35+ Team Bonding Ideas to Use All Year Round

Team bonding isn’t just for summer picnics or that once-a-year offsite. It’s the secret sauce that keeps teams connected, engaged, and ready to tackle whatever the workday throws at them—whether you’re all in the same room or scattered across time zones. With hybrid and remote work now the norm, building real workplace relationships takes a little more creativity and a lot more intention. But the payoff? Happier teams, smoother projects, and a workplace people want to stick around for.

This list is your go-to guide for team bonding ideas that actually work—no awkward trust falls or forced fun required. We’ve rounded up 35+ activities, games, and experiences that fit every mood, schedule, and personality. Whether your team needs a quick pick-me-up, a deeper connection, or something to break up the Zoom routine, you’ll find ideas here that you can run again and again. 

Ready to start building a team that feels like, well, a team? Scroll on for inspiration that’ll last all year.

Quick Energy Boosts

1. Virtual Trivia Showdown 🎉 

Nothing wakes up a sleepy team like a little friendly competition. Virtual trivia brings everyone together for fast-paced questions and plenty of laughs. Mix up the categories—pop culture, company history, or even “Guess That Emoji”—to keep things fresh. Break into teams that mix departments and ages so everyone gets a chance to shine. You can host your own or try a guided experience like our Classic Trivia for a polished, low-stress event. Trivia is especially great for hybrid teams; everyone can join from anywhere, and it’s easy to fit into a break between meetings. 

2. The 5-Minute Stretch Break 🏃‍♂️ 

Let’s face it: back-to-back meetings can turn anyone into a desk zombie. Schedule a recurring 5-minute stretch break, led by a volunteer or a quick YouTube video. Invite everyone to stand up, reach for the sky, and shake out the tension. It’s simple, free, and gets people moving—and a little movement goes a long way toward boosting energy and focus. For remote teams, this is a great way to remind folks it’s okay to step away from the screen, even for a moment.

3. Lightning Scavenger Hunt 🕵️‍♀️ 

A classic, but with a twist—and fantastic for both in person and remote teams! Give your team 60 seconds to find something in their home or office—maybe something blue, something that makes them smile, or a favorite mug. Then, have everyone share the story behind their item. This activity is fast, inclusive, and brings a little bit of everyone’s personality into the mix. 

4. Puzzle Race Challenge 🧩 

Bring out your team’s inner problem-solvers with a puzzle race. Divide into small groups and set a timer. First team to finish their puzzle wins. For remote teams, try digital jigsaw puzzles or logic games. This activity encourages teamwork, communication, and a healthy dose of competition. It’s especially popular with tech teams and introverts who love a good challenge.

5. Virtual Coffee Roulette ☕ 

Randomly pair team members for a 15-minute coffee chat, either in person or over video. No agenda, just a chance to get to know someone new. Rotate pairs every week or month. Over time, this helps break down silos and builds connections that make future collaboration smoother. Tools like Donut (not the pastry, though we love those too!) on Slack make scheduling a breeze, but you can also do it manually.

Deeper Connection Moments

6. Memory Wall 🖼️ 

Invite everyone to contribute a favorite work memory, photo, or doodle to a shared “memory wall” (physical or virtual). This can be an ongoing project, with new memories added after each team event or milestone. For introverts and remote folks, asynchronous contributions mean no pressure to share live. The result? A living, breathing reminder of what your team has accomplished together—and a great conversation starter for new hires.

7. 5-Minute Book Club 📚 

Skip the 300-page novels. Instead, ask team members to share a book, article, or podcast recommendation in five minutes or less. Rotate who shares each week, or collect recommendations in a shared doc. This is a low-pressure way to spark conversation, discover new interests, and celebrate your team’s curiosity. Bonus: It works great across time zones and energy levels.

