Top 5 Team-Building Tools I Never Leave Home Without

Essential Tools for Facilitators

What if you only needed five tools to run impactful teambuilding sessions for the rest of your career?

Would you believe it’s possible?

In this post, I’ll share the five team-building tools I never leave home without.

These are versatile, inexpensive, and powerful resources that can be used in countless ways to help groups connect, collaborate, and grow.

Whether you’re leading a workshop, delivering a keynote, or running teambuilding games, these tools are essential for every facilitator’s kit.

In this Post…

Click the links below to scroll directly to that content:

Why These Five Tools?
The 5 Must-Have Teambuilding Tools
Why Minimalism Matters
Conclusion: Teambuilding Tools That Make a Difference
What’s in Your Kit?
Bonus Team-Building Tool

Why These Five Tools?

I think it’s a fair question to ask, so here are the three key reasons this set of the best team-building tools always travel with me:

1. Versatility -Each tool can be used in multiple ways, making them adaptable to various activities and group sizes.

2. Affordability -Facilitation doesn’t have to break the bank. These tools are cost-effective without sacrificing impact.

3. Connection-Focused – Above all, these tools are designed to foster connections and deepen relationships within groups.

The 5 Must-Have, Best Teambuilding Tools

1. UBUNTU Cards

These pocket-sized cards are one of the most versatile team-building tools I’ve ever come across.

What They Are: A deck of 54 cards featuring simple images on one side and multiple images on the other.
How to Use Them:
- Match the images between two cards, similar to the commercial game Spot It.
- Use the images as conversation starters or icebreakers.
- Play connection games to build bonds within the group.
Why They Work: UBUNTU Cards reveal the common bonds between participants, encouraging understanding and collaboration.

Team-building card games like We Connect cards pose some of the best icebreaker questions

2. Icebreaker Question Cards

A simple way to spark meaningful conversations. In the beginning, I used to create my own set of conversation-starter questions, but now I’m just lazy and pull out my deck of We Connect Cards.

What They Are: A deck of cards with questions on one side and actions or colours on the other.
How to Use Them:
- Invite participants to answer questions like What inspires you? or What’s your dream travel destination?
- Use the actions or colours for randomised groupings or energising activities.
Why They Work: These cards break down barriers and make connection effortless, especially for shy participants.

Tangled colourful climbing ropes as one of the best team-building tools

3. Ropes

An underrated yet invaluable tool for team-building games.

What They Are: Small ropes (buddy ropes) or longer ones like skipping ropes.
How to Use Them:
- Create physical boundaries or zones for activities like Must Choose.
- Facilitate interactive games such as Overhand Knot or Hot Box.
- Use ropes to set up creative challenges or problem-solving tasks.
Why They Work: Ropes are lightweight, easy to carry, and highly adaptable for countless teambuilding exercises.

Deck of playing cards as one of the best team-building tools

4. Deck of Playing Cards

A staple for any facilitator who cherishes simple, versatile props.

What They Are: A standard deck of 52 (or 54) cards.
How to Use Them:
- Randomly divide participants into groups based on suits, numbers, or colours.
- Play teambuilding games like Change Up, Poker Face or Get Twenty, etc.
- Use them as tools for energisers, trivia, or memory challenges.
Why They Work: Playing cards are familiar, flexible, and can be used creatively in dozens of ways.

5. EMOJI Cards

A unique tool for building emotional literacy and inviting reflection.

What They Are: A deck of 50 cards featuring a range of emoji faces and emotional keywords.
How to Use Them:
- Icebreakers: Ask participants to choose an emoji that reflects how they’re feeling.
- Reflection: Use the cards to debrief after an activity, discussing how participants felt or how their teammates might have felt.
- Emotional Awareness: Map the cards onto a matrix to explore emotional zones (eg red, blue, green, yellow).
Why They Work: These cards help participants articulate emotions, enhancing group empathy and communication.

Why Minimalism Matters

Facilitators often carry an arsenal of props and tools, but in my humble opinion, simplicity is key:

Travel-Friendly: A small kit is easier to manage, especially when travelling.
Versatile Activities: A limited set of tools encourages creativity and flexibility.
Backup Plan: Even without props, having a repertoire of no-prop activities ensures you’re always prepared.

Conclusion:
Teambuilding Tools That Make a Difference

Great facilitation doesn’t require fancy props or expensive resources.

With just these five teambuilding tools, you can create dynamic, engaging, and meaningful experiences for your groups.

Whether you’re a seasoned facilitator or just starting out, these tools will help you connect with participants and foster collaboration.

Happy facilitating!

What’s in Your Kit?

These five team-building tools have been invaluable throughout my career, but I’d love to know what works for you.

What props or tools do you always carry?
Have you used any of the five tools listed here?

Share your go-to facilitation tips and tools in the comments below to add to the collective wisdom of our community.

Bonus:
No Props, No Problem book

For those moments when tools aren’t available, my book No Props, No Problem is a must-have resource.

It includes 150 no-prop activities designed to foster connection and engagement.

Grab Your Copy

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Top 5 Team-Building Tools I Never Leave Home Without