Office Celebrations Made Easy: How to Celebrate Birthdays, Work Anniversaries, New Babies and more at Work

Celebrating milestones in the workplace is essential for fostering a positive company culture, strengthening team bonds and making employees feel valued. Whether it’s a birthday, work anniversary or a new baby, acknowledging these moments can boost morale and create a more connected team.

1. Celebrating Birthdays at Work

Birthdays at work are more than just cake (though, let’s be honest, cake is important). They’re a chance to press pause on the daily grind and say, “Hey, we see you—and we’re glad you’re part of the team.” A well-thought-out birthday celebration doesn’t have to be big or expensive; it just has to feel personal. Whether you’re decorating someone’s desk with a flurry of balloons or sending a digital card filled with team messages, the goal is to make them feel seen and celebrated. And the golden rule? Keep it inclusive. Not everyone wants a room full of people singing to them - so offering options (quiet treat vs. big hurrah) makes all the difference.

How to Celebrate Office Birthdays:

• Decorate Their Workspace: Surprise the birthday person by decorating their desk with balloons, streamers and a birthday banner.

• Team Birthday Card: Use one of GroupTogether’s many digital birthday cards to let everyone share a little note of gratitude and a burst of warm wishes - bringing your team together to celebrate a highly valued team member.

   

  

   

• Cake or Treats: A classic birthday cake or a selection of treats (cupcakes, doughnuts or a fruit platter) can make the day feel special.
• Office Lunch or Coffee Break: Organise a casual team lunch, order their favourite food or take a group coffee break.
• Personalised Gift: If the team has a budget, consider a small gift related to their interests such as a book, a plant or office accessories.

Remote Birthday Celebration Ideas:

• Virtual Celebration Call: Set up a quick team video call to sing happy birthday and share kind words.
• Send your colleague a GroupTogether AnyCard, which offers recipients a gift card from more than 70 vendors. Include an optional digital card to send well wishes and to provide the lucky recipient with some laughs.
• Food Delivery: Arrange for their favourite meal or dessert to be delivered to their home.

2. How to Celebrate Work Anniversaries

Recognising work anniversaries helps employees feel valued for their contributions and commitment to the company. The level of celebration can depend on how long they’ve been with the company. Simply, use a GroupTogether Work Anniversary Card to let them know they are a valued part of the company, both personally and professionally

In-Office Work Anniversary Celebration Ideas

• Shout-out in a Team Meeting: Take a moment in a team meeting to publicly acknowledge their contributions and milestones.
• Personalised Thank-You Note: Have a manager or CEO write a handwritten note expressing appreciation.
• Team Gift: Depending on tenure, consider a small gift, such as a branded mug, custom notebook, or experience-based gift (e.g., a massage or dinner voucher).
• Office Celebration (for Milestone Years): For 5, 10, or 15+ year anniversaries, organise a special team lunch or happy hour to honour their dedication.
   

How to Celebrate a Work Anniversary Virtually

• Wanting to share a message of appreciation? Or perhaps you’d like to relive a hilarious workplace moment that you still bond over. GroupTogether’s Work Anniversary Cards offer a variety of different themes. Whether you’re wanting something fun and playful or a little more serious, the right card is conveniently a few clicks away.

• Digital Gift: Send a subscription service (Spotify, Audible, or a wellness app) or a personalised e-gift.
• Personalised Video Messages: Collect short video messages from colleagues sharing their appreciation and well wishes.
• Surprise Mail Delivery: Send a handwritten note, company swag, or a small gift directly to their home.

How to Celebrate 1-Year Work Anniversaries

Celebrating a 1-year work anniversary is a milestone that acknowledges an employee’s hard work and growth during their first year with the team. Here are some thoughtful ideas to mark this special occasion:

• Team Recognition: Celebrate their milestone during a team meeting or through a company-wide message. Let colleagues share a brief story or note of appreciation, reinforcing the sense of belonging within the team.
• Customised Gift: Consider presenting a small gift that reflects their interests or passions. This could be company swag, a book related to their role, or even a GroupTogether AnyCard.
• Career Growth Discussion: Use this milestone as a moment to check in on their career goals and achievements. A short, informal meeting can help map out future opportunities and reaffirm your commitment to their development.