8. Show-and-Tell for Grown-Ups 🎤

Remember show-and-tell from elementary school? Turns out, it’s just as fun (and meaningful) at work. Ask team members to share a personal project, hobby, or recent win. Maybe someone’s learning guitar, or another just finished a marathon. These glimpses into life outside of work foster empathy and can spark surprising connections. For mixed-age teams, it’s a great way to celebrate everyone’s unique journey.

9. 3 Question Mingle 🤝 

Give everyone three thoughtful questions to answer—either in writing or in small breakout groups. Questions might include “What’s a skill you wish you had?”, “What’s your go-to comfort food?”, or “What’s a small thing that made you smile this week?” This activity is especially introvert-friendly and works well for hybrid teams. Written responses can be shared anonymously to spark conversation without putting anyone on the spot.

10. Donut Making (Yes, Really!) 🧑‍🍳 

Sometimes, the best way to bond is over something sweet. Try a virtual donut-making class, like Confetti’s Donut Making experience, where a pro leads your team through the process step by step. No baking skills required! Cooking together—even virtually—creates shared memories and plenty of laughs (plus, everyone gets a treat at the end). Food-based activities are a universal connector, and this one works for all ages and backgrounds.

Async-Friendly Ideas

11. Gratitude Chain 📝

Start a gratitude chain in your team chat or shared doc. Each person thanks someone else for a recent help or kindness, then tags another teammate to keep the chain going. This activity can run in the background all month long, giving everyone a steady dose of good vibes. Recognition is a morale booster.

12. Photo of the Week 📷 

Invite team members to share a photo from their week of something that made them smile, laugh, or pause. Pets, sunsets, a perfectly brewed latte…anything goes! This async activity is low-pressure and helps team members see the world through each other’s eyes. Over time, it creates a visual diary of your team’s journey together.

13. Calm and Create 🧑‍🎨 

Encourage creativity (and a little mindfulness) with a virtual art or doodling session. Our Calm and Create experience is a gentle, guided way to help your team unwind and connect, no artistic talent required. For a DIY version, share a prompt (like “draw your dream workspace”) and invite everyone to upload their creations. Artistic activities are shown to reduce stress and spark conversation, especially for teams that need a break from spreadsheets.

14. Secret Gift Swap 📦 

Organize a low-cost, anonymous gift exchange—think coffee beans, quirky socks, or favorite snacks. Set a budget and let the team know it’s all about thoughtfulness, not spending. For remote teams, use online wish lists or e-gift cards. This activity is a fun way to celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, or just because.

15. Kudos Wall 🏅 

Create a digital “kudos wall” where team members can shout out each other’s wins—big or small. Maybe someone solved a tricky bug, helped onboard a new hire, or just brought a smile to a meeting. Recognition is contagious, and seeing the wall fill up over time is a powerful reminder of your team’s strengths.

Creative Breaks

16. Charades (Remote Edition) 🎭 

Bring out the giggles with a round (or three) of virtual charades. Use a random word generator or try a guided session like Confetti’s Charades for a polished experience. Charades is perfect for breaking the ice, especially when you need a quick energy boost or want to lighten the mood before a big deadline. It’s also a great way to include everyone—no acting skills required, just a willingness to be a little silly.

17. Casino Night 🎲 

Bring the excitement of Vegas to your living room (minus the loud noises and expensive souvenirs). A virtual casino night lets your team play classic games together in a fun, relaxed setting. No real money involved—just bragging rights and plenty of laughs. This is a great option for teams who want a break from the usual trivia or puzzle games.

18. Movie Club 🎬 

Pick a movie to watch separately, then gather for a group discussion (popcorn optional). Rotate who picks the film each month, and encourage everyone to share their thoughts, favorite scenes, or even alternate endings. This activity works well for remote teams and helps spark conversations that go beyond work.

19. Game Jam 🕹️ 

Host a “game jam” where team members play quick online games together. Choose games that are easy to learn and don’t require hours of commitment. Rotate through classics like Pictionary, Codenames, or even Wordle tournaments. For teams with a competitive streak, keep a running scoreboard and crown a monthly champion.

