Seated
Pass the Parcel
Also called Pass the Package, Pass the Gift
A gift wrapped in many layers is passed around a circle to music; whoever holds it when the music stops unwraps one layer.
- people
- 6–30
- time
- 15 min
- energy
- Medium
- materials
- Needs prep
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Wrap the main prize, then add one layer per player, slipping a small treat between layers. Sit everyone in a circle on the floor or in chairs.
- 1Players pass the parcel around the circle while the music plays.
- 2When the music stops, whoever holds it tears off one layer and keeps what is inside.
- 3Restart the music and keep passing.
- 4Whoever removes the last layer wins the main prize.
What to say3
- 1“Pass it, pass it — no holding on to it!”
- 2“Music stopped! Rip off one layer — just ONE!”
- 3“Last layer… who's taking home the big prize?”
Host tips3
- Kids who never get a layer will cry. Whoever runs the music should watch the circle and stop so each child gets exactly one turn.
- Players grip the parcel when they hear the song winding down. Use a playlist the kids do not know and stop at random points.
- Torn paper gets everywhere and someone slips. Have the bin bag in the middle and drop each layer in as it comes off.
Variants2
Forfeit layers
Put a small task inside some layers instead of a treat: sing a line of a song, name five fruits, do a bunny hop.
Christmas office
Adults play with a gift voucher in the middle and a riddle or trivia question in each layer that must be answered before unwrapping.
Safety2
- Small toys and hard sweets in layers are a choking risk for under-3s — use age-appropriate items if toddlers join in.
- Check for nut and other food allergies before putting sweets in the layers.
Good for
Occasions
BirthdayChristmasSchoolReunion
Venues
Indoor, smallIndoor, largeChurch hallOutdoor
If this one dies early7
- Hot PotatoPass a small object around a circle as fast as you can; whoever holds it when the music stops is out.
- PabitinA bamboo frame hung with toys and candy is lowered and raised while kids jump to grab as many prizes as they can.
- Guess the GiftPlayers shake, weigh and squeeze wrapped presents and write down what they think is inside; closest guesses win.
- Pass the Christmas BallA Christmas ball goes around the circle while music plays; whoever holds it when the music stops draws a slip and does what it says.
- Left Right Christmas GameEveryone holds a wrapped gift while the host reads a story; at every “left” or “right”, gifts pass that way, and you keep what you hold at the end.
- SpoonsPass cards around the table looking for four of a kind; when someone grabs a spoon, everyone grabs — the one left without is out.
- Pin the Tail on the DonkeyBlindfolded and spun around, each player tries to stick a tail on a donkey poster; closest to the right spot wins.