The art of giving and receiving offers with playful, positive, presence.

In a nutshell
Participants give each other imaginary presents. The game explores the power of acceptance, co-creation and being fully present with another person. I usually do Infinite Box first to get people warmed up. 

Set up
Space for participants to move and work in pairs. Encourage a relaxed, open atmosphere.
 

Activity flow

Stage 1: Name It & Thank You

1. In pairs, person A gives an imaginary gift to person B.

2. Person A mimes the size, weight, or shape of the gift and says what it is:“I got you a handbag.”

3. Person B receives the gift with a thank you. No cynicism or irony—just positive acceptance.

4. Swap roles. Repeat for 3-4 mins.
   

Sidecoach: Encourage generosity, clarity, and presence. Let it be simple. Overthinking kills the flow.

Note: It helps if the gifts are unwrapped (less miming to do!) and it also helps to have an imaginary table to put the gifts on (they feel precious).

Stage 2: Open Offers & Justify

1. Person A gives the gift without naming it—only using size, weight, shape and a simple statement ‘Hey, Janice I got you a present…”

2. Person B thanks them and names what it is.

3. Person A justifies WHY they got this gift: “Yes! I thought you’d like it because…”

4. Person B builds on that justification: “That’s so kind because…”

5. Repeat or return the favour with a new object. Let it become a mini scene if it flows.

Sidecoach: Accept the present as it is given. If it’s big and heavy name it as something big and heavy etc. Justify using ‘because’ and ‘I know’ for maximum commitment and connection.

Stage 3: Turn it into mini-scenes (optional)

1. Let the pairs continue their interactions for a few extra lines—see where the gifts take them.

2. Try with added emotional tone (shame, delight), a relationship (boss-colleague, step-parent) or status dynamic.

Once people have done a couple of these mini-scenes with different partners they can be performed for the whole group. Knowing that you are being watched highlights a variety of attitudes, beliefs and behaviours and the dynamics of the group. 

Results

• Builds skills of acceptance, commitment, and co-creation

• Strengthens connection, playfulness, and present-moment awareness

• Highlights the impact of tone, presence, and generosity in offer-making and acceptance

• Reveals inner critic patterns and encourages loosening of judgment for the whole group

Focus areas / things to flag up

• Participants may try to be clever, ironic, or to “perform” – remind them that close attunement and co-operation will create all the energy and interest they need

• Watch for inner editor interference – encourage people to use spontaneous ideas and to ‘dare to be obvious’

• Eye contact and energy level matter more than wit or logic

Debrief prompts

• What did you get? (the most obvious question!)

• How did it feel to have your ideas accepted and/or used without judgment?

• What made your interactions flow? What got in the way?

• How did this relate to the tenets of improvisation:

  • Be here now

  • Listen to learn

  • Use what’s there

  • Dare to be obvious

  • Trust your impulses

  • Make your partner look good

  • Let go to move forward

• What was personally stretching for you? What advice would you give to others?

• What can you take from this into your work or life?