Candy Canes Card Game - Perfect Small Group Holiday Game

If you have ever played Spoons, then you know how to play Candy Canes, we substituted Candy Canes for Spoons.

If you have never played Spoons you are in for some fun with Candy Canes.

Candy Canes is the a good game for a small group of friends, family or kids. I would say that it is best suited for those 8 and older.

The concept is simple get 4 of a kind and then grab a Candy Cane, however getting 4 of a kind and keeping up with the frantic pace of the game makes it fun.

Learn how to play Candy Canes

While Candy Canes is not for big parties it is a great after dinner game, evening family activity or after school game that will keep you active for 20 - 40 minutes. It's always entertaining and great for casual social interaction.

Want more Christmas Games?
Check out Party Game Ideas for over 40 Christmas Games and Gift Exchange Games.

Sarah - The Party Game Ideas Lady

Reindeer Games - Play 1 or 5 Fun Games at Your Kids Christmas Party

I was watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer last night and was inspired to create Reindeer Games. So after watching Rudolph, I started brainstorming and came up with 5 Reindeer games that involve different skills that are needed by a reindeer.

Flying, landing accuracy, dodging mountains, navigating the city and roof top landings and I turn each one into a game for reindeer games. What's best is these are do it yourself games and you can choose to play 1 game or all of them.

Check out Reindeer Games and all the game details and scoring.

What makes Reindeer games extra special is that you can add a little story to each game and let the kids know why this skill is important to reindeer and flying Santa's sleigh. Plus, you can start with the basic skills and then increase the difficulty with each game.

Reindeer games can be played with bean bag reindeer, simple targets and and cardboard boxes and props. Decorate the cardboard and you'll be ready to go.

The game can be played at children's Christmas parties, office holiday events that involve families and classrooms as a reward. (Adults would have fun playing it too.)

So check out Party Game Ideas latest Christmas game - Reindeer Games
And our list of over 40 Christmas and Gift Exchange Games

Sarah - The Party Game Ideas Lady

5 Fun Christmas Party Favors – They’ll Like and Use!

Well your Holiday budget was cut, but you want to get a Christmas or Holiday party favor that doesn’t cost a fortune and won’t be a waste of money.

Here are 5 Crowd Pleasing Christmas Party Favors

1. Snowflake Ornament – They can add their own photo to this Snowflake Ornament and use it every year to decorate their Christmas tree.



2. Custom Holiday Mint Tins – You can personalize this gift and wish them Happy Holidays and they can enjoy the cool mint flavors of the holidays.


3. Holiday Cookie Mix or Hot Cocoa Mix – These Holiday mixes are a quick way to bring a smile to your guests and create future Holiday memories when the gifts are used.


4. Snowflake Bottle Stopper – This seasonal bottle stopper is perfect for family gatherings and is a nice gift for adults.


5. Decorated Holiday Cookies – These cookies look amazing and are sure to be enjoyed and talked about over the Holidays. Order two weeks in advance for cookies.



Now that you have Christmas Gifts & Favors for your office or personal Christmas party, how about some Holiday games. Party Game Ideas has over 400 party games and more the 40 Christmas games for kids, office, families and grown-up holiday events.

Sarah - The Party Game Ideas Lady

Note: Party Game Ideas blogs about party games, party supplies and party topics. Items featured in this posted may result in compensation if a purchase is made at the linked web site.

Christmas Tree Ornament Find – Perfect for Kids, Families and Office Events

Of all the Christmas and Holiday games I have written, I would have to say that Christmas Tree Ornament Find is one of my favorites as a game as it can be played by all ages and is both fun and frustrating.

Now it helps to plan ahead to play Christmas Tree Ornament Find becuase once the ornaments are on the tree it is hard to count them, so count them before you decorate the tree. Once the game is set up I think you will have a blast playing it. And best of all, if you have Christmas ornaments, a digital camera and paper the game costs a little more than your time and effort.

The premise is simple you pull an Ornament card and then head to the tree to find that ornament. One version has you finding and removing the ornament (hands on) and the other version has you counting ornaments (hands off).

In both cases, you need to act fast because you have limited time or are racing against another team. Winners are determined differently in each game version, however I that everybody will have fun playing the game and that is what really counts.

If you like this Christmas game idea you can get the game details, instructions and variations here – Christmas Tree Ornament Find Game.

Christmas Tree Ornament Find is good for:
Kids and Youth Groups
For Relay Teams two trees
Great game if kids make their own ornaments
Families and Co-Workers can play as a team
Fun when large trees have lots of ornaments

Check out more Christmas Games and Gift Exchange Games at Party Game Ideas

If you like this game idea and Party Game Ideas become a Fan by entering Party Game Ideas Facebook Contest!

Sarah – The Party Game Ideas Lady

Office Party Raffle Game - How Many Gifts in the Holiday Box?

Holiday office parties, Christmas parties and classroom events are being planned, so how do you change up a routine event or add unique twist to your event?

Well, I got to thinking what if the game was to determine how many gifts are in one big gift! It's the classic "Guess how many Game," which is easy to play, but you game add a level of surprise and astonishment as you keep pulling out gift after gift. Get details and instructions on How Many Gifts are in the Gift Box?

