You’re used to giving gifts to your friends and family to show you love and appreciate them…but what about your team? The ones you spend roughly 40 hours a week with, working together to make your organization better and stronger. Be sure to show some love and appreciation to your staff this holiday season and plan something special for them. We have a few ideas for you…
Plan an Event
Your staff is known for going above and beyond, which means they’re due for a fun night out with their team, celebrating their hard work! Jackson has several options to plan something spectacular. What is Christmas without a little magic? World-renowned illusionist and magician, Daniel Martin hosts a show called Drinks & Deceptions in his own secret space within Veritas. Drinks & Deceptions, however, is not your typical sleight-of-hand card trick magician. His shows are one-of-a-kind and meant to have you leaving with a smile on your face and your mind blown. Daniel is available for private shows, for groups just like your well-deserving team! Treat your staff to a fun-filled night of drinks, fun, and jaw-dropping magic.
For something a bit quieter, but still special, Jackson School of the Arts has intimate, unique spaces available for rent. Their new building on Cortland Street includes warm brick and modern features that every holiday party begs for. Their space also allows for you to bring in food and drinks of your own, so you can decorate holiday cookies, or order from a local downtown hotspot like Grand River Brewery, Veritas, Dirty Bird, or The Crazy Cowboy.
Do Something Interactive
The holidays call for fun, and after a long year, your staff could use some fun! Take them on a trip to JAX 60, where their newly remodeled bowling alley will get everyone in the competitive spirit. If bowling isn’t their thing, they can venture to the expanded arcade, where they can play for fun prizes and take home as many wins as they can get. Afterward, if your team needs to blow off some competitive steam, luckily JAX 60’s Mavrix has delicious pizza, specialty cocktails, and ice-cold beer waiting for them.
Along the same line, but with a bit more of an edge, reserve a couple of lanes at Axe Play, in downtown Jackson. Axe-throwing? You’re probably thinking, “But, I’ve never even picked up an axe, let alone thrown one!” At Axe Play, you’re free to play some axe-throwing games to see who comes out on top or practice your own axe-throwing abilities and to see if you can land the bullseye. An Axe Master will visit your group to ensure you’re throwing safely and with the correct technique. While you’re there, wrap up your game with a “Christmas Cheers” at their in-house bar.
Perhaps teambuilding is something you’re hoping to incorporate into your holiday celebration. Look no further than Epiq Escapes, where your group’s puzzle skills will be put to the test in an escape room. See if you and your team can escape one of their ever-changing escape rooms within the hour and leave with fun memories and stories to share.
Give a Gift
For some local businesses, the holidays can be their busy season. If an evening out isn’t in the card, still let your staff feel rewarded with a uniquely Jackson gift.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has annual gift certificates that include deals and steals to participating downtown shops! Pick one up for each person on your staff, that way everyone can find something they like within the stack of deals they’re given.
Make whatever gift you’re giving last all year long. Family Memberships are available at Ella Sharp Museum, the YMCA, Michigan Theatre, or Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Memberships within each of these Jackson staples truly are the gifts that keep on giving, allowing your staff to enjoy shows throughout the year, work on their New Year’s Resolution, or enjoy more of Jackson’s art and culture.
Everyone Loves Food
Cater lunch or dinner to your in-office holiday party! Sylvia’s Catering provides upscale food while offering comforting favorites that your entire staff will enjoy. Stoyanna’s offers unique Greek meals to be picked up at either of their two locations. If you’re thinking international, Jackson’s New Country China Buffet is offering discounted takeout meals this holiday season. Who doesn’t love some Chinese?
Out of Towners
Is your staff not local to the Jackson area? We’d still love to help you celebrate! Book a block of hotel rooms at any one of our local hotels and offer your team some comfort and joy this holiday season.
Happy holidays, Jackson!
