What you need and how to play
Prepare a small present, several sheets of wrapping paper and some music. For this version, wrap the gift in at least as many layers as there are children, then invite everyone to sit in a circle.
- Play the music while children pass the parcel to the person beside them.
- Pause the music. The child holding the parcel unwraps one layer.
- Start the music again and repeat until the final layer is opened.
You can tuck little cards between the layers for extra discoveries. For a first game, help everyone get a turn at unwrapping so each child can join in.
Make your own wrapping paper
Before the game, invite children to draw stars, animals or favourite patterns on plain paper. Spotting their own drawing as a layer comes off gives them something to share: “I made that one!”
A parcel can also hold a prompt such as “Let’s all pose like animals!” instead of a present. Opening it then becomes the beginning of your next game.
