Group Games

Materials

• 1 plastic cup (or any small object) per pair
• 1 table

Setup

• Players stand on opposite sides of the table, with the cup upside down in the middle.
• Pick a caller who is not playing.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The caller shouts body parts ("head!", "shoulders!", "knees!") and the players touch them as fast as they can.
2. 2At any moment, the caller shouts "cup!" instead.
3. 3The first player to grab the cup wins the round.
4. 4Grabbing the cup on any other word costs a point.
5. 5Best of 5 rounds wins; the winner stays on against the next challenger.

Variations and tips

• Tricky caller: say words that sound like "cup" ("cap!", "cop!", "cupcake!").
• Everyone at once: a circle of players around a table with one cup fewer than players.
• Safety: use plastic cups and a light object; heads can bump over the table.

Materials

• 21 or 36 plastic cups per player
• Timer
• 1 table

Setup

• Give each player a single stack of cups on the table.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player builds a pyramid with all the cups (6-5-4-3-2-1 for 21 cups, 8 rows for 36).
2. 2Once the pyramid is complete, they take it apart into a single stack again.
3. 3If the pyramid falls, they gather the cups and carry on building.
4. 4Whoever finishes inside 60 seconds wins; with several players, the fastest wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: 10 cups (4-3-2-1).
• Harder: only one hand, or the cups must go back into the stack in colour order.
• From the TV show "Minute to Win It".

Materials

• 5 to 10 plastic cups per player
• 1 long table

Setup

• Line each player's cups up mouth up along the edge of the table, with the rim sticking out a little.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player flicks the rim of the first cup upwards so it flips and lands upside down.
2. 2They may only move on to the next cup once the current one has landed upside down.
3. 3If a cup falls off the table, they put it back and try again.
4. 4The first to flip all their cups wins.

Variations and tips

• Relay: each team member flips one cup and runs to tag the next.
• Harder: flip them all, then flip them back mouth up.
• Tip: a little water in the bottom of the cup makes the flip easier.

Materials

• 20 plastic cups in two colours (10 of each)
• Timer

Setup

• Make a stack of 20 cups, alternating the colours (or with just one colour at the bottom).

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player takes the top cup off the stack and moves it to the bottom.
2. 2They must alternate hands: one cup with the right, the next with the left.
3. 3They carry on until the colour that started at the bottom is back underneath the whole stack.
4. 4If the stack falls, they gather the cups and carry on.
5. 5Whoever finishes inside 60 seconds wins; with several players, the fastest.

Variations and tips

• Easier: 10 cups.
• Relay: each team member moves 5 cups and hands the stack to the next.
• From the TV show "Minute to Win It".

Materials

• 2 or 3 inflated balloons per player
• Timer

Setup

• Clear the middle of the room and give each player their balloons.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player puts one hand behind their back.
2. 2On the signal, they throw the balloons up and have to keep them all in the air for 60 seconds, tapping them with the free hand only.
3. 3If a balloon touches the floor, or they touch one with anything else, they are out.
4. 4Whoever lasts the full minute wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: 2 balloons; harder: 3.
• Everyone at once in the same space, so the balloons get mixed up.

Materials

• 10 balloons per player
• Permanent marker
• Timer

Setup

• Write the numbers 1 to 10 on the balloons, one per balloon.
• Scatter them around the room.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player has to pop the balloons in order, from 1 to 10.
2. 2Popping with hands, feet or by sitting on them is allowed; sharp objects are not.
3. 3Popping the wrong number costs 5 seconds.
4. 4The fastest to pop all 10 wins.

Variations and tips

• Countdown: from 10 to 1, as the name says.
• For little ones: use colours instead of numbers.
• Put a small prize or a dare inside some balloons.

Materials

• 10 inflated balloons per player
• 1 chair (or cushion) per player
• Timer

Setup

• Put each player's pile of balloons about 3 metres from their chair.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player runs, grabs a balloon, carries it to the chair and pops it by sitting on it.
2. 2Only one balloon at a time.
3. 3No hands, nails or objects to pop it: body weight only.
4. 4Whoever pops the most balloons in a minute wins.

Variations and tips

• With little ones: less inflated balloons pop more easily.
• Put a slip of paper with a dare or a prize inside some balloons.
• Safety: sturdy chairs, without wheels.