How to Celebrate 10-Year Work Anniversaries

Reaching a 10-year milestone is a huge achievement worth celebrating in style. It’s not just about marking another year - it’s about honouring a decade of dedication, growth, and unforgettable contributions. Here are some creative ideas to celebrate 10-year work anniversaries in a way that makes your team member feel truly appreciated:

• Personalised Recognition Ceremony: Host an in-office or virtual celebration that spotlights the employee’s journey. Consider creating a timeline that highlights key achievements from the past decade, complete with photos, memorable quotes, and fun anecdotes from colleagues.
   
• Legacy Award or Trophy: Award a custom trophy or plaque that symbolises their lasting impact on the company. This tangible piece of recognition can be a cherished keepsake that they proudly display, reminding them of the value they bring to the team.
   
• In-Depth Storytelling: Invite team members to share short stories or notes about how the employee has influenced their own work lives. This can be done through a digital memory wall or a live session, reinforcing that their contributions have a far-reaching impact.
   
• Career Growth Reflection: Take the opportunity to have a one-on-one celebration meeting with the employee. Reflect on their professional journey and discuss exciting possibilities for future growth. This conversation not only acknowledges past achievements but also opens the door for new, inspiring projects.

How to Celebrate 25-Year Work Anniversary

Reaching a 25-year milestone is nothing short of extraordinary—it’s a testament to unwavering loyalty, enduring passion, and countless contributions over a quarter-century. Celebrating such an epic and unique work anniversary requires a blend of heartfelt recognition, personalised storytelling, and memorable experiences. Here are some creative ways to honour a 25-year work anniversary:

• Grand Recognition Ceremony: Organise an elegant celebration that might include a formal dinner, a company-wide event, or even a special off-site gathering. Invite colleagues, leaders, and even past team members to share stories and reflections on the employee’s journey. A structured presentation that walks through the employee’s professional evolution, with photos, milestones, and anecdotes, can turn the event into a nostalgic yet inspiring tribute.
   
• Personalised Video Tribute: Reach out across the organisation and even to retired colleagues or partners, asking for short video clips that recount memorable moments, lessons learned, or simply to offer congratulations. Compile these into a heartfelt video montage that can be premiered during the celebration event. This tribute not only reinforces the employee’s impact but also helps to strengthen the community spirit within your company.
   
• Storytelling Memory Book or Digital Archive: Invite team members to contribute written notes, photos, and mementoes that capture the employee’s 25-year journey. Assemble these in one of GroupTogether’s Anniversary Cards so they can see and feel the appreciation and respect their colleagues have.

Milestone Gift Experience:

Think beyond the traditional gift—offer an experience that matches their interests. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a fine dining experience, a workshop in their favourite hobby, or even a donation in their name to a cause close to their heart, tailor the gift to what matters most to them. After all the hard work they have contributed to the company, give them a well-deserved week off with their loved ones.

3. New Baby or Parental Leave

Welcoming a new baby is a huge milestone, and supporting new parents in the workplace can strengthen employee engagement and loyalty.

Work Baby Showers

• Buy a gift for the parents: Whether you’re buying for a new parent or a family welcoming another baby, simply write a nice card and collect money using GroupTogether’s Baby Gift group collection. Then, the new mom or dad gets to choose how to spend the money. On a new gadget, a baby toy or perhaps a bottle of wine to get through the sleepless nights!
• Decorate Their Desk: If they’re in the office before parental leave, decorate their desk with baby-themed decorations and a congratulatory sign.
• Send-Off Lunch: Organise a casual lunch to celebrate their upcoming parenthood and wish them well.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: If applicable, discuss flexible working arrangements for their return.
   

