pass the parcel for dummies (and other 4 yo party ideas)

[TheMysticMasseuse]

Ok, dd turns 4 next week. Small party but I suppose with brothers and sisters we'll have 8-10 children aged between 2 and 6.

I think I need a couple of games. Pass the parcel is one possibility, can you please explain to me how it works??? I know about the wrapping and the main presents, but does there have to be a small present in each layer? And what should it be? and how big should the main present be?

other ideas? pin the tail type things? I forgot how that works

thaaannnkk youuuuu

we tend to get the 'main' present from supermarket or pound shop, making it multi-purpose as to age or gender, something to make or paint. The layers tend to be balloons, little harribo bags or a pencil from a multipack. The whole thing costs well under a fiver. I tend to get a small prize for each child, because I don't do party bags, but make sure they all win something during the party. For the littles, the treasure hunt works a treat, wen dealing with mixed ages I've colour-coded the wrapping paper, the 2 and 3 yo's have to look for red parcels (stuff with no little bits in) the older boys look for green - which are "hidden" higher up and the girls look for whatever else you've got - we had to use tin foil and it was hilarious!
Have a fun party!

that sounds like a good idea, not sure i'll manage the colour coding, but it sounds like something different ages can enjoy. I am also going to prepare printouts to colour, etc, and see how it goes.

thanks!

You can put forfeits in between the layers of pass the parcel - like sing a nursery rhyme, be a monkey, kiss someone etc. I don't think you have to put a prize in every layer. You can make the main prize a packet of fun size treats that they all share. I saw this done at a nursery and as long as the children are told that they'll be sharing the main prize it's fine.

Generally the less prizes you give the better. So taking part in the games is more fun than just winning.

Sleeping lions and keep tricking them into moving by making silly noises so you have to start again. Takes ages this way. Don't even really have to have an eventual winner if you swiftly move on to something else!

have fun!

Not a game as such but I always did cake or biscuit decorating at my kids' parties. Have a plate of fairy cakes or plain biscuits (rich tea are good), some icing and various bits and pieces for them to put on top. Small sweets, raisins, marshmallows, Hundreds & Thousands, etc. You can also use writing icing tubes. It keeps them occupied for ages (just be prepared for a bit of mess!).