This game is a simple, fun and effective way to break the ice at a large party where many people don't know one another. As each guest arrives, the hostess or a designated friend will pin a numbered cloth bag with a mystery item inside, to the guest‘s clothing in place of a name tag, and will give each guest a pen or pencil and a form list.
The goal is to mingle and meet every guest, while feeling and squeezing each person's mystery bag. As the mystery item in each bag is identified, the item name is written on the individual's list next to the corresponding number. There is also a place to write each new friend's name.
Cheating is discouraged as it prevents meeting new friends. The first person to correctly complete his or her list is the winner. There may be a tie, so be sure to have extra prizes. Prizes can be anything from computer-generated certificates to medals, playing cards, board games or nifty dollar store blue ribbons. As the hostess, you choose the prizes.
To prepare to play this game, you'll need to do some advance work. Count up the maximum number of expected guests and add a few extra. Good hosts need to be well-prepared!
You will need to collect miscellaneous small items, a different one for each guest. Items are limited only by your imagination and can include small, common household items, baby items such as a pacifier, nipple, or a nasal aspirator, Lego, a lipstick, beads, button, thimble, washer or other small hardware...the list goes on. Scout around the house or visit the dollar store or craft shop. Do not use anything sharp or pointed.
- When you have your items assembled, make a list and number each item:
- Next, using plain fabric, cut and sew or fabric glue simple, square bags, similar to bean bags. If using fabric glue, make sure the bags will not split open.
- Using a marker, number each bag on one side.
- Attach a pin back or safety pin to each bag on the reverse side.
- Insert the appropriate numbered list item into each bag, then sew it shut.
Place all numbered, pinned mystery bags in a large basket or box near the front door. Now you're ready for fun!
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Comments: 16
One of the ice breakers we've done at the larger georgia geocacher events is a squares grid where you have a xeroxed list of "facts" and graphic squares image. You have to walk around the crowd, talking to people, finding cachers (people) that meet that fact.
Some questions are specific to a particular attendee like what cacher has a dog named Lucy and others are general with a several possible answers like who has been caching since 2003. Each question has a number in the squares grid and you write the cacher's name inside the cooresponding answer square. They award prizes to those who have the most correct.
Gather Broadcasting: Have it your way
Jan, I liked whacky weed too.
But, lovely article anyway.
I have $0 till Friday.
And, it gets worse every month.
I'd rather have food in my fridge, then throw a party.
I thought I should just explain, my comment.
Have a lovely evening!