Materials

• 1 inflated balloon per player
• Tape to mark the start and finish lines

Setup

• Mark a start line and a finish line 5 metres apart.

Rules, step by step

1. 1Each player balances a balloon on top of their head, without holding it.
2. 2On the signal, they walk to the finish with their hands behind their back.
3. 3If the balloon falls, they go back to the start.
4. 4The first to reach the finish with the balloon on their head wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: there and back, or weave around chairs on the way.
• Relay: at the finish, pass the balloon onto the next teammate's head without using hands.

Materials

• 1 empty cereal box per player (the same or different)
• Scissors
• Timer

Setup

• Cut the front of each box into puzzle pieces, with the same number of pieces for everyone (8 to 15).
• Shuffle each box's pieces and put them in a pile in front of each player.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player puts their puzzle together as fast as they can.
2. 2Players may only touch the pieces in their own pile.
3. 3Whoever finishes the whole box front first shouts "Done!" and the clock stops.
4. 4If nobody finishes in 1 minute, the most complete puzzle wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: fewer pieces and straight cuts; harder: zigzag cuts.
• As a team: each team builds a bigger puzzle made from a picture glued onto card.
• Using a different box for each player stops pieces getting mixed up.

Materials

• 10 sewing needles per player (with a wide eye)
• Thread cut into 30 cm pieces
• A sponge or a piece of polystyrene to stick the needles in
• Timer

Setup

• Stick the 10 needles upright in the sponge in front of each player.
• Give each player a piece of thread.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player threads the eye of the first needle and pulls the thread all the way through.
2. 2Then they move on to the next needle, with the same thread or a new one.
3. 3They may wet or twist the end of the thread to help.
4. 4Whoever threads all 10 needles in under 1 minute wins, or whoever has threaded the most when time runs out.

Variations and tips

• Easier: wool needles with a big eye and thick yarn.
• Safety: needles always stuck in the sponge, never loose on the table.

Materials

• 1 tablespoon per player
• 6 ping-pong balls per player
• 2 bowls per player
• Timer

Setup

• Put the 6 balls in one bowl and the empty bowl beside it, half a metre away.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player holds the spoon in one hand and moves the balls, one by one, from one bowl to the other.
2. 2The balls may only be touched with the spoon.
3. 3If a ball falls, they pick it up by hand and put it back in the starting bowl.
4. 4The first to move all 6 balls wins, or whoever has the most balls in the second bowl after 1 minute.

Variations and tips

• Harder: put the bowls 2 metres apart or hold the spoon by the very end of the handle.
• Bunny Tail variation: carry cotton balls on a spoon to a basket on the other side of the room.
• For little ones: cotton balls instead of ping-pong balls.

Materials

• 1 pair of chopsticks per player
• 2 small bowls per player
• Cooked rice (or uncooked, to make it harder)
• Kitchen scales (optional)
• Timer

Setup

• Fill one of each player's bowls with the same amount of rice and put the empty one beside it.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player moves rice from one bowl to the other using only the chopsticks, in one hand.
2. 2Rice that falls on the table doesn't count.
3. 3After 1 minute, everyone stops.
4. 4Whoever has the most rice in the second bowl wins (weigh it or compare by eye).

Variations and tips

• Uncooked rice is much harder: the grains slip.
• Variation: move beads, beans or mini marshmallows with the chopsticks.
• For children: training chopsticks held together with a rubber band.

Materials

• 5 apples per player
• A table
• Timer

Setup

• Each player sits at the table with 5 apples in front of them.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player stacks the 5 apples on top of each other, straight up.
2. 2Nothing but the apples and their hands may be used.
3. 3Once the tower is built, they let go: it has to stand for 3 seconds to count.
4. 4The first with a steady tower of 5 apples wins; if nobody manages, the tallest tower wins.

Variations and tips

• Trick: look for the flattest side of each apple and alternate the stalks.
• Easier: 3 apples.
• Afterwards, the apples make a snack.

Materials

• 5 plastic cups per player
• 4 cards (index cards or playing cards) per player
• A table
• Timer

Setup

• Build an alternating tower: cup, card, cup, card… starting and ending with a cup (all upright).

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player yanks the cards out sideways, from the top down, one at a time.
2. 2As each card comes out, the cup above should drop into the cup below.
3. 3If a cup falls off, the player rebuilds that part and carries on.
4. 4Whoever ends with all 5 cups nested in one stack wins; if nobody does, whoever has the most cups nested.

