Planning a memorable celebration for someone’s retirement, birthday, anniversary, or other occasion can be a joyous but daunting task, especially when you want to involve a large group of people. Thankfully, creating group gifts and cards is easier than ever with websites designed to help you gather content from the crowd and create a heartfelt surprise for your loved one or colleague. In this blog post, we’ll compare seven popular platforms: Kudoboard, GroupGreeting, RecoCards, Newlywords, Group Greets, Group Together, and Send Wish. Each of these platforms offers unique features for creating group greeting cards, gifts, and memorabilia tailored to different types of celebrations. Ready to find the best online platform for your next group greeting card or gift? Let’s dive into the details.
Comparison Table
The Best Collaborative Platforms for Group Greeting Cards and Gifts
We’ve compared each online platform based on six different categories. Creating the perfect collaborative greeting card or gift requires top-notch technology, so each platform is graded on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following categories: user-friendliness, message privacy, types of media that can be utilized to create your card/gift, design options, physical gift options, and customer reviews. Which online platform is best for your colleague’s retirement, Grandpa’s 80th birthday, or your remote office holiday party? It depends on your goals, how easily you want to collaborate with friends/staff, and whether or not you want a digital card or a tangible gift to give your colleague or loved one.
Based on the chart above, we’ve unpacked the seven popular online platforms based on their main offering and their strengths and weaknesses in each category.
Kudoboard
Kudoboard is known as the go-to platform for creating digital group greeting cards. This platform shines with its user-friendliness and the variety of media types it accepts, making it perfect for tech-savvy celebrants. It is a popular choice for large companies that wish to create a more personalized celebration experience for their employees. However, for those looking to create more than a digital surprise, its physical gift options are somewhat limited. Also, while there is messaging privacy, Kudoboards are visible to all participants, so your contribution may not be as private as you hope. All in all, the online reviews are generally positive, and it boasts an overall rating of 4.5, making it a top choice for most occasions.
GroupGreeting
GroupGreeting is another popular choice for businesses, as it claims to be used by over 20,000 workplaces and 80% of Fortune 500 companies. While GroupGreeting offers decent user-friendliness and message privacy, it falls short in terms of media types accepted and design options. Users can upload images, add personal messages, and include an e-gift card, but the options end there. It’s a suitable option for simple celebrations with an overall rating of 3.8.
RecoCards
If privacy is your top concern, RecoCards has you covered with a perfect score of 5 in that category. Not only that, but 99% of RecoCards features are free to any user, and their premium plan is only a small monthly fee compared to other platforms. However, its user-friendliness and design options are more limited, which is to be expected with a (mostly) free platform. RecoCards is a safe choice for intimate occasions, with an overall rating of 3.7. For large group events that require more options and pizazz, another website might be the better option.
Newlywords
Newlywords excels in message privacy and also comes out on top as the best platform for creating physical gifts. While other platforms focus on greeting cards, Newlywords provides the tools for businesses and individuals alike to create collaborative memory books. One great feature is that the memories and stories you share on Newlywords are not visible to other participants, which means you can get sentimental without feeling self-conscious. It does lag slightly behind in media types accepted, but the tradeoff is the ability for large groups to upload photos, stories, memories, and even recipes to create both a digital and printed book which makes the perfect physical gift for remote companies, retirements, family celebrations, and more. Finally, Newlywords scores well in online reviews and with an overall rating of 4.5, it’s a great choice for those who want a physical keepsake gift.
Group Greets
While Group Greets falls a little behind other platforms with an overall rating of 3.2, the greeting “card” website offers something unique to other options. Group Greet focuses on creating a more personalized eCard experience with AI-generated photo montages, slideshows, and multimedia mixes. It’s touted as “More like a movie than an Ecard,” making it a great option for groups that wish to send a virtual movie-like greeting without all the fuss of finding the right editing platform. Group Greets may be is average across the board in our six categories, but it is a suitable option for straightforward celebrations and groups that wish to emphasize personalized video content.
GroupTogether
GroupTogether takes a different approach to collaborative celebrations by offering both group gifts and group eCards. The platform lets users contribute toward a group gift that can be chosen from over 150 eGift cards (sorry, no tangible gift here, folks). While very user-friendly and a great way to gather funds toward a collaborative eGift, GroupTogether doesn’t stand out in other aspects. Its overall rating of 3.2 makes it a middle-of-the-road choice for your next celebration.
Send Wish
Send Wish is both a group greeting card and invitation platform, making it a great option for those planning a physical event. While the website offers excellent user-friendliness and decent message privacy, is fully digital, which means it lacks any physical gift options (apart from the ability to download a PDF of your group greeting card). The platform does provide a way to schedule eCards, making it a great choice for individuals, families, or managers who want to stay one step ahead of busy birthday and holiday seasons. With an overall rating of 3.7, Send Wish is a decent choice for all things digital when it comes to corporate or private celebrations.
Which Online Platform is Right for Your Celebration?
The perfect platform for your special occasion depends on your specific needs. Whether you’re a manager planning digital corporate celebrations for a large staff or the family member responsible for finding the perfect way to invite scattered relatives to participate in a group greeting for a loved one, there is an online platform that fits your goals.
