Turn ordinary THINGS into Extraordinary Solutions

Play workshops for Business & Education

Think with Things is…

an innovative hands-on approach that uses found objects (loose parts) to make abstract ideas tangible and visual. We help educators, businesses, parents and elderly carers see great potential in everyday things around them.

Guardian of the Idea

Hi! I am Jules

In 2006 I discovered the power of ‘Things’ in problem-solving & design thinking by sheer luck.

I have tried to explain the concept/method as much as possible on this site. If you still have questions, I would love to hear from you. Let me know if you would like to bring Think with Things into your business, organisation or school.

“HAVE THINGS WILL TRAVEL” — Jules

Connect, Create, Collaborate!

Your team deserves a tool that brings them together and unlocks their potential! The Business Catalyst Card Deck does just that—through playful interactions, creative prompts, and meaningful conversations.

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Introducing THINGS LAB APP

A creative mentor in your pocket unlocking creativity through the power of found objects. The THINGS LAB App is the best way to apply the Think with Things method. It is the ultimate creative catalyst hub designed for business leaders, educators, parents, and elderly carers.Unleash your imagination and transform your world through play, innovation, and collaboration.

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Empowering Thinking with everyTHING everyWHERE!

Featured In-Person

Creative Thinking Workshop

Chain Reaction

After COVID, we all needed to reconnect with our teammates and community. Most importantly, we must reconnect with ourselves, with our creativity and problem-solving skills. This new workshop will help your team regain their spirit and confidence in working together to solve the seemingly impossible task.

The video is from a European Commission group of 80 people. This workshop can be done with teams between 10 and 200+.

Workshop Request

In-Person Workshops

Solve a Serious Challenge

Equip your team with valuable skills for tackling real issues and making them visible. Whether in the business world or an educational setting, this transformative experience enhances your problem-solving abilities, creating impactful solutions.
Design a Game

Discover the art of game design and ignite your team’s innovative spirit. Dive into the world of immersive problem-solving, and leave with a unique tabletop game ready to inspire change.
Discover your Superpowers

Delve into your strengths and unearth your team’s hidden potential. This engaging workshop fosters personal growth and enhances team relationships through the enchanting world of found objects.

See All In-Person Workshops

What People Are Saying

“Our team of 16 did the Problem/Solution day workshop. By lunch, I told the TwT team if we solve just 1 of these 6 problems I will be elated. By the end of the day, we had 6 viable solutions we all agreed to move forward with. Absolutely amazing, engaging and the best part was that we where all full of energy after a day workshop, which isn’t the case normally.”

— Daniel (EU commission)

“We were very happy with your performance and what we have learnt during your online session. You really opened us new and interesting perspectives in our everyday work with our children. Thank you again, and not only for this but also for your flexibility and kindness.

— Mihaela (Eeb 4 School)

“It was a pleasure for us as well to meet you and see you in action. My colleagues gave me very positive feedback and the students enjoyed it very much. It was a perfect energizer after a long day. I have already shared the experience with the team so that we can consider your workshops for future innovation camps for students or teacher training.”

— Judit (JA Europe)

Play is important work!

What is it about play that’s so inviting? How can we allow play into our daily routines — especially in an over-scheduled, anxious environment, and especially when work schedules are hectic?

Ben Mardell, a researcher, educator, and expert on play and development, says, “My take is that any activity can be play or not play. The secret sauce is playfulness — the ability to see a situation, be curious about it, realize it can be enjoyable, and take agency over it. “ Read More about the importance of play!

**Education**

**Professional Development**

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1 (2).jpg — **Business**

**Team building & Events**

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Why is Play important in business teams?

Play is one of the essential skills adults should engage in regularly. It can increase creativity, reduce stress (thus, increase performance) and improve overall mood and productivity. The act of playing like you did as a child could be the difference between failure and success.

Reconnecting with play will help you succeed!

Video from Challenge/Solution Business Workshop with 25 people.

Think with Your Hands

Beyond our workshops described on this site, we offer bespoke services that meet any need.

in Trainings

Our adult workshops are fun and engaging with focus on connecting through play!

at Events

We loved to disrupt the norm and during events we are experts at engaging attendees!

with students

From 3-18 there is always room for play, creative thinking and problem solving!

as coaching

One on one sessions help find your creative spirit and create a new path!