Variations and tips

• Trick: pull the card with a quick, flat movement, like the tablecloth trick.
• Harder: start with the bottom card.

Materials

• 25 one-cent coins per player
• A table
• Timer

Setup

• Spread each player's coins on the table in front of them.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player makes a single stack of all 25 coins, using only one hand.
2. 2The other hand stays behind their back.
3. 3If the stack falls, the player is out of that round.
4. 4The first to finish the stack of 25 wins; if nobody finishes, the tallest stack after 1 minute wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: with the weaker hand or blindfolded.
• One-cent coins are small: with children, use game counters.

Materials

• 1 roll of toilet paper per pair
• Timer

Setup

• Make pairs: one is the mummy, the other the wrapper.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The mummy stands with their arms against their body.
2. 2On the signal, the wrapper winds the paper around the mummy, from feet to head.
3. 3If the paper tears, they carry on from the loose end.
4. 4After 1 minute, the judges pick the most complete mummy (the one showing the least skin and clothes).

Variations and tips

• Always leave the face (nose and mouth) free.
• Halloween version: give a prize to the scariest mummy too.

Materials

• 1 full box of tissues per player
• Timer

Setup

• Give each player a box.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player holds the box in one hand and pulls the tissues out with the other.
2. 2On the signal, they pull the tissues out one by one, without stopping.
3. 3Only one tissue at a time counts: pulling several together doesn't.
4. 4Whoever pulls out the most tissues in 1 minute wins, or whoever empties the box first.

Variations and tips

• Harder: the box stays on the table and only one hand may be used.
• Keep the tissues to clean up after the other games.

Materials

• Cards with the numbers 0 to 25 (one set per player, in different colours)
• Timer

Setup

• Shuffle each set and spread it face up on the far side of the room.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the players run to their cards.
2. 2They lay them out in a row, from 0 to 25, in order.
3. 3When they finish, the player raises their arms and the judge checks.
4. 4The first with the right row wins.

Variations and tips

• For the youngest: only 1 to 10.
• Harder: numbers in descending order, or only the even ones.
• As a relay: each team member runs and places one card.

Materials

• 1 plastic spoon per player
• 10 ping-pong balls or pompoms per player
• 1 cup per player
• A table
• Timer

Setup

• Put the cup on the table, 1 metre from the player.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The spoon lies on the table with the ball in its bowl.
2. 2The player presses the end of the handle to catapult the ball towards the cup.
3. 3They can't throw the ball by hand or lift the spoon off the table.
4. 4Whoever has the most balls in the cup after 1 minute wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: a washing-up bowl instead of a cup.
• Building the catapult from a spoon, lolly sticks and rubber bands is a good activity before the game.

Materials

• Double-sided tape
• 15 marbles per player
• A long table
• Timer

Setup

• Stick a strip of double-sided tape across the far end of the table, one per player.
• Mark the throwing line at the opposite end.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the players roll the marbles along the table, one at a time.
2. 2The aim is for the marble to stop stuck on the tape.
3. 3Marbles that fall off the table are lost.
4. 4Whoever has the most marbles stuck after 1 minute wins.

Variations and tips

• Safety: marbles are not for children under 3.
• Harder: a thinner strip or one further away.

Materials

• 1 pile of coloured chocolates (M&Ms or Smarties) per player
• Paper cups in the chocolates' colours, one set per player
• Timer

Setup

• Put the pile of chocolates and the coloured cups in front of each player.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player sorts the chocolates, one by one, into the cup of the same colour.
2. 2Only one hand may be used.
3. 3Chocolates in the wrong cup don't count.
4. 4Whoever has the most chocolates sorted correctly after 1 minute wins.

Variations and tips

• Cereal version: sort the marshmallows from the cereal by shape and colour.
• Harder: use tweezers or chopsticks.

Materials

• 1 sturdy chair
• 1 plastic cup
• 10 ping-pong balls
• Timer

Setup

• Put the cup on the floor, right behind the chair.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player stands on the chair with the balls in hand, facing the cup.
2. 2On the signal, they drop the balls one at a time, trying to land them in the cup.
3. 3If the cup tips over, they stand it back up and carry on, but balls that fall out don't count.
4. 4Whoever has the most balls in the cup after 1 minute wins.

Variations and tips

• Safety: a chair without wheels and an adult next to the little ones.
• Harder: drop the ball over your shoulder, with your back to the cup.

