What Can You Buy

The ‘What Can You Buy’ icebreaker is a fun and engaging activity that involves teams trying to purchase the best items from a store with a fixed budget. The aim of the game is to encourage strategic thinking, basic math skills, and teamwork while shopping within a set time limit. This game can be played by people of all ages, but it’s particularly suitable for children as it helps them learn valuable real-life skills in a fun and interactive way.

As an example, you could establish the winner based on the type of items purchased, awarding points for practicality, usefulness, or creativity. You may also want to set limits on the types of items that can be bought, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the game.

Overall, ‘What Can You Buy’ is a versatile icebreaker that can be tailored to suit various group sizes and ages, making it an excellent choice for entertaining children or breaking the ice at social events.

1. Establish the rules of the game, such as how to select the winner based on the type and value of items purchased.
2. Set limits on the type of items that can be purchased if desired.
3. Give each team a set amount of cash, preferably around $5 for a challenging yet manageable game.
4. Provide teams with bags to carry their purchases.
5. Send teams to the store with instructions to keep receipts and return within a given time limit (20-30 minutes).
6. Inspect items upon return and determine the winner based on the agreed-upon rules.

• Money: Each team will need at least $5 to purchase items from a store.
• Bag: A bag for each team to carry their purchased goods.
• Transportation: If there is no store nearby, teams will need a way to get to the store.
• Receipts: Teams should keep their receipts to show proof of their purchases.

To set up for the “What Can You Buy” icebreaker activity, follow these steps:

1. Establish the rules of the game by deciding how to select the winner. This can be based on the type of items purchased or adhering to specific restrictions.
2. Set a time limit for shopping (e.g., 20-30 minutes) depending on the size of the store.
3. Inform teams that they need to keep their receipts for inspection upon returning from the store.
4. Ensure that teams have a way to get to the store if it is not within walking distance.

1. Establish the rules: Before starting the game, decide on the criteria for selecting the winner. I recommend choosing a winner based on the type of items purchased, with better items earning more points. You can also set limits on the type of items that can be purchased to add challenge.
2. Provide cash and bags: Give each team some money (at least $5) and a bag for carrying their purchases. If playing with children, you may want to handle the money yourself.
3. Set time limit: Inform teams of the time limit for shopping (20-30 minutes) depending on the store size.
4. Send teams to shop: Direct teams to go to the store with their cash and bags, reminding them to keep their receipts.
5. Inspect purchases: Once teams return, inspect their items and determine a winner based on the established criteria.

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• Helps to develop basic math skills: I found that playing the What Can You Buy game helped me improve my basic math skills, especially when it came to adding up prices and calculating change.
• Encourages responsible spending: The game teaches players how to make informed decisions about what they can afford with their budget, which is a valuable life skill.
• Fosters creativity and strategic thinking: Players have to think creatively and strategically to get the most value out of their money, whether that means finding the best deals or choosing items that will earn them the most points in the game.
• Can be played with any age group: One of the great things about this game is that it can be adapted for players of any age, making it a fun and engaging activity for families, groups of friends, or team-building events.
• Provides an opportunity to explore local businesses: Playing the game requires players to visit a store, which can be a great way to discover new businesses in your community and support local entrepreneurs.
• Encourages teamwork and collaboration: When played with teams, the game encourages players to work together and communicate effectively to make decisions about what to buy and how to maximize their points.
• Can help children develop independence and decision-making skills: Playing the game can give children a sense of autonomy and responsibility as they learn to manage their own money and make choices about what to purchase.

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• Counting skills: The game requires players to keep track of their spending, adding up the cost of items as they go to make sure they don’t exceed their budget. This helps build and reinforce counting skills in a fun, practical way.
• Budgeting and financial literacy: By giving players a fixed amount of money and challenging them to make purchases, the game introduces basic concepts of budgeting and financial planning. Players must consider the value and necessity of items when making decisions on what to buy.
• Teamwork and collaboration: The game encourages teamwork as players discuss and decide together what to purchase. This promotes communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills within a group setting.
• Decision-making and critical thinking: Choosing which items to buy with limited resources requires strategic decision-making and critical thinking. Players must weigh the pros and cons of different options and consider various factors like necessity, value, and personal preference.
• Real-world application of math skills: The game presents an opportunity to apply mathematical concepts in a real-life context. Counting money, adding prices, and comparing costs are all essential elements of the game that can help reinforce and solidify basic math abilities.
• Exploration and adaptation: By visiting a store and observing various products, players engage in active exploration. This may lead to discovering new items or brands they were previously unaware of, promoting adaptability as they learn and adjust their strategies accordingly.
• Following rules and guidelines: The game has certain rules and restrictions that players must adhere to. By following these guidelines, players practice self-discipline and respect for established boundaries, which can be beneficial in various social situations.
• Negotiation and persuasion skills: When teams discuss what to buy, they may need to negotiate or persuade others to agree on certain items. This aspect of the game can help build confidence and communication skills that are useful in everyday life.

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I like the What Can You Buy icebreaker because it’s a unique and engaging game that can be played by people of all ages. It’s not your typical team game that can be played indoors, but rather an active game that involves going to a store with some cash in hand.

One thing I appreciate about this game is its versatility when it comes to group size and age. It’s perfect for entertaining children, and adults can also have fun playing it. The game encourages players to practice their basic math skills while shopping, making it both educational and enjoyable.

I also like the fact that there are no complicated rules or preparations required to play this game. All you need is some money, a bag, and a store nearby. The game’s objective is straightforward, yet flexible enough to allow players to get creative with their purchases.

Moreover, What Can You Buy encourages teamwork and collaboration, as each team has to work together to decide what items to buy within their budget. This makes it an excellent icebreaker for small and medium-sized groups looking to build relationships and strengthen their bonds.

Overall, I find the What Can You Buy game to be a refreshing change from traditional team games. It’s simple, engaging, and encourages players to use their creativity and math skills while having fun.

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• Tip: Set a budget that suits all participants’ financial abilities Make sure to consider the financial abilities of all participants when setting a budget for the game. This will ensure everyone can comfortably participate without feeling excluded due to financial constraints.
• Tip: Choose a store with diverse options Select a store that caters to a wide range of interests and needs, so that everyone can find suitable items within the set budget. This helps to make the game more inclusive by catering to different preferences.
• Tip: Encourage creativity in item selection Prompt participants to think creatively when selecting items. Encourage them to consider the utility, uniqueness, or educational value of products instead of focusing solely on monetary worth. This can help level the playing field and make the game more enjoyable for all.
• Tip: Make a list of inappropriate or off-limit items Before starting the game, create a list of inappropriate or off-limit items that should not be purchased. Share this list with all participants to avoid any uncomfortable situations or feelings of exclusion during the game.
• Tip: Emphasize fun over competition Frame the game as a fun and collaborative activity rather than a competitive one. Encourage teams to work together, share ideas, and help each other make decisions. This fosters a more inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and enjoy the experience.

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1. What strategies did you use when deciding what to buy? This question can help participants reflect on their decision-making process and the factors they considered while shopping.
2. How did you feel when you realized you couldn’t buy a particular item? This question can encourage participants to share their emotions and reactions to limitations or challenges during the game, promoting empathy and understanding.
3. Did you learn anything new about budgeting or making purchasing decisions? This question can help participants connect the game to real-world scenarios and consider the importance of financial planning.
4. How did working in a team impact your shopping experience? This question can prompt participants to reflect on collaboration, communication, and delegation skills they used during the game.
5. What would you do differently if you were to play this game again? This question can help participants think about strategies they could improve or adopt in future games or similar situations, encouraging continuous learning and growth.

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