Over the past year, we’ve been doing quite a bit of work with one of our clients in the communications space. The largest project on our plate was their yearly conference that was going to take place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. However, like so many conferences this past year, it was forced to go virtual. Our client was dedicated to maintaining some sort of shared physical experience even though all attendees would be in the comfort of their own homes. This ultimately took the shape of a branded box that was filled with items to be enjoyed before, during, and after the event. We loved this idea and, as we developed the boxes, we noticed other companies doing similar things for their employees and their clients. Needless to say, our client’s boxes were a big hit with their attendees.
Now that the holiday season is officially upon us and companies are planning virtual holiday parties and gifts, and families are planning virtual get-togethers, we wanted to share three different themed “virtual party boxes” to inspire you. As you consider building your own box, we believe there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- If at all possible, support your local, independent stores and brands when choosing the physical items.
- Make sure there is an interactive component that encourages virtual sharing.
- Plan some sort of entertainment to go along with the experience, whether that is a game or a DJ doing a live set through YouTube or Twitch.
Here are our packed-with-goodness themed boxes:
The Spanish Aperitif Happy Hour Box
The most popular box collections we’ve seen have centered around tasty beverages, offering a “bartender in a box” type of experience. Our own take on this theme includes food that complements the booze.
- One bottle of a not-found-at-BevMo vermouth with an orange for garnish
- Smoked mussels or other tiny tinned fishes
- Dry cheese, because everyone loves cheese (and it ships well)
- Olives with instructions on how to warm them before enjoying
- Crackers, or crusty bread if you are delivering locally
- A shared playlist filled with lively Spanish flamenco guitarists
- A photo challenge to show off your Instagram-worthy spread
The Game Night Box
The pandemic has brought a whole new appreciation for games, from new online versions to the good ol’ trusted board games. Plus, they’ve always been a part of any quality holiday family time.
- A stunning deck of cards
- Rules for a number of different card games (because you can only play Bridge so many times)
- Bags and bags and bags of popcorn
- A bottle (or three) of Italian wine
- A challenge–and a prize–to inspire everyone to learn a card trick and perform it for the group over a video call
- A few interactive rounds of Fibbage to determine once and for all who is your family’s most gifted liar
- A Name That Tune competition centered around game show theme music
The Deep Breath Box
By the time the holidays are here, we are all really, really, really going to need some serious R&R. There is no reason you can’t share some chill vibes with friends and family. In fact, it might be the most meaningful gift you could give.
- Wine Country Botanicals’s candles or essential oils to scent the mood
- OM CBD or Cannabis bath salts to deeply calm the nerves
- Guided meditation sessions, or an annual subscription to Calm or Headspace, so the calm continues after the holidays too
- Group tune-in to a live ambient DJ set on Twitch
- A mindfulness game–or creative doodling session–that everyone can participate in together
(Credit: Kari Shea)