Materials

• Spray cream and paper plates (optional)
• Timer

Setup

• The two opponents stand face to face, eye to eye.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, both try to keep a straight face.
2. 2They may pull faces to make the other laugh, but can't touch them or speak.
3. 3The first to smile or laugh loses (and gets a plate of cream in the face, if agreed).
4. 4If nobody laughs in 1 minute, it's a draw.

Variations and tips

• Without cream: the loser does a dance or a dare.
• As a tournament: the winners face each other until one champion is left.

Materials

• 1 pile of wrapped chocolates or sweets per player
• Timer

Setup

• Put the pile of sweets in front of each player.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player puts one hand behind their back.
2. 2On the signal, they unwrap the sweets with one hand only, one at a time.
3. 3Only a sweet completely out of its wrapper counts.
4. 4Whoever unwraps the most sweets in 1 minute wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: with both hands, but wearing oven gloves.
• Have a bag ready for the wrappers.

Materials

• 1 packet of sandwich biscuits (like Oreos) per player
• A table
• Timer

Setup

• Put the biscuits on a plate in front of each player.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player stacks the biscuits one on top of the other.
2. 2They may use both hands, but can't lean the tower against anything.
3. 3If the tower falls, they start again.
4. 4The tallest tower after 1 minute wins (it has to stand for 3 seconds).

Variations and tips

• Harder: one hand only.
• Variation: stack biscuits on your forehead (see Unicorn Horn).

Materials

• 1 two-litre bottle of cola (diet works best) per player
• Mint sweets like Mentos
• Safety goggles (optional)
• Timer

Setup

• Stand the open bottles on the ground, outdoors, well apart.
• Each player stands next to their bottle with the mints in hand.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player drops the mints into the bottle from above, without touching the neck.
2. 2Only one mint may be dropped at a time.
3. 3When the mint goes in, the cola erupts.
4. 4The first to make it erupt wins (or, alternatively, the highest fountain).

Variations and tips

• Safety: always do it outdoors, keep faces away from the neck and wear goggles.
• Easier: roll a sheet of paper into a tube to drop several mints at once.

Materials

• 2 dice per pair
• Paper and pen per pair
• Timer

Setup

• One partner rolls, the other does the sums.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the roller throws the two dice as fast as they can, over and over.
2. 2The partner adds the result of each roll to the total.
3. 3Dice that fall off the table don't count and must be rolled again.
4. 4The pair with the highest total after 1 minute wins (the judge can check the sums).

Variations and tips

• Good mental-maths practice for children.
• Harder: add up in your head, without paper.

Materials

• 1 block-tower game (like Jenga) per player
• Timer

Setup

• Build the complete tower in front of each player.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player pulls blocks out of the tower, one at a time, with one hand.
2. 2Each block pulled out is put down beside it (it doesn't go on top).
3. 3If the tower falls, the round ends and the blocks pulled out so far count.
4. 4Whoever pulls out the most blocks in 1 minute without the tower falling wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: only blocks from the middle of a layer may be pulled.
• Play on a steady table, with nothing leaning on it.

Materials

• Identical sets of Lego pieces, one per player
• Simple printed instructions (or a model already built)
• Timer

Setup

• Set aside the pieces each player needs and put the instructions next to them.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the players build the model following the instructions.
2. 2When they finish, the player raises a hand and the judge checks.
3. 3A build with mistakes doesn't count: the player has to fix it.
4. 4The first to finish the right model within 1 minute wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: see the model for only 10 seconds and build it from memory.
• In pairs: one sees the instructions and describes them, the other builds without seeing them.

Materials

• A4 sheets (one per player)
• Tape to mark the launch line
• Tape measure (optional)
• Timer

Setup

• Mark the launch line in a corridor or a long room.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player has 1 minute to fold their plane.
2. 2Then, in turn, everyone launches from the line, without stepping on it.
3. 3Mark where each plane touches the floor.
4. 4The plane that flies furthest wins.

Variations and tips

• Extra prizes: the longest time in the air, the best stunt.
• Harder: hit a target or land inside a hoop.

Materials

• 6 to 8 plastic cups per player
• 10 ping-pong balls per player
• A table
• Timer

Setup

• Arrange the cups in a circle in the middle of the table, in front of each player.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player throws the balls so they bounce once on the table before going into a cup.
2. 2Balls that go in without bouncing don't count.
3. 3They may pick up the balls that miss and throw them again.
4. 4Whoever has the most balls in the cups after 1 minute wins.

