Pass the Parcel is one of those old, classic games that will always be enjoyed by kids. You can never go wrong including this game at an upcoming kids party! But if you’re stuck for pass the parcel ideas of what to include, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help! From toys to include, to other clever ways to make pass the parcel more interesting, we have everything you need to make that next birthday party a HUGE success.
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What is Pass The Parcel?
Before we dive in, let’s take a look at this popular game. When it comes to party games, this is a real winner. It’s a classic game that actually originated in Britain. The idea is simple. You pass the parcel from person to person and when the music stops, whomever it lands on gets to unwrap the top layer. They then get to keep whatever they find inside.
Wondering how far back the game dates? That’s a good question! It appears in a lot of historical events, which suggests it has been around for a while. Back in those days, the prize would be a chocolate, ring, jewellery or a token.
How To Make Pass The Parcel More Interesting?
While you can easily go ahead and wrap a lolly between each layer, you might be on the hunt for some great ways to make Pass the Parcel more interesting. And who can blame you?! As kids get older, this game doesn’t keep it’s charm for long, but there are ways you can make sure everyone still has plenty of fun. Here’s some:
Pass the Parcel Forfeits
Instead of putting something between each layer, have a ‘challenge’ for the kids. As they unwrap the layer, there’s a piece of paper waiting for them with a challenge on it. It can be as simple as, ‘Jump around the circle on one leg while sticking your tongue out’ or even ‘Sing Baa Baa Black Sheep in a high-pitched voice’. The idea is to keep it nice and easy, while also giving everyone a great laugh in the process. This is also called Pass the Parcel Forfeits. Instead of wrapping paper, you can also just have a bowl with all the forfeits in there, and pass that around the circle as a lucky dip. Here are some ideas:
- Roar like a lion as loud as you can
- Put lipstick on the person to your left with a blindfold on
- Have an argument with the wall
- Act like a T-rex
Treasure Hunt
Instead of just giving kids the treat, make them work for it! Each layer unwraps a clue that they have to work out to find where their treasure is hidden. For example ‘Where we sit to watch TV at night’ (and have them digging in the sofa). You make clues as easy or as hard as you like depending on the age group.
Stealing Parcels
This one is great for the older kids. As they unwrap the layer, they get to choose whether they keep their prize, or ‘steal’ someone else’s. Sp, if they unwrap a chocolate, they can swap it with someone else’s prize. This means the best spot is going last! They get to steal from anyone else and choose what present they end up with!
Funny Pass The Parcel Ideas For Adults
Why should kids have all the fun! Being an adult doesn’t have to be boring, it simply means altering the game a little to make it nice and fun for you. So, here we go, here are some ideas for pass the parcel for adults.
Strip Pass The Parcel
Let’s get down and dirty straight away. Each layer someone unwraps has an item of clothing that person has to take off! It could be a sock, or a bra, depending on how you want to play this game. You might want to have a lot of rounds each if you’re planning on getting everyone naked. Alternatively, whoever it lands on reads out an item of clothing. Everyone has to take it off, except the person with the parcel. This will move the game along much faster.
Lucky Dip
Add a new item of clothing to each layer of the Pass the Parcel, saving the best to last (as you do). Whatever people unwrap, they have to wear for the rest of the night! It could be something as harmless as a feather boa, or a little more risque depending on the mood. If you’re heading out for the night, this could get even more interesting.
Shot The Parcel
If you’re looking to get the night going, then this is the party game for you. All you have to do is write the name of a different shot on each layer of wrapping paper. If you’re feeling extra fun, pop a number next to it. Whoever unwraps it, has to the that many shots of whatever drink is listed. It’s sure to get the party started!
Ideas For Pass The Parcel Prizes
Ready to start planning that next birthday party? Here’s are some great pass the parcel gift ideas for all ages. Happy shopping! The best part is, many of these gifts also double as great party favour ideas to go inside party bags.
Slap Bracelets
These are the perfect gift for pass the parcel. They’re one of the best pass the parcel ideas for 7 year olds. You can simply wrap up a different design under each layer with a main gift at the bottom for the winner! Everyone will love comparing their slap bracelets. They come in a range of designs, including emoji, animals, heart print and more.
Building Blocks
What kids don’t love blocks! These are the perfect pass the parcel gift ideas for 10 year olds and older and is sure to keep them all entertained. There are 12 different animal designs: lion, panda, elephant, flamingo, parrot, bear, crocodile, giraffe, turtle, dog and eagle. Kids will love unwrapping each layer and discovering their own animal to build!
Temporary Tattoos
Looking for pass the parcel ideas for 4 year old? Temporary tattoos are just perfect. They’re not only nice and easy to wrap (flat, woo!), but each child will love unwrapping their design. You can even have the water bowl ready so they can pop it on straight away. What could be more exciting!
Dinosaur Toys
This is one of the best pass the parcel ideas for any dinosaur party. It’s one of the best pass the parcel ideas for 3 year olds, with so many amazing gifts to choose from. The 76-iece set comes with 12 party bags, 12 keychains, 12 rubber rings, 12 felt dinosaur masks, 16 dinosaur figures and 12 glow in the dark tattoos.
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Fidget Toys
If you’re looking for the best pass the parcel ideas for 5 year olds, you can’t go past fidget toys! They are so popular right now and for good reason. It’s the perfect way to keep little kids nice and busy. Playing with fidget toys is a great way to keep their brains nice and focused. This set has 34 toys to choose from, and you can wrap each one in the pass the parcel. They will be so excited to unwrap and discover which one is inside.
Play-doh
A great idea for any party, but especially an art-themed one! There’s one thing kids can’t go past: and it’s play-doh. It’s the perfect take home gift that kids will just love playing with. This pack comes with 15 tubs in a variety of different colours that are nice and easy to wrap in between the layers of pass the parcel. You can them pop them in the party bags for the kids to take home with them. Easy!
Party Fillers
Can’t decide on one toy? Why not get a huge selection! Kids will have the best time unwrapping each layer without knowing what’s inside. This 200 piece set comes with everything. There’s glasses, slinkys, planes, snakes, spin tops, slap hands, wands, bracelets, whistles and so much more. There really is something for everyone in this set.
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Need help planning that next party? Why not check out our DIY party planning checklist to get you started.