Office parties are a great way to boost morale and camaraderie among employees, especially during the holidays. However, with current economic conditions, throwing a lavish party may not fit many companies’ budgets. The good news is that you can host an epic office holiday celebration without breaking the bank.
With some creative planning and ideas, you can transform your office space into a festive party venue on a modest budget. The key is focusing on fun activities, great food, and bringing coworkers together in the holiday spirit. Your office party doesn’t need to be over-the-top to be memorable.
This guide will provide you with fantastic ideas to plan an office holiday party that everyone will enjoy while keeping costs low. From potlucks and talent shows to volunteering events and retro themes, there are many ways to host an office party that inspires holiday cheer without expensive venues, entertainment, or decor. With a little imagination and teamwork, your office can celebrate the season in style on a budget.
Set Expectations for a Low Budget Office Party
When planning an office party on a limited budget, it’s important to set expectations upfront that the focus will be on boosting morale and having fun without a lot of lavish expenses. Get buy-in from colleagues early that this will be a modest party, but emphasize the creative and engaging elements you have planned.
Focus communications about the event on non-monetary ways you aim to lift spirits, build camaraderie, and celebrate the season. Highlight unique activities, themes, contests, games, and food options that will make the party special without going overboard on extravagances the budget can’t accommodate. Reinforce that the party is about bringing everyone together over holiday cheer and appreciation, not fancy decor, entertainment, prizes, or other costly additions.
Keep the focus on making personal connections, showing appreciation for each team member’s contributions, and ensuring everyone feels included. With the right framing and attitude, you can throw a memorable and uplifting office party without breaking the bank. The holiday spirit will shine through with thoughtful gestures and activities, not just lavish trimmings.
Take Advantage of Your Existing Office Space
Your office likely already has great spaces that can be transformed into party areas. Take advantage of conference rooms, cafeterias, atriums or other common spaces for party activities.
Decorating these areas doesn’t have to cost much. Make it festive by having employees bring in holiday decor from home to adorn their own desks or work areas. Use office supplies like colored paper, markers, and tape to make fun and festive signs, banners, chains, and other simple decorations.
You can also make the most of your office by keeping the party contained. Rather than renting an expensive venue, enable people to comfortably party without leaving the office. Move desks and furniture around to create open spaces for mingling. Use dividing office panels to make a dance floor area. Get creative with how you use the existing office layout.
Make it a Potluck Feast
One of the easiest ways to plan food and drinks for an office party on a budget is to make it a potluck event. Ask each coworker to sign up to bring a dish or beverage to share. This spreads the costs across multiple people rather than having just one person handle all the food.
To avoid ending up with all desserts or appetizers, set some guidelines for the types of food people should bring. For example, ask a third of the office to bring entrees, a third to bring appetizers/sides, and a third to bring drinks and desserts. Send out a sign-up sheet to claim spots and encourage a good mix.
You can supplement the potluck offerings with some inexpensive store-bought beverages like soda, lemonade, or iced tea. Pick up a sheet cake or cookies from the grocery store bakery for affordable dessert options. With a potluck, you take advantage of existing cooking skills in your office to put together a tasty spread for the holiday party.
Plan Engaging Low Cost Activities
Planning fun activities at your office holiday party doesn’t have to break the bank. Get creative with ways to engage your coworkers and build camaraderie without spending a lot.
One idea is to hold an office Olympics with silly games and contests. Have relay races using office supplies, spin around in an office chair then try to walk across the room, have typing contests, or vote for the best ugly holiday sweater. Award funny prizes like a gold medal made of chocolate!
You can also organize a holiday-themed scavenger hunt around the office. Split people into teams and give them a list of items to find and take photos with, like posing with the CEO or finding the oldest company document. The first team to complete the list and provide photo proof wins.
If your office has hidden talents, hold a holiday talent show! Coworkers can sing holiday songs, perform comedy skits, read poetry, show off dance moves, or display any other skills. Offer small prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
Get into the holiday spirit with festive karaoke! Make a playlist of holiday songs and pass around the mic. For larger groups, set up holiday karaoke stations around the office. Dancing is encouraged!
Playing Secret Santa adds excitement and brings out everyone’s holiday generosity. Set a modest price limit so no one feels pressured to spend much. Opening the gifts can even be part of your party agenda.
The key is planning activities that get your coworkers engaged with each other in fun ways during the party. Focus more on participation and enjoyment rather than complex organization or costs.
Take the Party Outside the Office
Taking the office party outside of the actual office space is a great way to shake things up and keep costs low. Here are some ideas for an outdoor office party venue:
Local parks and recreation centers often have covered picnic areas or event spaces that can be rented very affordably. Take advantage of being outside by planning some outdoor activities and games like frisbee, cornhole, or touch football. Getting people active together is a fun team building activity.
Food trucks have become very popular and can offer delicious food at a much lower cost than traditional catering. Find a local food truck that suits the tastes of your office and set up an area for them to park onsite. Having the truck come eliminates the need to rent extra tables, chairs and equipment.