Variations and tips

• Like Ping-Pong in the Cups, but here the ball has to bounce first.
• Harder: each cup may hold only one ball.

Materials

• 3 dice per player
• Tape to draw a target on the table or floor
• Timer

Setup

• Draw a square or concentric circles with tape, 1 metre from the throwing line.
• Give the zones points: 5 in the centre, 3 in the middle, 1 outside.

Rules, step by step

1. 1In turn, each player rolls the 3 dice from the line, with a gentle flick.
2. 2Each die scores the points of the zone where it stops.
3. 3If a die rolls off the table or the rug, it scores zero.
4. 4Whoever scores the most points in 1 minute, or in a fixed number of rolls, wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: multiply the zone's points by the number on the die.
• In pairs: one rolls, the other does the sums.

Materials

• 1 pair of chopsticks per player
• 15 metal hex nuts per player
• A table
• Timer

Setup

• Spread each player's nuts on the table.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player picks up the nuts with the chopsticks and stacks them on top of each other.
2. 2They can't touch the nuts with their hands.
3. 3If the tower falls, they start again from the base.
4. 4The tallest tower after 1 minute wins.

Variations and tips

• Like Chopstick Dice Tower, but with nuts, which slip even more.
• Easier: big nuts.

Materials

• 1 plastic 0.5 l bottle per player, about a third full of water
• A table or smooth floor
• Timer

Setup

• Fill each bottle to about a third and close it tightly.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player flips the bottle into the air, holding it by the neck, so it turns over once.
2. 2Each time the bottle lands upright on the table and stays still scores 1 point.
3. 3After each attempt, the player picks up the bottle and flips again.
4. 4Whoever scores the most perfect landings in 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: landing the bottle cap-down scores 3 points.
• Relay: each team member has to land it once before passing the bottle on.
• Check the caps are tight so the room doesn't get wet.

Materials

• 6 teaspoons per player
• 3 cups per player
• A table
• Timer

Setup

• Put 3 cups in a row about 30 cm from the edge of the table.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player lays one spoon on the table and puts another on top, its handle resting in the first spoon's bowl, like a catapult.
2. 2They hit the handle of the bottom spoon to make the top one jump.
3. 3The aim is to land the spoon inside a cup.
4. 4Each cup needs only one spoon; then they move on to the next cup.
5. 5Whoever gets a spoon into each of the 3 cups in 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: move the cups closer or use bowls.
• Harder: put each cup a little further away than the last.

Materials

• 15 empty drink cans
• 4 paper plates
• A table
• Timer

Setup

• Put the cans and the plates next to the table.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player stands 1 can upright on the table and puts a paper plate on top.
2. 2On top of the plate go 2 cans, another plate, 3 cans, another plate, 4 cans, another plate and finally 5 cans.
3. 3The tower gets wider at the top, so the cans have to be well balanced.
4. 4If the tower falls, they start again from the beginning.
5. 5Whoever builds all 5 levels with the tower standing for 3 seconds before the minute is up wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: only 4 levels (10 cans, 3 plates).
• Use plastic cups instead of cans for the little ones.

Materials

• 1 unsharpened pencil
• A handful of marbles
• Tape to mark 2 lines
• Timer

Setup

• Mark two lines on the floor about 4.5 metres apart.
• Stand the pencil upright, balanced on its flat end, on one of the lines.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player lies on their tummy behind the other line.
2. 2They roll the marbles one at a time towards the pencil.
3. 3They have to knock the pencil over before the minute is up.
4. 4Whoever manages it wins; with several players, the fastest or whoever needs the fewest marbles.

Variations and tips

• Easier: move the lines closer or use a small bottle instead of the pencil.
• Play on a smooth floor, without a rug.

Materials

• 1 plastic plate
• 1 washing-up bowl or big bowl of water
• 5 empty drink cans
• Towel
• Timer

Setup

• Fill the bowl with water and float the plate on it.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player stacks the 5 cans upright, one on top of the other, on the floating plate.
2. 2The plate mustn't sink and the cans mustn't fall in the water.
3. 3If the tower falls, they take the cans out, shake them dry and start again.
4. 4Whoever builds the 5-can tower and keeps it up for 3 seconds within the minute wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: 3 cans.
• Ideal outdoors on a hot day.

