There are many reasons people would like to have a retirement party, but sometimes they can’t because of distance or other circumstances. However, virtual retirement parties allow you to still celebrate their achievements and give them the send-off they deserve. Here are a bunch of fun & memorable retirement party ideas to throw a virtual retirement party that won’t disappoint.
A virtual retirement party is a good way to celebrate the achievement of your co-worker, family member, or friend without being there. Virtual retirement parties can be organized on many available platforms online today. The most popular ones are Zoom, Webex, Facebook, and others.
1. Welcome special guest appearances
Having a special guest show up at the virtual retirement party can be a lot of fun. It makes the virtual retirement party more exciting because they can send in their congratulations and/or memories about the person who is retiring. Also when someone they lease expected shows up it helps to make the virtual retirement party even more special & memorable.
2. Mail physical gifts
Plan in advance and send physical gifts to your guest of honor before the virtual retirement party. You can mail or ship them out a couple of days prior, then they will already have something fun to open during the event. Physical gifts make the virtual party more personal and special because they have something physical to open during the event. It adds a fun element of surprise for your guest of honor.
3. Compile a post-work bucket list
It’s always nice to start working on bucket lists before retiring. Knowing what is expected of you in retirement can be stressful, so writing down a list to accomplish will help relieve some stress. It also helps the guest of honor know what goals they want to work towards, or places they want to visit during retirement. It also helps them focus on the positive aspect of retiring and how they can make the most of their time post-work.
4. Exchange contact information
One of the best ways to help your guest of honor stay in contact with everyone is for you and all their other co-workers to exchange contact information. This ensures that they can easily keep in touch and if they need anything or want to share memories – it’s just a few clicks away.
5. Schedule a reunion
Holding a virtual retirement party is great, but having a reunion can be even better. Plan an in-person or online reunion every year on the anniversary of their retirement to celebrate how much everyone has grown since they retired. It’s also nice to hold this at the end of each year because it allows you and your guest of honor to go back and remember everything you have accomplished during the past year.
6. Virtual retirement party games
Having additional entertainment at the virtual retirement party is a great way to make it more fun and memorable for your guest of honor. Here are some fast and easy ideas you can implement into your event:
6.1 Never Have I Ever
This is a great game to get everyone involved and get the night going. It gets people to remember good times they’ve had together, or allows them to share some embarrassing moments.
6.2 Bingo
Bingo is always a classic. Pick out some common statements or words to play – you can even get creative!
6.3 Personal quiz
Organize a quiz for your guest of honor where you ask them random questions about themselves – it’s a great way to get everyone involved. It allows everyone an opportunity to share memories while getting them thinking about certain things that they may have never known about the guest of honor.
7. Record A Speech
Recording a speech can be a lot of fun for your guest of honor. It is nice because they will have it, later on, to re-live all the memories, or share with their friends and family online. You can also use this as a way to document how they felt about retiring, or what life after work has been like. Optionally you can customize a Zoom retirement party background to match the theme of your party. The speech gives them the opportunity to reflect on the time they spent at work and the memories they have from those days.
8. Send a party cake
Everyone loves cake – especially when it’s a surprise. Send your guest of honor some virtual cupcakes or cake to celebrate their retirement. It is always nice to have something sweet on hand during the party, so why not send them some virtual goodies? You can also use this as an opportunity for everyone to take pictures and post them online.
9. Memory Book
Make a memory book for your guest of honor. It is nice to have something physical to look through, so having pictures and notes from you and everyone else they know is always special. You can also record their reaction when they open up the book – that can be even more fun!
10. Have A Virtual Dance Party
Everyone loves to dance – especially when they are celebrating! Have everyone upload their favorite dance songs online and let the party begin. Show off your sweet dance moves and have a great time.
11. Enjoy a Meal Together
Everyone loves to eat – so why not enjoy a meal together virtually? You can order everyone’s favorite foods and share them with each other. It is nice to have a meal together during the party because it gives everyone an opportunity to bond and remember the good times they have shared.
12. Send A Digital Retirement Card
One of the simplest ways to celebrate your retired friend is by sending them a digital card. You can easily make one yourself and it’s a great way to tell them how awesome they are and that you wish them all the best in their future adventures!
13. Leave A Message On Social Media
One of the easiest ways to congratulate your retired friend is by leaving a message on their social media page. Leaving them some love online will definitely put a smile on their face and brighten up their day.
14. Have A Virtual Karaoke Party
Everyone loves karaoke – especially when you’re celebrating something! Have everyone upload their favorite songs and let the show begin. The options are endless and it’s a great way to bond with your retired friend and enjoy the time together.
15. Interview The Retiree
Organize an interview where everyone asks questions to your guest of honor about his or her favorite memories and their plan for life after retirement. It’s nice to get the inside scoop on how they are enjoying their new life and it also allows you an opportunity to find out some personal details that you may not have known about them before.
The Bottom Line
It can be difficult to find a way to celebrate someone’s retirement when we are living in times of social distancing. But with some creativity, there are plenty of ways that you can make it work virtually! We hope these ideas will give your guests an opportunity to enjoy their time together and create memories that last long after the virtual celebration has ended. One thing you must not forget to do before you wrap up your virtual retirement party is to take a group selfie!
