Exclusives

Get ready for fun, laughter, and lively debates with the Would You Rather... Thumball! This engaging and interactive conversation game features a collection of thought-provoking and hilarious "Would you rather..." questions designed to spark creativity, encourage storytelling, and reveal surprising opinions. The Would You Rather Thumball takes players through a playful activity that explores their personality and preferences on a range of topics. It's a creative way to get to know each other a bit better.

On this Thumball, you'll find two preferences on each of the 32 panels. They represent divergent preferences for technology, pampering, work, strengths, superpowers, and more. This Thumball is fun, fun, fun! Use it ball to learn more about friends or colleagues. It's great for work, school, family gatherings, team functions, parties, and more!

** FACILITATION TIPS **

While some may find it easy to choose which they'd rather, others may be stumped. Welcome players to discuss the choices and why it's a hard decision for them. After all, the goal is to encourage conversation and get to know each other better!

If you want to kick it up a notch, try these creative twists:

1. When you're playing feel free to frame any prompt to a specific time of life, situation or objective.
2. Specify that answers should relate specifically to personal or workplace experiences.
3. Ask first recipient to select an answer panel to which all players must respond or contribute.
4. Survey players on several question panels, then create charts or graphs that reflect the cumulative responses.

©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.

This ball is part of our exclusive Silver Series Thumballs.

MORE RESOURCES

• All about Silver Series Thumballs
• Tips & Suggestion on Facilitating Thumball Experiences
• How Deep to Discuss
• 7 Tips to formulate great questions
• More tools for great conversations
• Discover Your Thumball Style
• How Deep to Discuss Infographic

In this game of communication and collaboration, blindfolded players must figure out which of the shapes that they hold is a duplicate. Success requires clear and concise communication, active listening, and collaboration, as several of the shapes could be easily confused with each other.

The facilitator will instruct players,

“Without looking at your shapes, determine which players have matching shapes.” Optionally, you can let them know that only two players will have matching shapes. Or, you can throw in more matches and NOT tell them how many will be a match (this is much more difficult!)

CONTENTS OF SHAPE-UP

This communication and teambuilding game contains:

• 26 wooden shapes (2 each of 13 different shapes)
• 10 blindfolds

MORE TEAM BUILDING FACILITATION OPTIONS

In addition to the Shape-Up game, facilitation notes include 5 additional game ideas including:

1. PARTNER PAIR-UPS - players use the 13 different shapes to find a partner (one with either a matching or complementary shape)

2. BEHIND-THE-BACK PARTNER PAIR-UPS - without seeing the shape that they hold, players must find the person who has their matching shape.

3. SHAPE-UP ICEBREAKER INTROS - using the shapes a metaphors, players pick a shape that reminds them of a personal experience (or a learning goal; or a characteristic they’re proud of; etc.)

4. METAPHORICAL DISCUSSIONS & DEBRIEFS - players choose a shape that represents an observation, question, or learning point, and share their metaphorical reflections with the whole group.

5. SHAPE-ly DEBRIEF & REFLECTION QUESTIONS - conduct a "S.H.A.P.E.ly" debrief

S – SHAPES - discuss what was difficult about describing the shapes

H – HELPFUL/HURTFUL - identify approaches that were helpful or hurtful to the effort

A – ACTIONS - focus on actions and break-through moments

P - PREPERATION - draw out the impact of preparation as teams approached the challenge

E – END RESULTS - discuss the group's satisfaction with their end-result

©Trainers Warehouse. SHAPE-UP is a collaboration between Teamwork & Teamplay and Trainers Warehouse.

COMPARISON CHART

Not sure which team-building activity is right for your group? Trainers Warehouse offers a variety of experiential learning games that build skills in communication, collaboration, adaptability, leadership, and conflict resolution. Use the chart below to compare five of our most popular activities—PuzzleBlind®, Helium Stick®, TeamWRITER®, Shape Up!®, and Team 10®—and choose the one that best fits your training goals, group size, and workshop format.

Team 10 is a team assessment and group challenge activity that encourages accurate communication, adaptation, and creative problem-solving. Team 10 is an ideal table game for conferences, training events, workshops, or other group gatherings. Play the game with 2-12 players. Expect 10-20 minutes for game play, plus 10-15 for a debriefing and discussion.

SUPER-EASY TO FACILITATE

OVERVIEW: Taking turns, each player will flip 2 cards at a time, until the team reveals 10 cards with all Xs or all Os

PLAYERS: Play the game with 2-12 players.

TIMING: Expect 10-20 minutes for game play, plus 10-15 for a debriefing and discussion.

SET UP:

1. Randomly place the following 22 cards face down on a table:
2. 18 Xs and Os (Either 10 “X” and 8 “O” OR 10 “O” and 8 “X” cards).
3. 4 “Word” cards (Kaboom, Move it, Swap 2, Scramble)
4. Scatter the “Rules” cards face up for easy reference.
5. Invite the group to gather around, read through the rules, and check for understanding, Encourage the group to spend a minute or two planning how they will proceed before starting the game.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TEAM 10 DECK

The deck has all you need to effectively facilitate and play Team 10:

• HOW TO PLAY Facilitation Notes
• RULES - 2 cards show the rules so that they're visible to all players
• LEARNING TAKEAWAYS - typical learning points drawn from playing the Team 10 communication game
• REVIEW & REFLECTION IDEAS - 12 questions to reflect, debrief, and discuss the game, focusing on preparation, play, and going forward
• X and O cards - we include a few extra for two reasons: 1) you have a replacement card if you lose one; and 2) so you can switch up with is the winning "hand"
• "WORD" cards - These cards (Kaboom, Move it, Swap 2, Scramble) interrupt players mid-game, requiring them to regroup, restrategize, and reflect on how different players deal with adversity or interruptions.

