Indoor • Level 1
Pass the Parcel is one of the best-known traditional birthday party games and has been enjoyed at children’s parties for generations. The game is simple, inexpensive, easy to organize, and works especially well indoors because children remain seated together in one area.
A small present is wrapped in many layers of paper and passed from child to child while music plays. Whenever the music stops, the child holding the parcel removes one layer before the game continues again. The excitement slowly builds as the parcel becomes smaller and smaller and the children wonder who will unwrap the final layer.
Pass the Parcel became especially popular in the United Kingdom and later spread to birthday parties in many other countries. Different families play slightly different versions of the game. Some people place small sweets or stickers between the layers so more children receive a little surprise during the game, while others keep only one final prize hidden in the center.
Not everyone keeps many sheets of wrapping paper hidden in a cupboard somewhere (suddenly it makes sense to save wrapping paper!) You can also find ready-made wrapping paper sets here:
One of the reasons Pass the Parcel works so well at home is because the game naturally keeps children together and focused on one activity. There is usually little running around, very little mess, and the atmosphere often stays calmer than with highly active party games. It also works well in smaller homes or apartments where space may be limited.
What You Need
You do not need very much to play Pass the Parcel. A small wrapped gift is enough to begin.
Most people use one small final present, several layers of wrapping paper, tape, and music that can easily be started and stopped.
Some families also add stickers, small sweets, little jokes or tiny activities between the layers.
How to Prepare the Parcel
The parcel is prepared before the party begins. Wrap the present in many separate layers of paper so children can remove one layer at a time during the game.
Most home versions use between 6 and 15 layers, depending on the number and age of the children.
If you would like more children to receive a small surprise, you can hide tiny sweets or stickers between some of the layers.
Bright paper and different colors often make the parcel look more exciting and festive.
How to Play Pass the Parcel
The children sit together in a circle on the floor or around a table.
Music begins to play while the parcel is passed from one child to another. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel removes exactly one layer of paper.
After the layer is removed, the music starts again and the parcel continues moving around the circle.
The game continues until the final layer is opened and the last surprise or gift is revealed.
Some families prefer to let the birthday child receive the final prize, while others simply allow chance to decide naturally.
Clara’s Tips
Pass the Parcel often works best when the atmosphere stays calm and relaxed. Loud music is usually unnecessary for this game. Children often enjoy hearing each other laugh and talk while the parcel moves around the circle.
It can also help to prepare the parcel carefully before guests arrive. Trying to wrap layers quickly during the party itself often becomes stressful.
For younger children, larger layers of paper are usually easier to remove without frustration.
If you are organizing a birthday party alone or in a smaller home, Pass the Parcel is often one of the safest and easiest games to manage.
What age is Pass the Parcel suitable for?
Pass the Parcel usually works well for children from around 3 or 4 years old and older. Younger children may need a little help removing the paper layers.
Is Pass the Parcel a good indoor birthday game?
Yes. Pass the Parcel is often one of the easiest indoor birthday games because children remain seated together and the game requires very little space.
How many children can play Pass the Parcel?
The game works well with small groups but can also work with larger groups. Around 4 to 15 children is often comfortable for home birthday parties.
How many layers should a Pass the Parcel have?
Most home versions use between 6 and 15 layers depending on the number of children and how long you want the game to last.
Do you need music for Pass the Parcel?
Yes, music is traditionally used to control when the parcel stops moving. The music does not need to be loud or fast.
Can you put sweets between the layers?
Yes. Many families place small sweets, stickers, or tiny surprises between some of the layers so more children receive something during the game.
Is Pass the Parcel expensive to prepare?
No. The game is usually very affordable because it mainly requires wrapping paper and one small gift.
Why is Pass the Parcel popular at birthday parties?
The game is simple, exciting, easy to understand, and works well for many different ages. It also creates excitement without needing large amounts of space or complicated preparation.