Administrative professionals keep our workplaces running smoothly—and that’s definitely worth celebrating. While appreciating their efforts year round is always best, Administrative Professionals’ Day is a dedicated holiday just for recognizing their hard work. And, you don’t want to celebrate any old way when it comes to employee appreciation, so having ideas for Administrative Professionals’ Day is always important.
From memorable Administrative Professionals’ Day cards to engaging team building opportunities, there are plenty of ways to celebrate, appreciate, and recognize your amazing support staff. Whether you’re in a remote, in-person, or hybrid work environment, we have fun and inclusive celebration ideas for Administrative Professionals’ Day ready for the 21st century.
Here are our favorites:
50+ Celebration Ideas for Administrative Professionals’ Day
Personalized Video Messages
Encourage team members to record short video messages expressing their appreciation for the administrative professionals and sharing specific anecdotes or instances where their support made a difference. Collect all of these videos on a group card and send it automatically on Admins’ Day.
Surprise Catered Lunch
Organize a surprise lunch at your administrative professional’s favorite local restaurant, or have them cater a meal at the office. For hybrid or remote employees, attach a delivery service gift card so everyone can participate.
Team Building Experience
Plan a team-building experience like a nature walk, obstacle course, or crafting class that allow the entire team to bond and appreciate each other’s contributions. Bonus points if they are related to one of your administrative professional’s hobbies or special interests.
Notes of Gratitude
Provide each team member with an opportunity to write a personalized message of gratitude for the administrative professional. If they’re handwritten notes, post them on a visible wall in the office. For an accessible experience, use a Kudoboard to collect employee appreciation from those that are hybrid, remote, or simply out to lunch.
Wellness Gift Basket
Put together or purchase a wellness gift basket full of items like stress-relief candles, essential oils, and bath bombs. Offer personalized wellness tips or relaxation techniques compiled by the team in a group card to promote a holistic approach to your admin’s well-being.
Virtual Coffee Meetup
For an easy option, host a virtual coffee meetup where team members can enjoy a relaxed conversation and informally bond around your admin professional celebration. To keep things interesting, you could book a surprise entertainer or speaker to “crash” the call.
LinkedIn Profile Update
To help them put their best foot forward, offer a professional LinkedIn revamp for the administrative professional, complete with personalized tips for optimizing their professional presence and networking opportunities. This can also boost their visibility online and improve their career growth.
Customized Gift Box
Curate a customized gift box with the administrative professional’s favorite snacks, goodies, or self-care items, or add a personalized touch by incorporating clues leading to hidden surprises. While you can always buy a gift box, packing your own shows your attention to detail and care.
Personalized Plant Pot
For the plant lover, a great gift idea is a personalized pot with a low-maintenance plant to bring life to their work desk, and include a care guide with personalized workplace green tips or insights.
Professional Development Opportunity
Gift them a stipend to use on a professional development course, workshop, or conference tailored to the administrative professional’s career goals and interests. For a larger staff, You could use Administrative Professionals’ Day to launch a new PD benefit for the entire org.
Administrative Professionals’ Day Group Card
Create an Admin Professionals’ Day group card on Kudoboard to collect messages, photos, and videos from team members to express their gratitude and appreciation. To make the experience more memorable, set a theme or ask a question about the administrative professional to get the larger group to engage and interact.
Fun Office Decor
Decorate the office space with a fun theme chosen by the administrative professional or related to their interests, and tie any additional celebration idea for Administrative Professionals’ Day into the theme.
Flexible Work Schedule
To make their day as relaxing as possible, offer a day off or a flexible work schedule to allow the administrative professional. To go the extra mile, provide personalized relaxation tips or book a local wellness activity for their day off.
Company Swag Bag
Put together a company swag bag filled with branded merchandise, gadgets, and accessories. As your admin, they may have access to the corporate gifts already, so you may want to print something special just for the day.
Gift Cards
Give a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant to let them indulge in a personal treat, and consider incorporating a personalized “spend-a-day” guide with recommendations on how to make the most of the gift card. You may want to attach this gift card to a group card filled with videos, messages, and more to increase the impact.
Digital Caricature Art
Commission a digital caricature artist to create a personalized caricature of the administrative professional, and consider incorporating elements representing their work achievements or hobbies into the artwork. This idea is best if they have a sense of humor.
Professional Networking Opportunity
Sponsor their membership to a professional networking organization in their field, or arrange for a personalized networking event or an introduction to your influential contacts in the industry. This Administrative Professionals’ Day gift could boost their confidence and experience, and boost your business as a result.
Interactive Team Quiz
Who doesn’t love trivia? Organize a fun and interactive team quiz with trivia related to the administrative professional’s favorite topics, and include surprise bonus rounds or personalized trivia questions related to their work achievements.
Commemorative Plaque
Present a personalized plaque or trophy to honor the dedicated service of the administrative professional, and consider conducting an informal employee award ceremony with team-member speeches or written testimonials displayed alongside the plaque. If your support staff has a sense of humor, bonus points if the plaque is a little tongue-in-cheek.
