How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1Ahead of time, ask everyone to choose one object from their home or desk that has a special meaning.
- 2Each person takes a minute or two to 'show' the object on camera and 'tell' the story behind it.
- 3This is especially effective for remote teams to feel more connected.
Materials Needed
- One meaningful object per participant
Variations
Invisible Show and Tell: Describe an object without showing it, and others have to guess what it is.
Photo Show and Tell: Share a photo from your camera roll instead of a physical object.
Themed Show and Tell: Everyone brings something related to a specific theme (e.g., 'Travel', 'Childhood', 'Red').
Mystery Mode: Hold object behind your back, describe it first, then reveal for a guessing twist.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
Grab your object and be ready to share for 60–90 seconds: what it is, why it matters, and the story behind it.
Closing Script:
Thanks for sharing. Notice how metaphors surfaced values—capture a couple of themes we want to carry into today’s work.
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: Sharing personal objects bridges the physical gap in remote work. It provides a glimpse into personal lives in a controlled, safe way, fostering empathy and understanding beyond job titles.
Best For
Ideal icebreaker situations for this game include:
- Remote/hybrid teams
- Onboarding cohorts
- Culture-building workshops
Important Notes
- Invite optional participation and allow camera-off descriptions.
- Timebox shares to avoid fatigue.
- Avoid pressure to reveal private details.
Ideas & Prompts
Work & Desk
Your favorite mug
A gadget you can't live without
A souvenir from a business trip
Your notebook or planner
A photo on your desk
The weirdest thing in your drawer
Your 'lucky' pen
A book you're currently reading
Your blue-light glasses
A snack you stash for emergencies
A certificate or award
Your workspace plant (alive or dead)
A fidget toy
Something hand-written
Your headphones
Personal & Hobbies
A childhood toy
A book that changed your life
A piece of art you made
A musical instrument
Something you collected
Your favorite cooking utensil
Sports gear you use often
A finished DIY project
A video game controller
Your pet (or a photo of them)
A musical record or CD
Your running shoes
A gardening tool
Something you knitted/sewed
Your camera
Travel & Memories
A souvenir from your favorite vacation
A ticket stub from a concert
A postcard
A map
A foreign currency
A shell or rock from a beach
A hotel key card you kept
Your passport
A photo of a breathtaking view
A traditional item from your culture
A festival wristband
A magnet on your fridge
A travel pillow
Luggage tag
A museum guide
Random & Fun
The item to your immediate left
Something clearly yellow
The oldest thing in your room
Something you bought for under $5
A gift you received recently
Your favorite hat
Something soft
A kitchen magnet
Your coffee/tea setup
Something that smells good
School & Nostalgia
Your graduation cap/diploma
An old yearbook
A trophy or medal
A school project you kept
Your favorite childhood book
A mixtape/CD from high school
An old ID card
A letter from a friend
Your first phone (if you still have it)
A sentimental piece of jewelry
Game FAQ
What if someone forgets to bring an object?
Let them describe something from memory or grab anything nearby—the story matters more than the object.
What if someone forgets to bring an object?
Let them describe something from memory or grab anything nearby—the story matters more than the object.
How do we keep it moving with large groups?
Breakout rooms of 4–5, then each room shares one highlight to the full group.
How do we keep it moving with large groups?
Breakout rooms of 4–5, then each room shares one highlight to the full group.
