This or That Questions

This or that is the easiest icebreaker going: two options, pick one, no explaining needed.

Great for parties, car journeys, classrooms and team meetings.

Make it Personal, Make it Fun

The real magic of 'This or That' lies in tailoring the questions to your audience. Think about the people you're with and what they care about or find amusing. Are you with family? Go for questions about childhood memories or favourite holiday spots. With colleagues? Lean into work-life balance or office preferences, keeping it light, of course! A well-chosen question shows you've put a little thought in and can spark even more interesting conversations beyond the initial pick.

Beyond the Icebreaker: Deeper Connections

While 'This or That' is brilliant for breaking the ice, don't underestimate its power to deepen connections. When you understand someone's preferences, whether it's an adventurous trip or a cosy night in, a loud concert or a quiet gallery, you learn a little more about their personality and values. It’s a low-pressure way to explore common ground or celebrate differences, building empathy and understanding amongst friends, family, or even new acquaintances, all while having a giggle.

Boost Creativity and Decision-Making Skills

Believe it or not, playing 'This or That' can actually give your brain a gentle workout! Having to quickly choose between two options, even silly ones, helps sharpen your decision-making skills in a playful way. For kids, it’s fantastic for encouraging them to articulate preferences and think on their feet. For adults, it can be a refreshing mental break that subtly engages your mind, proving that fun and a little cognitive boost can go hand-in-hand.

Classic

  • Tea or coffee?
  • Beach or mountains?
  • Cats or dogs?
  • Sweet or savoury?
  • Morning or night?
  • Books or films?

Christmas

  • Mince pies or Christmas pudding?
  • Real tree or fake tree?
  • Elf or Home Alone?
  • Pigs in blankets or roast potatoes?

Kids

  • Dinosaurs or dragons?
  • Pizza or pasta?
  • Superpower: fly or invisible?
  • Slide or swing?

Work

  • Email or call?
  • Desk lunch or out?
  • Early start or late finish?

Key things to remember

  • Go fast.
  • Ask 'why' for bonus points.
  • Theme it for the occasion.

Frequently asked questions

What are good this or that questions?

Tea or coffee, cats or dogs, beach or mountains.

What is a good example of this or That Questions?

"Mince pies or Christmas pudding?" is one of 17 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

Can I copy these messages word for word?

Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.

How long should a card message be?

One to three lines suits most cards. Write the message before the name so you can start again if it goes wrong, and if you run out of room, carry on inside the back cover rather than shrinking your handwriting.

What if someone doesn't like either option?

That's perfectly fine! They can simply say 'neither' or even suggest a third alternative that comes to mind. The point is to spark conversation and have a bit of fun, not to put anyone on the spot. Sometimes, 'neither' can be an interesting answer in itself, leading to new topics.

How can I make 'This or That' more challenging?

To add a bit more challenge, you could introduce a 'why' element, asking people to briefly explain their choice after they've picked. Or, try creating themed rounds, like 'holiday dilemmas' or 'superpower showdowns'. You could even make it competitive with points for the most unique or popular answers among a group. Just remember to keep it light-hearted and enjoyable for everyone.

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