Recipe Book Collaboration
Compile a digital cookbook featuring recipes submitted by team members and themed around the administrative professional’s favorite cuisine. Combine these recipes into a group card that you can deliver on Admin Day, and include personal notes or anecdotes reflecting on shared meals or food-related memories.
VIP Parking Spot
Designate a prime parking spot near the office entrance as a VIP parking space for the day, month, or year, and include a personalized parking sign or a surprise car detailing service.
Community Volunteer Day
Organize a community volunteer day where the entire team can participate in a meaningful cause chosen by the administrative professional or related to their interest. Document the experience using a personalized Kudoboard that encourages the team to post photos and videos of the outing.
Art and Craft Class
Arrange an art and craft class session for team members to express their creativity, and incorporate personalized art supplies or a surprise group art project related to their favorite art style. For hybrid or remote team members, book a virtual experience so everyone can be involved.
Paid Day Off
Grant everyone an additional PTO day that the administrative staff can use whenever they need, guilt free. If possible, add an additional benefit that allows them to circumvent any policies in place about timeliness or coverage.
Subscription Box Membership
Give an administrative assistant gift of a subscription box membership tailored to the their interests, such as books, movies, or snacks, and include a personalized subscription guide with recommendations or a surprise trial experience.
Employee Recognition Awards
Present the administrative professional with a special award to acknowledge their outstanding contributions, and host a surprise award ceremony with surprise testimonials or a themed acceptance speech. If possible, encourage team members to create their own fun recognition award for the support staff and post their nomination in a group card.
Professional Photo Session
Arrange a professional photography session for the administrative professional that they can use for social media, professional listings, and more. Book a local, reputable photograph to ensure a smooth experience.
Company-Hosted Learning Session
Organize a company-hosted learning session on a topic of interest for the entire team. with personalized learning materials or a surprise guest speaker related to the topic.
Surprise Team Outing
Plan a surprise team outing to a fun, local attraction or entertainment venue, and create a personalized team memory book with a group card to capture the day’s highlights.
Customized Desk Accessories
Gift customized desk accessories, such as a nameplate, pen holder, or desk organizer, with personalized engravings or an inclusive item crafted by the team. To get the perfect gift, you may simply want to ask them in advance if there’s anything they feel like they may need.
Create a Memory Book
Collaborate on creating a memory book or online card filled with photos, stories, and shared memories from their years of support. Present the memory book during a surprise story-sharing session or a personalized memory recollection activity.
Digital Thank You Wall
Design a digital thank you wall where team members can post messages and virtual notes of appreciation. Present this wall as a slide show during a thank you event on Administrative Professionals’ Day
Personalized Apparel Item
Custom print personalized shirts with a meaningful message or inside joke and arrange a surprise “wear-it-to-work” day with the entire team.
Team Appreciation Showcase
Host a team appreciation showcase where each team member presents a special token of appreciation, and incorporate a themed surprise showcase game or a team talent show.
Virtual or In-Person Happy Hour
Arrange a happy hour for the team to enjoy together at a local brewery or winery, or schedule a time for them to enjoy a beverage together from the comfort of their own homes.
Online Cooking Class
Organize an online cooking class led by a chef for team members to participate in on Administrative Professionals’ Day. Many of these experiences also have entertainment during the class to keep things lively and fun.
Personalized Tech Gadgets
Gift personalized tech gadgets to your admin staff, like headphones, laptop cases, or ring lights. While not as personalized, everyone appreciates a tech upgrade, and this Administrative Professional idea is easy to scale.
Creative Work Desk Makeover
Surprise the administrative professional with a creative and personalized makeover of their work desk area, and incorporate multiple surprise desk decorations or a personalized “work desk scavenger hunt.”
Themed Scavenger Hunt
Organize a themed scavenger hunt with personalized clues and hidden surprises, with a surprise treasure map or a themed riddle challenge related to the administrative professional’s favorite topics. For a virtual or online experience, consider creating a scavenger hunt around your shared drive, complete with prizes for participation.
DIY Craft Kit
Gift a DIY craft kit, such as a paint set or pottery kit, to encourage a creative and relaxing activity, or arrange a surprise creative art session or a themed “DIY masterpiece” exhibition.
Organized Team Luncheon
Host an organized team luncheon with a menu and location selected by the administrative professional. Weather permitting, take the team to an outdoor park or beach for the afternoon to give them a change of scenery.
Professional Development Subscription
Provide a subscription to a professional development subscription that they can use whenever they have an opportunity.
Customized Stationery Set
If you work in a “paper” office, create a customized stationery set featuring the administrative professional’s name or initials. Try to include as many personal details as possible, like their favorite color or font.
Team Video Montage
For dispersed teams, Curate a team video montage with clips of team members expressing their appreciation, and include personalized video expressions or a surprise “team unseen moments” video collection.
Office Spa Day
Treat the administrative professional and the rest of the office to a relaxing spa day or massage experience. Hire professionals to come in and offer 15 minute time slots to support everyone’s busy afternoons.
Outdoor Team Picnic
Organize an outdoor team picnic with team-building games, music, and food. Keeping the agenda loose will provide team members with more opportunity to connect.
