Pass the Parcel and other party qus

[fiveminutestochill]

DD's 5th birthday next weekend and we're having a playground picnic either her school friends. I think we'll have 17 including DD, DS those who have rsvp'd yes and some siblings (which I'm fine with). How many layers should I do on pass the parcel? I was thinking enough for everyone and a few extra just in case others turn up - so everyone 'wins' once and some twice?

And food - party is 1-3 and of the straw poll I've done of 2 parents both were thinking they'd feed their kids some lunch first, so I was going to do some snacky bits - sandwiches, sausage rolls, cocktail sausages etc, carrot/pepper/cucumber sticks, crisps that sort of thing with various sweet treats and fruit for afters. It won't be loads but I've just worked out that with parents I'm expecting c30-40 people. Drinks wise I was going to fill a few 2ltr coke bottles with squash/water and some cans for the adults.

Does that all sound ok? It's my first time doing this 😆

I wouldn’t actually do pass the parcel, it’s too much sitting down and too much potential upset for those who win later on. Lots of 4/5 year olds will be fine with this… but some won’t, and you don’t want one of them to kick off.

Musical bumps or statues are good (balance a sweet on their head in the latter version). Or Captain’s Orders (which you can adapt to any theme you have).

Food sounds fine, but I’d maybe just let people know it will be ‘snacks at 2pm’ or whatever so no one expects lunch. Have loooooooads of water available.

17 layers of pass the parcel is a lot for 4-5 yr olds to sit through.

Pass the parcel goes a lot faster if you have two parcels going around or make two circles.

Yes if you want to do pass the parcel.

• You want 17 unwraps where the music people are sure each kids gets one
• An 18th unwrap which is random and leads to the main present
• You probably want 2 parcels - one going each way, each with 10 layers
• 9 layers of tiny or no present, meaning each child gets to unwrap one layer, (one will get 2 but that's ok),
• 2 layers extra (one on each present) that will be totally randomised meaning two children get the main prizes.

Thanks all - point taken re pass the parcel, I don't really want to do it but DD has asked for it and I agreed (I know I didn't have to but it's the first time she's having a party with friends and she's so excited). I'll have a think for a compromise...