Among the seven platforms on our list, Kudoboard and Newlywords certainly come out on top in terms of overall ratings and features offered. Kudoboard offers a well-rounded experience for both corporations and individuals and is the most well-known of all the websites. It is user-friendly and provides great design and media options. Just remember that each “board” is public to all participants, so go easy on the inside jokes. Newlywords, on the other hand, is a better fit for those wishing to create a physical group gift for any occasion imaginable. From corporate team-building to Mom and Dad’s 40th anniversary, the platform makes collaborative gifting a breeze (and keeps your sentiments private so only the recipient sees your loving message). Next time you’re in charge of organizing a collaborative greeting card or gift, consider your priorities and goals and select the platform that allows you to create a memorable celebration for your loved one or colleague.
Finding the perfect group gift idea can be a daunting task, whether you’re looking to buy in bulk for a large group or pooling funds for a special, high-value present for one person or group. With so many occasions and recipient types to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices. That’s where this guide comes in! Our comprehensive list of group gift ideas is designed to help you navigate the myriad of options and find the perfect gift for any situation.
From holiday celebrations and friendly get-togethers to family gatherings and office parties, we’ve got you covered with creative and thoughtful ideas for every group. Whether you’re searching for gifts that everyone can enjoy or a standout present that leaves a lasting impression, you’ll find inspiration in the sections below.
Dive in and explore our curated suggestions for Christmas, friends, coworkers, and more. Plus, check out our FAQs for helpful tips on choosing and giving group gifts. Get ready to make your next group gift-giving experience a breeze!
Group Gift Ideas To Buy in Bulk for a Group
When you need to buy gifts for each individual in a large group (like employees in a company, a family or friend reunion or big event, for example), finding something that suits everyone can be a challenge. These bulk gift ideas are perfect for spreading joy and ensuring each recipient feels appreciated and included!
Themed gift baskets are an excellent choice for group gifting, offering a delightful assortment of treats that cater to various tastes. Places like Gourmet Gift Baskets provide a wide range of options, ensuring you can find the perfect basket for your group. Whether it’s gourmet food, fine wine, or a mix of both, these baskets are sure to impress and bring joy to all recipients.
Tech gadgets make fantastic group gifts, especially when personalized to add a special touch. For companies, consider gadgets like custom-branded power banks, USB drives, or wireless chargers with the company logo or employees’ names. For family or friends, personalize items like Bluetooth speakers, phone cases, or smart home devices with names, event dates, or photos. These thoughtful customizations turn useful gadgets into memorable keepsakes, perfect for any group. Companies like Swag.com have lots of options for this!
Bulk snack boxes are a fun and practical group gift that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for office teams, family gatherings, or friend groups, these boxes are filled with a variety of snacks to satisfy all taste preferences. Check out Snack Boxes USA for a wide selection of curated snack boxes that can be easily ordered in bulk, making group gifting simple and delicious.
Custom water bottles are an excellent group gift that combines practicality with personalization. Ideal for workplaces, sports teams, or any group event, these bottles can be customized with names, logos, or unique designs. A great place to order them is CustomInk, where you can easily personalize water bottles to match your group’s needs, ensuring everyone stays hydrated in style.
Portable chargers are a highly practical group gift that ensures everyone stays connected on the go. Perfect for employees, friends, or family members, these handy devices can be a lifesaver in a pinch. Consider adding a personal touch by customizing them with names, event dates, or company logos. This thoughtful and functional gift is sure to be appreciated by all recipients. Companies like Vistaprint allow you to customize chargers and power banks with your own designs and buy them in bulk!
Event tickets are an exciting group gift that creates lasting memories. Whether for a concert, sports game, or theater show, these experiences can be enjoyed together, fostering a sense of community and fun. For purchasing tickets in bulk, check out Ticketmaster or StubHub, where you can find great deals and a wide selection of events to suit any group’s interests.
Gift cards are a versatile and highly appreciated option for group gifts. They allow each recipient to choose something they truly want or enjoy a meal at their favorite restaurant. Simply give out a survey or send an email asking for everyone’s favorite place, and then go to a site like giftcards.com to purchase!
Personalized T-shirts or hoodies are a fun and stylish group gift for friends. Customizing these items with unique designs, inside jokes, or memorable quotes makes them special and meaningful. Companies like CustomInk and Vistaprint offer easy customization options, allowing you to create matching apparel that celebrates your friendship and provides a lasting memento for everyone in the group.
9. Custom Memory Books
Custom memory books are a heartfelt group gift that captures cherished moments and shared experiences. Perfect for friends, these books can include photos, personal messages, and memorable anecdotes. Companies like Newlywords make it easy to design and collaborate on personalized memory books that celebrate your friendship, providing a treasured keepsake for everyone in the group!
Group experiences, such as escape rooms, make fantastic gifts for friends, offering an exciting and interactive way to bond. These activities encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and lots of laughter, creating unforgettable memories. To book a group escape room experience, check out local escape room venues or companies like Escape The Room and Escapology, which offer a variety of themed rooms to suit any group’s interests.
Family name signs are a charming and personalized group gift that adds a touch of warmth to any home. These custom signs can feature the family name, established date, and unique designs that reflect the family’s style. Sites like Etsy and Personal Creations offer a variety of customizable options, making it easy to create a beautiful and meaningful gift that the whole family will treasure.
