What makes you enjoy coming to work? Is it the teammate who always knows exactly the right gif to send in the team chat? Is it your cubicle neighbor who remembers how you like your coffee? Is it the manager who celebrates your wins like they’re their own?
Whatever the reason, Valentine’s Day is a great time to show appreciation to the people in your workplace! Whether in the office or connected through screens, here are 8 creative ways to spread love and make people feel valued (no giant teddy bears required).
Idea 1: Begin the Day With a Breakfast Treat
Cost: $$ | Remote-Friendly: Yes
Start Valentine’s Day on a sweet note! A breakfast treat is a tasty way to energize your team and remind them they are appreciated. If you’re in the office, bring in breakfast foods like:
- Bagels with various spreads (including dairy-free options)
- Fresh fruit platters
- Individual yogurt parfaits (including dairy-free alternatives)
- Muffins and pastries (including gluten-free options)
- Heart-shaped donuts (because why not?)
If you have remote team members, send an e-gift card for a coffee or breakfast delivery service so they can order their favorite morning pick-me-up and join in on the fun!
Idea 2: Offer Flexible Time Off
Cost: None | Remote-Friendly: Yes
Summer Fridays may be months away, but you can give your team a taste of the warmer months by offering flexible time off on Valentine’s Day. Let them choose what works best:
- Leave a few hours early
- Take an extended lunch break
- Come in late the next morning
- Take the afternoon off
Just remember to coordinate coverage for any urgent matters and communicate expectations clearly to the team. It’s incredible how a little flexibility can make everyone feel valued!
Idea 3: Host a Candy Guess Competition
Cost: $ | Remote-Friendly: Yes
Counting, numbers, and candy – is there anything better?! Add some competitive fun on Valentine’s Day by setting up a candy guessing jar! Fill a large glass container with chocolates, red hots, or other candy, and have your team submit guesses for how many pieces are inside.
Then, award the winner with the candy-filled jar as their prize! It’s a simple (and cost-effective) way to engage your team.
Idea 4: Set Up a Gratitude Wall
Cost: $ | Remote-Friendly: Yes, with modifications
Designate a wall in your office as the gratitude spot. Supply sticky notes, push pins/tape, and pens so people can hang little thank-you notes and gratitude messages to each other.
Bonus points if the sticky notes are heart-shaped!
Idea 5: Give Shout-Outs for Recent Wins
Cost: None | Remote-Friendly: Yes
Shine a spotlight on your fantastic team! Celebrate wins big and small:
- Project milestones that moved the needle
- Client wins worth cheering about
- Innovative ideas that made a difference
- Core values brought to life
- Personal growth moments
Mix up your recognition channels – team meetings, internal newsletters, social media, and leadership shout-outs all help spread the appreciation!
Idea 6: Organize a Potluck Lunch or Dessert Exchange
Cost: $$ | Remote-Friendly: Yes, with modifications
Skip the usual lunch routine for a potluck, where employees can show off their cooking skills and favorite recipes. Make it dessert-themed so you can indulge in all the chocolatey, sugary V-Day treats.
For remote teams, try these alternatives:
- Set up a virtual lunch where everyone eats their favorite lunch meal
- Share recipe cards and photos of your creations
- Organize a virtual cooking class where everyone makes the same dessert
Idea 7: Give Thoughtful Token Gifts
Cost: $$$ | Remote-Friendly: Yes
Sometimes, simple gestures mean the most. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas ($15-30 range):
- Self-care kits with tea, chocolates, and a cozy sock set
- Desk plants in heart-shaped pots with care instructions
- Portable phone chargers with a fun note about “powering through” the workday
- Local coffee shop gift cards with a favorite mug
- Wellness-themed gift sets (stress ball, aromatherapy, journal)
For remote team members, choose items that ship easily or opt for digital gift cards to their favorite local spots. Whatever you choose, personalize each gift with a handwritten note sharing why you appreciate them. It’s often the message that means the most!
Idea 8: Start an Appreciation Day
Cost: None | Remote-Friendly: Yes
A simple “thanks for being you” can brighten someone’s entire day (and might just make yours better, too!)
Pick a day during Valentine’s Week for your team’s Appreciation Day. Unlike the gratitude wall, these moments of appreciation can be private and personal. Encourage everyone to think about their workplace heroes—you know, those colleagues who make the workday a little bit better. It could be Derek, whose presentation skills are so exceptional you’re taking notes. Or Emily, whose perfectly stocked candy dish saves you from the afternoon slump. Or Reid, the unofficial office hero who somehow always has a phone charger when you’re at 2%.
The best part? You don’t need a special occasion to tell these people they make a difference – but Appreciation Day is the perfect excuse to do it finally!
Final Thoughts
However you choose to celebrate, the most essential element is making sure your staff feels genuinely valued and appreciated – not just on Valentine’s Day but every day of the year!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make sure my celebration is inclusive?
Start with inclusive language and offer multiple ways to participate. For food events, gather dietary needs early and label everything clearly. Consider time zones for live events and provide alternative activities for those who can’t attend. The key is making everyone feel welcome to join in their own way!
What if I have a limited budget?
No worries! Some of the most meaningful celebrations cost very little. Start small with personalized notes or digital appreciation. Get creative with existing resources, and remember – genuine appreciation is priceless!
How do I handle different work arrangements?
Flexibility is your friend! Create both in-person and virtual versions of activities. For example, pair a physical appreciation wall with a digital kudos board. The goal is to make sure everyone can participate, regardless of location.
What if someone doesn’t want to participate?
That’s totally okay! Make all activities optional and provide low-key ways to opt-out. Some people prefer quiet appreciation to group activities, so respect those preferences and keep options open.
How can I measure if my celebration was successful?
Look for both numbers and stories! Track participation rates and gather feedback through quick surveys. But don’t forget to notice the smiles, thank-you messages, and stronger team connections. Sometimes, the best success metrics are the ones you can feel!