THE RULES

These guidelines help both the facilitator and players maximize the game experience:

1. Player can flip only two cards face up OR two cards face down, during each turn.
2. Player cannot turn one card face-up and another card face-down in the same turn.
3. Each card must remain in the same general location (unless instructed otherwise).
4. A maximum of 10 cards can be face-up at any time.
5. If a card with a word appears, quickly follow the instructions on the card.
6. Take turns flipping cards. Include every team member.
7. No taking notes or pictures! All communication must be verbal.
8. The game ends when 10 cards with the same symbol are face-up, and all others are face down.

FACILITATION TIPS

TAKE AWAYS

Typical insights from successfully completing the Team 10 challenge include:

• Heightened awareness of the skills and talents present in the team.
• Impact of committing to a single course of action; difficulty in changing direction after a goal is set.
• Exploring various techniques for problem solving, generating solutions, creativity, adaptability, communication, consensus building, teamwork and decision making.
• The ability to work with time limitations and adapt to setbacks.
• Abiding by rules can be challenging; some may be more comfortable with bending or questioning rules.
• The importance of honesty and ethical behavior.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH, LEARNING, AND DISCUSSION

Team 10 is a versatile game that can bring out many learning moments.
Just by watching teams play for as little as 10 minutes, you will have a
glimpse into the skills of your groups, seeing how they deal with a variety
of team dynamics:

• Decision Making. How do they make decisions? Do they listen
  to a range of perspectives or the loudest voice? How do they function as a group?
• Divergent perspectives. How do they make sure everyone’s voice is heard? Do they see issues
  from a variety of different angles? How does shifting positions or putting themselves in
  another’s shoes change their view?
• Dealing with adversity. What happens to a group when something unexpected happens (i.e. if
  they’re working on a project but a key vendor falls through)? How do they capture, remember,
  and draw on organizational memories?
• Rule‐following & Ethics. What do teams do if they inadvertently break a rule? How do
  individuals respond? How does the team respond? Who blows the whistle? What if it’s on
  purpose? How does the team manage such ethical challenges?
• Importance of Strategizing and Planning. What are the benefits of preparation and discussion?
  How can teams get everyone on the same page from the start? Why is that important? How do
  they balance the need for strategizing with the amount of time it can take?
• Leadership. How do leaders emerge? What does leadership look like? How do leaders make
  others feel? How do teams build inclusion and reach consensus?
• Dealing with Frustration. Frustration happens in real life. The question is how people deal with
  it. Do they give up, act out, charge forward, move with haste, or pause to regroup?

Of course, which of these the facilitator focuses on will depend on: 1) the team’s experience during the
game, 2) organizational needs, and 3) the facilitator’s ability to identify and home in on pertinent
learning moments.

DRAWING OUT THESE TEACHABLE MOMENTS – FINAL DEBRIEF OR STOP‐ACTION
Understanding your goals, you can draw out conversations and reflection EITHER during play or after. If
you notice a teachable moment. Feel free to stop action and discuss any of these questions right when
they see the “teachable moment.”

©Trainers Warehouse. TEAM 10 was developed by Guido Cremonesi of Simple Training (www.simpletraining.it) and Jim Cain of Teamwork & Teamplay (www.teamworkandteamplay.com) and produced by Trainers Warehouse (www.trainerswarehouse.com).

COMPARISON CHART

Not sure which team-building activity is right for your group? Trainers Warehouse offers a variety of experiential learning games that build skills in communication, collaboration, adaptability, leadership, and conflict resolution. Use the chart below to compare five of our most popular activities—PuzzleBlind®, Helium Stick®, TeamWRITER®, Shape Up!®, and Team 10®—and choose the one that best fits your training goals, group size, and workshop format.

Give a Token of Appreciation to deserving recipients.

The "Heart" token is perfect for anyone who could use a little pick-me-up.

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION SET INCLUDES

• 10 cards with a short poem (below)
• 10 metal coins that say:
  • Token of Appreciation - on one side
  • Doing good because you could! - on reverse side

SHARE YOUR SENTIMENTS!

We invite you to share this short poem when you distribute the token of appreciation to someone who has impressed you.

JUST BECAUSE!

It may not seem like much to you,
But if you ask me, acknowledgement is due
You went out of your way to do something good,
Not ‘cause you had to, just because you could.

(c) Trainers Warehouse

Give a Token of Appreciation to deserving recipients.

The "Heart" token is perfect for anyone who could use a little pick-me-up.

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION SET INCLUDES

• 10 cards with a short poem (below)
• 10 metal coins that say:
  • Token of Appreciation - on one side
  • Doing good because you could! - on reverse side

THE TOKEN OF APPRECIATION CARD SAYS...

JUST BECAUSE!

It may not seem like much to you,
But if you ask me, acknowledgement is due
You went out of your way to do something good,
Not ‘cause you had to, just because you could.

(c) Trainers Warehouse

Give a Token of Appreciation to deserving recipients.

The "Essential Piece" token is perfect for a teammate or colleague.

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION SET INCLUDES

• 10 metal coins that say:
  • Token of Appreciation - on one side
  • You're essential to our team! - on reverse side

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Feel free to share these sentiments whenever you give out a token...

YOU'RE ESSENTIAL!

An "essential piece" you are. I think we'd all attest,
With important contributions, you frequently impress.
We thank you for your effort and watch as you excel.
But even more important, you help the team do well.

(c) Trainers Warehouse

Give a Token of Appreciation to deserving recipients.

The "Essential Piece" token is perfect for a teammate or colleague.

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION SET INCLUDES

• 10 cards with the poem noted below
• 10 metal coins that say: Token of Appreciation / You're essential to our team!

THE TOKEN OF APPRECIATION CARD SAYS...

YOU'RE ESSENTIAL!

An "essential piece" you are. I think we'd all attest,
With important contributions, you frequently impress.
We thank you for your effort and watch as you excel.
But even more important, you help the team do well.

(c) Trainers Warehouse

Give a Token of Appreciation to deserving recipients.

