Party Whammy
Players writing category answers on paper during a word game
Party Games

Scattergories Categories

Scattergories categories gives groups 40 family-clean list ideas across everyday life, parties, imagination, and challenge rounds.

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Scattergories Categories: 40 categories

Family CleanBest for ages 9 and upQuick, creative, and friendly

How to play

  1. Choose five or ten categories and select one starting letter for the round.
  2. Give every player two minutes to write one matching answer for each category.
  3. Award one point for a valid answer and two points when no other player wrote the same answer.
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Draw one when the room is ready

things kept in a backpack

Everyday life

  1. things kept in a backpack
  2. items with a screen
  3. things people lose
  4. objects found near a sink
  5. reasons to wake up early
  6. things that need charging
  7. items with a handle
  8. sounds heard in a neighborhood
  9. things stored in a closet
  10. jobs that require a uniform

Party round

  1. celebration traditions
  2. party foods
  3. objects beside a dessert table
  4. songs people dance to
  5. gift bag items
  6. colorful room accents
  7. songs people know
  8. items in a host's bag
  9. games played in teams
  10. after-party chores

Imagination round

  1. superpowers
  2. names for a dragon
  3. things on another planet
  4. magical objects
  5. imaginary jobs
  6. reasons a robot might laugh
  7. places a secret door could lead
  8. things inside a giant's pocket
  9. names for a pirate ship
  10. rules in a silly kingdom

Challenge round

  1. things that improve with practice
  2. objects smaller than a coin
  3. words with two meanings
  4. things that move without wheels
  5. times people lower their voices
  6. items people collect
  7. objects sold as matched sets
  8. places with a waiting room
  9. things that change color
  10. problems solved with string

How to settle a close answer

Ask the player to connect the answer to the category in one sentence. A quick majority vote protects the pace better than a long argument over one point.

Scattergories Categories questions answered

What makes a good Scattergories category?

A good category has many possible answers and a boundary the group can understand quickly. Avoid categories that depend on private knowledge.

How many categories belong in one round?

Ten categories make a standard round. Five categories work better for children, beginners, or a game that needs to finish in under ten minutes.

How are duplicate answers scored?

A valid answer earns one point unless another player wrote the same word. A unique valid answer earns two points under the scoring method used here.

Can players challenge an answer?

Yes. Let the writer explain the connection in one sentence, then use a quick majority vote. Move on if the vote ties.

Can these categories be printed?

Yes. The browser print control formats the visible category cards for paper play without claiming an official downloadable game product.