Contact

Join us on Instagram

Things Lab in Wiltshire! Taking a break from city life in Brussels for a month. Working in our amazing tiny house on the edge of a ravine. It is important to take a break from your normal working space to get a fresh perspective. Where do you take a break to?

🚀 After a lot of work and many lovely discussions with the printer, the cards and fabulous box are off and being printed as we speak! Thank you to all those who believe in the power of found objects and purchased a deck for my first print run! I decided to print a few extras, so if you didn't pre-order, you could still pick up one of the extra packs! 🎄 Delivery before Xmas. However, you can already start with the virtual card deck today! Look to the link above in Bio for more info and purchase! Oh, they are completely eco-friendly and a 🌳 tree is planted for each pack printed. Yoooohooo

New THINGS LAB Update! (and more coming very soon) For OS: https://apps.apple.com/be/app/things-lab/id6476206340 For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pprd52re7la.p23b4gp4oapp&pcampaignid=web_share

Today is the LAST Day! I will send the order on Monday for the first print of the fabulous Business Creative Catalyst Card deck. Order yours today so you don't miss out and have your deck by Xmas. Not soon enough? Your virtual cards deck is available on THINGS LAB APP immediately! Find the order info in the bio above!

📢 Exciting Update! We’re extending our pre-sales for the printed card deck until November 8th! 🌟 🎄Originally set to end on November 1st, we’re thrilled to extend the deadline so you don’t miss your chance to snag a deck before the holidays! 🎁 Our amazing UK-based printer will be able to get them printed and shipped faster than expected. Remember, we’re only printing the number of decks sold by November 8th, so grab yours now to ensure it arrives in time for Christmas! 🌐 Plus, don’t forget you’ll have instant access to the online version with exclusive extras as soon as you order. Link to THINGS LAB APP above in Bio 🌍 And here’s the eco-friendly bonus: printed with veggie inks on recycled paper, our deck also plants a tree for every purchase. 💚 So, what are you waiting for? If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below.

In the last two months, I have had the opportunity to work with nearly 500 professionals in team-building events. Most of these were from a wide variety of groups from EU institutions. Today, I received the feedback from these sessions, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the chance to share my passion. More importantly, I am happy they had a good day while learning something about their colleagues and themselves in the process! Thank you all! (feedback is given anonymously, so these are select group from twt sessions I facilitated in the last two months)

Happy Monday! Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a creative and energising staff meeting today? You can with our new card deck! Start now: Link in Bio

Digital and Real World Cards that will take your team from mundane to magic! Order now and receive the physical card by December, with access to the virtual deck and extras today. Plus, 20% off! Pre-orders of physical decks end Nov 1st; the next shipping date will be January 2025! Learn More: Link in Bio

Building organisational bridges today with 100 legal experts! So much creativity it was amazing!

💥 The Business Catalyst Card Deck is here to make your team unstoppable! 💥 20% OFF if you order by Nov 1st! 📦 Immediate virtual access, physical deck ships in December. Bring fun, creativity, and productivity into your meetings starting NOW! Don’t miss out—next printed deck won’t be until 2025 and full price! ⚡️ Link in bio to pre-order and transform your team today! #BusinessCardDeck #playatwork #CreativityUnleashed #TeamProductivity #InnovateYourMeetings #ProblemSolving #teambuildinggames

Working on something new today! Business Catalyst Card Deck! 52 prompts to use at your next meeting, brainstorming or business training. Virtual deck will be available next week! Comment if you want more info and access to the early bird special! ?what do think about a Educators Catalyst Deck? Maybe the next iteration!

Another lovely day with 60 at La Hulpe

It has been a busy team building week, looking at superpowers and making superskills tool belt of THINGS gadgets and then getting creating future planning and mapping with THINGS!

