Pass the Parcel

Pass the Parcel is an old party favourite. Delight the children at your party with these entertaining variations of a classic game.

Age: All ages

No. of players: Any number

Equipment: Newspaper; string or adhesive tape; a small present; music

Time: Approximately 10 - 15 minutes

Aim: To win the final present in the parcel.

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1. Preparation: Wrap up a small present in layers of newspaper. Each layer should be taped or tied with string to hold it in place.

2. Players sit in a circle and, when the music starts, pass the present from one person to the next. When the music stops, the child holding the present removes one layer of newspaper.

3. Begin the music again, and continue passing the parcel.

4. The game continues until the final wrapping is removed and the child holding the parcel wins the present.

Variations:

Forfeits Parcel: Write a forfeit on each layer of wrapping. When the music stops, the person holding the parcel must carry out the forfeit before removing the wrapping. Examples of forfeits are: jumping up and down 10 times, hop on one leg 5 times, rub your tummy and pat your head, sing a nursery rhyme, say the alphabet, count to 10, etc.

Children's Parcel: Simply make up a parcel before the party with a bigger prize (for example, a bag of lollies) in the centre of the parcel and a small prize (for example, a small chocolate bar) placed between each layer of wrapping paper. You may like to ensure there is at least one prize per child, to make sure no one misses out.

Mystery Parcel: Write a message on each layer of wrapping. Examples of messages are: "Pass to the player on your left", "Give to a player with blonde hair", "Give to a player who is wearing something blue", etc. When the music stops the player who has the parcel, reads the message and gives it to the player who best matches the description. The new player unwraps the next layer of paper.

Combination Parcel: Combine any or all of the variations above in your parcel. For example, the child unwrapping the parcel may need to perform a forfeit to get their prize, before giving the parcel to the player matching the description. The music then starts again.

Hot Parcel: For this variation there is only one wrapping around the parcel. Make sure the wrapping is strong and secure. When the music stops the person holding the parcel drops out of the game. The last person holding the parcel wins the present.

Easter Variation: Play any of the above variations of Pass the Parcel with a bag of Easter eggs as the main present.

Thanksgiving Variation: Play any of the above variations. When the music stops, the player must say one thing they are thankful for before opening the parcel.


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