02.08.2021
Appreciation of an employee with an office birthday celebration is always a great idea. Here are some great tips for an awesome and inexpensive office birthday celebration.
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Introduction
Celebrating employee birthdays on office premises never gets old. It shows that an organization value employee’s milestones and achievements too. It also helps in creating happiness and motivation and what can be a more effective way than to have a wonderful birthday celebration on their special day?
Secretly, we all expect to get recognition at work during our birthdays. It is our special day, and we want to get more attention than usual and when it comes to celebrating employee birthdays at work, we often fall short of unique and budget-friendly party ideas.
Let us look at some Inexpensive and unique birthday celebration ideas that will make employee’s birthdays memorable.
1.Surprise Desk Decoration
Office desk space is a crucial part of an employee’s working environment. They spend a lot of time working on their desk, how about decorating an employee’s desk without them knowing it?
This is one of the easiest and inexpensive ways to make an employee’s day special. One can use rainbow-colored balloons, some origami decorations, chocolates, and a big banner with “Happy Birthday” written on it. Place them on the table before the employee login for the day.
2.Thoughtful notes from the whole team
Birthdays are a great time to show how much an employee means to the organization and to the team he/she is working for.
Instead of using digital birthday cards, colleagues can write a few sentences about the employees and what they like most about working with that person. The HR team can combine all thoughtful notes in a card and present that as a birthday present to the employee.
It does not take much to put a smile on an employee’s face on his or her birthday; just a sentence or two on an employee’s birthday card can make all the difference!
3.Gift one day off
Some employees may be interested in celebrating their special day with their families or friends. Or an employee might just need a day off to relax & revive. Whatever the case, offering a personal day off on this once-a-year event is something employees will surely appreciate.
In case they do not want to take an off, consider one day off as a birthday present that they can redeem on any day of the year as per their need.
It does not take much to put a smile on an employee’s face on his or her birthday; just a sentence or two on an employee’s birthday card can make all the difference!
4.Hold a Surprise meeting
Another way of celebrating an employee’s birthday is to hold a surprise meeting for an employee.
One can make it unexpected, so it seems like a regular team meeting. Let everyone join well in advance before the birthday boy/girl, so that when the employee (Birthday boy/girl) enters the meeting room, they will be having a huge smile on their face instantly.
Make sure you switch your birthday celebration strategy now and then so they will not automatically expect a “meeting” like this on their special day.
5.A custom video from the Team
Sending personalized video from the team can be very special for anyone, ask everyone to film 15-20 seconds video on their phone or camera to keep it a secret.
It can be anything from cracking a joke, thanking them for personal or professional support, or simply sharing their honest best wishes. With the help of a video editor, put together all the footage you receive from your team add some special effects and show this video during the meeting so that everyone can enjoy it.
6.Cake Break
Cakes play an important role in birthday occasions.
Make sure you find out what employee likes in cake, whether it is chocolate chip, fruit, or red velvet cake. One can also send cakes and sweets to employee’s homes if they are working remotely.
7.Video call celebration for remote employees
If we can’t celebrate employee’s birthdays in the office, there are many alternate ways to make them feel special.
Gather all team members together and wish birthday boy/girl online with the help of group chat software.
This activity can also help in team bonding and give some space to talk on a personal level, which eventually makes the birthday boy/girl feel special in the spotlight given by the team.
8.Personalized gifts
Select some personalized gifts for an employee that will be memorable and useful at the same time.
From Desk Stationery, Custom water bottles, or even Personalized pens. One can also DIY gifts to make it more personalized, such as:
- Goodie bag with snacks or exclusive gourmet ingredients for foodies
- Mini collection of potted plants
for flower lovers
- Handmade candles
9.Favorite treat
Eating together is a simple way to build stronger team bonds,and being able to celebrate your employee at the same time is the cherry on top.
Make sure you know about their favorite cuisine or snacks. Have them order in the office or you can also plan to go out with the team as per their availability.
10.A Gift Card
A gift card or vouchermakes sure that an employee can have exactly what they want, it can be tailored to an employee’s Wishlist or interest.
A week before their birthday, ask them to make a few choices from a gift card list, such as gift cards from Starbucks, Groupon, nearby, Myntra, etc. the employee will appreciate the gesture. Just make sure it is something they are interested in first before you buy a gift card for them. An easy way to do that is by talking to your employees directly.
Written By
Nidhi pandey
Chief Happiness Officer
peer reviewed By
JAsjit Chopra
chief executive officer
Graphics designed By
sanika sanaye
Creative Design Director
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FAQs
What is the cheapest way to celebrate birthday? ›
- Send digital invitations. ...
- Bake your own cake. ...
- Eat potluck style. ...
- Host in a space that comes fully set-up. ...
- Go thrifting for party attire. ...
- Keep an eye out for sales. ...
- Book a venue with A/V equipment included.
SAMPLE BIRTHDAYS IN THE WORKPLACE POLICY
Company will arrange and pay for a birthday party each month to celebrate the birthdays of those employees whose birthdays fall in that month. The party will occur at a time and date that is least disruptive to the company, at the Company's discretion.
