Laughing is good for the soul….Yes or Yes? Making sure we have the right balance in life outside of work and family feeds that happiness we desire in being a well-rounded individual.
In that effort, are you always the one responsible for pulling together parties, retreats, and workshops? Chances are if you’re a blogger or a reader of Rx Fitness Lady 🙂 , you’re a pretty sharp cookie and blessed with a touch of creativity.
These types of people usually get to plan the Christmas parties, social events, and meetings.
The trouble with that is, you want to make sure the party gets started off on the right foot.
I’ve got you covered with my recent planning and research with some tried and proven good icebreakers/activities for laughing or just getting to know people.
Ice Breakers
Ketchup – Pass around a bottle of ketchup or put a specific number of ketchup packages in a zip lock bag and simply tell each person to catch us up on what’s happening in their life since the last time you convened or lately if it’s a new group or new member in the group.
Two truths and a lie – This game is classic. You go around the room and have each person tell 3 things about them; 2 true and 1 lie and the group has to figure out which is the lie. You can spice this up by purpose of the party or group. For instance, for the Christmas party, we had to tell 3 things that happened or gifts we got for Christmas.
Games and Activities
I hate to start with this, but it’s really fun…
Killer – Cut up pieces of paper and place a dot on 1 piece to signify being the killer. All participants choose a paper. The person who draws the dotted piece is the killer. The object is for the killer to wink at other participants to kill them without anyone seeing them do it. Once you are killed you don’t blurt it out as soon as it happens. You wait until the killer has looked away to announce that you are dead. *I’m dead!* Set a time limit because everyone wants to be the killer but there isn’t time for all of that!
Taboo is guaranteed for a good time. Just read the directions that come with the game if you aren’t aware.
Charades – You can play the good old fashion way or like for Christmas, we used Christmas words and songs.
Memory Game – Place items (based on theme of the gathering) on a tray and give everyone about 10 seconds to look at the tray and then have them write down as many items as they can recall.
Christmas
Wrapping Presents – Split into to teams and have 2 people work together to wrap a box with one hand each. You could get creative with choosing the item to wrap. Judge on speed and appearance.
Not necessarily Christmas – Need Christmas decorated oven mitts, Christmas Gift bags, brown lunch bags, and lots of candy. Divide into teams and have the first person on each team put on a pair of oven mits. The object of the game is to get 3 pieces of candy out of the bag, open each piece, and place them in your mouth, then pass the gloves on to the next person in line. If the person doesn’t want to eat the candy, they can spit it out in the brown bag. Be sure to cheer on your teammates.
I saved the best for last. I recently hosted my book club rejuvenation retreat and I was all over the Internet at the last minute trying to find a different game and I discovered…
The Game – HA
Sound complicated? Person #1 looks at person #2 and says HA, #2 looks at #3 and says HA HA, and so on. The magic of this game was the absolute whack jobs that I’m in the book club with and the ways they came up with saying ha (laughing without laughing).
YEP, that’s right! YOU CAN’T LAUGH OR YOU ARE OUT. Once you are out, you can laugh as much as you want. The reason this was so fun is because it sounded like the dumbest game ever and no one could stop laughing to get started playing. You know how that goes!
From group me the day after…
Some of these games have been coed and yes they work with both sexes. Hope they help next time you are in charge! If you are one of those planners, be sure to pin, especially if you’re last minute!
Before I go, I just want to share with you are last Sunday School Christmas Party in which several of these games have been tried an proven.
Our teacher was too ill to attend this last party, but because my classmates are loyal readers of PFL, we’ll acknowledge her legacy here.
Yours in Healthy, Active, & Prosperous Lifestyles,
Rx Fitness Lady wants to know…
- Which of these games have you tried and can or cannot attest to?
- What other icebreaker or game would you say makes for a good party?
- Do you like social gatherings at church, in book clubs, with gym friends, birthday clubs etc.?
