What is a 'low budget' team outing and how do you get the most out of it?

Budgets are getting tighter, but that doesn't mean that as a company you have to compromise on fun or impact. On the contrary: a creative and well-thought-out team outing doesn't have to cost a fortune in your marketing budget. With the right idea (and the right partner) you can create an unforgettable day for little money. But what is a low budget team outing exactly? And how do you make sure it still becomes a hit?

What do we mean by a low budget team outing?

A low budget team outing is an activity or day program that you organize without high costs for location, material, transportation or guidance. Often these outings are:

• Small-scale and locally organised
• Creative in design, without expensive decoration or technology
• Focused on togetherness, exercise and fun
• Flexible: indoors or outdoors, with your own interpretation

It's about the right vibe, not the biggest bill.

Think of activities such as:

• Beach games or a six-event competition
• Picnic with quiz or team challenges
• GPS tour or treasure hunt through the city
• Creative workshops with household materials
• Interactive pub quiz with your own host

How do you get the most out of a low budget outing?

Cheap should never feel like “sparse.” Here are tips to make the most of any budget:

1. Choose a location that costs nothing

Get outside. Beach, park, forest or even your own parking lot. As long as you have space, you have options. Extra benefit: fresh air = fresh energy.

2. Combine activities smartly

Create your own program with blocks: think of a sports game, a creative assignment and a quiz round. Variety = involvement.

3. Use what you already have

Print out quiz questions, use pawns from the office or ask colleagues to bring their own lunch. This will keep the cost down.

4. Make simplicity a strength

Sometimes the simplest things are fun: water balloons, relay races, building sand sculptures. Bonus points for nostalgia and laughing until you drop.

5. Choose a partner with experience

For example Flitz-Events, who have been organizing smart low budget outings for years that are anything but boring. They deliver formats that run on human energy, not technology.

Examples of budget-friendly team outings from Flitz-Events

Flitz-Events thinks along with you. No standard packages, but thinking along within your possibilities. These activities are low cost, but high fun:

• hexathlon: With tug of war, skippy race, sack race and more. Classic, low tech, great atmosphere.
• Bamboo tower building: Creative and competitive, without expensive materials.
• Beach Quiz: Interactive, personalizable with your own questions.
• Beach Clean-up + game format: Combine doing something good with teamwork.
• Sand sculpture competition: Groups build themed creations, jury decides the winner.

And what about a green team outing? Yes, because sustainable and budget-friendly often go hand in hand. (And by the way, you can read that blog about it here.)

How do you prevent the low budget team outing from feeling 'cheap'?

The key is energy and attention. A well-prepared outing, with a clear program, involved guidance and room for fun feels valuable, regardless of the price tag. Make sure you:

• The team gets excited in advance
• Adds something of a competitive or unifying element
• Have time for a chat, drinks or closing awards ceremony

With the right approach, people remember the fun, not the price.

Smart budgeting: what are the biggest expense items?

So that you know where you can save:

• Transportation: Choose close to home or carpool.
• Catering: Bring your own or opt for one drinks moment with simple snacks.
• Rent equipment: Think creatively, use your own equipment.
• Location Rental: Free outdoor locations are your best friend.

Tips from Flitz-Events for maximum impact with a minimum budget

• Choose themes that activate people: competition, nostalgia, collaboration.
• Let employees participate: crowdsourced ideas are often the most fun.
• Choose experience over appearance: no expensive decoration, but a surprising game idea.
• Think about repeatability: some games can be used again next year.

Low budget team outings: Limited budget? Endless possibilities

A low budget team outing doesn't have to feel like a second choice. With the right mindset, a little creativity and maybe a partner like Flitz-Events, you can organize something that people will talk about for months to come.

And don't forget: low budget and green go perfectly together. Want to know more about sustainable options? Then also check out our blog about green team outings.

Fun first. Invoice second. Let's go!