Pass the Parcel
This well-known classic birthday party game is a favorite with
the younger age-group, although we have found that very young children don't
understand that they need to pass the parcel on and have suffered an
embarrassing tantrum or two as a result!
Age: 5+
Preparation:
You will need a present wrapped up in at least as many layers
of gift wrap as there are children at the party. You can economise by using
construction paper or newspaper for the early layers. If you are playing with
very young children, you may like to add a small chocolate bar or roll of sweets
(candy) to each layer. You will also need a CD player or similar.
Play:
Sit the children in a circle and give the present to the birthday child. Start
the music. The children pass the parcel around the circle to the child on their
left as long as the music continues. When it stops, the child holding the parcel
undoes one layer or wrapping (and, if you have included them, takes a treat).
The final layer will open to reveal the prize.
Hints:
This game is very popular but needs close supervision with
younger children. Some are reluctant to pass the parcel at all and may need some
encouragement! You will also need to make sure that the music stops in such a
way that everyone gets a turn, and (preferably) so that the birthday child
doesn’t win the prize! It is helpful to memorise the last layer of wrapping
paper so that you can make sure a suitable child wins the prize – perhaps the
youngest child or the shyest child.
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