The "Superstar" token is perfect for a teammate, colleague, friend, or perfect stranger.

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION SET INCLUDES

• 10 metal coins that say
  • Token of Appreciation - on one side
  • You're a superstar! - on reverse side

Feel free to share these kind words when giving a token of appreciation to a deserving recipient.

YOU'RE A STAR!

Appreciation for your efforts shouldn't go unspoken.
So I want to take a moment to pass along this token.
Thanks are due. You're a star indeed,
I sure hope others will follow your lead.

(c) Trainers Warehouse

Give a Token of Appreciation to deserving recipients.

The "Superstar" token is perfect for a teammate, colleague, friend, or perfect stranger.

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION SET INCLUDES

• 10 cards with the poem noted below
• 10 metal coins that say: Token of Appreciation / You're a superstar!

THE TOKEN OF APPRECIATION CARD SAYS...

YOU'RE A STAR!

Appreciation for your efforts shouldn't go unspoken.
So I want to take a moment to pass along this token.
Thanks are due. You're a star indeed,
I sure hope others will follow your lead.

(c) Trainers Warehouse

Give a Token of Appreciation to deserving recipients.

The "Shining Sun" token is perfect for a teammate, colleague, friend, or perfect stranger.

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION SET INCLUDES

• 10 metal coins that say:
  • Token of Appreciation - one side
  • You shine so bright! - reverse side

Feel free to add this fun note when you distribute your sunshine tokens of appreciation.

YOU SHINE!

Ready whenever to crawl, walk or run,
You put yourself out there, you get it done!
Your energy shines as you answer the call,
Putting in the effort and giving it your all!

(c) Trainers Warehouse

Give a Token of Appreciation to deserving recipients.

The "Shining Sun" token is perfect for a teammate, colleague, friend, or perfect stranger.

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION SET INCLUDES

• 10 cards with the poem noted below
• 10 metal coins that say: Token of Appreciation / You shine so bright!

THE TOKEN OF APPRECIATION CARD SAYS...

YOU SHINE!

Ready whenever to crawl, walk or run,
You put yourself out there, you get it done!
Your energy shines as you answer the call,
Putting in the effort and giving it your all!

(c) Trainers Warehouse

Give a Token of Appreciation to deserving recipients.Each of these five tokens is perfect for a teammate, colleague, friend, or perfect stranger.

With this robust set, you're sure to have the perfect Token of Appreciation for any occasion!

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION SET INCLUDES

• HAND
  • 10 Tokens of Appreciation with HAND cutout
  • 10 cards with the "Pass it Along" poem
• HEART
  • 10 Tokens of Appreciation with HEART cutout
  • 10 cards with the Just Because" poem
• STAR
  • 10 Tokens of Appreciation with STAR cutout
  • 10 cards with the "You're a Superstar" poem
• SUN
  • 10 Tokens of Appreciation with SUN cutout.
  • 10 cards with the "You Shine" poem
• PUZZLE PIECE
  • 10 Tokens of Appreciation with PUZZLE cutout
  • 10 cards with the "You're Essential" poem

THE TOKEN OF APPRECIATION SUPER SET

All tokens are made of a sturdy metal material with smooth edges.

Each coin says "Token of Appreciation" on the front side. The backside is customize with a specials message:

• HAND token says: "Pass it Along!"
• SUN token says: "You shine so bright!"
• HEART token says: "Doing good because you could"
• PUZZLE token says: "You're essential to our team!"
• STAR token says: "You're a superstar!"

(c) Trainers Warehouse

The Developing Mentors & Coaches Thumball takes players through a playful activity that explores their personality and preferences on a range of topics. It's a creative way to get to know each other a bit better.

Many are called upon to coach or mentor a colleague, friend, or “newbie,” with little understanding of what effective coaching and mentoring look like. The task of developing others and helping them grow can be critical to organizational success. It can also be richly fulfilling and energizing to the coach or mentor.

This developmental Thumball focuses on improving the skills of coaches and mentors themselves, not the individuals they seek to help. The 31 prompts on the ball will help them better understand their role, the benefits of helping others grow, and effective coaching/mentoring techniques at their disposal.

It's easy to play! Catch the ball, look under your thumb, and share your reaction to the prompt.Thumballs look like soccer balls but are are soft and safe for indoor use at work, school, and home.

MENTORING AND COACHING THUMBALL PROMPTS

This ball is designed to help build the skill of new and seasoned coaches and mentors. Understandably, the roles and techniques used by coaches and mentors differ, as you will likely discuss when facilitating this activity. Nonetheless, the skills needed to help others grow, the self-awareness required to be good at it, and the challenges faced when coaching and mentoring others are similar and complementary. As such, players are encouraged to adapt the prompts to their specific role and needs.

FACILITATION TIPS

1. Explain the goal. To become better mentors and/or coaches. Explain that the ball has questions for both roles and the player can adapt their question and answer to their needs.
2. Don’t rush. Appreciate that some may not be able to give quick answers; others might want to take some time to discuss their thoughts.
3. Give players a “pass.” If a player finds a prompt particularly difficult, invite them to take a PASS, ASK A FRIEND, or TOSS AGAIN.

A VARIETY OF GAME FORMATS

• Have everyone reply to the same prompt.
• Toss the ball from player to player, so each participant can reply to a different prompt.
• Take a deep dive and have players jot their own answer before discussing the topic with a partner or small group.
• Add-in other Thumballs for more variety.

©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.

NOTE: This ball is part of Trainers Warehouse's exclusive Silver Series Thumballs.

The Discovering Styles Thumball takes players through an activity that explores their work and management styles. It's a creative way to get to know each other a bit better. Thumballs look like soccer balls but are soft and safe for indoor use at work, school, and home. Catch the ball, look under your thumb, and share your reaction to the prompt.

