How to play pass the parcel

Pass the parcel goes wrong in exactly one way: a child gets no layer. Everything else about the game is forgiving.

Count the children first, wrap to that number, and control the music yourself.

Wrapping it

• One layer per child, plus one for the final prize.
• Use a different paper for the last layer so you can see the end coming.
• Put a small sweet or a joke in each layer - not a toy, or the game stops while they play with it.
• Wrap tightly for older children, loosely for toddlers.

Running it

• Sit everyone in a circle on the floor.
• Music on, parcel passes one way only.
• Music stops, whoever is holding it unwraps exactly one layer.
• Restart quickly - dead air is where the arguing starts.

Making it fair

• Face away from the circle so nobody can accuse you of choosing.
• Tick children off a mental list and stop the music near whoever has not had a go.
• For under-fives, let the whole circle help unwrap.

Ages and timing

• Ages 2-8 is the sweet spot. Time: 10-15 minutes.
• Six to fifteen children works best. More than that and it drags.

Party supplies

How to write it so it lands

• Wrap it the night before. It always takes longer than you think.
• Have two spare layers ready in case a child turns up late.

Where to shop next

• Printable party games packs
• Card message templates you can fill in
• Birthday card wording templates
• Thank you card templates
• Gift ideas by occasion
• Last minute gift ideas
• Party game instructions
• How to play charades
• Card guides
• Gift guides
• Party game guides
• All guides
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

How many layers should pass the parcel have?

One per child plus one for the prize, so everyone unwraps exactly once.

What goes in each layer?

A sweet, a sticker or a silly forfeit. Keep toys for the final layer so the game keeps moving.