20. Collaborative Storytelling ✍️ 

Start a story in a shared doc, then invite each team member to add a sentence or paragraph. The results are usually hilarious, surprising, and always unique to your team. This async activity is perfect for remote teams and helps spark creativity, collaboration, and a few inside jokes.

Friendly Competition

21. Escape Quest 🏆 

Put your team’s problem-solving skills to the test with a virtual escape room. Confetti’s Escape Quest is a guided experience that challenges teams to crack codes, solve riddles, and work together—all from their own desks. Escape rooms are proven to boost collaboration and communication, and they’re a favorite for teams who want a memorable, out-of-the-box challenge.

22. Coworker Clash 🎮 

Think you know your teammates? Put it to the test with a game show-style experience like Coworker Clash. Teams compete to see who knows the most about their colleagues’ quirks, habits, and hidden talents. It’s a fun way to learn something new about each other (and maybe discover who’s been secretly hoarding office snacks).

23. Codeword 🧠 

Challenge your team’s wordplay and deduction skills with a game like Codeword (available through Confetti for a guided session). Teams race to guess secret words using clever clues, building communication and trust along the way. This activity is especially popular with teams who love puzzles and a little friendly rivalry.

24. Office Olympics 🏅 

Set up a series of mini-challenges—physical (like paper airplane contests) or mental (like logic puzzles)—and keep score over a week or month. Teams or individuals can compete for the title of Office Olympian. For remote teams, adapt challenges to suit home offices or use virtual games. This recurring event keeps energy high and gives everyone something fun to look forward to (+ bonus if you don’t want to host it yourself…Confetti offers a fully guided Office Olympics experience).

25. Department Showdown 🥇 

Host a monthly or quarterly competition between departments—trivia, scavenger hunts, or even bake-offs. Mix up the format to keep things fresh. Friendly rivalry helps break down silos and gives everyone a chance to cheer each other on. Plus, it’s a great excuse to celebrate big wins and milestones together.

Celebration Moments

26. Birthday & Work Anniversary Spotlights 🎂

Don’t let special days slip by unnoticed. Celebrate birthdays and work anniversaries with a shoutout in your team chat, a digital card, or a group video message. For a little extra flair, invite everyone to share a fun fact about the honoree or a favorite memory. These small gestures go a long way toward making people feel seen and valued.

27. Virtual Happy Hour 🥳 

Raise a glass (or a mug) together, no matter where you’re working from. Virtual happy hours are a relaxed way to unwind and catch up outside of meetings. Set a theme (80s night, pajama party, fancy hats), play a few games, or just let the conversation flow. For teams who prefer not to drink, try a mocktail-making session or a tea party.

28. Team Lunch—Anywhere 🍕 

Coordinate a “team lunch” where everyone orders their favorite takeout or brings a homemade meal to a video call. Chat about anything but work—favorite recipes, weekend plans, or the latest binge-worthy show. For in-person teams, rotate who picks the restaurant or theme. Shared meals, even virtual ones, help build camaraderie and give everyone a much-needed break. If you want to go the extra mile and provide your employees with a budget, Confetti’s Lunch Party allows you to send gift cards to your team members so they can choose what they want.

29. Recognition Ceremony 🏆 

Host a quarterly recognition ceremony to celebrate team wins, individual milestones, and those behind-the-scenes efforts that keep everything running smoothly. Give out fun awards—think “Spreadsheet Sorcerer” or “Meeting Magician.” Recognition is a powerful motivator, and public praise helps everyone feel appreciated for their unique contributions.

30. Milestone Party 🎈 

Don’t wait for the end of the year to celebrate big achievements. Mark project launches, sales wins, or team goals with a virtual (or in-person) party. Invite everyone to share what they’re most proud of, play a quick game, and reflect on what you accomplished together. These moments of celebration help teams recharge and get excited for what’s next.

