefits. Greenvelope offers a wide array of services beneficial for larger events, as opposed to family-focused events. The platform is great for the corporate event or wedding where guests need to specify meal options, song requests, and where the organizer needs the best tools available to track RSVPs for a large number of people. 

With the pricing issues come a few other sticking points for Greenvelope users. Some people do not like that Greenvelope prices per person — rather than per email. If you send an email invitation that includes five guests but only one email address, you get charged for five guests. Also, if you resend any invites, it’s an additional cost.

Evite vs Paperless vs Punchbowl

Now that we’ve seen the pros and cons of each electronic invitation platform, let’s compare these four services with specific aspects of each.

Features

Evite, Paperless Post, Punchbowl and Greenvelope are all very similar in their features and offer many of the same benefits for users. However, there are a few key differences:

  • Evite offers users the ability to send cryptocurrency gifts. They also include animated invitations and video invites, great options for your events with family and friends.
  • Paperless Post lets you order matching party supplies and get printed invitations. They partner with iconic artists and designers so you can have amazingly unique and upscale invites. All invitations have animated envelope opening, and text invites take up the recipients’ screen versus making them click on a link. This is a great choice for weddings and more formal events.
  • Punchbowl offers party favors and photo/video sharing services. They also partner with artists, and they’re the only one to offer iconic kids’ characters for invitations (like Disney, Sanrio etc). An incredible choice for children’s parties and family events. 
  • Greenvelope also includes animated envelope opening to mimic the real thing. They partner with companies like the National Park Service and are the most committed to sustainability. They have the most robust backend tools for organizing and managing for large events, making them a great choice for corporate events.

User friendliness

Which website is more user-friendly and makes it easiest to use the service? According to customer feedback, the best sites for user friendliness are Greenvelope and Punchbowl.

Greenvelope has amazing customer reviews overall, though they’re more focused on elegant invitations for large events rather than smaller, informal events. Their website is up to date and easy to use and includes all the information a customer needs in order to compare Greenvelope services and make an informed purchase. 

Punchbowl’s founders are user interface experts, so the Punchbowl website ranks at the top for user experience. They still have some bugs to work out in their app, but they have a high number of positive customer reviews online than other services. 

Paperless Post comes in third, as many customers seem to have trouble figuring out how to design invitations on their site — not to mention, the coin system is unnecessarily confusing. However, their customer service team strives to answer people promptly, making the user experience a tad bit better with one-on-one support. 

Evite comes in last, because a quick online search will tell you that more customers have negative experiences with Evite than the other websites — the interface is outdated, and it is very difficult to find the info you need all in one place. However, once you find their Premium and Evite Pro pages, it is easy to see that their upgrading their website experience. 

Design Library & Flexibility

Every great electronic invitation website and app comes with its version of a design library. Finding the one you like best depends on what style of invitation you’re looking for and what type of event you’re organizing. 

Evite, Paperless Post, Puchbowl, and Greenvelope all offer designs for nearly every imaginable event and holiday, and they all allow for custom designs and uploads (with the paid versions, of course). So which design library is best? It may come down to how much you’re willing to pay. 

All libraries offer many free options (or free trials) that would do the trick for your family birthday party or Superbowl gathering. However, if you’re looking for higher-quality — or more unique — options, then you may need to splurge for the paid versions. Each paid option offers a wider array of designs as well as the flexibility to send out invitations to a larger number of guests.

For some fun, printable options, Paperless Post offers matching party supplies and printed versions of their invitations, which the others do not. Paperless Post also offers around 1,000 free customizable invitation templates.

Let’s look more at use cases to see which library would best suit your situation.

Use Cases

If you want household-name designer invitations — and the ability to send both digital and print versions — pick Paperless Post. Evite and Greenvelope also partner with artists, but not as many well-known fashion names or stationery designers. Paperless Post also offers great event planning tools to help ease the stress of managing your guest list. 

For fan favorite, iconic kids’ characters, go with Punchbowl, which has characters from Disney and more for all ages.