Materials

• 20 playing cards: 4 each of 5 different values (for example 4 aces, 4 kings…)
• 1 central table
• 5 chairs or small tables around it
• Timer

Setup

• Shuffle the 20 cards and put them in a pile on the central table, face down.
• Put the 5 chairs in a circle around it, 1 or 2 metres away.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player turns over the top card and takes it to one of the chairs.
2. 2Each chair may only hold cards of the same value.
3. 3Only one card may be carried at a time.
4. 4Whoever sorts the 20 cards into 5 groups of 4 matching cards in 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: 3 groups of cards.
• Harder: move the chairs further away and put the cards face down on the chairs, so they have to remember.

Materials

• 1 smooth table
• 1 roll of toilet paper
• 1 plastic or paper cup of water per player
• Timer

Setup

• Unroll a strip of toilet paper (about 1 metre) per player, lengthwise along the table, with the end towards the player.
• Stand a full cup of water on the far end of each strip.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player slowly pulls their strip of paper to bring the cup to the edge of the table.
2. 2They may only touch the paper, never the cup or the table.
3. 3If the paper tears, or the cup spills and wets the paper, they're out (or start again with a new strip, if there's time).
4. 4The first to get the cup to the edge of the table, whole and without spilling, wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: fuller cups or single-ply paper strips.
• Easier for children: cups with little water, or empty with a weight inside.
• Put a towel under the table to catch the drips.

Materials

• 2 plastic cups per player
• 10 to 15 folded slips of paper, sweets or little balls per player
• 1 plate per player
• Timer

Setup

• Spread each player's objects on the table and put an empty plate next to them.

Rules, step by step

1. 1Each player slips one hand into each cup: those are their "hooves".
2. 2On the signal, they have 1 minute to pick up the objects and put them on the plate, using only the cups.
3. 3They can't take their hands out of the cups or use any other part of the body.
4. 4Anything that falls on the floor is out.
5. 5Whoever has the most objects on the plate when time runs out wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: bigger objects, like balls of scrunched-up paper.
• Harder: wrapped sweets or beans.
• Put cardboard reindeer antlers on the players' heads for the photo.

Materials

• 2 or 3 rolls of cling film
• Small prizes (chocolates, sweets, toys, vouchers, notes)
• 2 dice
• Oven gloves (optional)

Setup

• Before the party, wrap the film around a prize and keep adding prizes between the layers until it makes a big ball.
• Leave the best prize in the centre.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The players sit in a circle; the first holds the ball and their left-hand neighbour holds the dice.
2. 2On the signal, whoever has the ball unwraps the film as fast as they can and keeps the prizes that come loose.
3. 3Meanwhile, whoever has the dice rolls them non-stop until they get a double.
4. 4On a double, the ball goes to whoever rolled the dice and the dice go to the next neighbour.
5. 5The game ends when the ball is fully unwrapped; whoever reaches the centre takes the main prize.

Variations and tips

• Harder: unwrap wearing oven gloves.
• With little children: use a single die and pass the ball when a 6 comes up.
• Lots of small prizes make the game livelier.

Materials

• 1 box or object to wrap per team
• Wrapping paper
• Tape
• Scissors
• Bow (optional)
• Timer

Setup

• Give each pair a box, a sheet of paper, tape and scissors.
• Each player puts one hand behind their back: together, the two only have two hands (one each).

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the two players wrap the present together, each using only their free hand.
2. 2They can't use the hand behind their back at any point.
3. 3The parcel has to be closed, with no box showing, and with a bow if there is one.
4. 4The first pair to finish holds up the present; the host checks it is well done.
5. 5The fastest pair with an acceptable parcel wins (or the prettiest, if in doubt).

Variations and tips

• Like Wrapping Paper Race, but here the challenge is one-handed teamwork.
• Harder: teams of 3, with one hand each.
• Use oddly shaped boxes (a tube, a ball) to make it trickier.

Materials

• Small wrapped presents (at least 1 per player)
• Cards with clues or riddles (optional)

Setup

• The host hides the presents around the house (or the garden) before the guests arrive.
• If they like, they write clues that lead from one hiding place to the next.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, everyone searches for the hidden presents.
2. 2Each player keeps the presents they find; once they have one, they can help the others.
3. 3With clues: each clue solved says where the next present is, and whoever solves it first keeps it.
4. 4The game ends when every present has been found; whoever found the most (or the special present) wins.