Custom puzzles featuring family photos are a delightful and engaging group gift that brings loved ones together. These puzzles can showcase cherished memories, providing both entertainment and a keepsake. Sites like Shutterfly and Zazzle offer easy customization options, allowing you to turn your favorite family photos into a fun and unique puzzle that everyone will enjoy assembling.
Matching pajamas are a fun and cozy group gift that brings a sense of unity and festive spirit to family gatherings. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, these pajamas can be customized with family names, favorite colors, or themed designs. Companies like Hanna Andersson and Pajama Gram offer a wide range of matching pajama sets, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your family.
Family tree artwork and/or a genealogy book make a thoughtful and meaningful group gift for families. The family tree artwork beautifully showcases the family’s heritage, while the genealogy book provides a detailed account of the family’s history and lineage. Companies like Ancestry and My Canvas offer customizable family tree prints and genealogy book services, allowing you to create a unique and lasting tribute to your family’s roots!
Ember Mugs are a perfect group gift for coworkers or employees, combining practicality with a touch of luxury. These smart mugs allow users to set and maintain their preferred beverage temperature, ensuring every sip is perfect. They can leave for a last-minute presentation and come back to their coffee as hot as they left it, for example! Ember Mugs can also be personalized with names or company logos to add a special touch. For customized Ember Mugs, check out websites like CustomInk or CustomUSB, where you can easily add personalizations to make this gift even more unique and appreciated by your colleagues.
Useful personalized gifts are a fantastic way to show appreciation to coworkers or employees while providing them with items they can use daily. Consider practical items like tote bags, wine tumblers, or insulated water bottles, all customized with names, initials, or company logos. Sites like Vistaprint and CustomInk offer a variety of customizable options, making it easy to create thoughtful and functional gifts that your coworkers will love and use regularly.
Coffee or tea gift boxes make excellent group gifts for coworkers, offering a delightful assortment of high-quality brews. These curated boxes can include a variety of flavors, blends, and accessories, catering to different tastes and preferences. For a special touch, consider adding personalized mugs or infusers. Companies like Bean Box for coffee and Sips By for tea provide a wide range of gift box options, ensuring you find the perfect selection to treat your team.
Office plants are a wonderful group gift for both in-office and remote coworkers, bringing a touch of nature and a breath of fresh air to any workspace. They help create a more pleasant and productive environment, and many varieties are easy to care for. Consider gifting personalized planters or pots to add a special touch. Sites like The Sill and Bloomscape offer a variety of office-friendly plants that can be delivered directly to your coworkers, whether they work in the office or from home, making it easy to brighten up everyone’s workspace with a bit of greenery.
Group Gift Ideas for Women & Men
These group gift ideas are versatile and can be tailored to suit groups of women, men, or mixed groups, depending on their interests and preferences. Choose from a variety of thoughtful and personalized options to ensure everyone feels appreciated and special.
Spa day packages are a luxurious group gift that provides relaxation and pampering. Whether for a special occasion or simply to show appreciation, a day at the spa can help women unwind and rejuvenate. Consider packages that include massages, facials, and other treatments. Sites like Spa Finder and Groupon offer a variety of spa day packages that can be tailored to suit your group’s preferences.
Personalized jewelry makes a thoughtful and elegant group gift for women. Customizing pieces with names, initials, or meaningful dates adds a unique touch that recipients will cherish. Options include necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Places like Etsy and Zales offer a wide range of customizable jewelry, ensuring you find the perfect piece for each woman in the group. For men, jewelry can also be a great idea, especially with pieces like watches.
Skincare and/or makeup sets are a practical and delightful group gift for women and men who enjoy skincare and beauty products. These sets can include high-quality cosmetics, skincare essentials, and beauty tools. Look for brands that offer customizable kits to cater to different skin types and preferences. Stores like Sephora and Ulta provide a variety of makeup and skincare sets, making it easy to find the perfect gift for your group.
Custom tote bags are a versatile and stylish group gift for women as well as men. Personalizing these bags with names, monograms, or unique designs adds a special touch. They are perfect for everyday use, whether for work, shopping, or leisure. Sites like Vistaprint and Custom Ink offer a range of customizable tote bags, allowing you to create a practical and memorable gift for each person in the group.
Golf accessories make an excellent group gift for men and women who enjoy the sport. Consider items like personalized golf balls, high-quality gloves, or custom golf towels. These gifts add a personal touch to their golfing experience and show thoughtfulness. Online companies like Golf Galaxy and Personalization Mall offer a variety of customizable golf accessories perfect for gifting.
Personalized barware is a stylish and practical group gift for men and women who appreciate a good drink. Items like engraved whiskey glasses, custom beer mugs, or personalized cocktail shakers can enhance their home bar experience. Places like Things Remembered and Uncommon Goods provide a range of customizable barware options, ensuring a unique and memorable gift for each recipient.
Gourmet grilling sets are a fantastic group gift for men and women who love to cook and barbecue. These sets can include high-quality utensils, marinades, spices, and personalized aprons. They make outdoor cooking even more enjoyable and can be tailored to different tastes. Companies like Williams-Sonoma and BBQ Guys offer a variety of grilling sets that cater to different needs and preferences.
Tech gadgets are always a hit with men and women, offering both functionality and entertainment. Consider gifts like smart speakers, wireless earbuds, or portable chargers. Adding personalization, such as names or initials, makes these gadgets even more special. Companies like Best Buy and Sharper Image offer a wide selection of tech gadgets, ensuring you find something that suits each person’s interests and needs.
