Should you pass on Pass the Parcel?

It's a game that children love to play, but adults hate to prepare... 

Every party I've been to, when Pass the Parcel is announced, there is a cheer from the children.  Is it the anticipation of the prize in the middle?  Is the thought that all you need to do to win a prize is rip of a layer of paper?  Is the attempt to guess when the last layer will appear?  
For the adults, this is a stressful game.  Should you put a prize in every layer?  I asked this on my facebook page a while ago and there were some interesting answers.  

Some, including my sister, though that prizes should be random.  Children need to learn that they can't always win.  It's a life lesson.  Others said that a lollipop kept the children interested and occupied while others were having their turn.  Another suggested stickers.  

In the past I have used sweets and I have also used little party blowers - makes for a noisy 5 minutes, but you can avoid that sugar high...

Another interesting aspect was that of having to wrap up the parcel.  Not many people enjoy doing it... When I wrapped the parcel for our launch party, there were 25 layers.  It took over 8 metres of wrapping paper and nearly an hour to do.  (My helpful husband, who normally has to wrap the Pass the Parcels in our family, took great pleasure in laughing at me.)  
For one parent who attended the Launch party, she said that it was something she HATED, and one of the reasons she would consider booking PartyEase Portishead for her child's party.

A friend talked about a party she had attended with her 4 year old party, where the Pass the Parcel was a wrapped up box.  When the music stopped, the child holding the parcel was given a sweet, and the music started again without any paper being taken off.  Now forgive me if you like this version, but surely half the fun of a Pass the Parcel is to rip the paper off?  I expect it saves on time and mess.

Another suggested that actually, a main prize in the middle isn't needed.  Again, I would consider this part of the anticipation, and find it hard to imagine a child excitedly removing the last layer of paper to find... just another sweet - but we're all different, and that's what makes each party diverse and fun.

For older children, I have another version of Pass the Parcel - no music or wrapping paper is involved, but it's great fun, and keeps the children involved and excited.  I'm not going to share it here... book me for a party and find out! 

If you would like a couple of child-free hours on December 20th, please check out my Facebook event.  2 hours of fun for them, 2 hours of freedom for you to do as you please.  Perfect.  


I would love to hear what you think about Pass the Parcel.  Feel free to leave me a comment. 

The Launch

Well, after 6 weeks of talking about it, planning, gathering supplies and people, PartyEase Portishead has officially launched.

Although I have told you about a party that has already taken place, this was the biggie!  

Twenty One children joined me in the afternoon, to experience a PartyEase party.  It was daunting as their parents were asked to stay and fill in an evaluation form.  But they were all lovely and supportive, which made things easier. 

As the children arrived, I introduced myself and guided them over to the table where there were crayons and stickers, and explained it was their job to decorate the tablecloth.  This helped settle them into the party, and also avoided the running around waiting for the party to start that happens all too often.

Most of them enjoyed themselves, and before long the table was covered with hearts, rainbows, animals and many random shapes!

One parent on their evaluation said of this activity

"Great idea!"

Another commented

"Loved the tablecloth idea, all involved and no children running wild!"

Our first game was Musical Islands.  Lots of fun dancing, and less stress for the parents as I provide a basket of prizes (both edible and non-edible - another job that you don't have to do! 

A quick game of musical statues followed before sitting down to play Pass the Parcel.

Now, there were 25 layers to the Pass the Parcel. It took nearly an hour to wrap, and over 8 metres of wrapping paper. It's one of the jobs that many dislike doing because of it being so time consuming.  As one parent said "I hate wrapping pass the parcel!"

Simon Says proved a popular game.  I chose to play this as a time filler while my wonderful friends set out the party tea (which is not included in the package price - sorry.)  We played for fun, nobody was out, and the children enjoyed following regular actions as well as the more silly ones, while trying not to be caught out.

While a few children finished their tea, I kept the children calm by telling them a familiar story, and encouraging them to join in with actions.   This was mainly aimed at the younger children, but the older ones did listen and mostly join in too. 

"During the story, every eye was on Rachael."

Then it was time for the parachute games.  

I chose a selection of team games using balls, and a game of cat and mouse where the children could chase and let off steam.  This particularly appealed to the older children, and it was good to see that they took care to be gentle with the younger ones. 

We ended with a game of Musical Bumps,

Not quite the musical
bumps we expected...

before handing out the party bags.  Again, the party bag service seems very popular with the parents, who thought the £1.50 charge per bag was good value and meant another thing that parents didn't have to organise!

There were a few brilliant suggestions which I intend to implement to make the booking process smoother, and the pricing structure easier to follow. 

What did the parents conclude?  Here are a few statements from the evaluation forms.

"2 hours of stress-free entertainment!  Parents can provide food and enjoy the party as much as the children!   ...Lovely to see the children enjoying 'proper' party games and not just sat watching an entertainer."

"Rachael engaged with the children really well and kept them interested.  It was very well organised."

"Rachael was very personable and welcoming.  There was a good variety of games for the children... My boys were both entertained and had great fun.  I would recommend to friends."

"Great value - having recently been looking for a party like this, this is a great price.  ...Rachael did an amazing job of entertaining a wide range of children."

