Host A Virtual Ice Cream Social!

This summer doesn’t look or feel like most summers.  If you traditionally host a staff picnic, BBQ or summer retreat, it’s likely that the pandemic prohibited you from holding those events.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have summertime fun. While the heat of the season is here, host a virtual ice cream social!

Consider providing team members with a Certificate for Ice Cream from gThankYou which can be redeemed for any brand and flavor of ice cream at major grocery stores across the U.S. Certificates are available in $5 and $10 values.

 

You can even make a “ice cream sundae to-go bag” for remote workers and include shelf stable toppings such as sprinkles, chocolate, caramel or fruit sauce and cones.

Share your Ice Cream Certificates prior to your planned virtual event so everyone has a chance to shop and be ready for the party. If you prefer, or have workers outside the US, partner with a local ice cream shop and have them supply and deliver the ingredients.

Ice Cream Social Contests

Looking for ways to build team connections online? Consider hosting contests to encourage creativity, engagement and fun!

Some ideas to consider:

• Largest sundae
• Best use of unusual toppings
• Most creative
• Most clever name for the ice cream creation
• Would be even better as a shake

 

We love this list of ice cream party games. Even though it was written pre-pandemic, you’ll find inspiration and fun suggestions.

Share prizes too! Consider ice cream scoopers (with your company logo), ice cream making balls, molds, gift cards for a local ice cream parlor or gift certificates for a pint a month for an entire year.

Make Your Virtual Party Invite Part of the Fun

Start the party off right with a fun invitation. Paperless Post has festive virtual party options or recruit a create colleague and make your own.

If you haven’t attempted any virtual social events for staff, Shutterfuly has a nice primer on the basics. Inc. also has some tips — the article is about a virtual birthday party but you can apply some pointers to your ice cream social.

Benefits of Virtual Team Building

Remote workers especially need to feel valued and worthwhile during these challenging pandemic times. Hosting a fun event online maybe a first for you, but your colleagues will appreciate the effort and opportunity to connect socially for a change.

“Virtual team building is great for building rapport, improving communication, and increasing understanding of one another’s strengths and weaknesses. It can also reduce feelings of isolation, and drive a sense of community and shared understanding.”

Think of it this way, if the City of Pittsburgh can organize a city-wide ice cream social, you can too!  

Wrap Your Virtual Event in Gratitude

Be sure to let your gratitude for employees be the focus of your event from your invitation to the wrap-up of your event. A handwritten note of support and appreciation along with your ice cream gift is the most meaningful. At gThankYou, every purchase comes with free Cards so you can customize your message of thanks and even include an organization logo or signature.

To learn more about gThankYou or our Ice Cream Certificates call us at 888-484-1658 or email us at [email protected]. We look forward to helping you share your gratitude!