ADAPTABLE FOR YOUR FAVORITE STYLE ASSESSMENT

With so many personality-type tools out there (DiSC, DISC, Meyers Briggs, Real Colors, True Colors, What’s your Style, etc.), this tool focuses on personality characteristics in general. It can be used with any of these common frameworks, to deepen learning while having some fun. Help players understand different styles, grow familiar with new terminology, practice categorizing qualities and characteristics as personality types, and consider how to draw out the benefits of each.

In fact, the ball was made silver and white so that it can align with ANY COLOR-TYPE FRAMEWORK!

EXPLORE A RANGE OF QUALITIES

You'll find personality qualities that correlate with a variety of "types"

• DECISIVE, COMPETITIVE, PERSISTENT, ASSERTIVE, GOAL-ORIENTED, EXTRAVERTED
• CHARISMATIC, OPTIMISTIC, PURSUASIVE, AFFABLE, INVENTIVE, TALKATIVE
• RELIABLE, STEADY, EMPATHETIC, COOPERATIVE, FRIENDLY, INTROVERTED
• DATA-DRIVEN, ANALYTICAL, FUTURISTIC, ORGANIZED, OBJECTIVE, THOROUGH
• CREATIVE, RESILIENT, SWIFT, VISIONARY, JUGGLER

FACILITATION SUGGESTIONS

Download a slide deck from our recent Show and Share event for more facilitation notes

Set up the experience by explaining that “similarity bias” is an unconscious bias that causes us to show preference for people who are like us. However, teams with a broad spectrum of perspectives and characteristics have been shown to outperform more homogeneous groups. By using the Profiles and Styles Thumball, you hope to expand the group’s understanding of different personality characteristics and types. Together you’ll explore how individuals with different qualities can intersect, balance each other, and improve team performance.

GAME 1: FOCUS ON ONE SINGLE QUESTION

Choose one question for players to answer when they catch the ball and look at the quality under their thumb. For instance, you might have them answer:

• How could you use this quality in a positive way?
• How can you support or encourage this quality?
• How can you best work with someone with this quality?
• Why is this quality important to our organization?
• Which of our personality type(s)/styles encompasses this quality?
• In what situations might this quality/characteristic be most effective?
• What happens if this quality is exaggerated…
• How might someone with this quality manage conflict?

GAME 2: ROUND ROBIN

In each round of play, answer a different question regarding the qualities on the Thumball. i.e.

• Round 1: “Catch the ball, look under your thumb, read the prompt aloud and answer: How could this quality be used in a positive way?”
• Round 2: “Catch the ball, look under your thumb, read the prompt aloud and answer: What happens if this quality is exaggerated…”

GAME 3: TEAM PLAY

Line up 2 teams opposite each other. The receiving team will catch the ball, read the QUALITY (the word in all caps) and quiz the other team on any one of these:

• A description or example of what that quality might look like at work.
• With which style “type(s)” might the quality be associated (i.e. “dominant”; “intuitive”; “spirited,” etc.) NOTE: the “type” should correspond with the specific assessment tool the facilitator has introduced.
• A colleague/teammate or famous person who is strong in this style

GAME 4: STYLE PAIRS

Look under both thumbs and consider how those two qualities might interact. Answer:

1. How might those characteristics balance or complement each other?
2. What challenges might arise when these two qualities merge?

FACILITATOR SUGGESTIONS

Our customer, CPTD-certified Kimberly Robinson, shared these facilitation notes:

For the first activity, I gave these instructions: 

• • Person #1 (Person holding the ball): Looks at where their thumb is placed. Shares the quality and description on the ball.
  • Person #2 (to the right): Gives an example of what that quality might look like at work.
  • Person #3 (next person): Identifies with which style type this quality might be associated (Drive, Influence, Support, Clarity).
  • Person #4 (final person): Identifies a colleague/teammate (or famous person) who is strong in this style.
  • Bonus: If someone else is strong in this style, speak up, so others know about another one of your gifts!

For the Style Pairs activity, after each person caught the ball and shared the qualities, the answered both questions: 

• • How might those characteristics balance or complement each other?
  • What challenges might arise when these two qualities merge?

©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.

This ball is part of our exclusive Silver Series Thumballs.

MORE RESOURCES

• All about Silver Series Thumballs
• Tips & Suggestion on Facilitating Thumball Experiences
• How Deep to Discuss
• 7 Tips to formulate great questions
• More tools for great conversations
• Discover Your Thumball Style
• How Deep to Discuss Infographic

TRAXX™: YOUR GO-TO FIDGET TOOL FOR ENDLESS FOCUS

Looking for a new way to stay focused and calm? Meet Traxx™ — a colorful, palm-sized fidget toy that's designed to keep your hands busy and your mind clear! Made with four “tracks” linked end-to-end, Traxx twists, turns, and bends effortlessly, offering endless ways to fidget, spin, and pivot through your fingertips. Inspired by rugged tanks and snowmobiles, Traxx delivers a satisfyingly smooth, flexible feel you won’t want to put down. [NOTE: PATENT PENDING]

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

• Bright & Bold: Each Traxx comes in a vibrant swirl of two colors — Flame (Orange/Yellow) or Sky (Dark Blue/Light Blue). Colors are picked randomly for your order, making every shipment a fun surprise! (Note: Product images may not match stock exactly, but they’ll always be vibrant and eye-catching.)

• Smooth & Soothing: The silky texture is perfect for hours of fidgeting and stress relief.

• Quiet: As you spin and flex the tracks, you won't hear much of anything. Feel confident that this fidget won't distract others.

• Endless Movement: Thanks to the smart design, the chain of beads flexes along one axis and swivels along the other, rotating a full 360 degrees for non-stop, mesmerizing motion.

WHY FIDGET?