Variations and tips

• For little children: easy hiding places and a present with each child's name.
• Mark off-limits areas (bedrooms, kitchen) before starting.
• Harder: the clues are riddles or word searches.

Materials

• 10 to 20 identical plastic cups
• Timer

Setup

• The player holds a cup in one hand; the rest are in a stack within reach.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player tosses a cup in the air with one hand and tries to catch it nested in the cup held in the other.
2. 2Each cup caught stays on the stack; the next is tossed and caught on top of it.
3. 3If a cup falls on the floor, they pick it up and try again.
4. 4Whoever has the tallest stack after 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: toss at face height, not above the head.
• Harder: switch hands with every cup.

Materials

• 30 one-cent coins per player
• Timer

Setup

• Spread each player's coins on the table in front of them.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player stacks coins into a tower using only one hand.
2. 2The other hand stays behind their back the whole time.
3. 3If the tower falls, they start from scratch with the same coins.
4. 4After 60 seconds, the standing towers are counted: the tallest wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: use the weaker hand.
• Coins of mixed sizes make the tower wobblier.

Materials

• 20 small coins
• 1 tall cup or jar
• Timer

Setup

• Put the cup on the floor.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player stands next to the cup, with their arm stretched out at shoulder height.
2. 2They drop the coins one at a time, trying to get them into the cup.
3. 3They can't bend their arm or crouch down.
4. 4Whoever gets the most coins into the cup in 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: a narrower cup or a small bottle.
• Easier for children: a wide bowl.

Materials

• 10 coins
• 1 plastic cup
• Tape
• Timer

Setup

• Tape the cup on its side to the far edge of the table, with the opening facing the players.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player rolls a coin on its edge along the table, from their end.
2. 2The aim is to get the coin into the cup.
3. 3A coin that falls off the table counts as a miss.
4. 4Whoever gets the most coins in in 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: a wide cup or a short table.
• Harder: the coin has to roll along a tape corridor without leaving it.

Materials

• 20 coins
• 5 small cups
• Paper and pen for the score
• Tape
• Timer

Setup

• Put the cups on the floor or on a table and mark a throwing line about 2 metres away.
• Optional: give each cup a value (1, 2, 3, 5, 10 points).

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player stands behind the line and tosses the coins, one by one, into the cups.
2. 2Each coin that stays in a cup scores that cup's points.
3. 3They can't cross the line.
4. 4Whoever scores the most points in 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• For children: move the line closer.
• Smaller cups further away are worth more points.

Materials

• 10 big coins (2 euros or 50 cents)
• 1 shallow bowl
• Timer

Setup

• Put the bowl on the table about 30 cm from the edge where the player stands.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player throws the coin against the table top so it bounces and lands in the bowl.
2. 2The coin has to hit the table first; if it drops straight into the bowl it doesn't count.
3. 3Whoever lands the most coins in 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• Hard tables (wood, glass) give better bounces.
• Harder: use a cup instead of a bowl.

Materials

• 1 inflated balloon
• 1 paper plate per player (the rackets)
• Timer

Setup

• Optionally glue a lolly stick to the plate as a handle.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The players hit the balloon back and forth using only their paper-plate rackets.
2. 2Nobody may touch the balloon twice in a row.
3. 3Count the hits in a row without the balloon touching the floor.
4. 4The pair with the longest rally in 60 seconds wins (or the pair that keeps it up for the whole minute).

Variations and tips

• Competitive version: a ribbon on the floor as the net; whoever lets the balloon drop on their side loses the point.
• Harder: two balloons at once.

Materials

• 10 plastic cups
• 10 ping-pong balls
• Tape
• Timer

Setup

• Set the cups out in a triangle on the floor or a table (4-3-2-1) and mark a throwing line 1.5 metres away.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player throws the balls without a bounce, one by one, into the cups.
2. 2Each cup hit comes out of the triangle.
3. 3When the balls run out, they may gather them up and carry on while there is time.
4. 4Whoever empties the triangle fastest, or removes the most cups in 60 seconds, wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: stack the cups in a pyramid and only balls in the top cups count.
• Team version: a relay, each person throws 2 balls.

