Pass the Present

A cozy circle game where kids pass a wrapped present and unwrap one layer whenever the music stops.

🧒 Age 4-10 👥 5-15 kids ⏱ 15-20 minutes 📍 Indoor & Outdoor ⚡ Calm

Children sitting in a circle outdoors passing a wrapped present

How to play Pass the Present

Pass the Present is a relaxed, feel-good party game that works beautifully both indoors and outdoors. Kids sit in a circle and pass a wrapped present while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding it unwraps one layer. You can hide tiny surprises between layers so more kids get a little moment of joy.

What you need

One small main present (for the final layer)
Several sheets of wrapping paper or tissue paper
Optional: small stickers or sweets for some layers
Music (phone, tablet or speaker)
A bit of space for a sitting circle indoors or on the grass outdoors

Step-by-step instructions

Choose a small main present for the center and wrap it in several layers of paper. You can place tiny treats or stickers between some of the layers if you like.
Ask the kids to sit in a circle on the floor or on the grass and explain the rules: when the music plays, they pass the present around the circle; when the music stops, the child holding it unwraps one layer.
Start the music and let the kids pass the present from child to child in the same direction.
Stop the music at a random moment. The child holding the present unwraps exactly one layer and keeps the small surprise if there is one.
Start the music again and repeat the passing and unwrapping until the final layer comes off and the main present appears.
Let the birthday child open or share the final present, or agree beforehand how you want to share it with the group.

Pro Tip 💡

For outdoor parties, use a small blanket or picnic mat for the circle so kids sit comfortably. If you have many children, add plenty of tiny surprises between the layers so more kids get a little prize.

Fun variations

🎉 Theme wrapping: use paper and small surprises that match your party theme, like pirate coins, princess stickers or superhero tattoos.
🎉 Double present: prepare two smaller presents and pass them in opposite directions around the circle to keep things moving faster.
🎉 Task layers: write fun little challenges on some layers like 'high five the birthday child' or 'show your best dance move'.

Safety tips

Ask kids to pass the present gently and not throw it across the circle.
Make sure everyone sits far enough apart so they have space to move their arms without bumping others.
For outdoor play, avoid placing the circle on wet grass or slippery surfaces.

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