Many people wonder if fidget toys cause more distraction than focus. In fact, the opposite is true! Fidgeting engages your "floating attention" — the natural, restless awareness our ancestors relied on to survive — allowing your brain to better concentrate on what's important today. Whether you have ADD/ADHD, consider yourself a kinesthetic learner, or just tend to fidget, Traxx can help you stay focused, absorb information better, and feel calmer during meetings, study sessions, or long workdays.

5 BENFITS OF FIDGETING WITH TRAXX™

1. Boosts focus and concentration

2. Helps manage stress and anxiety

3. Enhances memory and retention

4. Encourages creativity and problem-solving

5. Provides a calming, sensory-friendly outlet for restless energy

Take a spin with Traxx — and power up your focus in style!

Click here to view FREE Facilitation Notes on using FIDDLES in the classroom!

Enrich the "sensory diet" of your learners. Our "fiddles" may look like toys to the untrained eye, but they are truly serious learning tools. Kinesthetic learners will focus better and absorb your material more quickly if they have something to do with their hands.

MORE RESOURCES

• • Finding the Best Fidget Toy for You
  • Five Factors for Fabulous Fidgets
  • Sanitizing Fidget Toys
  • Favorite Fidgets for ADHD
  • Data on Fidgets Improving Engagement
  • Taming Distractions and Managing Floating Attention
  • How to Choose the Best Fidget for Your Group Infographic

MEET TRIDGET™ YOUR NEW FAVORITE FIDGET TOOL

Looking for a fun way to stay focused? Say hello to the Tridget™ — a colorful, palm-sized fidget toy that's designed to keep your hands busy and your mind sharp! With three peanut-shaped pieces that pivot smoothly around a central pin, Tridget spins and twists effortlessly through your fingers, creating a satisfying, mesmerizing experience you won’t want to put down. [NOTE * PATENT PENDING.]

WHY YOU'LL LOVE TRIDGET

• Bright & Playful: Each Tridget comes in a vibrant swirl of two colors — Ocean (Blue/Aqua) or Lemon/Lime (Green/Yellow). Colors are picked at random for a fun surprise with every order! (Heads up: Product images might not match exactly what's in stock, but they’re always eye-catching!)

• Smooth & Soothing: The silky-smooth texture feels great against your skin, offering a calming sensation even after hours of fidgeting.

• Quietly Captivating: As you spin, the gentle clacking sound provides just the right amount of sensory feedback without distracting your neighbors or coworkers.

WHY FIDGET?

Worried that fidget toys might cause more distraction than focus? You’re not alone. But in reality, countless users swear by the power of fidgeting. Fidget toys like Tridget help channel restless energy, creating a more relaxed, playful atmosphere whether you're at work, in class, or in a workshop. They occupy what scientists call "floating attention" — the restless, background awareness that once helped early humans survive — freeing up your brain to better focus on the task at hand.

Research shows that purposeful movement can actually improve memory, concentration, and creativity. Fidgeting can also help reduce anxiety and stress, making it easier to stay calm and engaged during long meetings or study sessions. For individuals with ADD, ADHD, or sensory processing needs, a fidget tool can be an essential way to self-regulate and maximize learning potential.

Whether you’re a kinesthetic learner, a natural fidgeter, or just someone who loves a good sensory experience, Tridget is a simple yet powerful tool to help you stay sharp, focused, and relaxed.

Give Tridget a Try!

Click here to view FREE Facilitation Notes on using FIDDLES in the classroom!

Enrich the "sensory diet" of your learners. Our "fiddles" may look like toys to the untrained eye, but they are truly serious learning tools. Kinesthetic learners will focus better and absorb your material more quickly if they have something to do with their hands.

MORE RESOURCES

• • Finding the Best Fidget Toy for You
  • Five Factors for Fabulous Fidgets
  • Sanitizing Fidget Toys
  • Favorite Fidgets for ADHD
  • Data on Fidgets Improving Engagement
  • Taming Distractions and Managing Floating Attention
  • How to Choose the Best Fidget for Your Group Infographic

DISCUSSION STARTERS THAT GET YOU TALKING ABOUT MEANINGFUL TOPICS

It's time to open up the conversation and talk about the unspeakable! The Shaped By Our Past deck helps people get to know each other by looking into the past and the roads traveled. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes to understand what makes people tick! We are who we are today because of our history and our lifetime of experiences. Encourage your group to share details of their past -- school, friends, family, hobbies, challenges, and more! (Click on the card images above to see the prompts).

Each deck contains the same prompts as its namesake Thumball (you can customize any blank cards with your own discussion prompts)

SHAPED BY OUR PAST CONVERSATION PROMPTS

The "Shaped by Our Past" collection of prompts draw out the experiences in our life that helped shape who we are today. Among them you'll find:

• Childhood memories: birthdays, vacations, regrets
• Past experiences: scary moments, hospital visits, turning points, accomplishments
• Daily life when you were younger: extracurricular activities, friendships, summer traditions
• People & personalities: impact of birth order, mentors, grandparents

Cards: 3.5” x 2.5”

One-of-a-Kind Fiddle Set offers a curated mix of 20 unique, hard-to-find fidget tools designed to boost focus, engagement, and stress relief. Unlike standard fidget packs, these are carefully selected quiet, non-distracting tools—perfect for trainers, teachers, HR teams, and facilitators who want to surprise participants and support kinesthetic learners in classrooms, workshops, or corporate training sessions.

WHY FACILITATORS LOVE IT

• Truly unique: Each set contains unusual, hard-to-find fidgets that participants have likely never seen before.
• Boosts focus & engagement: Helps reduce anxiety, channel nervous energy, and keep learners present.
• Quiet & non-distracting: All tools are hand-picked to ensure they’re appropriate for professional learning environments.
• Supports kinesthetic learners: Transforms learning into a physical as well as mental experience, improving retention.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• A curated collection of unique, assorted fidget tools
• Reusable mesh storage bag for easy transport
• Each set varies slightly—ensuring a surprise mix every time

BEST USES

• Corporate training and team-building workshops
• Classroom activities and student engagement
• Office desks and remote work setups to reduce stress
• Icebreakers, energizers, or recognition gifts
• Participant giveaways and take-home reminders of training

PRODUCT QUALITY

• Durable, long-lasting construction for repeated use
• Quiet, non-distracting designs suitable for groups
• Safe materials and trainer-tested selection

WHAT’S INCLUDED? -TWO EACH OF EVERY FIDGET TOOL!

