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

In a nutshell
Participants give each other imaginary presents, starting with clear naming and gratitude, then expanding into open offers, justification, and improvised scenes. The game explores the power of acceptance, co-creation, and being fully present with another person.

Instructions

Stage 1: Name It & Thank You

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

2. Person A gives the imaginary gift size, weight, or shape and says: “I got you…” and names what it is “…a  cuckoo clock.”

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

4. Swap roles. Repeat.
   

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

Note: It helps if the gifts are unwrapped (less miming!) and if you have an imaginary table to put them on.

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 short scenes

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

2. Try with added emotional tone or status dynamic.

3. Optionally show some scenes around the room (parallel lines or moving spotlight).

Outcomes

• 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

• Reveals inner critic patterns and encourages loosening of self-judgment

Focus areas / things to flag up

• Participants may try to be clever, ironic, or “perform” – remind them that eye contact and close co-operation will create energy

• 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

Benefits

• Cultivates playful generosity and appreciation

• Builds trust and risk-taking in low-stakes format

• Reinforces the core improv principles: Listen, Accept, Build, Commit

• Encourages emotional presence and relational spontaneity

• Helps participants feel seen and accepted

Debrief prompts

• What did you get?

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

• How did it feel to have your ideas accepted without judgment?

• How did this relate to our guiding ideas:

  • Be here now

  • Listen to learn

  • Use what’s there

  • Dare to be obvious

  • Trust your impulses

  • Make your partner look good

  • Let go

• What was personally stretching for you? What advice would you give to anyone else doing this?

• What does improv give you? What can you take from this into your life, team, or creative work?