If you want unique invitations designed by a variety of global artists, choose Greenvelope. They also allow for maps to be included, as well as external links and survey questions for guests.

For ease of use and familiarity, choose Evite. As the longest standing platform of the four, more of your guests will know how to RSVP and access event details. Evite also offers a wide range of options for any event from a graduation party to your office holiday event.  

Emailing

Evite, Punchbowl, Paperless Post, and Greenvelope are fairly comparable when it comes to email list management. All four platforms allow you to manage your guests with RSVP tracking and the ability to message guests with updates.

They also all include polling, where you can create questions for your guests to answer that will help with party planning. For example, meal choices or dietary restrictions, song requests, and more. 

Greenvelope and Paperless Post also include easy-to-use map features so guests can easily see where the event is taking place. Other specialty features include links to a registry, nearby accommodation, or helpful resources.

Of all the platforms, Evite has many complaints from customers who say emails weren’t delivered or ended up in spam folders. When they tried to resend or edit email addresses, they got charged to resend the emails.

Cost

Some of the digital invitation platforms hide their pricing well, and you’ll likely have to get into designing your invites before you get an accurate price. However, here is what we do know about invitation prices. 

Evite’s Premium pricing (which includes the ability to disable ads) starts at $15.99 for their small package for up to 15 guests and maxes out at the extra-large package (up to 750 guests) for $79.99. Then there is Evite Pro, a yearly subscription for $249.99 that offers all the bells and whistles of the premium membership, plus an entire platform to host virtual events. Evite Pro is geared mostly toward businesses and non-profits, giving corporations the ability to invite up to 2,500 guests, add donation options, and even include a custom business logo on the invitation. 

Paperless Post is the only platform that uses “coin packages” instead of straightforward pricing. The price per coin varies depending on the package size. There are 5 package options with 25 coins for $12 to 1,000 coins for $115. The coins are non-refundable, but they stay in your account for up to 5 years to be used on later purchases (free coins last one year). The coin system is fairly confusing, as you don’t know how many you need prior to designing your invitation and adding your guest list. This is very challenging for the budget-conscious party planner.

Punchbowl pricing is by far the most straightforward. The site offers subscription plans of Platinum, Premium, and Plus, and their yearly plans are non-refundable. The cheapest plan is Plus, which is $7.99/month (aside from sales — right now it’s $3.99/month). This gives you up to 50 guests per event. The only way you can get ad-free invites is with Punchbowl’s Platinum “Remove Advertising” plan, which is $15.99/month (currently on sale for $7.99/month) that includes 500 guests per event.

Greenvelope pricing is based on the number of guests — not invitations, but actual invited individuals. This means that one invitation for a family of five is charged as five guests. They have single mailing plans for your one-off event that range from $19 for up to 20 guests, all the way up to $3,799 for up to 25,000 guests. They also have plans for unlimited mailings, starting at $125/year for up to 50 people and ranging up to $4,235/year for up to 12,500 people. 

Conclusion

Depending on what you’re celebrating, finding a good service for digital invitations is tricky! We hope that our review of these platforms helps you discover which invitation service best fits your needs and expectations for your next event.

Evite, Paperless Post, Punchbowl, and Greenvelope each have unique aspects that set them apart from the others. One may be better for you depending on your needs and purposes. And perhaps you’ll try them all at one point or another! There really is something out there for almost every kind of event, invite, and shindig you can dream up. 

In short: if you’re looking for the perfect theme for your child’s birthday party, choose Punchbowl; if you want gorgeous designer invitations, choose Paperless Post; if you want to support places like the National Park Service and some unique indie designers, choose Greenvelope; for the most familiar service or best free tools, try Evite; and if planning a corporate event is on your radar, Greenvelope and Evite Pro have the most robust tools for your needs. And finally, if budget is important to you, you can also choose the one that has the pricing options that makes the most sense for your event.

There are so many options out there, so have fun exploring, creating, designing, and party planning!

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