Personalized Artwork
Commission a personalized artwork piece or painting that reflects the personality of the administrative professional, or arrange a surprise art gallery or a themed art installation celebration.
Team Building Escape Room Adventure
Plan a team building escape room adventure with challenging puzzles and teamwork opportunities. You could take the entire team to a physical escape room, or you could book an online experience to get hybrid and remote employees involved.
Interactive Virtual Trivia Night
Host an interactive virtual trivia night with custom trivia questions about the administrative professional, or book a standard trivia session on their favorite topic with surprise personalized quiz rounds.
Memorable Digital Collage
Create a digital collage of shared memories, quotes, and inside jokes as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. When it’s full, present the group card during an Administrative Professionals’ Day event.
Team Concert Outing
Recognize your favorite admin by taking the entire team on a nighttime field trip to a local music venue. Select an artist that your admin would enjoy and organize transportation. For a simpler celebration, hire a local artist to come to the office for a private concert.
Tips for Success with Administrative Professionals’ Day Celebrations
Making Administrative Professionals’ Day celebrations successful involves thoughtful planning, authentic gestures, personalized details, and meaningful recognition. Here are some essential tips to ensure that your celebrations are memorable and impactful:
Start Planning Early
Begin the planning process well in advance to ensure that the celebrations are well-coordinated and thoughtful.This give you an opportunity to think through the logistics of your Administrative Professionals’ Day idea and work with the larger team.
Personalize the Gestures
Tailor the celebrations to the specific interests, preferences, and personality of the administrative professional.
Encourage Team Participation
Foster a sense of teamwork and boost employee engagement by involving the entire team in the planning and execution of the celebrations. Give them plenty of advance notice and tactful reminders as Administrative Professionals’ Day approaches.
Express Authentic Appreciation
Emphasize genuine and heartfelt expressions of gratitude to make the administrative professional feel truly valued. Focus on creating experiences and gestures that leave a lasting and positive impact on the administrative professional.
Balance Work and Fun
Integrate elements of fun and lightheartedness into your celebrations to create a positive and uplifting atmosphere. Make sure the Administrative Professionals’ Day idea is a culture fit for your organization and matches your values as a team.
Provide Opportunities for Relaxation
Consider incorporating elements of relaxation and well-being when you celebrate Administrative Professionals’ Day to promote a sense of balance and rejuvenation. Admins work tirelessly to reduce our stress, and the holiday gives us an opportunity to give some of that back.
Acknowledge Contributions
Take the time to acknowledge and recognize the specific contributions and achievements of your administrative assistant. This grounds the celebration is their career and growth and can inspire others.
Seek Feedback
After the celebrations, seek feedback from the team to understand their thoughts and feelings about the experience. Use this information to choose an Admins Day idea for next year.
Appreciating your Admins with Group Cards
A great way to celebrate National Administrative Professionals’ Day is by creating a Admin Day group card on Kudoboard. This platform offers a seamless and personalized way to collect messages and memories, hold discussions and contests, and commemorate the holiday.
To get started, simply create a board, invite the team, and start collecting appreciation and recognition. You upload your own background, add fun with Administrative Professional Day memes, engage with GIFs and videos, and more. Once complete, send it automatically to your secretary, admin, or EA on the big day.
On Administrative Professionals’ Day, it’s essential to recognize the positive impact of employee recognition. Gratitude and appreciation create happier, more engaged team members, laying the foundation for future success. Bring your team together to celebrate some of your most essential staff members using one of our ideas to celebrate on Administrative Professionals’ Day.
Appreciate your admin with a card from the team
Personalize a group card, invite the staff to leave messages of gratitude, and automatically send on Administrative Professionals’ Day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Administrative Professionals’ Day Ideas
How do I choose an idea for Administrative Professionals’ Day?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, select an idea that reflects the personality, interests, and contributions of the administrative professional. Consider their preferences and create a thoughtful gesture that aligns with their values and professional style, as well as your core values. Some organizations even stretch their holiday into an entire Administrative Professionals’ Week, giving them the flexibility to choose multiple ideas.
For more gift ideas, read our Administrative Professionals’ Day gift guide.
Who should be recognized on Administrative Professionals’ Day?
Administrative Professionals’ Day , sometimes known as National Secretaries Day, is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate professionals like administrative assistants, secretaries, receptionists, executive assistants, and other staff that provide support in the workplace.
How do you thank someone on Administrative Professionals’ Day?
It can be difficult to write an Administrative Professionals’ Day message worthy of your favorite staff member, but your message will be perfect if you express your gratitude with sincerity and thoughtfulness. Consider sharing touching memories, highlighting achievements, and expressing appreciation to convey your genuine thanks—plus, avoid a simple “Happy Admin Day” or “Happy Administrative Professionals’ Day!”
What’s the best Administrative Professionals’ Day idea for my team?
Deciding between a corporate gift, experience, or appreciation event, and there is no perfect option for every team. Typically, the best Administrative Professionals’ Day idea is one that resonates with the admin assistant, fits your budget and timeframe, and reflects the team’s collective appreciation.