We've bundled ten of our favorite Trainers Exclusive fiddles to save you over 40% than if they were purchased separately! You'll get 20 fiddles at a great price and will get 2 each of the following fiddles:

• Gyrobi - The spinning fidget toy that twists, spins and rotates! Each Gyrobi is 3-3/4" diameter
• Gyrobi Squared - Gyrobi's square cousin. Each Gyrobi is 3.5" square
• Helix - Bright marbled colors, quiet action and mindless "fiddle-ability" make this the perfect fidget toy. The nine smooth beads circle the central axis of the Helix with ease!
• Swingos - The 3 rings are seamlessly attached to each other, and rotate around each other in surprising and various ways. Grip the rings, or slip a finger in any of them, and swing away with abandon. Each ring is approximately 2" diameter and when fully stretched, the Swingo is about 5".
• Loopeez - Endlessly flip the colored plastic pieces around and around the dual axes of the rings. The colored curved pieces are molded to fit perfectly in one hand or two. You won't believe how satisfying this feels in your hand! 3.5" long x 2" wide, when lying flat.
• Loopeez Jr. - Loopeez little sibling comes in a compact smaller size for smaller hands. 2.5" long x 1" wide, when lying flat.
• Clusterz - Designed to look like the nucleus of an atom, Clusterz hard plastic "proton" and "neutron" beads move around a center axis.
• Flexygon - A colorful endlessly flexible hexaflexagon-shaped fidget toy - is Trainers Warehouse latest patented finger fidget toy.
• Traxx - With four “tracks” linked end-to-end, Traxx twists, turns, and bends effortlessly, offering endless ways to fidget, spin, and pivot through your fingertips.
• Tridget - A colorful, palm-sized fidget toy that's designed to keep your hands busy and your mind sharp! With three peanut-shaped pieces that pivot smoothly around a central pin.

• PLUS+++ The One of a Kind Fiddle set is packed in a clear plastic bag for easy transport

FAQS

Q: How is this different from other fidget sets?
A: This set is curated with unusual tools that aren’t found in standard assortments, making it more memorable for participants.

Q: Are the tools quiet enough for training or classrooms?
A: Yes. Trainers Warehouse carefully selects fidgets that are quiet, non-distracting, and appropriate for professional environments.

Q: Can participants take them home?
A: Absolutely. Many facilitators give them as keepsakes to reinforce learning long after the session ends.

Q: Who benefits most from these?
A: Trainers, facilitators, teachers, HR teams, and anyone who wants to improve focus, relieve stress, or support kinesthetic learners.

Q: Does each set contain the same tools?
A: For the most part, yes. However, occasionally substitutions may occur.

Our "fiddles" may look like toys to the untrained eye, but they are truly serious learning tools. Kinesthetic learners will focus better and absorb your material more quickly if they have something to do with their hands.

Click here to view FREE Facilitation Notes for using Fiddles in the Classroom or the Boardroom!

First impressions matter, whether you're walking into a social gala or beginning a new training seminar. How you open your learning event will set expectations and establish a tone for the whole session. In the first few minutes, participants are evaluating how much they think they'll get out of the training, as well as how much effort they'll put in themselves.

Refresh your approach to introductions and icebreakers, by exploring a range of techniques to draw participants in, instill trust, set expectations, build camaraderie, and prime your group for participatory learning. Understand how to use time wisely and avoid the common pitfalls that put participants on guard. In this highly interactive session, you'll learn and exchange favorite approaches for setting the groundwork for lively learning events, whether live or online.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Understand and balance the range of goals for session openers
2. Differentiate time-wasting icebreakers from important session-starters
3. Build psychological safety
4. Help participants build connections with the content and other learners
5. Develop ways to build psychological safety nets to support learning
6. Pick perfect openers to start your session

WHAT TO EXPECT

We practice what we preach! Expect a session that is:

• CUSTOMIZED: Each session is tailored to the needs of the group
• INTERACTIVE- engaging, participator, brain friendly, and active
• ONLINE: Sessions are delivered online (unless in the Boston area)
• TIME: 45-minutes (give or take). If you need a 30- or 60-minute session, we will adapt to your needs

To learn more or schedule a session, click here: https://calendly.com/susan-trainerswarehouse/30min

In this interactive session, we'll explore why building relationships is difficult for adults, discuss the different types of relationships you might want to build and then identify some concrete ways to do it - by asking the right questions, setting ground rules when needed, and having meaningful conversations! Topics covered include the dreaded icebreaker; defining relationship goals; the interdependence of communication, relationships, and trust; the need to ask questions and the "right" types of questions to ask; and the importance of making yourself vulnerable. Attendees will come away with fresh thinking and concrete tools to help them foster communication and relationships with their teams and colleagues.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Enhance facilitation techniques for breaking the ice
2. Develop skills to foster communication
3. Improve ability to ask probing questions
4. Understand the dynamics of building trust and strengthening relationships
5. Better navigate difficult conversations
6. Explore the Pillar of Trust, the power of Vulnerability, and the Certainty/Curiosity Continuum

WHAT TO EXPECT

We practice what we preach! Expect a session that is:

• CUSTOMIZED: Each session is tailored to the needs of the group
• INTERACTIVE- engaging, participator, brain friendly, and active
• ONLINE: Sessions are delivered online (unless in the Boston area)
• PLATFORM: Sessions are typically delivered on Zoom
• TIME: 45-minutes (give or take). If you need a 30- or 60-minute session, we will adapt to your needs

To learn more or schedule a session, click here: https://calendly.com/susan-trainerswarehouse/30min

In this highly interactive session, participants will explore how to design, develop, and deliver training that is not only engaging, but also strategically aligned with business outcomes. Grounded in six powerful, research-based brain-science principles-movement, writing, talking, images, variety, and brevity-this session offers a hands-on approach to enhancing learner retention and performance.