Nearby restaurants and bars, especially those with happy hour specials, are another affordable option if you want to take the party offsite. Splitting up into groups at a few close by locations can work well for larger offices. Just be sure to arrange any specials or discounts ahead of time. The change of scenery and informal vibe creates a laid back holiday celebration.
Getting out of the everyday office setting and doing something a bit different is a great way to boost morale and excitement for the party. An outdoor or offsite venue allows for activities and experiences that just aren’t possible in a typical office.
Make it a Casual Cocktail Party
A cocktail party is a great way to celebrate the holidays in an informal setting without a huge cost. Clear some space in the office for people to mingle and snack on appetizers. Use inexpensive holiday decorations from the dollar store like string lights, tinsel garlands, and paper snowflakes to set the mood.
Rather than hiring a professional bartender, ask a volunteer from the office to mix up some simple holiday cocktails and mocktails. Look up some festive drink recipes online using basic liquor, juices, sparkling water, and garnishes. Set up a drink station with the ingredients and let your mixologist employee create the beverages.
Offer a signature cocktail named after your company or a fun spin on classic holiday drinks like cranberry mojitos or spiked apple cider. Provide a non-alcoholic version too. Keep costs down by making punch bowls and serving wine, beer, and soft drinks along with the specialty cocktails. The casual cocktail party vibe is a great way to celebrate the season without a huge expense.
Plan Give Back Activities
The holidays are a time of giving, so make that a focus of your office party. Not only will it get everyone in the holiday spirit, but giving back is an easy way to plan a meaningful event without breaking the bank.
One idea is to organize a holiday donation drive leading up to the party. Have a friendly competition between departments or floors to see who can collect the most canned goods, toys, winter clothes, etc. Then deliver everything to a local charity or food bank. This is a great team building activity.
Another option is to allocate some or all of the party budget to make a donation to a charity the company cares about. Rather than lavish food and entertainment, give those funds to a cause in need.
You could also plan a volunteer event as a group activity after the office party. For example, sign up to serve meals at a soup kitchen or help build houses for families in need. Giving your time and compassion is a powerful way to embrace the holiday spirit.
Giving back doesn’t have to be expensive. Find ways to make your office party more meaningful through charity and volunteering. The team bonding and fulfillment are priceless.
Keep Costs Down with a Retro Theme
A retro theme is a fun way to decorate your office party on a budget. You can easily reuse items already around the office to create a nostalgic atmosphere.
Make your own photo booth area using old frames and fun props like boas, oversized sunglasses and hats. Ask coworkers to bring in any retro items they may have at home too. Set up a backdrop using recycled materials like old sheets or fabric.
Make simple photo booth props by printing out signs or speech bubbles on cardstock. Provide guests with silly accessories to pose with like fake mustaches, wigs, masks and tiaras.
Play throwback tunes from past decades to set the mood. Make a playlist of all the best oldies to get people dancing and mingling.
Serve classic party foods with a retro twist like deviled eggs, pigs in a blanket, finger sandwiches and punch bowls. Make homemade versions of childhood treats like rice krispie squares. Use vintage tin trays and containers to display the snacks for a kitschy vibe.
With a little creativity, you can easily create a far-out, retro bash without spending much at all. A themed office party encourages fun and brings coworkers together to celebrate the holidays in serious style.
Have Employees Help Plan and Pitch In
Getting your team involved in planning and executing the office party is a great way to keep costs down while also building engagement. Take an inclusive approach by crowdsourcing ideas and asking for input on things like the theme, activities, food and decor. You’ll get buy-in from employees and may discover some hidden talents and creative ideas.
Once you’ve settled on the party plans, assign tasks and responsibilities to staff volunteers. Things like decorating, setting up, managing the food and beverages, and cleaning up are all areas where your team can pitch in. Delegating tasks rather than hiring outside help keeps your budget in check. Employees feel more invested when they have a job to do.
Dividing up responsibilities also prevents the party planning from falling on just one or two people. Share the workload for a more collaborative and fun process. When the whole office comes together to create an epic holiday bash, it brings a feeling of team spirit and camaraderie. Your party will be more successful with staff cooperation.
75 Sample Low Budget Office Party Ideas
Organizing an office party on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on fun. Below are 75 low-budget office party ideas to help you plan a memorable event without breaking the bank.
Food and Drink
- Potluck Party: Everyone brings a dish to share.
- Pizza Party: Order in bulk to get a discount.
- DIY Snack Bar: Set up stations for making trail mix, nachos, or ice cream sundaes.
- Coffee Tasting: Sample budget-friendly brews from around the world.
- Mocktail Mixer: Craft non-alcoholic cocktails with fun ingredients.
- Bake-Off: Colleagues bake their specialties; everyone samples and votes.
- International Day: Employees bring dishes from their country or a country they love.
