When you’re searching for team-building inspiration online, it’s not uncommon to stumble across suggestions that seem... well, a little out of reach. A golfing trip in the south of France? That sounds lovely, but maybe not within today’s budget! Kudos if you’ve got the time and funds, but team-building should be accessible to everyone, no matter the financial situation.
So, if your budget’s currently taking a little midday nap, don’t worry, this blog’s got you covered. We’ve gathered 22 of our favorite low-cost team-building exercises that anyone can enjoy!
Low-cost activities for small groups (up to 10 people)
1. Taskmaster challenge
To start, each team member assigns a quirky task to another, such as composing an email entirely in emojis or creating a presentation that rhymes. The more absurd, the better! This activity is a brilliant way to foster creativity and inject some fun into the workday. It promotes collaboration in a lighthearted environment, encouraging everyone to think outside the box.
Top tip: Make sure the tasks are funny but manageable—no one wants to spend hours rhyming corporate jargon! Keeping it short and sweet will keep the fun going without becoming frustrating.
2. Recipe sharing roulette
Everyone brings in a family recipe or pulls one from the internet, then swaps with a colleague. You cook the recipe at home and share pictures of the results the next day. This corporate team-building activity is a great way to bond over food, learn something new, and maybe laugh at some kitchen mishaps. Plus, it brings a personal touch to team interactions.
3. Budget film festival
Teams film short clips of a typical workday using only a smartphone and free editing software. The group watches the films together and votes on the most creative or funniest. This activity is fantastic for encouraging collaboration and letting team members showcase hidden talents (or hilariously exaggerated ones). It’s a fun and memorable way to build connections.
Top tip: Keep it short! Stick to 2-3 minutes per film so everyone can enjoy each without spending the entire afternoon glued to the screen.
4. Post-it note art show
Teams are given the challenge of creating an office mural using only Post-it notes, with the mural reflecting a work-related theme. It’s easy to organize: grab some packs of colorful Post-its, assign a theme, and watch as creativity takes off. This is a fun way to encourage teamwork while bringing some color and personality to the office walls.
Top tip: Don’t stress over artistic skill! Even if it looks like a kindergarten project, it’s all about having fun together. Bonus points for those who incorporate inside jokes into their murals!
5. Miniature problem solving
Teams use small objects like paperclips, rubber bands, or sticky notes to devise a solution to an everyday office problem, such as tangled wires or tricky door handles. It’s a playful way to encourage innovation while improving problem-solving skills. Plus, you might even come up with a practical fix for those annoying little issues!
Affordable team activities for large groups (10+ people)
6. Team story weaving
Start with a random sentence, and each person in the group adds one more, crafting an unpredictable and often hilarious story. The key here is to embrace the absurdity and let creativity flow without overthinking it (or without using any materials!). As the story moves around the room, everyone gets a chance to contribute, which often leads to surprising twists, unexpected endings, and lots of laughter. It’s a great way to loosen up the atmosphere and let everyone feel comfortable being a little silly, which can lead to more open communication down the line.
This is perfect for breaking down communication barriers and showing off everyone’s quirky sense of humor. It’s especially great for larger groups, as it gives everyone a chance to participate, without putting too much pressure on any one person. The beauty of this game is that no one knows where the story will end up, and sometimes it goes in directions no one could’ve predicted!
7. Bad idea parade
In this activity, teams are tasked with coming up with the worst possible solutions to a business problem. Whether it’s “replace all employees with robots” or “sell ice cream in the middle of winter,” the goal is to think outside the box in the worst possible way. This activity allows people to bond through humor while also getting them to think creatively about real solutions. Reverse engineering these bad ideas often leads to practical and effective ones.
This is a fun twist on the traditional brainstorming session because it encourages people to loosen up and not be afraid of making mistakes. By focusing on what not to do, participants are more willing to take risks, which often leads to the discovery of innovative ideas.
8. Speed networking
This quick team-building activity breaks large groups into pairs, giving them three minutes to talk about anything other than work. Whether it’s their favorite hobby, vacation plans, or a fun fact about their pet, the goal is to find connections outside the office. After three minutes, everyone rotates to the next partner, continuing until all participants have met.
