How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1The host calls out a common household item (e.g., 'your favorite mug', 'something red', 'a book you'd recommend').
- 2Participants have 30 seconds to find the item in their home and show it on camera.
- 3The first person back gets a point. Play for a few rounds!
Variations
Camera-Off Option: Let people post a photo of the item in chat if they prefer not to show their space.
Theme Rounds: Choose themes like 'work from home', 'childhood', or 'wellness' to steer storytelling.
Cooperative Mode: Instead of points, aim for team completion (everyone returns within 30 seconds).
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
Get ready for a fun Virtual Scavenger Hunt! When I call out an item, you'll have 30 seconds to find it in your home and show it on camera. First one back gets a point. Make sure you have space to move around safely. Ready? Let's go!
Closing Script:
That was amazing energy! Thanks for playing and sharing glimpses of your homes with us. It's fun to see everyone's personality through the items they chose!
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: It gets people moving on a call, breaks the monotony, and adds quick laughs. The timer creates excitement, and the personal items naturally spark conversation.
Best For
Ideal icebreaker situations for this game include:
- Virtual team meetings that need an energy boost
- Groups feeling 'Zoom fatigue'
- Teams that have worked together for a while
- Mid-meeting energizer (5-10 minute break)
Important Notes
- Ensure participants have safe space to move quickly
- Be mindful that not everyone may feel comfortable showing their home
- Keep items generic to avoid excluding people (not everyone has pets, books, etc.)
- Watch for competitive stress - keep the tone light and fun
Ideas & Prompts
Easy (Under 30 seconds)
Something blue
Something red
Your favorite mug
A pen or pencil
Your phone charger
A book
Something that makes you smile
A piece of clothing
A snack
Your keys
A plant or something green
Something with your company logo
Your headphones
A water bottle
Something round
A remote control
Something with text on it
Your favorite beverage
Something soft
A picture or photo
Something you use every day
A notebook
Something rectangular
Your wallet or purse
A tool or utensil
Medium (30-45 seconds)
Something you've had for over 10 years
A book you'd recommend
Something from another country
Your most recent online purchase
Something that represents your hobby
A childhood toy
Something that makes noise
Your favorite kitchen gadget
A souvenir from a trip
Something handmade
Your go-to comfort item
Something with sentimental value
A piece of art or decoration
Something you bought during lockdown
Your favorite snack food
Something that smells good
A gift you received
Something you're proud of
Your most-used work tool
Something that represents your personality
A family heirloom
Something unusual or weird
Your favorite piece of tech
Something from your morning routine
A ticket stub or keepsake
Hard (45-60 seconds)
Something from the year you were born
Something in your favorite color that's not clothing
An ingredient for your favorite recipe
Something you've never used
Your oldest possession
Something with a good story behind it
A map or globe
Something that represents a goal
An item from 3 different rooms
Something that starts with the first letter of your name
Your most random purchase
Something from your childhood bedroom
A collection you have
Something passed down through generations
An item that changed your life
Something you forgot you had
Your most interesting kitchen item
Something from a past job
An item that represents resilience
Something you've been meaning to fix
Work-from-Home Edition
Your video call background item
Something on your desk right now
Your coffee/tea setup
Your most comfortable work-from-home item
Something you only use for video calls
Your 'productivity tool'
Something that helps you focus
Your lunch from today
Your work playlist or podcast
Something in your home office you can't work without
Your ergonomic helper
Something that survived the pandemic with you
Your 'unmute' reminder
Your favorite Zoom filter or backdrop
Your work-from-home uniform
Creative & Storytelling
Something that represents your year so far
An item that describes your mood today
Something you'd take to a desert island
Something that represents your dream vacation
An object that tells a story about you
Something that makes you laugh
An item from your bucket list
Something that represents your biggest achievement
An object from your favorite memory
Something that represents your heritage
An item that inspires you
Something that represents your future goals
An object that describes your work style
Something that brings you peace
An item that represents your biggest lesson learned
Team Building Focus
Something that represents your team
An item with your company values
Something from your first day at work
Your lucky charm
Something that motivates you at work
An item that represents collaboration
Something you're grateful for at work
Your favorite team memory as an object
Something that represents your work goals
An item that describes your leadership style
Game FAQ
What if someone doesn't want to turn on their camera?
No problem! Let them post a photo of the item in the chat, or just show the item without their face. Keep it inclusive.
What if someone doesn't want to turn on their camera?
No problem! Let them post a photo of the item in the chat, or just show the item without their face. Keep it inclusive.
Are the items hard to find?
We've categorized them by difficulty. Start with "Easy" items (pen, mug) for warm-ups, then move to "Personal" or "Hard" items once everyone is engaged.
Are the items hard to find?
We've categorized them by difficulty. Start with "Easy" items (pen, mug) for warm-ups, then move to "Personal" or "Hard" items once everyone is engaged.
How do we judge the winner?
The host watches the grid view. Alternatively, ask players to type "Done" in the chat when they return; the chat log decides the order.
How do we judge the winner?
The host watches the grid view. Alternatively, ask players to type "Done" in the chat when they return; the chat log decides the order.
