You will need:
– Lots of old wrapping paper, bags, etc.
– Prize for the centre
– Optional: Selection of small prizes and/or forfeits
– Optional: Music you can stop and start
Very traditional game in the UK. There are a few variations, but they all follow the same idea.
Wrap the small main prize (eg a chocolate bar) in wrapping paper for the middle. Now wrap this ‘present’ up and continue until you have as many wrapping layers as you want (and the parcel can get quiet big!!).
The group sits in a circle and passes the parcel around to each player in turn while some music is playing (or told to start). When the music stops (or players told to stop) the person left holding the parcel has to take off a layer of wrapping. When they have done that the music starts again and they pass the parcel onto the next person.
Things to be aware of. Don’t allow players to hold onto the parcel and decide whether the person controlling the music or saying start/stop can see who has the parcel or not. Being able to see who has the parcel does mean that there is a better chance of being able to stop the music when you want and everybody getting a turn, but it also means that the person controlling the music could be accused of favouritism…. either way its best to not be looking when it comes to the last layer.
If you have a number of children (20+) you may want to have several parcels rather than just one as it can get quite boring waiting for the parcel to reach you.
Variations:
– Rather than just have the one gift in the middle, place a small gift or sweet either in each layer or in some layers. It helps keep the group amused and not just waiting to get to the end.
– Alternate some of the gifts in the other layers with forfeits (for the one who opened that layer) or other party games.