Speed networking helps people break the ice quickly and can lead to lasting friendships. It’s an excellent way for new hires to get to know their coworkers or for team members who don’t usually interact to find common ground. Since the conversations are short, it keeps things moving and avoids any awkward pauses, making it an easy and effective way to strengthen team bonds.
Top tip: Encourage team members to ask fun questions like “What’s your dream vacation?” to keep the conversation light and engaging. It’s amazing how fast friendships form when you find out someone shares your love of 80s action movies!
9. Office design contest
In this large team challenge, teams reimagine the office layout on paper, brainstorming ways to make it more functional, fun, or creative. The team with the best redesign gets part of their idea implemented, whether it’s rearranging desks for better flow or adding a plant-filled relaxation corner. It’s a great way to involve employees in shaping their work environment while also encouraging teamwork and creative problem-solving.
This activity promotes creativity and teamwork while allowing employees to voice what they’d like to see in their workspace. Plus, it can lead to practical improvements that benefit everyone. It’s a fun way to get feedback and implement small changes that make the office a more pleasant place to be.
Top tip: Don’t limit it to serious designs—feel free to incorporate dream elements like “nap pods” or “puppy corners.” You never know what practical ideas might come from a little wishful thinking!
10. Charity walks
Organizing a charity walk or mini marathon is a fantastic way to get the team moving, bond over a shared cause, and do some good for the community. Set it up so that every step the team takes counts toward a donation to a charity, making the effort both fun and rewarding. This activity doesn’t require a huge financial commitment—small steps can add up to a meaningful contribution.
Charity walks build team spirit and create a sense of purpose beyond the workplace. It’s an excellent way to get some fresh air and exercise, while also working together for a good cause.
Top tip: Set fun milestones along the way, like a goofy team photo at each checkpoint. It keeps the walk lively and helps capture the day’s memories while raising awareness for the charity. This also adds a bit of competition, which can motivate everyone to keep going while having a good time.
11. Origami workshop
In this calming and collaborative activity, team members learn how to fold simple origami structures together. Each creation can be personalized to reflect the company’s values or team spirit, whether it’s a crane for good luck or a box representing unity. The process of folding and creating something with your hands is a mindful break from screen time, while still encouraging creativity and collaboration.
Top tip: Turn the creations into a lasting piece of office décor by displaying them in a dedicated spot. Consider setting a challenge where each team folds an origami structure that best represents one of the company’s core values!
Budget-friendly team-building games for remote teams
12. Digital emoji story
In this activity, teams collaborate to tell a story using only emojis, with each person contributing one sentence in a shared chat or document. It’s like modern-day hieroglyphics, where everyone has to interpret and add to the evolving plot using nothing but icons. It’s a fun way to promote creativity while keeping things light and playful. Emoji storytelling challenges team members to think visually and communicate without words, sparking some amusing misunderstandings and unexpected storylines.
13. Paper airplane tournament
In this activity, large groups compete to design and build the most effective paper airplanes. Once the planes are ready, everyone races them across the room, aiming for the longest flight or the most accurate landing. This activity combines creativity, friendly competition, and a little bit of engineering as team members tweak their designs for optimal performance. It’s a playful way to encourage teamwork and problem-solving in a low-pressure environment.
14. Online meme war
Team members create memes about remote work or the company, sharing them with the group to see who can come up with the funniest one. This activity encourages humor and creativity while addressing shared experiences of working from home. It’s a great way to lighten the mood during a meeting or break up a long workday. The best part is, everyone gets a laugh, and the memes can be saved and reused for future team jokes.
Top tip: Encourage participants to use popular meme formats—they’re quick to create and guaranteed to get some laughs. Adding a company-specific spin to a meme can make it even more relatable and hilarious.