- When is the last time you had a good laugh?
Rx Fitness Lady
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I had a great laugh around the New Year because someone had compiled a 15 minute YouTube video of the year’s news bloopers. Oh dear – it was so funny, but not safe for work. Or in front of kids.
And I laugh often at Des’ antics.
Taboo once made me laugh until I cried! I have to mentally prepare myself for that game. And two truths and a lie sounds really fun! I’ve only ever played it on my blog so I can’t imagine telling those stories orally! I may not be a good liar in person!
Tamara recently posted…Wherever I May Roam.
I have a good belly laugh about once a month. I clearly don’t socialize enough. But the two most memorable times were at out Women of Faith outing and my girlfriend getaway. But during college (all 8 years) I laughed A Whole Lot. My girlfriends and I were sooo silly. I miss those days.
I’ve played a game just like killer, but it was called assassin. Hilarious! You know Taboo is my game too. I like the other ones too. Definitely pinning. Great post!
Hope recently posted…Why you no Zumba?
Love games like this! I used to play them in college and organize them for my residents when I was an RA. It’s always fun to bring them out for gatherings.
Kimberly ( Manifest Yourself) recently posted…Thursday’s Thoughts
I think it’s safe to say that you’re the life of the paaar-tay, Joi. I’m willing to bet it!
Yum Yucky recently posted…Food from ‘da hood.
All of these games sound so fun! I have played and had forgotten about some of them and some of them are new to me. I am definitely pinning so that I can refer to them before my next get together!!
Christine at More Than Mommies recently posted…Blogger on a Mission: The Mission Statement
I like the ketchup game. Very cute. My family would probably call me corny if I pulled out the saved packets of ketchup, but they already know that I can be a tad corny at times. Ah well.
Andrea recently posted…BeQuoted: Quotes of the Week
I love these – we used to do stuff like this a lot more – definitely need to bring some of these fun games back!!!
I know that we played the killer game but that might be the only one I’ve ever done.
Kim recently posted…Sinking
I want to try the “Ha” game! It sounds like a lot of fun! Laughing is so important. I realize how much better I feel when I do laugh. I love watching comedies like SNL or Parks and Rec for a little laughter but the best is with I’m with friends or family and we laugh about something totally ridiculous!
FitBritt@MyOwnBalance recently posted…Zumba Master Class with Loretta Bates
Those games are great! I’m gonna try some of them at my next party!
I laugh at something several times a day, me at least once a day, lol!
Laughter can be the shortest distance between two people 🙂
Dr. J recently posted…Boost Your Memory With Your Morning Coffee
Great ideas! I do enjoy social gatherings but I am a little shy at first around strangers. We laughed today at work. Laughter is good for us.
Debra@AModernTranslation recently posted…A Snow Day & Hot Cocoa
Cool games I love things that break the ice and gets the fun going because I hate parties or get togethers where no one is mingling or talking. I don’t laugh…..not really a funny person……….
Kita recently posted…Pinteresting Wednesday
Love the idea of the Ketchup game and 2 truths and a lie. I am so sorry to hear about the Sunday school teacher, Joi. May she have peace now.
These games sound like fun! Especially Ha and I also really like the ketchup idea.It’s a good way to get people focused on each other and have them learn about each other.
Carla recently posted…Loving Lately…Meet My Trainer
I have never played two truths and a lie, but that one sounds like great fun to me!
Michelle recently posted…The Mother of All Meltdowns Brought Us Together #AskAwayFriday
I’m such a clown. I was laughing at the HA game and I wasn’t even there. LOL! I could picture me being the one of the people to get out within the first round or 2. I laugh at so much. We used to laugh when we got beat for doing bad things when I was younger so go figure right? These really do seem like great ideas…some classics and others like that HA game that I never heard of. I’m going to pin this so I can remember these for when I need them 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Joi!