- Take a team outing. Celebrating outside of the office with a team can make the occasion feel a little more special. ...
- Decorate their desk. ...
- Gift time-off. ...
- Create a video. ...
- Personalize a card. ...
- Serve birthday breakfast. ...
- Give custom gift cards. ...
- Deliver custom gift baskets.
- Go see a game. For sports fans, a getaway to see their favourite team play a match will always be a great idea for a birthday party. ...
- Test out your athleticism. ...
- Costume party. ...
- Photo shoot. ...
- Talent show. ...
- Game night. ...
- Karaoke. ...
- Camping trip.
- 1Have an at-home spa day. ...
- 2Go on an adventure. ...
- 3Buy yourself some flowers. ...
- 4Binge-watch your favorite show. ...
- 5Try a new makeup trend or hairstyle. ...
- 6Call someone you love and tell them about your accomplishment. ...
- 7Bake your favorite dessert.
- Reward with gift cards and experiences. ...
- Pamper your employees. ...
- Donate to your employees' favorite charities. ...
- Give out fun awards. ...
- Treat your team's taste buds. ...
- Enjoy activities in-office or remotely. ...
- Let employees pursue their passions.
- Bake a cake. ...
- Create a team card. ...
- Give a gift. ...
- Make a magazine cover. ...
- Award ceremony. ...
- After work celebrations. ...
- Create a thank you video. ...
- Potluck party.
- “The day is all yours — have fun!”
- “Happy birthday to my ride or die. ...
- “Thinking of you on your birthday and wishing you everything happy.”
- “Best wishes on your birthday – may you have many, many more.”
- “Cheers to you for another trip around the sun!”
- “Today is about you. ...
- “Happy birthday!
- Fill their room with balloons. ...
- Do a birthday countdown. ...
- Make a birthday present scavenger hunt. ...
- Dress them in special birthday attire. ...
- Transform their chair into a birthday throne. ...
- Or make them an entire birthday castle. ...
- Give them the gift of quality time.
- Choose a date for the party. ...
- Choose a start time for the party. ...
- Decide on a birthday party budget. ...
- Create a guest list. ...
- Decide the location. ...
- Choose a theme. ...
- Choose the food and cake. ...
- Decide on entertainment.
How do you celebrate a team milestone? ›
Host a Team Event
Hosting a team potluck, a zoom cocktail hour, or games lunch are a few ways to celebrate milestones at work. Though you should gauge what your team's interests are, their level of engagement, and creativity to decide on the type of party.
A morale-booster
Seeking joy and finding reasons to celebrate, such as a birthday, also has the valuable business benefit of increasing morale. It makes people feel appreciated and brings staff together, both of which help to form deeper relationships between team members and across the organisation.
- Wishing you a relaxing birthday and joy and happiness in the year to come.
- Wishing you a happy birthday and a wonderful year.
- Wishing you a happy birthday, a wonderful year and success in all you do.
- Wishing you much happiness on your special day.
- Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes! ...
- I'm so grateful for the thoughtful birthday messages and kind wishes from everyone at work. ...
- Thank you to my amazing colleagues for the birthday wishes!
- No presents, please.
- Please, no gifts.
- Just you, no gifts.
- Just bring yourself, nothing more, nothing less.
- Gifts aren't necessary.
- Your presence is present enough.
- Forget what your mama taught you and please come empty-handed.
- The only thing [YOUR CHILD'S NAME] needs is you. Gifts aren't necessary.
Birthday money
Money etiquette experts suggest spending $10 to $20 for classmates while expanding the budget to $25 for close friends, $50 for relatives and upwards of $100 for your own children.
- Create an Enticing Invitation. Your invitations must make an impact! ...
- Invite an Interesting Group of Guests. ...
- Use Festive Décor. ...
- Lighting is Super Important. ...
- Create a Lively Playlist. ...
- Incorporate Thoughtful Details. ...
- Offer Mouthwatering Food. ...
- Serve a Mix of Cocktails.
- Choose a theme. ...
- Determine your budget. ...
- Choose a few date and time options for the event. ...
- Book an event venue. ...
- Arrange entertainment. ...
- Make a guest list. ...
- Order supplies if you're making your own decor.
- A Creamy Employee Appreciation Day. Employee appreciation day shouldn't be one day out of the year. ...
- Scanvenger Hunt Using Virtual Reality. ...
- Karaoke Lunch Battle. ...
- Escape Rooms. ...
- Dragen's Den / Shark Tank. ...
- Departmental Family Feud. ...
- Paint a Mural Party. ...
- Interactive Job Fair.
- Express thanks with a public thank you. ...
- Give a hand-written note. ...
- Offer time off. ...
- Give small gifts. ...
- Cover commuting costs. ...
- Offer chair massages. ...
- Feature top employees on your company blog or newsletter. ...
- Schedule an all-company activity.
How do you make your employees feel valued? ›
- Offer good compensation packages. ...
