Pass the parcel...please remind me!

[LKirk]

Hi there, I'm doing a pass the parcel for my son's birthday. Could you just remind me, does the final prize get wrapped in "special paper" so that whoever unwraps the penultimate layer gets to the special paper (with no little treat prize) and then gets to open that as well? Or will a child just open the final layer (without necessarily knowing it's the final layer) and end up with the prize in their hands? Inane silly question I know but DH and I can't agree which is the "right" way to do it! Ha ha!

The special paper is a visual aid for the parent controlling the music, in case they want to make sure that the birthday child doesn't get the prize, as this is usually seen as bad form.

Never done the special layer- just remember to alternate colours or it gets a bit confusing! and don't forget the sweet in one layer, as I did at DD's party

Ok, so I (or the music controller) would see the final layer paper and then it would get passed on again. Then the child who ends up with it won't know they've won until they open it...right?

Yes. The person who opens the penultimate layer gets a sweet (or forfeit for teenagers playing ironically!) like everyone else does and the parcel continues round for the next go. They don't open two layers, if you see what I mean. That's the only way I've ever seen it done.

Thank you. Hate to admit it but DH was right :-)