What is Pass the Parcel?
Wrap a small prize in several layers of paper (slip a sweet or a forfeit into each layer if you like), sit the children in a circle and let this page be the DJ. The music plays, the parcel goes round, and at a random moment — or when the host taps Stop — the music cuts and whoever is holding the parcel removes one layer.
Tell the game how many layers you wrapped and it counts them down to the FINAL PRIZE with a confetti finale. Choose Random stop for a fair game or Host control if you want to make sure every child gets a turn.
Game setup
How to play Pass the Parcel
- Wrap a prize in as many layers as you set on screen.
- Sit in a circle and tap Start music.
- Pass the parcel around while the music plays.
- When it stops, whoever holds the parcel removes one layer.
- Tap Next layer; the person who removes the last layer keeps the prize.
What the screen does for you
Pass the Parcel on AllPartyGames.com is the referee, not the whole game: it gives the host Start music, Stop now, Next layer, Pause, while you bring a parcel wrapped in several layers (a small treat in each) and this screen for the music. Tap the ? button inside the game for these rules at any time, or 📺 for TV mode on a big screen.
How many players?
Pass the Parcel works with 3–20 players and a typical round takes about 5–15 min. Recommended age: 2+.
Best occasions
Tips
- Turn the sound on before you start; music and buzzers are a big part of the fun.
- Fullscreen on a TV or laptop turns the game into a proper party screen (TV mode).
- Use the player names so eliminations and the champion are tracked for you.
- Younger kids? Pick the Kids mode — slower, friendlier, no sudden surprises.
Pass the Parcel FAQ
How many layers should I wrap?
One per child is the classic rule so everyone gets a turn — enter the number in Setup and the game tracks the layers left.
Can the host control when the music stops?
Yes. Choose "Host taps Stop" in Setup to stop the music yourself; otherwise the game picks a secret random moment.
Do I need any equipment for Pass the Parcel?
Only what the physical game needs (chairs, a ball, a room to move in) and one phone, tablet or laptop. The screen does the hosting: music, timers, commands and scoring.
Does the music come from the site?
Yes — the party music is generated live in your browser, so nothing is downloaded and there are no copyright problems when you play it at an event.
Can I run it from a TV?
Yes. Open the game on a laptop or phone connected to the TV and press Fullscreen. Everything scales up for the big screen.