- Provide meaningful work. ...
- Prioritize a work-life balance. ...
- Start an employee recognition program. ...
- Celebrate achievements. ...
- Offer professional development and learning opportunities. ...
- Hire internally. ...
- Have performance pay or bonuses.
- take your employees or family out for coffee or dinner.
- share a small wins for the week at a team meeting.
- do something special for yourself.
- buy something you usually wouldn't.
- take a day off, or give your employees a day off.
- have a sleep in.
- write a thank you note to those who helped you.
- Take a break. ...
- Write a gratitude letter—to yourself. ...
- Unleash your inner child. ...
- Have a “celebrate us” gathering. ...
- Give yourself the gift of extra time. ...
- Give yourself a social media shout out. ...
- Start a joyful ritual. ...
- Put some happy in your workspace.
It's important to remember that employees will appreciate any gestures of kindness and appreciation – no matter how big or small. So let your employees know they are appreciated by wishing them a happy birthday message! Sending a thoughtful message or card is sure to make their day memorable.
How can I make my boss birthday memorable? ›Brainstorm and make a list to try and determine one or more hobbies, favorite TV-shows or snack foods they have at work. For example, if your boss comes into work every day with a cup of coffee from a local coffee shop, you may want to give them a gift card or personalized mug from that coffee shop.
How do you email an employee birthday celebration? ›Dear [Employee Name], We value your special day just as much as we value you. On your birthday, we send you our warmest and most heartfelt wishes. We are thrilled to be able to share this great day with you, and glad to have you as a valuable member of the team.
What is the powerful verse on birthday? ›Psalm 71:6-8
From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendour all day long.
- You sustained one more year. Congrats!
- I wish you a happier birthday than anyone else has wished you.
- Didn't we just celebrate this like a year ago?
- Happy birthday, champ.
- Don't count the candles, enjoy your day.
- Happy you day.
- Age is just a number.
- I'm glad you were born.
- It's celebration time! ...
- I hope your birthday brings you everything you have ever wished for.
- As we commemorate your birth into this world, may your life be filled with laughter, love, joy and peace.
- Warmest wishes for a very happy birthday.
- Better “over the hill” than under it.
Many parents will place importance on what their birthday kid wants to do. Even though most parents would do cake first, if your child wants to open the presents, you might as well follow their cues and open presents first.
Is it OK to celebrate birthdays at work? ›
A morale-booster
Seeking joy and finding reasons to celebrate, such as a birthday, also has the valuable business benefit of increasing morale. It makes people feel appreciated and brings staff together, both of which help to form deeper relationships between team members and across the organisation.
Celebrating successes at work is important for team building and allows members of an organization to build friendships and positive working relationships with their team members. Celebrations may include activities that promote socializing and teamwork among team members, such as team games.
How important is celebrating birthdays? ›Birthdays commemorate life in all its wonderful ways and make it more special. Birthdays are important because they remind us that we are alive and have another year to live. Also, birthdays help us appreciate what we have in life: work, family, friends, and so on.
How do you thank office staff for birthday celebration? ›Thank you to my wonderful colleagues for making my birthday at work such a special one. Your warm wishes and thoughtful gestures made my day extra special. 43. I feel incredibly grateful to work alongside such amazing colleagues who took the time to wish me a happy birthday.
What is the best quotes for birthday? ›- “Hope all your birthday wishes come true!”
- “It's your special day — get out there and celebrate!”
- “Wishing you the biggest slice of happy today.”
- “I hope your celebration gives you many happy memories!”
- “Our age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying us!”
- You sustained one more year. Congrats!
- I wish you a happier birthday than anyone else has wished you.
- Didn't we just celebrate this like a year ago?
- Happy birthday, champ.
- Don't count the candles, enjoy your day.
- Happy you day.
- Age is just a number.
- I'm glad you were born.
“Another year older, and you're still taller than me” “Happy birthday, you're one year closer to adulting” “You're not getting older, you're just approaching the expiration date” “Happy birthday, enjoy your cake before it becomes your diet”
How do you wish a professional employee birthday template? ›Dear [Employee Name], We value your special day just as much as we value you. On your birthday, we send you our warmest and most heartfelt wishes. We are thrilled to be able to share this great day with you, and glad to have you as a valuable member of the team.
Should employers announce or post employee birthdays? ›Even though not unlawful, some employees may feel that announcing their birthday is a violation of their privacy when this information is taken from their employee records. To smooth over this potential employee relations issue, an employee's birthday information should not be used without the employee's permission.
What is the best birthday prayer? ›As we celebrate your birthday, I give thanks to God for placing you in my life. May your day be filled with joy, reflection, and hope for the year ahead, and may He continue to bless you and watch over you all the days of your life.
Should you say happy birthday to coworkers? ›
Coworkers and colleagues are people we see around in the office on a daily basis and often become friends with. Whether you are friends or not, it's great to be courteous to the people you work with and send them a birthday message, email or card. Especially if they are your boss!