My Gym: Pass the Parcel

One of the most popular games at children's birthday parties is always pass the parcel. Unlike games which require athletic ability, dexterity or inventiveness, this is a game which every child can enjoy and in which every child stands a chance of winning a prize.

Playing pass the parcel can be as exciting as winning it, so make sure that every layer is fun. Children will be delighted if each layer looks different from the last. Use brightly colored paper or patterned wrapping paper with favorite children's themes. Using a lot of sticky tape can make peeling off layers messier and therefore more fun, but it can be too difficult for small hands, so consider the age of the children whom your parcel is for.

Some parcel-makers now include a small gift inside every layer of the parcel. This can be something as simple as an uninflated balloon (be ready to help blow it up!) or a plastic insect. If you think this is spoiling children and making them inclined to be too selfish with the parcel, put small gifts inside some layers and forfeits in others.

These can be things like 'stand on your head' or 'wear a red clown nose for the rest of the game'. They should encourage children to make fun of each other but, obviously, only in a light-hearted way; the victims should also be able to laugh at themselves.

When choosing the present for the middle of the parcel, think carefully about who will be playing - don't choose a prize which boys will think is too girly or which younger children will be unable to use, for instance. You should also avoid choosing a heavy prize, as the parcel will often slam into children when being passed rapidly.

An alternative version of pass the parcel involves passing an unwrapped (and preferably sturdy) object, with whoever is holding it when the music stops being out. The last child to remain then wins a prize. This is great if you're disorganized and haven't had time to put a proper parcel together.

However you go about it, you'll find that pass the parcel remains a favorite at all children's birthday parties. It's so much fun, you'll want to join in yourself!

Labels: birthday, fun, games, inflatable games, parties