Pass the Parcel is a party classic, but the little prizes between the layers can quickly add up — especially if you have a big group of children.
The good news? You don’t need expensive toys to make the game exciting. There are plenty of fun Pass the Parcel fillers under $2 that kids will still love discovering as the music stops.
Whether you want small toys, stationery, stickers, no-lolly prizes or themed fillers, this guide will help you keep the game fun without blowing the party budget.
If you’re planning the whole game, start with our complete Pass the Parcel Ideas guide or check the basics in our Pass the Parcel Rules Explained.
What Makes a Good Pass the Parcel Filler?
The best Pass the Parcel fillers are small, affordable and easy to wrap between layers.
Look for prizes that are:
- Lightweight
- Small enough to fit inside wrapping paper
- Age-appropriate
- Easy to buy in bulk
- Fun enough to feel like a reward
- Not too fragile
You don’t need something huge in every layer. A sticker sheet, mini toy or novelty pencil can still feel exciting when it appears mid-game.
Cheap Pass the Parcel Fillers Under $2
These are simple, budget-friendly ideas that work for most kids’ parties.
- Sticker sheets. Shop here>>>
- Temporary tattoos. Shop here>>>
- Mini notebooks. Shop here>>>
- Novelty pencils. Shop here>>>
- Mini erasers. Shop here>>>
- Bouncy balls. Shop here>>>
- Small tubs of play dough. Shop here>>>
- Hair clips. Shop here>>>
- Keyrings. Shop here>>>
- Mini stamps. Shop here>>>
- Glow sticks. Shop here>>>
- Finger puppets. Shop here>>>
- Small animal figurines. Shop here>>>
- Mini cars. Shop here>>>
- Bubble wands. Shop here>>>
These also work well as small prizes for party games. For more ideas, see our Best Mini Prizes for Party Games.
Sticker & Tattoo Fillers
Stickers and temporary tattoos are some of the easiest Pass the Parcel fillers because they are flat, cheap and simple to tuck between layers.
Good options include:
- Animal stickers
- Rainbow stickers
- Superhero stickers
- Fairy stickers
- Music stickers
- Glow-in-the-dark tattoos
- Party-themed tattoo sheets
- Emoji stickers
They are also a great option if you need lots of layers without making the parcel bulky.
Stationery Fillers Under $2
Stationery is a great choice because kids can actually use it after the party.
Try:
- Novelty pencils
- Mini gel pens
- Mini notepads
- Fun erasers
- Pencil toppers
- Small rulers
- Stamps
- Mini colouring sheets
If you’re trying to avoid lollies, stationery is one of the easiest swaps. You’ll find more ideas in our No-Lolly Pass the Parcel Ideas.
Toy Fillers Under $2
Small toys are always popular, especially with younger kids.
Ideas include:
- Mini slinkies
- Small spinning tops
- Mini yo-yos
- Finger puppets
- Small plastic animals
- Mini cars
- Bouncy balls
- Mini dinosaurs
- Squishy toys
- Small puzzles
Just make sure the toys suit the age of the children, especially if preschoolers are playing.
For younger groups, check out our Pass the Parcel Ideas for Preschoolers.
No-Lolly Pass the Parcel Fillers
If you prefer not to include sweets in every layer, there are plenty of no-lolly options that still feel fun.
- Mini colouring pencils
- Stickers
- Temporary tattoos
- Mini puzzles
- Small craft kits
- Hair ties
- Novelty erasers
- Glow sticks
- Finger puppets
- Mini notebooks
No-lolly fillers can also help avoid allergy concerns and reduce sugar overload during the party.
Fillers for Challenge-Based Pass the Parcel
If you’re using challenge cards or dares, you may not need a prize in every layer.
You could mix:
- One small filler
- One challenge card
- One dare card
- One task card
- One mystery layer
This keeps costs down and makes the game more interactive.
For ideas, see our:
- Pass the Parcel Challenge Cards
- Funny Pass the Parcel Dare Ideas
- Pass the Parcel Task Ideas Kids Will Love.
Theme-Based Pass the Parcel Fillers
Matching the fillers to your party theme makes even small prizes feel more exciting.
Superhero Fillers
- Mini masks
- Superhero stickers
- Temporary tattoos
- Hero wristbands
- Comic-style pencils
See our Superhero Pass the Parcel Ideas.
Fairy Fillers
- Fairy stickers
- Mini wands
- Butterfly clips
- Flower rings
- Glitter bracelets
See our Fairy Pass the Parcel Ideas.
Pet Adoption Fillers
- Animal stickers
- Paw-print tattoos
- Dog bone erasers
- Mini pet figurines
- Puppy pencils
See our Pet Adoption Pass the Parcel Ideas.
Kpop Demon Hunters Fillers
- Glow bracelets
- Star stickers
- Hair clips
- Mini notebooks
- Friendship bracelets
See our Kpop Demon Hunters Pass the Parcel Ideas.
How Many Fillers Do You Need?
This depends on how many children are playing and whether every layer gets a prize.
As a guide:
- 6 children — 6 to 8 fillers
- 8 children — 8 to 10 fillers
- 10 children — 10 to 12 fillers
- 15 children — 15 to 18 fillers
If you’re using fillers in every second layer, you can halve the number and use challenge cards in between.
Tips for Keeping Pass the Parcel Affordable
- Buy small items in multipacks
- Use stickers or tattoos for thinner layers
- Mix prizes with challenge cards
- Save the biggest prize for the final layer
- Choose one theme so items can be bought in bulk
- Use no-lolly fillers to avoid extra sweets
It’s also worth keeping a few spare prizes nearby in case a younger child misses out or the game needs an extra layer.
Pass the Parcel Fillers Under $2 FAQs
What can I put in Pass the Parcel layers?
You can use stickers, temporary tattoos, novelty pencils, mini toys, small notebooks, bubbles, erasers, glow sticks, hair clips and other small party favours.
Do you need a prize in every layer?
No. You can add prizes to every layer, every second layer or just a few surprise layers. Challenge cards and task cards also work well between layers.
What are good no-lolly Pass the Parcel fillers?
Stickers, mini notepads, pencils, temporary tattoos, bubbles, stamps, hair clips, small toys and craft items all work well as no-lolly fillers.
How much should Pass the Parcel fillers cost?
They don’t need to cost much. Many great fillers can be found for under $2 each, especially when bought in multipacks.
What is the best final prize for Pass the Parcel?
The final prize can be slightly larger, such as a small toy, book, craft kit, game, plush toy or themed party favour.
