Random object generator

Tick the categories you want, choose how many objects, and press Generate to get a random list of real, everyday things. Switch the output to a drawing prompt or a printable scavenger-hunt checklist. A list never repeats an item, and you can copy it with one tap for games, art practice or writing.

lamp
kettle
binder
bubble wand
glue gun
hat
tree stump
yoga mat

Worked example: what is in the list

The 8 objects above are one from each of the first 8 categories. Here is every category, how many objects it holds, and one example from it:

Picking

When you press Generate, the tool gathers every object in the categories you ticked, removes duplicates, shuffles them and takes the first few. That is why a single list can never contain the same object twice, even when an object belongs to two of your chosen categories. Different lists are independent, so an object can come up again next time. If you ask for more objects than your categories hold, you simply get all of them.

Bigger categories are more likely to supply each pick, simply because they hold more objects. To get an even spread, generate from one category at a time.

The three output styles

Plain list shows the objects as chips, ready to copy. Drawing prompt turns one object into a sketch idea ("Draw… a teapot") and joins several with plus signs, so three objects become one scene to compose. Scavenger hunt makes a checklist with tick boxes that you can use on a phone or print.

What counts as an object

Every entry is a real thing you could hold, see or point at: no brands, no people and no abstract ideas. Most are common enough that a child would know them, which matters for drawing and guessing games. Some categories overlap in real life (a helmet is sports gear and also something you wear), and those objects are listed in both.

Ideas for using random objects

Drawing practice. Set "How many" to 1 and choose Drawing prompt for a daily sketch, or pick three and fit them into one picture. Simple shapes such as a teapot or a pinecone are good for practising light and shading.

Scavenger hunts. Choose Household, Kitchen or Outdoors & nature and generate 10 for a list kids can tick off at home or in the park. Untick Tools and Vehicles for indoor hunts with young children.

Games and writing. Use an object as a charades or Pictionary card, a "what's in the bag?" guessing game, an improv prop, or a story starter where the object must appear in the first sentence. For 20 Questions, one player secretly generates an object and the others ask yes-or-no questions.

Everything is generated in your browser; nothing you pick is sent anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

How many objects can the generator pick from?

351 different everyday objects in 11 categories: Household, Kitchen, School & office, Toys & games, Tools, Clothing & accessories, Outdoors & nature, Sports gear, Tech & gadgets, Vehicles, Music & art.

Can I get only objects from one category?

Yes. Untick every category except the one you want, then press Generate.

Will the same object appear twice?

Not in the same list. Separate lists are drawn independently, so an object can return on the next press.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. Every object is an ordinary thing a child would recognise, from toys and kitchen items to pinecones. The Tools category includes things like a saw and an axe, so untick it for hunts with young children.

Can I use the list for charades or Pictionary?

You can, but the charades and Pictionary generator has prompts sorted by difficulty and a built-in timer.