Ice Breaker Games Ice Breaker Games
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#8 Easy

Desert Island

Your coworker chose a family photo over a knife. Now you know something. Pick 3 items for a desert island and explain why. Choices reveal values.

work meeting team adult corporate small

Group Size:

5-25 people

Duration:

15-25 minutes

Difficulty:

Easy

How to Play:

Desert Island - How to Play
  1. 1

    Present the scenario: 'You're stranded on a desert island for one year'

  2. 2

    Option A: Provide a list of 15-20 items (knife, rope, matches, book, photo, etc.)

  3. 3

    Option B: Let participants choose anything they want with explanation

  4. 4

    Each person picks 3 items and prepares their reasoning (2 minutes)

  5. 5

    Go around sharing choices—encourage questions like 'Why that over a knife?'

  6. 6

    After everyone shares, discuss patterns: who prioritized survival vs. comfort?

Your coworker chose a family photo over a knife. The new hire picked a book of survival skills. The CEO grabbed a satellite phone (“technically one item”). That’s the beauty of Desert Island—the items people choose reveal how they think under constraints. The practical thinker prioritizes tools. The optimist packs entertainment. The connector brings something to share. What seems like a silly hypothetical becomes a window into how your team weighs trade-offs, and that conversation continues long after the game ends.

Best For:

The ideal ice breaker game for problem-solving workshops, decision-making discussions, and team strategy sessions where understanding values matters.

Pro Tips

  • Mix practical items (knife, water purifier) with emotional ones (family photo, favorite book)

  • Ask follow-up questions: 'Would you trade your book for someone else's knife?'

  • For teams, try group consensus: agree on 5 items together—reveals decision-making styles

  • Avoid judging choices—the 'wrong' answer often leads to the best discussion

FAQ

What items work best for a Desert Island list?
Mix survival tools (knife, rope, matches), comfort items (book, musical instrument), and emotional items (family photo, journal). Include some debatable choices.
Should everyone explain their Desert Island choices?
Yes—the explanation matters more than the choice. 'I chose a photo because...' reveals more than the item itself.
Does Desert Island work for virtual meetings?
Yes, it's one of the best ice breaker games for remote teams. Share a screen with the item list and use breakout rooms for small group discussions.
How is Desert Island different from 'Would You Rather'?
Desert Island focuses on priorities and values through item selection. It's more reflective and strategic, less about quick choices.
Can this be a team exercise instead of individual?
Yes—have groups agree on 5 shared items. Watch how teams negotiate and whose preferences win. Great for revealing decision dynamics.

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