Musical parcels

This game mixes up two games into one.
Essentially it is musical statues with prizes, and a little twist.

First of all you will need to wrap lots of treats separately – chocolate, sweets, or maybe small toys, in newspaper or wrapping paper and individually number them. Also wrap  a few ‘dud’ prizes – these can be things like toilet paper or fruit, or paper with instructions as to what the trick is. Make sure each prize then has its own number – little tags with numbers on looks good.

On sheets of paper or card write the numbers of the ‘prizes’. Make sure if you use ink it can’t be seen through the paper. They can all be different sizes as long as there are plenty spare so the children don’t begin to recognise the numbered cards. The advantage of having different sizes is that some can be small, and therefore make children wobble.

To play the game use one of the numbered pieces of paper at a time. Place it upside-down on the floor with as many blanks to make up the number of children, don’t let them see you doing this. After each go, change the number sheet without letting the children see.

Play the music, when it stops the children have to choose a piece of card to stand on. Word of warning – paper or card on carpet may be slippery, worth reminding the children before they start.

On a signal – when you think they are all still enough –  call out that they can now turn over the paper, if they have stepped on a number they can collect their prize.   If it is fruit they have to eat it. If it is toilet paper the other children wrap them from head to foot in it! Or with a different ‘dud’ you can give them other tricks.

For example, older children you can play a bit of easy ‘maths’ with them. Or ask them what the capital city of ……. is. Or quiz questions they are likely to know such as a character of a tv programme.

You may also be able to think up different ‘tricks and treats’ where all the children have to join in. Depending how far you want to go… for example:

One ‘prize’ could be make up which has to be applied by the other guests.

Silly string could be another – warn not to aim for eyes.

A Mr Bump book may imply that they receive the bumps… and Mr Tickle…

A treat could be a paper crown where everyone is under their command for one or two minutes. I’d love to win that one!

Another variation: Put sums on the back of the paper they step onto, and say that the sum that adds up to …. and the quickest child, wins the prize.

Ok, over to you – can you think of any that would be a great tricks and treats for Halloween or for a birthday prize?

The more the merrier!