"She has the patience of a saint!"

"I would recommend PartyEase to my friends with younger children.  All of the children were kept entertained through the whole party."

"I would def. recommend especially for parents that like a traditional plarty but don't want to do it themselves."

This evening I had a message from the parent of two children who came to the party.

"Thank you for having us.  When we left the party, my two commented on what a great party it had been."

I agree - I had a fab time too!

(a big thank you to Lisa and Emma for helping me with putting out the party tea and clearing it up afterwards.  As this isn't part of the plan, it was great that they could act as party host/client for me in this way. )

Party Bags - Yes or No?

In recent years, it's become normal practise to hand out party bags to guests as they leave. In fact, it has almost become expected.  I know when I have hosted my children's parties, their friends have asked where their party bag is.  I've even handed them out to children who have attended my (and my husband's) significant age parties. (Not telling you how old -sorry!)

As part of my PARTYEASE business, I want to take the pressure off of parents in their party planning, and so offer 3 levels of party bags.  However, I like to know what people like in the bags, and their views of them.  It was quite interesting to read the comments that people left.

"I hate them!  Full of tat that clutters up the house and is rarely used!  Much prefer to give a book!"

"Why does a child who attends a party get a present?  A prize or 2 from winning a game of musical chairs should be enough and a slice of cake!  I'm old school - things are turning too American."

"I've always liked party bags.  We always had them.  I like crayons, little colouring books, little story books, sweeties, chocolate, bubbles, a ball or little toy, stationery bits and bobs.  And an all important slice of cake."

"Got to be Stickers!"

"Less is more.  I only put one small gift that they can take away and make at home, something to remember the party by.  Otherwise, it all gets too much.  I think it was Ruby Wax who made a famous joke about how in London children are upset if they don't come away from parties with at least 'a flight on concorde ticket!"

"I like to make them like I used to have them.  Little toys that are simple and good fun to play with.  Like a jumping frog or bird whistle (just add water - remember them?)  Got to have a balloonand bubbles and a piece of cake too.  The simple ones are the best."

"I like a lucky dip where the child takes a gift out of a box on the way out and is presented with a slice of birthday cake."

It was interesting to see how opinions differ.

At PARTYEASE I like to offer quality party bags.  I enjoy sourcing gifts that are fun, can be useful and are traditional.  a £2 party bag consists of 5 quality items which are suitable for most children.  However, I can easily provide a gift lucky dip option or even books (though cost will depend on the price of sourcing them.)

An example of party bag contents.  

I can be totally flexible on what you want for party bags - as my findings show, people have mixed feelings on them, which is why you may choose not to give bags, or like me, you enjoy sourcing the goods yourself. 

I would love to know what you think.

Are party bags an integral part of the party or an extra that quite frankly, you could do without?

What do you like to see in a party bag, or do you prefer an alternative?

Please feel free to comment below- it would be great to hear from you.

What makes a good children's party?

Obviously the answer to this depends on what kind of party you like.

For me, a party is about fun, interaction and making the birthday child feel like they are having the best time - EVER!

Children should be engaged from the moment they arrive, until they are picked up.  They should have the opportunity to take time out from the lively activities if needed, but given every encouragement to join in when they want to, and made to feel welcome.

Party games should offer the safe and familiar, and also the little more challenging and new.  There should be opportunities for winning, and for team games where laughter and working together enhances the fun. 

At the end of the party, if party bags are given, they should provide more fun and excitement, without the dreaded sugar high. (Our party bags include one chocolate bar, toys, balloons and extras - depending on your choice of bag.)

PartyEase Portishead offers all of the above.  Parachute games are becoming a favourite activity after the party tea, and younger children appreciate the chance to sit down, listen and participate in a story telling session, giving them respite from the excitement and activity.

As PartyEase Portishead officially launches on 25th October 2014, I am offering 10% off a party plan. (not including Party Bags.)  

To claim your discount, just visit the PARTYEASE PORTISHEAD, and quote FBPEP01 in your details.

I'm looking forward to meeting you and your birthday child, and planning your party. 

Let's Get This Party Started!

Ellie is now 6, and celebrated with a PartyEase Party.


She was having a party for her whole class - 28 children aged 5 and 6 years old, and a couple of younger siblings. Her parents wanted a mixture of traditional games, but also a couple of inclusive games where nobody was 'out' and there were no winners or losers.

 As an ex- primary school teacher until becoming a mother to my 4yr old and 2 yr old, and also as a Brownie Guide leader, I could draw upon my knowledge of games that children this age enjoy, and incorporate them into the party.  The parents decided that they didn't want a Pass the Parcel, but were pleased that PartyEase supplies the prizes for the games we played.

Knowing that arriving at parties is often the time where children become over-excited, extra noisy and can be chaotic, I had organised a welcome activity where the children sat round the tea table, and with my trusty selection of crayons and stickers, created their own tablecloth for later on. I wish I'd taken a photo of all the Anna, Elsa and Olaf drawings, coupled with trucks, Power Rangers, and birthday messages in all colours of the rainbow.  It was now time for the games.