Brittnei recently posted…Feature Friday- Week 7
BEST GAMES EVER!!! 2 Truths, 1 Lie – I played this on my blog a few months ago! I love the Ketchup IDEA! Have you ever played the game: Loaded Questions – you have to guess people’s answers to specific questions, it’s seriously the best, especially if you play with “quick” people!!!! LETS PLAY!
PS: I MISSSSSSED YOU! I have no idea why I have been MIAA!!!!
GiGi Eats Celebrities recently posted…Rachel Ray Better Watch Her Back
I just love these games!! Do you know it took me a minute to figure out why they would possibly need to be holding ketchup? oh boy. Don’t judge. Its early. LOL at the HA game, I think I might win that one. I have a great stone face. 🙂
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama recently posted…“BAMageddon” aka My Four Week Strength Training Challenge
I do like social gatherings! I’m in a Caribbean Meetup group and we have games nights, some of which I host. We crack up so much! I’m all about laughter, so this post is on point for me. I’ve played Taboo and Charades. I know I would be out in “Ha” because I’d be laughing my head off!
Alison recently posted…Not fitting in
So fun, Joi! Most of these games are new to me so I loved that you shared them. Can’t wait for my next gathering to play a few.
Sorry for the loss of your teacher.
Two truths and a lie is a fun game! I love getting to know people with that one! Killer sounds like a game I would epically fail at, lol! I need to work on my poker face, as to not give myself away, lol!
Sherelle recently posted…Guilty Pleasures: Just Don’t Over – Indulge
Sounds like you are my type of gal! I’m the one who ususally throws the Christmas parties and yes — laughter is GREAT medicine. Thanks for your post — sounds like you have a good time laughing and fellowshipping. Thanks for the game ideals — look forward to reading more of your blog. God bless.
These all sounds like so much fun and yes I’d love to try the “Ha” game and the rest too one day 😀
Maureen@Scoops of Joy recently posted…New Ways To Think
The Ha game sounds like a ball of fun. Taboo is my game of choice though. Between that and Jenga. Great ideas! Definitely going to keep some of these games in mind for my next par-tay!
Sonya M. Jones recently posted…Wordless Wednesday Design Video
Hahaha girl…this is right up my alley. I’d say I’m laughing every 10 minutes, seriously….my family is HILARIOUS! For those who don’t like laughing…they couldn’t hang with us, lol! YES, I am the hostess with the mostess…teheehee. I’m the one who’s planning the holiday parties, hosting family get-togethers and game night. For our monthly women’s meeting at church…we have to play at least two games, which always turn out wild(in a fun way) 🙂 We’re having a retreat in March, so I’ve got to come up with some good ones! I’ve played most of the games on your list, except the HAHA game(which sounds hilarious) and the ketchup game. I’ll have to try them both!
And what a sweet way to close out your post with a dedication to your Sunday School teacher. Looks like she lived a long, beautiful and blessed life! How awesome is that!
Michell recently posted…Doing YOU WELL Wednesday #46 and a few changes
A lot of these games sound great with a drink in your hand. LOL Taboo is always a fun time. My husband tried to explain to me about him being on groupme with the Omegas and I didn’t know what he was talking about. Now I see. Thanks for sharing the game tips, Joi!
Kimberly H. Smith recently posted…DIY Autobiography
I really love these ice breaker games! I think I would have a blast playing the HA game–even if it’s just me and my daughter 🙂
KalleyC recently posted…When No Other Words Will Do
These are all great. I LOVE the HA one – never heard of it – so easy and I would fail. I like the suggestion of keeping a theme with 2 truths and 1 lie, otherwise I take too long thinking up the lies. I think the killer one would get on my nerves and I’d try to get looked at so I could be out. Then I’d go help clean up the kitchen or something.
Kenya G. Johnson recently posted…The Science Project Story – Part Three
oh i love playing games! taboo, charades…all of it! i love scrabble, too, but that’s not interactive. i’ve never heard of wink. that sounds hilarious!
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