We're very excited to feature our latest guest blog post. The very talented Sarah Underwood shares with us an excerpt from her latest book of children's party games and gives us her own tips on how to create original games for your own party.

Invitations sent out, balloons blown up, room decorated, party bags at the ready, presents bought … the only thing to worry about is how to entertain the children! As a primary school teacher and mum of three, I’ve organised a party or two in my time! The old favourites like ‘Musical statues’ and ‘Pass the parcel’ always work well, but if you want something new – tailored to the children’s interests, you can create some new games of your own! In my book, Easy Peasy Party Games, you will find twenty-two games that I have ‘invented’ by observing how children play, what they like to do and what topical ‘themes’ they were excited by. To give you a little taster, here’s one I made earlier (which also features in my book!)

Who stole the honeypot?

One child is chosen to be the ‘Bear’ and sits on a chair with their back to the other children. Place a cut-out of a honey pot under the chair. When the Bear’s eyes are closed (a blindfold is optional), choose someone to quietly steal the honey pot, return to their place and sit on it. Everyone calls: “Winnie the Pooh, who stole your honey pot?” The Bear turns to face the others and has three chances to guess who took it. If the Bear guesses correctly, he has another go. If not, then the child who stole the honey pot becomes the Bear. Children can add to the fun by trying to look ‘guilty’ as if they have the honey pot. You can substitute another character and object to suit the party theme e.g. Fairy and wand, Pirate and treasure box. So, are you ready to have a go at ‘inventing’ your own? Here is my step-by-step guide to becoming the ‘master’ of your own children’s party games:

• Always start with choosing a theme. This may well be your existing party theme, chosen by your child, but it could also be: Book characters, Nursery Rhymes, Superheroes or TV characters
• The second ingredient is the ‘game type’ or ‘action’ that the game is based around. For example, this might be a ‘blindfold’ game (with one child guessing/pointing/being led around) or a ‘freeze’ type game (to music/signal/when tagged)
• Thirdly, either adapt a game you already know, such as a traditional party game, or combine ideas to create your own. For example, I adapted the game “What’s the time Mr. Wolf?” to fit with a fairy story theme. Little Red Riding Hood stands at one end and the children call, “What have you got in your basket?” Red Riding Hood replies, “I’ve got three bananas!” etc until finally she decides to say, “I’ve got a big chocolate cake” to signal the chase! Similarly, I adapted ‘Stuck in the mud’ to a calmer game called ‘Rockets and Stars’ which has become one of the children’s favourites.
• The fourth step is to think about any equipment you will use – such as balloons, flags, chocolate coins, ribbons, sock balls, etc. Of course, you don’t have to use any equipment – but I’m sure you can find plenty of inspiration at The Party Pirate!
• Finally, all you then need to do is decide whether the game will be played indoors or outside, and try it out with some willing children. It’s always a good idea to do a ‘dry run’ before the actual party!

Good luck … and remember that things may not always go to plan – but through a process of mixing and matching, substituting and adapting, you will get there in the end! For more fun and original party games, you can purchase Easy Peasy Party Games – packed with ideas, ice-breakers, suggestions for ‘early-arrivers’, party planning tips and a useful checklist. It is priced at just £4.95 (plus £2.50 p&p) and is available from Southgate Publishers: www.southgatepublishers.co.uk; tel 01363 776888