Pass the Gift is a classic party game for kids that combines the excitement of receiving presents with the fun of group play. It’s often used at birthdays, holiday gatherings, or classroom celebrations to ensure everyone has a chance to participate in gift-giving, making the event memorable and inclusive. In this game, a wrapped gift is passed around a circle of children, usually while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the gift may get to open a layer of wrapping or win a small prize. This guide explains the rules, setup, and best practices to ensure your Pass the Gift game goes smoothly and everyone has a great time.
What You’ll Need
- One main gift (can be a toy, book, or other age-appropriate item)
- Several layers of wrapping paper (at least as many as there are children, or more)
- Small prizes or treats (optional, to tuck between some wrapping layers)
- Music player (phone, speaker, or someone to sing/hum if no device is available)
- Chairs or open floor space (to form a circle for the children to sit)
- An adult or older child to control the music and supervise
Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Gift: Choose a suitable gift that all the kids would enjoy. Wrap it in multiple layers of wrapping paper. If desired, hide small prizes, stickers, or candies between some layers to keep excitement high as the wrapping comes off. Make sure the outermost layer is sturdy, so it doesn’t accidentally tear during passing.
- Arrange the Seating: Have the children sit in a circle, either on chairs or on the floor. Make sure everyone can comfortably reach the person next to them for easy passing.
- Explain the Rules: Tell the children that they will pass the wrapped gift around the circle while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the gift gets to remove one layer of wrapping. If there is a prize inside, they keep it, but the main gift continues to be passed until the final layer is removed.
- Start the Music: Begin playing music. The gift should be passed around the circle in one direction (typically clockwise, but you can choose). Encourage children to pass quickly but carefully to avoid dropping or tearing the wrapping.
- Stop the Music: Randomly pause the music. The child holding the gift at that moment removes one layer of wrapping and claims any prize found within that layer. If the main gift is not yet revealed, the game continues.
- Continue Passing: Resume the music and repeat the process. Each time the music stops, another layer is removed. Try to involve every child by ensuring enough layers for each to have a turn.
- End the Game: When the final layer is unwrapped, the child holding the gift wins the main present. Congratulate the winner and, if possible, ensure everyone gets a small treat for participating.
- Optional Variations: For larger groups, you can have two gifts circulating in opposite directions. You can also add written challenges or jokes in some layers to keep things lively.
Common Mistakes
- Not enough layers: If there are fewer wrapping layers than children, some kids may not get a turn. Always count participants and add extra layers just in case.
- Music stops predictably: If the person controlling the music is too predictable, kids may try to “game” the system. Vary the music stops to keep it fair.
- Prizes only in the last layer: If only the final unwrapping has a reward, kids who go earlier may feel left out. Include small treats in several layers.
- Gift too fragile or too big: Large or breakable gifts can be hard to pass and may get damaged. Choose something sturdy and easy to handle.
- Not explaining the rules clearly: If kids don’t understand how to play, chaos can ensue. Briefly but clearly explain before starting.
- Kids passing too roughly: Excited children may toss or drop the gift. Remind everyone to handle it gently.
Tips
- Use colorful, varied wrapping: Bright paper and different textures add excitement and make it easier to see when a new layer is being unwrapped.
- Include everyone: If there are very young children, consider helping them unwrap or pass the gift so everyone feels included.
- Mix up the music: Use fun, upbeat songs that the children know. If you want, let kids take turns choosing songs.
- Keep it moving: Encourage a brisk pace with the music and passing to hold attention and maintain energy.
- Have a backup plan: In case a child becomes upset about not winning the main prize, have small consolation treats ready.
- Customize for holidays: Themed wrapping and prizes (e.g., Christmas, Halloween, birthdays) can make the game even more special.
Troubleshooting
- Some kids don’t get a turn: If you notice a child hasn’t had a chance to unwrap a layer, pause the game and let them go next, or add an extra quick round with a smaller prize.
- Gift gets dropped or damaged: Have tape or extra wrapping nearby to make quick repairs. If the gift is breakable, remind kids to pass gently or consider a soft, durable main prize.
- Disputes over who had the gift when music stopped: Appoint an impartial adult to watch and decide, or clarify that if two kids are holding it, the one whose hands are closest to the center gets the turn.
- Unhappy children: If a child is very disappointed not to win, offer a small treat or let them help with the next round (e.g., controlling the music).
- Music player malfunctions: If the music device fails, sing a song, clap, or hum instead. The game can continue with manual cues.
- Wrapping tears too soon: If a layer rips open accidentally, treat it as a valid unwrapping and continue, or re-wrap as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many layers of wrapping should I use?
- Ideally, one layer per child, plus a few extras in case some rip or the group is larger than expected.
- What kind of gifts work best?
- Choose age-appropriate, sturdy gifts that appeal to all participants. Avoid fragile or expensive items.
- Can I play Pass the Gift with a large group?
- Yes, but consider using multiple gifts or splitting into smaller circles so everyone gets a turn and the game doesn’t drag on too long.
- What should I do if a child is upset about not winning?
- Have small consolation prizes ready, and remind everyone the main goal is to have fun together.
- Should adults supervise the game?
- Yes, an adult or responsible older child should manage the music, watch for disputes, and keep things moving smoothly.
- Is it okay to put jokes or challenges between layers?
- Absolutely! Adding silly jokes, riddles, or mini-challenges makes the game more interactive and fun for everyone.
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Pass the Gift Rules for Kids: How to Play and Make It Fun