The Phone Stack Game is a playful challenge to help families and friends stay present, fully engage, and connect meaningfully over the holidays. By setting phones aside, everyone can focus on laughter, conversation, and making memories. It’s perfect for family gatherings of all kinds—whether with teens, adult children, or friend groups—and adds a fun consequence: whoever grabs their phone first does the dishes!

Why It Works:

This activity promotes presence and meaningful interaction in a playful way. It challenges people to step away from distractions and connect through conversation, storytelling, or holiday games. The fun consequence adds light-hearted pressure, making it a memorable experience for all involved.

Start the Game:

As guests arrive or sit down for the meal, everyone stacks their phones face down in the center of the table.

Make it Clear:

No peeking, touching, or checking phones during the event.

The Goals:

• Stay off your phone for the entire event and enjoy being present.
• Participate in conversations, games, or other activities—tech-free!

The Consequence:

• The first person who touches their phone must do the dishes or cleanup after the meal.
• If no one grabs their phone, everyone wins! Divide the dishes or clean up together as a shared task.