We played a mixture of dancing games (musical chairs, bumps, statues etc- all favourites), team games with balloons (very tense, and also very noisy when the games included popping the balloons at the end of the games -this was the children's choice, we don't have to pop balloons...) The chocolate cake monkey team were declared the winners, and celebrated by jumping round making monkey noises, before falling to the ground for a relaxing game of Sleeping Lions.  (Who knew that so many children could be so quiet at the same time?)


Party Tea was fantastic, with a wonderful cake based on Frozen, and 6 icy blue candles to blow out. I quickly gained the children's attention, and we sang a lively rendition of Happy Birthday, coupled with THREE CHEERS as Ellie blew all the candles out in one go. 


There was time for another game after tea, before pick-up time, so I pulled out my trusty parachute, and we played Popcorn and Crocodiles. Watching the children slowly disappear under the parachute was very amusing - both for the adults and children.  It also gave the adults a chance to join in the games with their children - something they all really enjoyed, and hadn't experienced at other parties. 


Soon our two hours was up.  The children all went home with their party bags, and smile on their face, chatting about what they had been up to.  I tidied away my bits and pieces, and was handed a piece of cake!


It was a lovely surprise to receive an email just a few days later from Ellie's parents. (written her  with their permission.)


 "Dear Rachael,
Thank you for organising Ellie's party for us.  Knowing that we were your first official clients was a little daunting for us, but your calm manner when discussing our requirements put us at ease.
We loved the quick and professional way you set up, chatting with us, and making us feel relaxed.  The table activity was great!  We didn't have to worry about tablecloths or children running riot. 
The children loved your games, the way you chatted with them, and we still don't know how you managed to remember so many names! It was nice to be able to sit down and watch them have fun, knowing that you had their full attention and control.  We also liked being able to join in with the parachute games - they are fun, and Ellie thought it was great to have us there too.
The best bit for us was your professional manner - the way you stayed focussed all through the party, until the last child had gone home - even helping us serve the party tea.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you to my friends.  Your are amazing value for money, and Ellie has already said she wants you again next year. 
Thank you again for providing a hassle-free party.Alice and John."


If this sounds like a great party for you, why don't you click on the link below to find out more. 

Wow!

I must have some of the most amazing friends.

In less than 48 hours, my facebook business page has had 71 likes and reached over 400 people. There is obviously a market for what I want to do.

In the next few days I will have my website ready for use, register as self-employed and go for it!

Chatting to friends, I can see that my prices will be extremely competitive, and I will include a discount for those who purchase all elements of the party plan.

At present, I am still toying with the name, but have currently gone for PartyEase Portishead.

If you want a fun, traditional party for your child, feel free to contact me for details. I'd love to be a part of your plans.

I love children's parties!

There's always been something magical and exciting about children's birthday parties.  

As a child, I would let the anticipation grow for weeks, wondering what my parents would plan.  (Usually half a dozen friends at our house, a hope that the weather would be good, and a few party games with a Mr Man cake at the end, complete with candles.)  When my friends had parties, I would wait with baited breath to see what they would do, whether it would be better than my party, or if there were ideas I could persuade my parents to incorporate into mine.

I remember being in my friend Emma's front room dancing to BoneyM (yes, I'm that old!) and Emma at another friend's party putting tomato ketchup on her jelly and ice-cream. (We still laugh at this one 30+ years later.)

So, as time went on, my party focus changed to reflect me as a student, and then as an adult.  I love parties - especiallly at Christmas, and for my children's birthdays. At the moment, they have been relaxed affairs, but as they grow older, I want them to experience the traditional party games that I loved.

I know I'm not alone in this vision, with family, friends and my own children, I have attended quite a few parties over the years, and have loved seeing the children have fun.  But I do also notice that some parties haven't been particularly planned, leaving time for the children to become restless, unengaged and chaotic.  At these times, I have found myself taking over.  (Usually checking with the parents first, who are MORE than grateful.)  

As a supply teacher, I have built up strategies to build up an instant rapour with children, gaining their attention, and keeping it.  As someone with a sense of fun, and a sense of humour, I can keep them busy and engaged, organising games, and keeping children in control, while letting them relax and have fun.  I have a good knowledge of party games - both traditional and a little more modern. As a parent, I know I want my child to have the best birthday possible.

Friends and family have commented on my skills at running a party.  A recent friend, after her daughter's 6th birthday party, said that her friends were so impressed with the way I waded in and took over a chaotic party for 30 children, that she could have hired me out 4 times during the remainder of the party.  Even the children's entertainer they had hired commented how impressed he was that at a drop of a hat, I organised the children into team games, which meant that he was able to set up his equipment without being disturbed. 

With this in mind, and my passion for children's parties and working with children, I would like to set up a children's party business.

I will come to your venue, organise an activity to keep children occupied as they arrive, run party games for them (and you) and keep them happy while you sort out food, cake etc.  

For an extra cost, I will even wrap the Pass the Parcel, and sort out party bags,

I hold a current DBS certificate, which is required for working with children, and hold insurance.

What do you think?  
Are you interested?
What would you like to see from this service?

I am based just outside Bristol (UK) 

Over to you...