Materials

• 1 tablespoon
• 5 ping-pong balls
• 1 plastic cup
• Timer

Setup

• Put the cup on the table, about 50 cm from the player.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player drops the ball onto the spoon they hold in their hand.
2. 2With a flick of the spoon, they make the ball bounce into the cup.
3. 3The ball can't be thrown by hand.
4. 4Whoever gets the most balls in in 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: a bigger cup or a bowl.
• Harder: the spoon goes in the mouth instead of the hand.

Materials

• 1 pair of chopsticks per player
• 2 bowls per player
• Chocolate beans (like Smarties)
• Timer

Setup

• Fill one bowl with chocolate beans and put the empty bowl 30 cm away.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player moves chocolate beans from one bowl to the other with the chopsticks only.
2. 2One bean at a time; any that fall on the table don't count and can't be picked up by hand.
3. 3Whoever has the most beans in the finishing bowl after 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• For little children: training chopsticks or tweezers.
• Harder: only beans of one colour.

Materials

• 1 pad of sticky notes per player
• Tape or a roll of paper for the target
• Timer

Setup

• Draw or mark a target on a wall or door (concentric circles).
• Mark the throwing line 1.5 metres away.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player lightly scrunches a sticky note (without covering the glue) or folds it and throws it at the target.
2. 2Only the notes that stay stuck inside the target count.
3. 3They may throw as many as they like in 60 seconds.
4. 4Whoever has the most notes stuck (or the most points, if the target has zones) wins.

Variations and tips

• A different colour for each player makes counting easier.
• Harder: move the line further back.

Materials

• 1 box of paperclips per player
• Timer

Setup

• Tip each player's paperclips into a pile in front of them.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player links paperclips together into a chain.
2. 2Only clips linked in the same chain count.
3. 3At the end, the chain is held up by one end: if it breaks, only the part still attached counts.
4. 4The longest chain after 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: one hand only.
• As a team: each person makes a section and they join it all at the end.

Materials

• 1 plastic 1.5 l bottle per player
• Lots of rubber bands
• Timer

Setup

• Give each player a bottle and a pile of rubber bands.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player slips rubber bands around the bottle, from the bottom up, tight against each other.
2. 2The aim is to cover the bottle up to the neck.
3. 3Bands that ping off don't count.
4. 4The first to reach the top, or whoever gets highest in 60 seconds, wins.

Variations and tips

• Safety: flying rubber bands can hit eyes; never stretch them towards anyone.
• Easier: a small 33 cl bottle.

Materials

• 1 to 2 pads of sticky notes per player
• Tape to mark the area
• Timer

Setup

• Mark a square on the wall for each player with tape (for example, 50 x 50 cm).

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player sticks notes inside their square, one by one.
2. 2The notes can't overlap.
3. 3Whoever covers the square completely first, or has the most area covered at 60 seconds, wins.

Variations and tips

• Harder: one hand only, or make a colour pattern (a chessboard).
• Take care with freshly painted walls.

Materials

• 1 deck of cards
• 1 big bowl or bucket
• Tape
• Timer

Setup

• Put the bowl on the floor and mark a throwing line about 2 metres away.

Rules, step by step

1. 1The player throws the cards one at a time, spinning like a frisbee, into the bowl.
2. 2They can't cross the line.
3. 3Only the cards in the bowl at the end count.
4. 4Whoever lands the most cards in 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• Easier: move the line closer or use a cardboard box.
• Harder: a hat instead of the bowl.

Materials

• 1 basket of odd socks (at least 15 pairs mixed up)
• Timer

Setup

• Tip the socks into a pile on the floor or the bed.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, the player finds matching socks and pairs them up, folding each pair.
2. 2Only correct pairs count; a mismatched pair cancels a point.
3. 3Whoever matches the most pairs in 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• With several players at once: each with their own pile.
• Bonus for the parents: the laundry ends up sorted.

Materials

• 1 jar of assorted buttons
• 3 to 5 small bowls per player
• Timer

Setup

• Give each player a handful of buttons and decide whether to sort by colour or by size.

Rules, step by step

1. 1On the signal, each player sorts the buttons by the chosen rule, one kind per bowl.
2. 2One button at a time.
3. 3Buttons in the wrong bowl don't count.
4. 4Whoever sorts the most buttons correctly in 60 seconds wins.

Variations and tips

• Careful with little children: buttons can be swallowed.
• Harder: sort by the number of holes.