What are THINGS? Check out thinkwiththings.com

THINGS came to Warsaw! Yesterday I had a lovely training with 80 people from Frontex outside Warsaw in a lovely forest retreat! Their task was to each bring 3 THINGS minimum, one that rolled, one to build and one funny THING! They succeeded, well done! #havethingswilltravel #playatwork #resiliencethroughplay #wonderandwellbeing #justplay

Let workshop season begin! 🤩

Have you happened to see our THINGS LAB APP? If not, here is a lovely walk-through and view of our amazing Beta Games Library. This is a collection of 30 games released every week. The idea is that we hear from you, the users, through feedback on how to make the games better and more easily understood and or ideas on how to tweak them a little for the future games library coming in 2025, which will have over 100 games. Come Join us on THINGS LAB and become a Beta Gamer. You haven't missed a thing all 15 games are open and 15 more to come! (See Links in Bio)

🌍 Today, August 12th, we celebrate International Youth Day! 🌍 This day is dedicated to recognising the vital role that young people play in shaping our world and highlighting the challenges they face. Here are some eye-opening facts from the United Nations Website about the youth of today: Youth Dominance: Did you know that half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger? By 2030, this is expected to rise to 57%, making the youth a powerful force for the future. Optimism for Tomorrow: A global survey reveals that 67% of people believe in a better future, with 15 to 17-year-olds being the most optimistic about what lies ahead. Political Representation: There's a clear consensus that the age balance in politics needs to change. A staggering 69% of people across all age groups agree that giving more opportunities to young people in policy-making would improve political systems. Youth in Politics: Despite their potential, young people are underrepresented in politics. Globally, only 2.6% of parliamentarians are under 30, and less than 1% of these young MPs are women. As we celebrate this day, let's recognise the incredible potential of our youth and the importance of empowering them to lead and innovate. Their voices and ideas are essential to building a better, more inclusive future for all. Let’s continue to support and uplift the younger generation, ensuring they have the opportunities and platforms to create the change they envision. #internationalyouthday #youthempowerment #futureleaders #globalyouth #youthinpolitics

Game 11 is open! We are now over a third of the way through our Beta Games program. 💬 Remember to give feedback on each game to earn points for future THINGS LAB programs. 🎥 Send in a video and receive even more benefits. Are you not a Beta Gamer? It isn't too late. Join today and get all 11 games, plus the future weekly game! 30 games in all. Check it out! Link in Bio

🌟 Unlock Your Child's Creativity and Curiosity! 🌟 Are you looking to foster creativity and strengthen your bond with your child? Our upcoming 4-Week THINGS LAB Back-to-School Program is designed for you and your child (ages 4-12)! Why Play WITH Your Child? • Enhances Creativity: Discover how everyday objects can spark imagination and innovative thinking. • Builds Stronger Bonds: Shared activities strengthen your connection and create lasting memories. • Develops Problem-Solving Skills: Hands-on projects help your child approach challenges with confidence and creativity. 📅 Starts September 9th 🎟️ Limited Spaces: Only 20 Spots Available! 📋 Registration Opens: Monday, August 12th Be the first to know when registration opens! Sign up for the waitlist now and secure your spot. 🔗 Join the Waitlist Now (check the link in the bio) (No obligation, stay updated!)

In the last two months, I have had the opportunity to work with nearly 500 professionals in team-building events. Most of these were from a wide variety of groups from EU institutions.

Today, I received the feedback from these sessions, and I am ov

Have you happened to see our THINGS LAB APP?

If not, here is a lovely walk-through and view of our amazing Beta Games Library. This is a collection of 30 games released every week. The idea is that we hear from you, the users, through feedback on h

“Creativity involves breaking out of expected patterns in order to look at things in a different way.”

— Edward de Bono

Things as Thinking Tools in Education

In 2015, we collaborated with Unicef, offering many free workshops to schools. Below is a small video we made at one of the schools where we did a Storytelling workshop.

Introducing

THINGS, the card game!

The beauty of this game is that it allows you to play either only with cards or search around your environment for found objects; we call THINGS and add them to the game.

THINGS celebrates the idea that one person's trash is another person's treasure!

Learn More

Creativity is Intelligence Having Fun! —Einstein

Our photo-album of past PLAY is bursting and we would love to add your event to the mix!

Think with Things was founded in 2014 as part of an accelerator. What started as a small idea tested in Turtlewings Studio many years ago has grown into courses and workshops worldwide. Please look at some of our great projects and workshops over the past 6+ years.