July 03, 2023
Upgrade a Company Lunch to a Picnic in the Park
Creative products can transform a mundane meal into an unforgettable experience.
Since the early days of the COVID pandemic, Americans have been incorporating the great outdoors into their summer plans. Visits to national parks grew 31.6% from 2020 to 2022, according to the National Park Service.
Company picnics are an ideal way to let everyone enjoy some fresh air while relaxing as a team. If the workforce is remote, sending picnic baskets filled with picnic gear can also show every employee that they’re appreciated.
“Companies are looking for purpose in their promotions. They want to create meaning in what they’re giving as a gift,” says Holly Escobedo, promotional sales manager at Picnic Time (asi/78065), a family-owned supplier that offers a variety of picnic products. “All of our products are meant to bring people together and create memories; they’re items recipients will use over and over again. And while they’re using them, they’re creating memories.”
Here are some ways to turn an ordinary lunch into a picture-perfect occasion, with the help of picnicking essentials available from industry suppliers.
Plan Ahead
Summer weather can be unpredictable, but two things are fairly certain: It will be sunny and warm! Branded sunglasses, an easy-to-apply portable sunscreen stick or a handheld fan will get everyone in the mood for outdoor activities – and show appreciation for their contributions all year long.
This all-natural, SPF 50+ sunscreen stick (930) from Leashables By Oralabs (asi/66715) is reef-safe and portable for on-the-go sun protection.
Keep It Fresh
The food is arguably the most important part of any picnic, and keeping it fresh, appetizing and undamaged is key. That’s where coolers and baskets come in handy, along with reusable dishes and cutlery to ensure a more sustainable spread. And don’t forget about waterproof cotton blankets to make everyone comfortable on sand, dirt or grass.
The insulated Tarana Backpack Cooler (635-01-138-000) from Picnic Time is made from recycled plastic.
The Boardwalk Basket (104-20-216) from Picnic Time comes in a two-person or four-person version, so the end-user can bring along the whole family.
Don’t Forget the Activities
Along with food and drinks, every perfect picnic should include an after-meal game or activity. Including a collapsible flying disc set or portable corn hole board as part of a company picnic will help get everyone active and promote teamwork. For kids and the artistically inclined, sidewalk chalk can turn the picnic into a more personalized, creative experience.
This portable corn hole board (JN8602) from Promosmart Inc. (asi/80026) is fun for all ages and easy to stow in the trunk.
Snap the Perfect Picture
A group photo will commemorate the festivities forever. Remember that the golden hour – the best time of day to take photos – is the last hour before sunset. Depending on location and time of year, golden hour can vary, but the best time to take photos during summer is typically around 6 to 7 p.m.
The Polaroid Now+ instant camera (9077) from Links Unlimited (asi/67617) is a modern update on a retro classic.
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