Classroom supplies are a practical and much-appreciated group gift for teachers. Items like stationery, educational games, and art materials can help replenish their classroom resources and support their teaching efforts. Sites like Teachers Pay Teachers and Staples offer a wide range of classroom supplies that teachers will find useful and valuable.
Gift cards to bookstores are a thoughtful and versatile gift for teachers, allowing them to choose books, educational materials, or personal reads that they enjoy. These gift cards can be used at major retailers like Barnes & Noble or Amazon, providing teachers with the flexibility to pick what they need or want.
A one-year drink box subscription is a delightful group gift that offers teachers a monthly treat of their favorite beverages. Whether it’s coffee, wine, or a variety of teas, these subscriptions provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience throughout the year. Places like Bean Box for coffee and Winc for wine offer excellent subscription options.
Relaxation gift sets are a perfect way to show teachers your appreciation and help them unwind. These sets can include natural candles, luxurious skincare products, or spa essentials, offering a much-needed break from their busy schedules. Stores like Bath And Body Works and Lush USA provide a variety of relaxation gift sets that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Personalized ornaments are a charming and festive group gift for Christmas for anyone from family members, to friends to coworkers and employees. Adding names, dates, or special messages makes these ornaments unique keepsakes that recipients can cherish for years to come. Online stores like Ornaments With Love and Personalization Mall offer a variety of customizable options to suit any style.
Custom holiday mugs are a cozy and practical gift that everyone can enjoy. Personalize them with names, holiday designs, inside jokes or festive messages to add a special touch. Perfect for hot cocoa or coffee, these mugs bring holiday cheer to any gathering. Check out sites like Shutterfly and Zazzle for a wide range of customizable holiday mugs.
Themed gift baskets are a delightful and versatile group gift for Christmas. Filled with gourmet foods, holiday treats, or seasonal goodies, these baskets cater to various tastes and preferences. Consider options from Gourmet Gift Baskets or Harry And David to find the perfect basket for your group.
Branded apparel makes a great group gift for employees or corporate teams, extended families, friend groups or other community groups during the holiday season. Items like sweaters, hoodies, or beanies with the company logo, family or team name or inside joke add a touch of team spirit and unity. Custom Ink and Vistaprint offer a variety of apparel options that can be customized to showcase your brand.
Group Gift Ideas To Contribute to One Big Gift
When a group wants to pool resources for a significant and impactful gift, the options can be both exciting and meaningful. These ideas are perfect for contributing to one big gift, whether it’s for another group, an organization, or a special event. Choose from high-end gadgets, exclusive experiences, or major donations to create a memorable and appreciated gesture.
A high-end gadget or tech item, such as a top-of-the-line laptop, smart home system, or advanced projector makes an impressive and useful gift for a group or organization. These items can enhance productivity, entertainment, or overall experience for everyone involved. Stores like Best Buy and Apple offer a range of high-end tech options to choose from.
Gifting an exclusive experience, such as a hot air balloon ride, yacht trip, private concert, or large party, creates unforgettable memories. These experiences provide a unique way for the group to bond and celebrate together. Companies like Virgin Experience Gifts and Cloud 9 Living offer a variety of exclusive experiences that can be tailored to the group’s preferences.
Collaborative memory books are a thoughtful and sentimental gift that can be cherished by organizations, schools, and other groups. These books can include photos, messages, and memories contributed by members of the group, creating a beautiful keepsake that celebrates their shared experiences. Online platforms like Newlywords offer customizable options for creating unique and meaningful memory books and excel in making collaboration easy.
A beautiful piece of artwork or a sculpture can be a meaningful and lasting gift for an organization or group. It adds aesthetic value and can be a constant reminder of the group’s shared experience and appreciation. Sites like Saatchi Art and Art.com offer a wide selection of artwork and sculptures to suit various tastes and styles.
Making a major donation to a meaningful cause on behalf of the group is a powerful way to give back and make a positive impact. Choose a charity or cause that resonates with the group’s values and interests. Places like Charity Navigator and Global Giving can help you find reputable organizations to donate to.
Sponsoring an event, such as a community festival, charity gala, or sports tournament, is a fantastic way to contribute to a group or organization. This type of gift not only supports the event but also promotes a sense of community and engagement. Look into local event opportunities or larger-scale events that align with the group’s interests and goals.
One Big Gift for a Friend or Family Member From a Group
A weekend getaway trip or a family vacation is a wonderful gift that provides cherished memories and quality time together. This can be a relaxing beach retreat, an adventurous mountain escape, or a fun-filled theme park visit. Platforms like Expedia and Airbnb offer various travel options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Concert or event tickets are an exciting group gift that offers a memorable experience. Whether it’s tickets to a favorite band’s concert, a major sports event, or a theater show, this gift brings joy and entertainment. Sites like Ticketmaster and StubHub provide a wide selection of events to choose from.
A high-quality camera or tech gadget is a fantastic gift for capturing special moments and enhancing everyday life. Consider items like DSLR cameras, smartwatches, or tablets. Places like Best Buy and Amazon offer a variety of top-tier gadgets that make perfect group gifts.