Participants will experience each principle firsthand and discover how these techniques can be intentionally embedded at every stage of the learning cycle:

1. Creating Connections - Build relevance and engagement from the start
2. Delivering Content - Communicate key messages clearly and memorably
3. Concrete Practice - Reinforce new skills through active application
4. Conclusions & Closers - Solidify learning and inspire transfer to the workplace

By the end of the session, participants will leave with:

• A toolkit of active learning techniques to energize any training session
• A clearer understanding of when and how to apply these techniques for maximum impact
• Increased confidence in designing experiences that produce measurable results Experience Bowman's award-winning Training from the Back of the Room techniques and transform your sessions into dynamic, brain-friendly learning events that make learning stick!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Identify the six brain-science principles to maximize learning
• Learn 20+ techniques to make your own training more active and memorable
• Gain facilitation tips to draw out shy learners
• Plus, network and share best practices with other trainers

WHAT TO EXPECT

We practice what we preach! Expect a session that is:

• CUSTOMIZED: Each session is tailored to the needs of the group
• INTERACTIVE- engaging, participator, brain friendly, and active
• ONLINE: Sessions are delivered online (unless in the Boston area)
• PLATFORM: Sessions are typically delivered on Zoom
• TIME: 45-minutes (give or take). If you need a 30- or 60-minute session, we will adapt to your needs

To learn more or schedule a session, click here: https://calendly.com/susan-trainerswarehouse/30min

UNZIP-it!™ and start talking about topics that matter!

The Emotional Intelligence UNZIP-it!™ Set puts almost 150 content-rich discussion prompts at your fingertips.

Emotional Intelligence is the capability of individuals to recognize their own emotions and those of others, discern between different feelings and label them appropriately, use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior, and manage and/or adjust emotions to adapt to environments or achieve one's goal(s).

We've specifically chosen this set card decks with more than 150 discussion topics to stimulate conversations around Emotional Intelligence. Choose a card that will help stir up simple conversation or develop deeper understanding about the world around you. 

These six thematic decks make it easy to talk about meaningful topics in a fun and casual way. You'll be able to:

1. Find COMMON GROUND with others in your group -- The Common Ground Deck prompts help players discover shared experiences and interests. As you try to generate conversation to build new friendships and relationships, a key challenge is finding "common ground." This ball offers a fun way to uncover these commonalities.
2. Open your group up to more meaningful sharing with SESSION OPENERS -- The Session Openers Deck is a great way to set the groundwork for deeper conversations. It was developed to help groups scratch below the surface and explore motivations, goals, and what makes you tick.
3. GET TO KNOW friends, family or colleagues a little better -- The Getting to Know You Deck asks probing questions that get to your phobias, wishes, and favorite moments. For individuals who know each other pretty well already, it's an excellent way to dig a little deeper and learn something more!
4. With the DIVERSITY Deck, tackle a difficult topic with smarts and sensitivity. We live in a diverse world. Some differences are visible, like skin color, gender, height or weight, physical challenges and age. Others may not be visually apparent but still affect how individuals feel or are treated: ethnicity, socio-economic position, sexual orientation, use or non-use of alcohol, allergies, intellect, depression and other emotional diseases.
5. The FAVORITES Deck prompts are specially selected to help your groups explore one another's favorite people, places, things, experiences, preferences, and more. Talking about favorites is a delightful way to get conversations going and build relationships.
6. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ) Deck helps develop your teams’ EQ by facilitating conversations that help participants grow more aware of their motivations, measure their reactions to difficult situations, and hone techniques to manage those emotions.

Pocket: 8” x 6”
Cards: 3.5” x 2.5”

Just for Fun Thumball® Set is your go-to for energizing training sessions, breaking tension, and bringing out laughter. With 6 soft, tossable balls filled with fun prompts—favorites, "Would you rather?", “Which are you & why?”, and more—this set is perfect for warming up audiences, re-energizing after breaks, or injecting personality into virtual or in-person workshops. These brain-friendly Thumballs seamlessly integrate science-backed learning principles to maximize retention, energy, and connection.

HOW THESE THUMBALLS ENHANCE LEARNING

1. Stay ACTIVE – Physical movement increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing focus and cognitive function.
2. Boost ENDORPHINS – Laughter and fun reduce stress, improve memory, and promote learning.
3. Strengthen RELATIONSHIPS – Creating a safe and welcoming environment allows for deeper conversations and learning.
4. Encourage BREAKS – Strategic pauses help learners better retain key information.
5. Drive PARTICIPATION – Engaging activities activate multiple areas of the brain, making learning stick!

WHY FACILITATORS LOVE IT

• Instant energy boost: Laughter and simple fun lift mood and engagement.
• Low risk, high camaraderie: Prompts are light and inclusive—great for mixed groups.
• Warm-up stage-set: Ideal icebreaker, middle-of-day energizer, or transition tool.
• Mix & matchup: Works alone or paired with more serious themes (EQ, Diversity) to balance tone.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

These 6" stuffed vinyl balls looks like a cool soccer ball but is pre-printed with 32 questions/discussion prompts. This set is suited for adults and teens alike! Following are more details about each of the popular Silver Series Thumballs in the Team Development set:

• Favorites: Share favorite place, preferences, pastimes, and more.
• Would you Rather?: Playfully explore personality and preferences by choosing between too likely options.
• What Makes You YOU?: Discover fascinating facts that make each person unique.
• Shaped by Our Past: Discuss the experiences from your past that shape who you are today.
• Energy Break: Keep their blood flowing with prompts that inspire physical movement, meditation, and mental exercise?
• Which are you and Why?: Identify where you fall on a variety of spectrums.