Remote New Baby Celebration Ideas

• Virtual Baby Shower: Host a short Zoom call where teammates can play baby-themed trivia or share parenting advice.
• Deliver a Care Package: Send a baby care package with essentials, books, or self-care items for the parent.
• Give them a Baby Card: Gather the team around to write on one of GroupTogether’s very own Photo Upload Cards. Write words of advice, encouragement or envy (for the maternity/paternity leave) or just to let them know they will make a great parent! Please note; Include images to really invoke feelings of emotion.
• Meal Delivery Service: Arrange a meal service for the new parents to make their transition easier with a gift that is as delicious as it is convenient.

4. Promotions & Career Milestones

Recognising an employee’s promotion or professional achievement reinforces a culture of growth and motivation.

In-Office Promotion Celebration Ideas

• Small Celebration: Bring in cupcakes, coffee, or snacks to mark the occasion.
• Custom Trophy or Plaque: A small award, trophy, or framed certificate can make the achievement feel even more special.
• Lunch with Leadership: Arrange a lunch with a senior executive or manager as a way to acknowledge their growth.

Remote Promotion Celebration Ideas

• Gift Box Delivery: Send a congratulatory package with snacks, office gear, or a personalised note.
• Company-Wide Announcement: Highlight the achievement in the company newsletter or Slack. Recognition goes a long way!

Write on a Digital Card: Use one of GroupTogether’s Employee Appreciation Cards to let them know they are a valued part of the team. Are they moving to a new team? Or perhaps they are going to be in a more senior role. This card will win you some brownie points.

5. Employee Farewells & Retirements

Saying goodbye to a valued team member should be done with appreciation and warmth.

In-Office Farewell Celebration Ideas

• Farewell Party: Organise a small gathering with speeches, light refreshments, and a farewell gift.
• Memory Book: Wanting to write to say Au Revoir? GroupTogether has the perfect Farewell Card for you. Write to your colleague to wish them all the best for their next adventure, whether it’s at a different company, a different city or a different trade.
• Gift from the Team: A personalised gift, such as a framed team photo, engraved pen, or travel voucher, can be a meaningful send-off.

Remote Farewell Celebration Ideas

• Virtual Farewell Call: Host a virtual send-off where everyone shares favourite memories and well wishes.
• Digital Memory Wall: Write on a digital card where colleagues can share messages of support, photo memories or just to say ‘Sayonara’.
• Personalised Video Montage: Compile clips from colleagues.

6. Holiday & Seasonal Celebrations

Seasonal events help build camaraderie and add some fun to the workplace.

In-Office Holiday Celebration Ideas

• Office Decorations: Decorate the workspace for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, or Lunar New Year.
• Themed Potluck: Encourage employees to bring in dishes from their cultural backgrounds.
• Secret Santa or Gift Exchange: A fun way to engage everyone with small, thoughtful gifts.

Remote Holiday Celebration Ideas

• Virtual Holiday Party: Plan a themed video call with games, music, and an ugly sweater contest.
• Holiday Care Packages: Send festive snacks, candles, or personalised gifts.
• Virtual Gift Exchange: Use an online Secret Santa tool to exchange e-gifts.

Final Tips for Successful Office Celebrations

1. Keep It Inclusive – Be mindful of different cultures, preferences, and dietary restrictions.
2. Plan Ahead – Mark key dates on a shared calendar to avoid last-minute planning.
3. Keep It Optional – Not everyone enjoys being the centre of attention; offer alternative ways to participate.
4. Consider Budgets – Simple, thoughtful gestures are often more meaningful than expensive gifts.
5. Encourage Team Involvement – Get input from colleagues to make celebrations more personal and engaging.

By taking the time to recognise special moments, you help create a workplace culture where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated. Whether you’re celebrating in person or virtually, small efforts can make a big impact!

Meet the experts

Ali + Julie

Co-Founders, GroupTogether.

Life’s busy. That’s why we’re here to make it easy for you to collect money from a group. Less wasted time, less packaging waste, and spending a little less but giving a lot better!