A collaborative recipe or birthday book is a heartfelt and personalized gift that captures shared memories and moments. Filled with recipes and photos, personal messages, and anecdotes, it becomes a treasured keepsake for the recipient. Companies like Newlywords make it easy to create beautiful and customized memory books, and excel in making collaboration easy!
A group photoshoot package or a custom family portrait is a meaningful gift that provides lasting memories. Professional photos capture the essence of togetherness and can be displayed as art in the home. Look for local photographers or use services like JC Penney Portraits and Minted to arrange a photoshoot or create a custom portrait.
46. Home improvement project or Major household appliance
Contributing to a home improvement project or gifting a major household appliance can significantly enhance the recipient’s living space. Consider items like new furniture, stylish decor, or a high-quality kitchen appliance. Companies like Wayfair and Home Depot offer a variety of options to help transform a home.
An office renovation or upgrade is a fantastic group gift that can greatly improve the work environment. Consider updating furniture, adding ergonomic equipment, or creating a more modern and comfortable workspace. This gift shows appreciation and can enhance productivity and morale. Places like Office Depot and Steelcase offer a variety of office furniture and accessories for a comprehensive upgrade.
A team-building trip is a memorable and engaging group gift that fosters camaraderie and strengthens team bonds. Whether it’s a retreat in the mountains, a day of adventure activities, or a relaxing spa getaway, this experience can boost team spirit and collaboration. Companies like Team Bonding and Adventure Associates offer various team-building packages tailored to different interests and goals.
A high-quality coffee machine is a practical and much-appreciated gift for the office. It ensures that everyone can enjoy their favorite brew without leaving the workplace. Consider machines that offer a variety of coffee options, such as espresso, cappuccino, and drip coffee. Companies like Nespresso and Keurig provide excellent coffee machine options suitable for office use.
50. Group membership to a fitness or wellness program
A group membership to a fitness or wellness program is a thoughtful gift that promotes health and well-being. Whether it’s a gym membership, yoga classes, or a wellness app subscription, this gift encourages a healthier lifestyle. Companies like Class Pass and Mindbody offer flexible membership options that can cater to different fitness levels and preferences.
51. personalized wish box Retirement Bucket List
A personalized wooden box, like those bought here, is relatively easy to get your hands on, and moderately easy to make yourself. You can buy bucket list cards over here for guests to fill out and drop in the box for later storage.
If everyone fills out an idea or two, that should keep the honoree(s) busy for quite a while. But more importantly, it’s easy to tuck a box away in a cabinet or in your luggage than it is a box. Make it waterproof and it will even survive a disastrous fishing trip, or a slightly too wild cruise.
Investing in classroom technology, such as a a smartboard or tablets, is an impactful gift that enhances the learning experience for both the teacher and students. These tools can make lessons more interactive and engaging. Places like Best Buy and Donors Choose offer various educational technology options to support classroom innovation.
Sponsoring an educational trip provides students with valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. This gift can fund visits to museums, science centers, or historical sites, enriching the curriculum and creating lasting memories. Sites like Education First and Smithsonian Student Travel offer educational trip planning and sponsorship opportunities.
High-value gift cards are a versatile and much-appreciated gift for teachers, allowing them to purchase classroom supplies, books, or personal items. Consider gift cards to major retailers like Amazon, Target, or office supply stores. These gift cards provide the flexibility for teachers to choose what they need most.
A major classroom supplies bundle is a practical and generous gift that helps replenish essential materials for the school year. Include items like stationery, art supplies, educational games, and teaching aids. Sites like Teachers Pay Teachers and Staples offer a wide range of classroom supplies that can be bundled into a comprehensive gift package.
FAQs About Group Gifting
What can you gift your team?
Useful and thoughtful items like desk accessories, coffee gift boxes, office plants, or personalized useful gifts like Ember mugs, tote bags and tech gadgets.
What is a collective gift?
A collective gift is one that a group of people contributes towards to buy something of higher value for an individual or another group.
How much should I give for a group gift?
The amount can vary based on the occasion and relationship but typically ranges from $10 to $50 per person for a collective gift.
What is an example of a general gift?
Gift cards, personalized calendars, custom water bottles or gourmet food baskets are examples of general gifts.
Wrapping Up: Giving the Perfect Gift to or from a Group
Choosing the perfect group gift doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can find something that will delight everyone, whether you’re buying in bulk or contributing to a special, larger present. Use the ideas in this guide to inspire your next group gift, ensuring it brings joy and strengthens connections among friends, family, coworkers, or any other group. Happy gifting!
In today’s corporate landscape, fostering a sense of community and team bonding is essential. One way to achieve this—even in remote work environments—is through the creation of employee recipe books or cookbooks. These delightful (and tasty) collaborations not only bring colleagues closer and celebrate workplace diversity but also serve as a cherished keepsake.
To help you decide which platform suits your workplace’s unique needs, we’ll compare five popular websites: Create My Cookbook, Heritage Cookbook, Newlywords, Family Cookbook Project, and Recipe Card Cookbook. Each platform has its strengths, making it best for different circumstances. Let’s find the one that’s right for you.
Comparison Table:
What is an Employee Recipe Book?
As we shift from face-to-face office interaction to a more remote environment, finding ways to develop relationships, build team cohesion, and simply bond is becoming more challenging. One way organizations have tackled this obstacle is through fun, collaborative projects such as creating a recipe book.
