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Guessing

Guess How Many

Also called Candy Jar Guess, Jar Guessing Game, Ilan Kaya?

Guests guess how many sweets are in a jar; the closest guess wins the jar at the end of the party.

people
5–300
time
5 min
energy
Calm
materials
Cheap to buy
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Watch it played
What you need3
How to play4

Before you start

Count the sweets as you fill the jar and write the number on a sealed card. Put the jar at the entrance with the slips and box beside it.

  1. 1Guests write their name and one guess on a slip as they arrive.
  2. 2One guess per person, dropped in the box.
  3. 3Before the party ends, the host reveals the real number.
  4. 4The closest guess wins the jar; if two tie, the earlier slip wins.
What to say3
  1. 1“Don't forget the jar at the door — one guess each!”
  2. 2“The real number is sealed in this envelope. Anyone want to change their guess? Too late!”
  3. 3“The answer is… 247! Closest guess was…”
Host tips3
  • Hosts forget to count while filling and then cannot reveal an answer. Count in groups of ten into a bowl before it goes in the jar.
  • Unwrapped sweets in a hot room melt into one lump by the end of the party. Use wrapped sweets and keep the jar out of the sun.
  • People submit several guesses under friends' names. Hand out one slip per guest at the door instead of leaving a stack.
Variants2

  • Baby shower

    Fill the jar with baby safety pins, small diapers or pastillas and give the guest the matching prize.

  • Office

    Use paper clips or coins and give a voucher as the prize — the jar's content goes back to the supply room.

Safety1
  • Hard sweets are a choking risk for small children; hand the prize to a parent.
Good for

Occasions

ChristmasBirthdayBaby showerWeddingFiestaSchoolReunion

Venues

Indoor, smallIndoor, largeOfficeChurch hallOutdoor