Ideas to Give Your Staff More Time
Practical ideas to give teachers extra planning time.
10-60 min
Dipsgiving: A Staff Thanksgiving Potluck
A staff Thanksgiving food idea that offers a twist on the traditional potluck.
Alissa Christensen
What is a Dipsgiving staff Thanksgiving potluck?
Dipsgiving is a staff Thanksgiving potluck where every dish is a dip. Staff sign up to bring their favorite, and you provide the chips, crackers, pretzels, and whatever else people might need to enjoy the spread. It takes only four steps to plan, and the included sign-up sheets keep track of who’s bringing what, so there’s no guesswork for you.
A dip-only menu keeps the potluck simple to plan and easy to join. Most dips need only a handful of ingredients and travel in a single slow cooker or bowl. If staff need some inspiration, check out the ideas below.
Why try it
Why host Dipsgiving?
A dip-only menu keeps the potluck simple to plan and easy to join. Most dips need only a handful of ingredients and travel in a single slow cooker or bowl, and the 30 dip ideas below give staff a place to start.
Things you'll need
Sign-up sheets
Plates, napkins, and serving spoons
Power strips or extension cords for slow cookers
Table in the staff lounge, library, or another shared space
Instructions
1
Send the invite
Invite staff to your Thanksgiving potluck 1-2 weeks ahead
Pick a date in November and share it with staff 1-2 weeks before so everyone has time to choose a dip. A short note works: “Join us for Dipsgiving on [date] in [location]. Bring your favorite dip to share, and we’ll provide the chips, crackers, and pretzels. Add your dip to the sign-up sheet in the staff lounge by [date].”
2
Post the sign-up sheet
Share the sign-up sheet to avoid duplicate dips
Print one of the included sign-up sheets and post it in the staff lounge or workroom. Staff write their name and dip so others can choose something different.
30 dip ideas for your staff Thanksgiving potluck
- Warm slow cooker dips: buffalo chicken dip, spinach artichoke dip, white queso, beer cheese dip, pizza dip, hot crab dip, Reuben dip, chili cheese dip, jalapeño popper dip
- Cold and creamy dips: French onion dip, guacamole, hummus, tzatziki, seven-layer dip, pimento cheese, whipped feta, dill pickle dip
- Fall and Thanksgiving dips: pumpkin pie dip, cranberry jalapeño dip, caramel apple dip, butternut squash dip, maple pecan cream cheese dip, roasted sweet potato hummus, cinnamon apple salsa, gingersnap cheesecake dip
3
Set up
Set up the dip station
Choose a space with enough outlets and add power strips for slow cookers. Set out the chips, crackers, and pretzels along with plates, napkins, and serving spoons. Leave a blank card and pen at each spot so staff can label their dip and note common allergens like nuts, dairy, or shellfish.
4
Celebrate and thank staff
Thank staff at your Dipsgiving potluck
Hang the included appreciation sign by the table and thank staff for the dips they brought. Before the end of the day, remind everyone to pick up their slow cookers and dishes.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Thanksgiving potluck dip-off
Set out a ballot box and let staff vote for their favorite dip. Give the winner one of the printable reward coupons.
Leadership-hosted dip bar
Have the leadership team bring every dip and invite staff to come eat. Dipsgiving becomes a thank-you from leaders to staff.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Plan around every lunch shift
Keep the table open across all lunch periods so teams can stop by on their own schedules.
Leader Tip #2
Add a gratitude station
Set out gratitude celebration postcards by the dip table so staff can write a quick thank-you to a colleague while they eat.
Leader Tip #3
Build a fall potluck series
Pair Dipsgiving with Crocktober in October and a soup potluck in winter. Add all three to your school appreciation calendar.
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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