Party Games

Keep the parties hopping with some of these great party games.

Piñata

Buy a piñata at a party shop or easily make your own filling it with lots of small goodies. Blindfold guests and give them a stick (an old broom works well). Spin guests three times on the spot and let them have three swings at the piñata. Guests take turns until the piñata is cracked open, freeing the loot. (Note: to avoid misshapes, younger children need not be blindfolded.)

Pin the Face on the Potato Head

Draw an outline of Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head onto a large piece of poster board. Trace, decorate and cut out multiple variations of legs, arms, mouths, eyes, ears, noses, as well as any other accessories (hats, glasses, etc.). Blindfolded guests take turns sticking (with tape) a part onto the potato head. When you have a complete face, start again using a different combination of parts.

Pass the Package

Wrap a small gift in fancy gift paper. Then add more layers (using newsprint, construction paper, fabric, etc.), so that there are 10 - 12 layers covering the package. Children sit in a circle passing the package around while music plays. When the music stops, the player holding the package unwraps one layer. The person who unwraps the final layer keeps the gift.

(I know one mother who also puts a little gift - a piece of gum, stickers, etc. - within each layer. Instead of music, all the guests take a turn unwrapping. This way every child gets a goody.) 

By Rochelle Strauss