Everyday Connection Team Bonding Ideas

31. Weekly Wins Roundup 📅 

Kick off each week by sharing a “win” from the previous week. Big or small, every success counts. This ritual keeps the focus on progress and helps everyone see the impact of their work. Rotate who shares first to keep things inclusive. Over time, you’ll notice a more positive, forward-looking team vibe.

32. Question of the Day 💬 

Start meetings or team chats with a lighthearted question—“What’s your go-to karaoke song?”, “Pineapple on pizza: yay or nay?”, or “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?” These quick prompts spark conversation and help everyone learn something new about their teammates.

33. Buddy Program 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Pair up team members for a month-long “buddy” system. Buddies check in once a week—about work, life, or anything in between. This is especially helpful for new hires, remote employees, or anyone feeling a little disconnected. Rotate pairs regularly to help everyone build a wider network within the team.

34. Skill Swap 📝 

Everyone’s got a hidden talent. Host a skill swap where team members teach each other something new—maybe how to use a shortcut in Excel, make the perfect cup of coffee, or fold a fitted sheet (seriously, who knows how?). These sessions can be live or recorded, and they’re a great way to build confidence and celebrate the team’s diverse strengths.

35. Lunch-and-Learn 🧑‍🏫 

Invite a team member or guest speaker to share insights on a topic—work-related or just for fun. Maybe someone’s an expert on productivity hacks, or another loves urban gardening. Lunch-and-learns are a relaxed way to learn, connect, and spark new interests. For hybrid teams, record sessions so everyone can catch up on their own schedule.

36. Pet Parade 🤗 

Let’s be honest: nothing brings a team together like a parade of adorable pets. Host a “pet parade” where everyone introduces their furry (or scaly, or feathery) companions. This lighthearted activity is a guaranteed mood booster and helps everyone see a different side of their colleagues.

37. Workspace Show & Tell 🏡 

Encourage team members to give a quick virtual tour of their home office setup, favorite mug, or the view from their window. This helps humanize remote work and gives everyone ideas for making their own workspace more comfortable. Plus, it’s a fun way to swap tips and tricks for staying productive at home.

38. Culture Share 🌍

Celebrate your team’s diversity by inviting members to share something from their culture—recipes, traditions, holidays, or even a favorite song. This activity fosters inclusion and helps everyone feel valued for what makes them unique.

39. Team Playlist 🎧 

Build a collaborative playlist where everyone adds their favorite work tunes. Play it during focus hours, breaks, or virtual events. Over time, you’ll have a soundtrack that’s uniquely yours—and maybe discover some new favorites along the way.

40. Team Values Wall 🏅 

Create a shared doc or board where team members post examples of your company values in action. Maybe someone went above and beyond to help a customer, or another modeled transparency during a tough project. Celebrating these moments reinforces what matters most to your team (+ if you want to dive deeper, think about hosting a Values Workshop with your team).

Keep the Bonding Going

There you have it—over 35 team bonding ideas that are easy to run, repeatable, and ready for any team, anywhere. The best part? You don’t need a huge budget or a party planner’s toolkit. What matters most is making connection a habit, not a one-off event. Whether you’re boosting energy with a quick trivia round, deepening trust through show-and-tell, or celebrating wins with a team lunch, every small moment adds up to a stronger, happier workplace.

Remember, team bonding isn’t about perfection or constant novelty. It’s about showing up, listening, and making space for everyone to belong. Try mixing up these ideas throughout the year—some for quick energy, others for deeper connection, and a few just for fun. Watch as your team grows closer, collaboration gets easier, and Monday mornings feel a little less daunting.

If you’re looking for a little extra help planning or want to take the guesswork out of your next team event, Confetti offers a variety of virtual team building activities designed for remote and hybrid teams. Explore options for virtual team building and keep the good vibes rolling, all year round.