Employee recipe books allow staff members to contribute their favorite recipes, as well as the stories behind their significance. This not only allows team members to know each other better, but it also celebrates the diversity of your team. Depending on the platform you use, creating an employee recipe book can be an incredibly bonding and collaborative experience as your team works together to gather photos, stories, and recipes to make a cookbook they’ll refer to again and again.
Create My Cookbook:A Recipe Book Enthusiast’s Dream
Create My Cookbook shines in the “Easy to Collect Recipes” category, earning a 9. Its intuitive interface simplifies the process of gathering recipes from employees, and robust features even help you save time by typing in recipes for you. Whether focusing on creating a space to share diverse recipes or simply developing a fun workplace keepsake, Create My Cookbook is a great choice.
When it comes to design options, Create My Cookbook excels, offering a vast array of templates, customization features, and design tools, earning it a perfect 10 in that category. The book quality is commendable, providing a professional touch to your cookbook.
However, pricing may not be ideal for all workplaces, although price varies widely based on the length of your cookbook, binding, and how many copies your organization needs. Customer reviews are generally positive, highlighting the platform’s reliability and design capabilities. Create My Cookbook is a top choice for those who value creative freedom and are willing to invest a bit more time in their employee recipe books.
Heritage Cookbook:A Classic Choice
Heritage Cookbook may not lead in any specific category, but it offers a well-rounded recipe book experience. It scores a 7 in “Made for the Workplace,” indicating that it caters to the corporate setting only reasonably well. Collecting recipes is straightforward, and employee contributions are also accommodated with relative ease through the platform’s system.
In terms of design, Heritage Cookbook provides classic templates and customization options but doesn’t stand out significantly from other platforms. The book quality, however, shines, with a high-quality finish and paper. Even with the high-quality printing, the pricing is reasonable, making it accessible to a wide range of workplaces. According to reviews, customers appreciate the platform’s simplicity and affordability, making Heritage Cookbook a solid choice for organizations seeking a classic and budget-friendly solution.
Newlywords: – For the Modern Workplace:
Newlywords takes the lead with a stellar score for being made for the workplace. It understands the corporate environment’s unique needs and offers an ideal platform for creating employee recipe books. Its sleek and user-friendly interface ensures easy recipe collection and employee contributions.
One unique feature is the recipe collection page, a customizable questionnaire that is sent to all contributors. Prompt employees with fun questions, invite them to share pictures and memes, and ask for the stories behind the recipes they share. This feature alone creates a truly collaborative experience for your employee recipe book.
In terms of design, Newlywords offers a wide range of customization options, allowing your cookbook to reflect your company’s brand identity, culture, and aesthetic preferences. The book quality is impressive, with excellent paper and printing, earning it a 9 in that category. Pricing is competitive, with options for various budgets. Lastly, customers applaud its reliability and innovation.
Overall, Newlywords is the go-to choice for modern workplaces aiming to create memorable and lasting employee recipe books.
Family Cookbook Project:Bringing Families Closer
While Family Cookbook Project focuses on preserving family recipes, the overall goal of fostering a sense of togetherness also makes it a great option for the workplace. Collecting recipes is a breeze with its intuitive platform, and with its higher-level membership pricing, it allows for unlimited employee (or family) contributions.
Design options, while not as extensive as some competitors, are still impressive. The book quality is reliable but doesn’t stand out from other platforms. Limited binding and paper choice, as well as an emphasis on printing your own PDF cookbook, make it less than ideal for large bulk printing.
Customer reviews highlight the platform’s user-friendliness and community-building features, with a score of 7.9. Family Cookbook Project is an excellent choice for smaller workplaces that want to emphasize a sense of family among their employees.
Recipe Card Cookbook:Budget-Friendly Option
Much like its name implies, Recipe Card Cookbook provides a way to compile images of your old recipe cards into a single printed cookbook. With a pricing score of 9, it is certainly a budget-friendly option, which is reflected in the final product. Collecting recipes is straightforward, and it can meet corporate needs, but the end result is a compilation of recipe card images versus a professional-looking cookbook collab.
Design options on Recipe Card Cookbook are limited compared to most competitors. The design system is a pared-down version of Family Cookbook Project. While you can still type out each recipe and upload your own photos, the idea behind Recipe Card Cookbook is to quickly and easily collect your recipe cards into a simple book.
The printed book quality is decent, and customers appreciate its affordability, with a score of. Recipe Card Cookbook is an ideal choice for small businesses or startups with budget and time constraints.
The Best Employee Recipe Book Platform for Your Company
In the world of collaborative cookbook websites, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for your employee recipe book project. Each platform excels in different areas—design, print quality, collaboration tools, and pricing—making them suitable for various workplace needs. Newlywords stands out as the best choice for modern workplaces, with a focus on workplace dynamics and collaboration features that accommodate organizations of all shapes and sizes.
Not only is the final product a high-quality keepsake that your employees will feel proud of creating, but the platform’s tools make the process of collaboration fun, practical, and easy. Create My Cookbook caters to design enthusiasts willing to invest time and creative energy into customization. Heritage Cookbook offers a classic and budget-friendly option, while Family Cookbook Project emphasizes togetherness and family recipes. Recipe Card Cookbook is the go-to choice for organizations on a tight budget and with little time to invest in creative design
Before making your decision, carefully evaluate your workplace goals, budget, and design preferences to select the platform that aligns best with your needs. Whichever you choose, creating an employee recipe book will undoubtedly enhance team cohesion, celebrate diversity,leave a lasting, flavorful impression.