15. Remote mystery box challenge
Before the event, ask each team member to grab a random item from their home—a spatula, a stuffed animal, anything. Then, each person has to explain how they would use that item to solve a common business problem, like boosting productivity or organizing files. This activity pushes everyone to think creatively and present absurd yet imaginative solutions, all while having a laugh.
Top tip: The more random the item, the better! Finding ways to connect a whisk to project management will definitely spark some out-of-the-box thinking and might even lead to unexpected insights.
16. Personal playlist sharing
Each team member shares a playlist of their top five songs that help them focus, relax, or get motivated while working from home. This is a fantastic way to bond over music and learn about each other’s personal tastes. It also gives everyone some fresh tunes to listen to throughout the workday, keeping the remote work vibe positive and energized.
17. Work from home tour
Each person gives a virtual tour of their home office setup, showcasing one quirky or unique feature that helps them stay productive. Whether it’s a standing desk, a cozy reading nook, or an array of houseplants, this activity is a great way for teammates to share their workspace tips and tricks. Plus, it’s a fun way to see everyone’s different work-from-home setups and learn new ideas for improving your own space.
Top tip: Encourage everyone to include at least one quirky item, whether it’s a funny mug or a weird desk ornament. It keeps the tours lighthearted and gives everyone something fun to talk about.
Affordable physical team-building activities
18. Post-lunch walks
Encourage everyone to step outside for a short walk after lunch, creating a daily or weekly challenge. Afterward, team members can share interesting sights or experiences they encountered during their walk, like a cute dog or a surprising piece of street art. This activity is perfect for refreshing the mind after a meal and recharging for the rest of the workday. Walking improves focus, reduces stress, and boosts creativity, making it a simple yet effective way to build team morale and promote well-being.
19. Team bike ride
Get the team out of the office and onto some bikes for a group ride around the local area or nearby park. Whether you rent bikes or use ones that are available, this activity brings physical exercise and fresh air into the team-building mix. Riding together encourages camaraderie and offers a chance for casual, non-work conversations, strengthening connections within the team. Plus, it’s an easy and eco-friendly way to explore the area.
20. Stress ball toss
In this quick stress-relief game, teams compete by tossing stress balls into containers scattered around the office. Points are awarded for accuracy, and the light-hearted competition brings a fun energy into the workplace. It’s a simple way to break up the day and let off some steam, while also boosting hand-eye coordination and encouraging friendly rivalry. You can play it as a standalone break or turn it into a tournament over the week.
21. Chair yoga session
Take a break from the desk with a quick chair yoga session. An employee or an external instructor can lead the team through a series of relaxing stretches and breathing exercises, all while seated. Chair yoga is perfect for refreshing both body and mind, reducing tension, and promoting better posture. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce some mindfulness into the workday without needing a lot of space or equipment.
Top tip: Make it a regular part of your routine! A 10-minute yoga session once or twice a week can make a big difference in everyone’s energy and focus. Keep the atmosphere light by encouraging everyone to relax and enjoy the stretch.
22. Step challenge
Teams compete to see who can walk the most steps during the workday, with small prizes or recognition for the most active teams. This activity is easy to organize, fun, and promotes healthy habits in the workplace. It encourages everyone to get up and move throughout the day, whether it’s pacing during phone calls or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. The step challenge can run for a day, a week, or even longer, motivating team members to stay active.
Top tip: Use fitness apps or devices to track progress and keep everyone engaged. Adding fun incentives, like a “Step King/Queen” crown, can motivate even the most reluctant walkers to participate!
Change up your environment for team-building activities!
While most of these activities can be done in or around your office, you can’t beat the feeling of getting away from the usual grind sometimes. That’s why we recommend organizing an off-site team retreat for your team this year! Not got the time to go through the pain of organizing it all? No problem, this is where Surf Office steps in.
We’ve had the pleasure of organizing over 700+ retreat experiences, including remote teams, for many different companies. Here’s what we offer:
- Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
- Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
- Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
- Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
- Expert retreat planning assistance? Of course, we have this covered! ✅
- Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅
Not only this but we also have access to 160+ locations around Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America, and now Africa, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.
Contact us for more information and do team building the right way this time!