- Breakfast Bash: Host a morning party with bagels, muffins, and fruit.
- Soup and Salad Bar: Easy, make-ahead options that everyone can customize.
- Chocolate Fondue: A sweet treat that’s inexpensive and indulgent.
Games and Activities
- Trivia Contest: Tailor questions to office or industry topics.
- Office Bingo: Customize squares with inside jokes or tasks.
- Scavenger Hunt: Use office spaces and nearby landmarks.
- Board Game Tournament: Bring in games from home for a variety.
- Karaoke Showdown: Use a free app or YouTube for backing tracks.
- DIY Craft Corner: Simple crafts or painting with supplies from a dollar store.
- Photo Booth: Create a backdrop with office supplies and use a smartphone.
- Sports Day: Organize simple, equipment-light games.
- Movie Marathon: Vote on films and set up a viewing area with a projector.
- Escape Room Challenge: Create puzzles based on office jokes or history.
Team Building
- Volunteer Day: Choose a local charity and spend the day volunteering.
- Office Olympics: Fun physical and mental challenges.
- Mentor Mixer: Pair up employees for a month-long mentorship, kick-off with a party.
- Time Capsule: Create an office time capsule to open in the future.
- Puzzle Race: Teams compete to complete puzzles the fastest.
- Talent Show: Discover hidden talents in a supportive environment.
- Culture Day: Share stories, music, and customs from different cultures.
- Book Club: Start with a book swap and plan monthly discussions.
- “Shark Tank” Pitch: Teams pitch mock product ideas to “sharks”.
- Outdoor Adventures: Organize a hike, beach day, or park cleanup.
Decor and Ambiance
- DIY Decor: Use Pinterest for inspiration; make decorations from office supplies.
- Theme Days: Decades (‘80s, ‘90s), movies, or seasonal themes.
- Balloon Bonanza: Inexpensive and brings instant cheer.
- Handmade Invitations: Adds a personal touch for special occasions.
- Eco-Friendly Decor: Reuse, recycle, and reduce waste with your décor choices.
- Candlelight Evening: Use LED candles for a twilight event.
- Craft Streamers: Fun and easy to make, instantly festive.
- Office Mural: Create a collaborative mural on a blank wall.
- Origami Decorations: Paper cranes or stars, great for team-building, too.
- Chalkboard Messages: Use chalkboard for customizable and reusable signs.
Recognition and Awards
- DIY Awards: Create humorous or heartfelt awards for colleagues.
- Employee Superlatives: Like high school superlatives but for office traits.
- Appreciation Station: A place where colleagues can leave notes of thanks.
- Handwritten Thank You Cards: Personal and meaningful.
- Monthly Highlight Reel: Recognize achievements and funny moments.
- Spotlight Stories: Share employee success stories in a newsletter or meeting.
- DIY Trophies: Use thrift shop finds to make unique trophies.
- Gratitude Jar: Fill with notes of gratitude throughout the event.
- Performance Showcase: Highlight artistic talents within your team.
- Promotion Celebration: Small party to celebrate promotions or achievements.
Just for Fun
- Dress-Up Days: Superheroes, pajamas, or fancy dress.
- Pet Parade: Those with pets bring them in for a parade.
- Comedy Hour: Share jokes or funny stories; maybe invite a local comedian.
- Mystery Guest: Invite someone interesting and keep their identity a secret until the event.
- Flash Mob: Organize a simple dance or act to surprise part of the company.
- Sidewalk Chalk Art: Get outside and decorate the pavement.
- Fort Building: Use boxes and office supplies to build forts.
- Role Reversal Day: Swap tasks or roles for a day, within reason.
- Karaoke Battle: Teams compete with their best singers.
- Lip Sync Challenge: Just like the karaoke battle but no singing required.
Eco-Friendly Options
- Plant Swap: Bring in plants or cuttings to swap.
- Recycling Drive: Encourage employees to bring in items for recycling.
- Sustainable Potluck: Dishes must be vegetarian, vegan, or use local ingredients.
- Nature Walk: Organize a walk to enjoy local scenery.
- Eco-Trivia: Trivia game focused on environmental facts.
- Clothing Swap: Exchange clothes, accessories, or books.
- Green Crafting: Use recycled materials for crafts.
- Zero Waste Workshop: Learn about reducing waste at home and in the office.
- Bicycle Day: Encourage biking to work with a group ride.
- Clean-Up Challenge: Compete to collect the most litter in a nearby area.
Seasonal Celebrations
- Holiday Cookie Exchange: Bake and swap cookies.
- Fall Festival: Pumpkin carving and apple cider.
- Summer Picnic: Outdoor games and simple food.
- Winter Wonderland: Hot cocoa and paper snowflake making.
- Spring Fling: Celebrate warmer weather with fresh flowers and light fare.
These ideas demonstrate that with some creativity and planning, you can host an effective and enjoyable office party on a shoestring budget.