Looking for a guide to help you craft a collaborative family recipe book that can be passed down to future generations? Look no further!
Famous American chef, James Beard, said “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” Especially in families, recipes and food are one of the main ways to connect and pass down a tradition through the generations. In the past, sharing our favorite dishes meant coming together in the kitchen to cook, swap recipes, and gather around the table.
While being together in one place is not always an option, collaborative recipe books allow us to still share food, recipes, and community — even from afar. Here are our best tips for creating a collaborative recipe book with a group of family, whether it’s genetic or chosen family and community!
What is a Collaborative Family Recipe Cookbook?
A collaborative recipe cookbook is a way to gather and publish a diverse collection of recipes from any group of people. Collaborative cookbooks can be built simply by one person collecting and compiling all of the recipes into one place — say a spreadsheet or document that is easily printed. Other ways to create a collaborative recipe book include utilizing virtual tools built specifically for the task — which we’ll touch more on in a moment.
No matter how you choose to collect and publish your recipe book, the goal is collaboration: gathering a diverse selection of recipes from among your family and/or community. The experience of sharing a personal or beloved, passed-down recipe, and receiving a finished cookbook that allows you to try new recipes from friends and your community, is what makes these cookbooks so unique.
Good Reasons to Start a Collaborative Family Recipe Book
Collaborative cookbooks come in all shapes and sizes, and each serves a unique purpose. Here are some perfect times to create a collaborative family recipe book:
Collecting all of the family recipes and handing out cookbooks at a family reunion is a fun way to celebrate and preserve family traditions and heritage
A gift for kids going off to college or getting their first apartment or house
A wedding gift
A creative way to bring together your family, whether it’s with grown children who have moved away, extended family you want to connect with or a community of friends and loved ones
One of our favorite uses for the collaborative recipe book is as a group activity. Groups of people, from families to large remote companies, use tools such as Newlywords to gather recipes into a collaborative recipe book that gets printed and shipped to each person involved. Individuals can then experience the joy of trying each other’s recipes in their kitchens.
How to Create a Collaborative Family Recipe Book: Step-by-Step Guide
Digital tools are everywhere, which means creating a recipe book with a group — especially a group of family members that is spread out across the country or the world — is easier than ever. Instead of chasing down recipes via email or over the phone, online platforms let you contact, collect, and design your cookbook in one place.
Step 1: Choose Your Participants
The first step is to decide who will participate in your collaborative cookbook. Friends? Blood relatives? An entire community group? The options are endless. Once you have decided who will participate in your collaborative cookbook, you’re just five simple steps away from creating the perfect collection of recipes.
Step 2: Choose a Platform
The next step is to choose the right platform for your recipe book. There are many options that provide various levels of organization and production, including:
Basic tools such as Google Sheets or a Word document provide one way to organize your recipes. The final result won’t look or feel neat, but both are options for collecting everything in one place.
More advanced options include designing your own cookbook in a program such as Canva or InDesign. This is a great option for those who have plenty of time to invest in their collaborative cookbook, who only wish to publish a virtual version, and who love to design page layouts.
Another fantastic option is finding a platform such as Newlywords that specializes in book templates, design, and collaboration. Instead of chasing down the recipes and designing each page yourself, Newlywords tools allow you to upload recipe content and photos, invite collaborators, and edit content all in one place. Digital templates make it easy to create a recipe book that looks like a professional cookbook. You can share ingredients, step-by-step processes, notes, and even photos of the food, or of you and your family cooking together. Collaboration tools mean everyone can participate in the creation of a virtual recipe book and enjoy both a digital PDF and printed book to share with friends and family.
Once you’ve chosen the right platform for your cookbook, create a structure for organizing the recipes. Examples include:
Organization based on specific meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks and desserts.
Cuisine or Ethnicity: If your family or group enjoys diverse culinary backgrounds, consider organizing the cookbook by cuisine or ethnicity. This can celebrate the cultural diversity within your family or community, grouping recipes into sections like Italian, Mexican, Indian, etc.
Seasonal Recipes: Organize recipes by the seasons, highlighting ingredients that are best or available during specific times of the year. This could include sections like summer barbecues, winter comfort foods, spring fresh produce, or autumn harvests.
Special Occasions: Create sections dedicated to dishes that are favorites for celebrations and special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, national holidays, and family reunions. This can include everything from appetizers and main courses to festive desserts and drinks.
Family Favorites: Have a section devoted to all-time family favorites or “signature dishes” from different family members. This could also include the stories behind why these dishes are cherished, adding a personal touch.
Health-Focused Categories: If your family or group is health-conscious, consider sections like gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, or heart-healthy recipes. This not only caters to dietary preferences but also helps those looking for specific types of recipes easily find what they need.
Contributor Features: Each contributor could have their own section where they share their favorite recipes along with personal anecdotes or cooking tips. This personalizes the cookbook and gives each participant a spotlight.
Quick and Easy Meals: For busy weekdays or times when cooking elaborate meals isn’t feasible, a section dedicated to quick and easy recipes can be very useful.
Deciding on a cookbook structure first will make the collaborative experience easier and more fun. If you’re using a spreadsheet to collect recipes, add a new tab for each type of recipe. Otherwise, create shared Google folders for each recipe type to keep things organized.
