guides
Pass the Parcel: How Many Layers, What to Put In
Plan pass the parcel with the right number of layers, simple prize ideas, optional forfeits and clear rules so every child gets a turn.
How many layers should you wrap?
For pass the parcel, start with one layer per child, including the wrapper around the centre prize. For 8 children, use 8 layers and 8 prizes: 7 between the wrappers and 1 in the middle. Pass while music plays, then unwrap a layer when it stops. An adult manages the stops so everyone gets a turn in the game below.
CBeebies recommends at least a layer for each child. Here's how to count the wrapping for our example:
- Matching prizes: 8 layers, with 7 gifts between wrappers and 1 in the centre.
- Small prizes plus a bonus: 9 layers, with 8 gifts between wrappers and 1 bonus prize in the centre.
The classic game has a prize in the middle; little gifts between layers are optional. A prize in every layer doesn't guarantee a prize for every child. The music needs managing too.
What should go inside the parcel?
Choose flat gifts such as colouring sheets, folded bookmarks or age-labelled sticker sheets. Use matching gifts for the main plan, including the centre. Wrap the centre gift first, place another gift against that wrapper, then wrap again. Repeat, counting complete wrappers rather than folds.
Use little pieces of tape and alternate paper colours so each layer has a clear stopping point. Our party bag ideas offer more options.
Before wrapping, check age warnings and leave out long cords, ribbon and detachable pieces, particularly with under-3s nearby: see the Child Accident Prevention Trust's toy guidance. Keep marbles and beads out too, as the NHS identifies them as choking hazards.
Skip button-battery novelties and powerful magnets. If you think a child has swallowed a battery or magnet, take them straight to accident and emergency, even without symptoms, as GOV.UK advises.
Where does it fit into the party?
Put pass the parcel in the middle of the party, once everyone has arrived and before you serve food. Have the parcel wrapped beforehand, music ready and a grown-up free to run it. Choose something from our indoor party games for guests to play while you're gathering the circle.
How do you give everyone a turn?
This seven-step plan is for the 8-player, matching-prize parcel above. Keep a list of players beside the music controls and tick each name after their turn. Tell everyone how turns will work before starting, rather than presenting planned stops as luck.
1. Gather the circle
Say, "Sit where you can pass the parcel straight to your neighbour." Use chairs or the floor, whichever suits the group, and count the players against your list. If someone would rather watch, that's fine; keep their gift aside and adjust the parcel before starting.
2. Explain what happens at a stop
Say, "Pass while the music plays. When it stops, open just the outside wrapper. Everyone gets a turn." Show what you mean by a layer. If someone starts pulling at the paper already, help them find the edge, then leave it ready for their turn.
3. Practise passing without unwrapping
Say, "Let's send it round once with all the paper on." Point out the direction and let the children hand it along. If someone holds on, give a friendly prompt. This practice lap is part of the explanation, so nobody opens anything yet.
4. Play, pause and open
Say, "Music on, pass it along." Stop when a child who hasn't unwrapped is holding the parcel, then tick their name once they've opened a layer. Keep everyone in the circle. If you stop on someone who's already had a turn, pass to the next person still waiting.
5. Check before the centre
Say, "Let's see who's still waiting." Before the final wrapper comes off, check your list against the remaining layers. If someone accidentally tore through an extra wrapper, rewrap the extra gift for a child still waiting. Don't let a wrapping mishap cost them their turn.
6. Open the final wrapper
Say, "Here's the last layer." The remaining player opens the centre gift. In this plan it's the same sort of prize as everyone else's. If you're using the bonus version, give everyone their small gift first, then run the extra round with the music controller facing away. Everyone can win the bonus.
7. Finish with a quiet minute
Say, "Put your prize beside you and let your hands rest in your lap." Leave the music off while a grown-up gathers the paper. Children can sit quietly and look at their gifts; there's no contest to stay still and nobody loses anything for a giggle.
Can you finish within 15 minutes?
Allow 15 minutes for the example: 3 minutes to gather, explain and practise; 9 for passing and opening outer layers; 1 to check turns; 1 for the centre; and 1 quiet minute. Wrapping happens beforehand.
These are planning allowances, so shorten the music if opening takes longer. A bonus round or extra players need extra time.
Which forfeits keep the game light?
For older children who fancy a challenge, put an optional instruction beside the prize. Keep it quick, read it aloud and allow a pass. Choose actions they can do sitting down, so you don't need to rearrange the circle between turns.
Try:
- Invent an animal noise for everyone to copy.
- Mime eating a very sour lemon.
- Say "pass the parcel" in a robot voice.
- Pretend to stir an enormous cake.
Offer to join in. The prize stays theirs whether they perform or pass.
What if guests arrive late or the game falls apart?
Keep spare gifts, paper and tape beside you. An extra guest arriving before play can have another outer layer added. If play has started, offer their gift separately and invite them to join the passing.
If someone refuses their turn, offer help opening or put their gift aside. If the circle loses interest, stop the music, hand the remaining layers to children still waiting and open them together.
For a big group, another option is a shared centre containing a gift for each guest. Explain that whoever reaches it hands the contents round, so receiving something doesn't depend on getting an unwrapping turn.
What should you save for the next party?
Keep the playlist and a note of the prize rule you used. Save unused paper and challenge slips together, then count the new guest list before wrapping again. You don't need a harder game next time; change the paper or prompts if your child wants a different theme.
If you're also choosing the birthday present, explore Yogi-Me mats, with 15 numbered poses laser-engraved into the surface for ages 3 to 8.
Frequently asked questions
How many layers do you put on pass the parcel?
Allow a layer for every child, counting the wrapper directly around the centre prize. In the example here, 8 children need 8 layers. To give everyone a small gift and then play a separate round for a bonus prize, use 9 layers instead.
What can you put in pass the parcel instead of sweets?
Try colouring sheets, folded paper bookmarks, drawing prompts or age-labelled sticker sheets. Put a similar item in every layer, including the centre, if you'd like equal prizes. For something different, use paper slips that each exchange for a small gift from the host after the game.
What are good pass the parcel forfeits?
Choose quick, optional challenges: invent an animal noise, speak like a robot, make a funny face or mime stirring a giant cake. Read each instruction aloud and let the child invite everyone to join in. They can also pass and keep their prize without doing the challenge.
Who should control the music for pass the parcel?
Choose a grown-up who can concentrate on the game. For guaranteed turns, they watch the circle and stop on children who haven't opened a layer, using a checklist. For a separate chance-based bonus round, they face away before stopping the music, while another adult watches the passing.