NOTE: ©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.

WHEN TO USE

• Introductions and icebreakers in new teams
• After lunch or breaks to refuel energy
• Virtual meeting warm-ups to shift tone
• Team building days to create shared laughter and connection

COMPARE THUMBALL® SETS

If you’re deciding between Thumball® sets, here’s how Just for Fun compares with others:

FAQS

Q: What makes this set different from other Thumball® sets?
A: The Just for Fun set focuses purely on enjoyment and energy—it’s not about deep reflection or serious topics. Use this when you want participants to laugh, loosen up, energize groups, and connect lightly.

Q: How many people can use one set?
A: Ideal for groups of 4+; works well in both small groups and larger audiences via circle tosses or breakout sets.

Q: When’s the best time to use it?
A: Right at session start, after breaks, or any moment when energy dips and you want to revive engagement.

Q: Can I mix it with more serious sets?
A: Definitely! Many facilitators alternate Just for Fun with EQ, Diversity, or Getting Acquainted sets to balance tone and learning depth.

Q: How durable is the set?
A: Each ball is made with soft material and stitched panels, built to withstand repeated use in training, virtual or in-person settings.

Start talking about topics that matter with the Emotional Intelligence Conversation Deck.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE CONVERSATION PROMPTS

Emotional Intelligence is a skill that allows people to be more effective in their roles at work and at home. It’s not just touchy-feely stuff and being able to name your feelings. Rather, it enhances employee retention and engagement, customer service, collaboration, and crisis management.

5 SKILLS OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Emotional Intelligence (a.k.a. EQ) is associated with five skills. Develop your teams’ EQ by facilitating conversations that help participants grow more aware of their motivations, measure their reactions to difficult situations, and hone techniques to manage those emotions in empathy and social acumen. The five skills are:

1. Self-Awareness [SA]
2. Motivation [MO]
3. Self-Regulation [SR]
4. Empathy [EM]
5. Social Skills [SS]

On each card, below the conversation starter question, you'll see the EQ skill that the question addresses or develops.

PLAYING WITH CONVERSATION DECKS

Pairs of 2 or 3

To play, deal a card to each participant. Have participants stand, find a partner, and discuss the questions on each of their cards. When their conversation has run its course, invite them to swap cards and hold their arm in the air, indicating to other players that they're ready to find a new partner. Repeat this process as time allows.

Table Talks

If your group isn't too big or you want to build camaraderie at a table, have each person in the group choose a card and answer the question. If you have enough time, ask each speaker a couple of follow-up questions. Alternatively, have others at the table answer those same questions for themselves. Then, swap cards, or pick new cards from the top of the deck.

1-2-4-All

Expert Trainer, Nora Gerber, shares facilitation notes on using the 1-2-4-All approach with the Emotional Intelligence UNZIP-IT! Deck. Tips include:

• Writing a note-to-self
• Pairing up to discuss stories of different experiences
• Huddling in groups - to discuss each of the four skills in more depth:

1. 1. Self-Awareness [SA
   2. Motivation [MO]
   3. Self-Regulation [SR]
   4. Empathy [EM]
   5. Social Skills [SS]

• Returning to the big group to explore opportunities for individual and group development.

READ MORE!

Emotional Intelligence is a skill that allows people to be more effective in their roles at work and at home. It’s not just touchy-feely stuff and being able to name your feelings. Rather, it enhances employee retention and engagement, customer service, collaboration, and crisis management.

5 SKILLS OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Emotional Intelligence (a.k.a. EQ) is associated with five skills. Develop your teams’ EQ by facilitating conversations that help participants grow more aware of their motivations, measure their reactions to difficult situations, and hone techniques to manage those emotions in empathy and social acumen. The five skills are:

1. Self-Awareness [SA]
2. Motivation [MO]
3. Self-Regulation [SR]
4. Empathy [EM]
5. Social Skills [SS]

EQ THUMBALL PROMPTS

Each conversation prompt on the Emotional Intelligence Thumball indicates the skill with which it is associated. Use the two-letter EQ skill codes (MO, SA, SR, EM, and SS), to build awareness of the skills, while building the skills themselves!

For example:

• "What contributes to distrust?" is followed by [EM] for Empathy
• "How could someone regain composure after snapping?" lists [SR] for Self-Regulation
• "What holds you back from being your best YOU?" has [SA] for Self-Awareness

30 prompts are listed on the Thumball, specifically:

• Self-Awareness [SA] - 7 prompts
• Motivation [MO] - 5 prompts
• Self-Regulation [SR] - 5 prompts
• Empathy [EM] - 6 prompts
• Social Skills [SS] - 7 prompts

FROM A DELIGHTED TRAINER, WINSOME CULLEY

MULTIPLE WAYS TO FACILITATE THE GAME

Adjust your play to make more or less of those skill areas:

• Have recipients of the ball read the question aloud before answering.
• Ask other players to guess which skill is referenced by conversation prompt.
• Discuss why that prompt is categorized that way and what other skills might be addressed
• Answer the question for yourself
• Have other players answer the same question
• Discuss differences among the answers
• If a player isn't sure how to answer, invite them "take a pass," consult a colleague, or choose another prompt
• Don't rush! Remember that thoughtful answers sometimes take a moment to think about. Offer to come back to the person for their answer after they've had time to consider it.

©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.

MORE CONVERSATION STARTERS BY TRAINERS WAREHOUSE

In addition to Silver Series Thumballs, Trainers Warehouse offers a range of other products to help build relationships, draw out learning, and inspire conversation about meaningful topics. Such products include Conversation Cards and UNZIP-IT Decks. Some facilitators prefer decks because they enable players to have small group conversation with 1 or 2 other participants before sharing with a larger group of players.