Many collaborative platforms allow you to create folders or other systems, so contributors can easily add recipes in the right place. If you’re working with an entire group of collaborators, we highly recommend sticking with a digital platform that already has the collaborative tools built in.
Step 4: Start Adding Your Favorite Recipes
Now you can add all your favorite recipes to the book. You can do this by adding them to the spreadsheet, uploading a document of each recipe to a folder, or adding your recipes to your Newlywords template.
As the first to add your recipes to the collaborative recipe book, you’ll make it easier for your friends or colleagues to see how to structure their contributions. With platforms such as Newlywords, it’s easy to format your recipes and photos to look like a professional cookbook. Adding your recipes and photos will inspire your group to visualize the final product and decide how to contribute.
Step 5: Share The Link With The Group for Them to Participate
Once you’ve added all your recipes, invite your group or colleagues to share theirs! You can do this by sharing a link to your spreadsheet, using Google tools that allow them to add documents to folders, or emailing the link through the Newlywords platform.
Be sure to provide any helpful instructions, such as the planned structure for the cookbook or how to add, organize, and design content. Then watch as your group gets to work and your collaborative recipe book comes to life!
Step 6: Incorporating Images
Adding images to your collaborative family cookbook not only enhances its visual appeal but also helps to bring the recipes to life. Here are the types of images to consider including in the book:
High-quality photos of the finished dishes to give readers an idea of what to expect and to entice them to try cooking them.
Step-by-step photos for more complex recipes, which can be especially helpful for novice cooks.
Personal photographs that depict family members cooking together, special gatherings, or the original recipe cards, particularly if they are handwritten heirlooms.
Adding images like these creates a more intimate and cherished cookbook, making it not just a collection of recipes, but a family treasure filled with memories and stories. When adding images, ensure they are well-lit and clear, and consider the layout and design of the pages so that text and images are balanced and complement each other effectively. A platform like Newlywords has pre-made layouts to choose from and edit yourself so you an easily fit images and text together or separately on pages as needed.
When all the recipes are in place, it’s time to publish and share your cookbook. “Publishing” can be done in several ways. For spreadsheets, you can simply share the link with others. If you designed your own layout using tools such as Canva and InDesign, save and download your work as a shareable PDF. Collaboration platforms provide ways to download a digital cookbook, although that usually requires a fee.
Newlywords, however, offers free publication of e-books (PDFs). Not only that, but if you absolutely love your virtual cookbook, you can easily upgrade to a printed version. Turn your beautiful, one-of-a-kind collaborative recipe collection into a hardcover, professional-quality cookbook!
How To Use Handwritten Recipes In Your Collaborative Family Cookbook
Handwritten recipes are treasures that carry the personal touch and history of those who cooked before us. Incorporating these into your collaborative family cookbook not only preserves these recipes but also captures the essence of your family’s culinary heritage.
Digitization
Begin by digitizing the handwritten recipes you have. This can be done by scanning them or taking high-resolution photographs. Ensure the images are clear and readable. If necessary, use photo editing tools (like Photoshop or Lightroom) to enhance the visibility and reduce shadows or stains.
Inclusion in the Book
Once digitized, these recipes can be included as images in the cookbook. This preserves the original handwriting and adds a nostalgic element to the book. If the handwriting is difficult to decipher, consider typing out the recipe text as well and placing it alongside the image for clarity.
Personal Stories
Encourage contributors to include a short story or memory associated with the handwritten recipes they submit. This could be a memory of learning to cook the dish with a loved one or a funny story about a kitchen mishap.
Layout Tips
Design the layout so that each handwritten recipe has enough space around it to include annotations or translations if the handwriting is old or uses colloquial terms that might be unfamiliar to younger generations.
How Many Recipes Should be in a Family Recipe Book?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many recipes should be included in a family cookbook. The number can vary depending on the purpose of the cookbook and the scope of the family’s culinary repertoire. Here are some things to consider to help you decide how many recipes to include in your book:
Consider the Purpose: If the cookbook is intended as a comprehensive record of family recipes, you might aim to include as many recipes as possible. However, if the goal is to create a themed cookbook, such as holiday meals or quick family dinners, then a smaller, more curated selection might be more appropriate.
Balance Variety and Manageability: Aim for a balance that reflects the diversity of the family’s tastes and cooking styles without making the book too cumbersome. A good range to start with might be 30-50 recipes. This allows for a variety of dishes, including appetizers, mains, desserts, and beverages, without overwhelming the contributors or the readers.
Flexibility Is Key: Remember, a family cookbook can always be a living document. Starting with a smaller number of recipes can be less daunting, and you can always plan to add more in subsequent editions as more family members contribute.
Engagement and Feedback: Consider getting feedback from potential contributors on how many recipes they think should be included, or set a goal for each contributor to submit a certain number of recipes to ensure even participation.
While we can’t always be at the table to share food with our loved ones, friends or community, virtual tools allow us to still make food a shared experience and common ground.
Creating a collaborative recipe book opens the door for us to come together and not just share our favorite foods, but also a part of who we are
These cookbooks are more than just a way to collect your favorite recipes in one organized space. It’s also how we share and preserve cultural and family traditions for other generations, groups, and families to enjoy.
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!
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 theemails 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!
