You’ve Been Wrapped: A Holiday Staff Appreciation Idea
A holiday staff appreciation pass-it-on chain idea
5-10 min per staff member
Holiday Photo Scavenger Hunt: A Holiday Staff Activity
A holiday staff activity with photo tasks worth various points
Alissa Christensen
What is a holiday photo scavenger hunt?
A holiday staff activity where teams of 3-5 staff members complete festive photo tasks for points. The included game sheet lists 14 tasks across 4 point levels, from a quick photo with a holiday decoration to a team human pyramid. The team with the most points at the deadline wins a festive prize.
Why try it
Add friendly competition into a regular school day.
The photo scavenger hunt runs alongside a normal school day. Mixing grade levels, departments, and roles on each team puts staff side by side with colleagues they don’t usually work with.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Printed game sheets (1 per team)
Phone or camera for each team
Shared drive, folder, or email address for photo submissions
Small treats or gifts for the gift task (optional)
Instructions
1
Form teams
Divide staff into holiday teams of 3-5
Mix grade levels, departments, and roles so each team includes people who don’t usually work together. Teams stay together for every task.
2
Share the game
Send the game sheet and photo deadline
Share the game sheet in a morning staff email or at a quick huddle. Include the submission deadline (for example, 3 PM), where to send photos, and the prize. Ask teams to complete tasks during non-instructional time like lunch, planning periods, and before or after school.
3
Start the hunt
Complete the holiday photo tasks together
Teams work through as many tasks as they can, in any order. Each photo should show the team completing the task, and teams submit photos by the deadline for scoring.
4
Score and celebrate
Tally points and award prizes
Add up each team’s points using the values on the game sheet. Announce the winning team that afternoon or the next morning, and hand out the prize.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Staff meeting scavenger hunt
Save the hunt for a staff meeting or non-student day and set a time limit, like 30 minutes, for an extra challenge.
Surprise bonus task
Send a midday email with a 25-point bonus task, like a group photo with a staff member who joined the school this year, and award it to the first team that submits.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Recognize standout holiday photos
Pick a few category winners beyond total points, like funniest photo or most creative snowflakes, and give them a printable reward coupon.
Leader Tip #2
Share the scavenger hunt photos
Pull the best photos into a short slideshow for the next staff meeting or the weekly newsletter so every team gets a moment in the spotlight.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
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