The Gifts of Improv

Best Gift Ever!

In this season of giving we are reminded that Improv is all about giving the gifts of acceptance, belonging, and relationship.

We give these gifts to each other by saying “Yes, and . . .”  As we participate in a scene, my gift to you is an idea that will make you look good, and you do the same for me. We accept each other’s gifts, and we add on to create something new and wonderful together. We’re not worried about mistakes, because we trust that we will take care of each other.

Play “Best Gift Ever” with your students, friends or family this holiday season. As you play, we hope that everyone will receive the gifts of laughter, joy and belonging.

Directions:

1. One partner thinks of a gift to give the other person (it can be anything) and says, “Here (person’s name), I got you this _______”

2. The other person enthusiastically thanks their partner and explains why it’s the Best Gift Ever!

3. Take turns giving & receiving gifts.

4. Example:

   • “Ted, I got you this cookbook from 1950”

   • “Thank you Kate. It’s just perfect, because I have been doing this new thing called decade cooking and I’m just finishing up the 1960s.”

Different Variations

Variation #1: Provide Gift Parameters

• A really boring everyday object

• Something that would be a terrible gift

• A kitchen object

• An animal

• An outrageous and extravagant gift

• Something you think they would like

Variation #2

1. Partner 1 gives a gift to Partner 2 but does NOT say what it is.

2. Partner 2 thanks Partner 1 for the gift, and says what it is.

3. Then, Partner 1 justifies by telling Partner 2 why they chose that gift.

4. Example:

   • Partner 1 - “Hi Kim, I got you this gift.”

   • Partner 2 - “Thank you for this awesome cat scratching post!”

   • Partner 1 - “You’re welcome! I noticed that you collect cats, and I thought you might need it.”

Variation #3

1. Partner 1 gives partner 2 a gift without saying what it is, BUT with saying why they chose it.

2. Then, partner 2 thanks them and identifies what the gift is.

3. Example:

   • Partner 1 - “I got you this gift because I know how much you love to swim.”

   • Partner 2 - “Thank you. I love these swimming goggles.”