Then I started looking at all the gift boxes that could fit in a big gift or box.
- A shirt box could hide 8 to 10 necklace boxes or 20+ ring boxes.
- Five or ten tie boxes don't take up much room
- Nestling boxes of 3, 4 or 5 would be fun to open
- Ornaments or Christmas favors could be put in the box.

And after the ornament and Christmas favors idea crossed my mind, I thought it might be a great idea to place some raffle gifts inside the Big Gift Box and give them away during this game.

So a game within a game!
A simple game idea turned into a more exciting game!

What is great is you can spin this game many ways
- Place a ton of Gifts in the giant Gift Box
- Place less then 10 gifts in the Gift Box
- Have the kids Guess on the number of gifts in the box and the parents play to win raffled gifts.
- Have everyone guess the number of gifts

The goal is to be creative and have fun!
Get the game details for How Many Gifts in the Gift Box?

If you are looking for Christmas games or Gift Exchange games than check out Party Game Ideas we have over 40 Holiday games and over 400 party games site wide.

Sarah - The Party Game Ideas Lady

New Christmas Games on the Way

Christmas Parties are on the way and while I am glad that we have almost 40 Christmas Party games and Gift Exchange ideas, I am excited that I have more on the way.

I am happy to say a wave of party game inspiration has swept over me and in the next few days I will be publishing Snowball Soccer, Christmas Tree Ornament Find, Reindeer Games and more.

Also a reminder to enter are Facebook Contest where if you become a fan of Party Game Ideas you could win free coffee and maybe more.

Hopefully, over the next two weeks we will be able to add a dozen or more new Christmas games to our site for even more fun this holiday season.

Happy Holidays
Sarah - The Party Game Ideas Lady

Thanksgiving Games and Activities for the Classroom

Teachers know it is hard to keep a kid's attention when the Holidays approach, was how do you keep them active in a fun way that challenges them.

Well good news - We have printable Thanksgiving and Holiday games that will keep you covered for days and weeks to come.


These include word finds, scrambles, games, lots of bingo variations, pictionary and many more. What is best is you can have these games and activities as a reward for good behavior, a fun challenge just before lunch, something to do when the work is done or a fun holiday activity.

So if you are running short on time and need a classroom activity in minutes pick up one or Thanksgiving games or one of the Holiday Value Packs where you can have games at your fingertips for a whole year.

If you are looking for more games & activities be sure to check out Party Game Ideas for lots of unique and fun holiday games.

Sarah - The Party Game Ideas Lady

* Party Game Ideas may receive compensation if a purchase is made thru one of the linked items noted in this blog.

Office Thanksgiving Trivia and Games

Need a short office activity over a Thanksgiving lunch or event, well good news I have some Thanksgiving Trivia and Office game ideas.


Let's Talk Turkey Trivia - in this game you will find out who really knows Thanksgiving Facts.

And your football fanatics might want to check out

Stadium Match

If you work with people of all ages then a Thanksgiving game that test mental skills might be in order so check out

Thanksgiving Word Scramble

And if you are still looking for some different and unique that you can print and play in minutes check out these additional Thanksgiving games.

Sarah - The Party Game Ideas Lady
Your Source for Thanksgiving Games and Christmas Games.

10 Smart Tips to Plan Your Office Christmas Party

The Christmas Office Party is coming up in a few weeks and the honor to set it up has been given to you. Whether you are organizing your first Holiday party or your 10th these tips will help you plan a successful event.

10 Smart Tips to Plan Your Office Christmas Party

1. Establish your Holiday Party Budget
Things are tough and that can mean no money, $100 or $1,000 for a Holiday event. So, check to make sure office expectations match your budget reality.

2. Date & Location
Date – This is less of an issue when events are held over lunch or in the office. However for out of office Christmas and Holiday parties, get your invitations out as soon as possible so people know to save the date.

In office parties save money and can be a benefit when co-workers have long commutes, while out of office locations can be had for great rates and often make the event feel like more of a celebration. If you book with a hotel, see if you can have them donate prizes to your event. Remember, it never hurts to ask.

3. Who will attend your Christmas / Holiday Party?
Determine whether it will be employees, employees and dates or employees and their families. If you include families, remember to have events and a coloring or activity station for the kids. This will help make the event more enjoyable for everyone.

4. Holiday Party Theme
Is there a holiday party theme or is it a social holiday gathering? Themes could be Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Winter Wonderland, Happy Holidays, etc… this could help you define prizes, party favors and decorations.

5. Holiday Party Activities
Divide your holiday party in sections; beginning, middle and end, this you allow you to plan activities. For most Christmas and Holiday parties, you have a social time, the meal, after meal activities like holiday gift exchanges or games, Santa and presents or party favors.

Mix in Christmas trivia games, Caroling, printable Christmas games or a family game like Find Santa’s Reindeer as possible options to keep the event flowing.

6. Holiday Party Invitations
Once you have the basics decided, sent out your invitation. You can do an online invitation, general email or send out your own. Note with the busy holiday season, the sooner you send the invitation the better.

7. Holiday Party Decorations
You budget will help you decide how much to spend on decorations, but on of my favorites is stacks of wrapped presents. If you do this get cheap wrapping paper and do 80% - 100% solid colors (red, gold, silver and green) and a few designs if you want. This will help colors and designs look great. Add ribbon to the top of the stack and let it fall over all the presents.

Another great idea is a holiday photo stand in (photo), they are silly but also fun and memorable for co-workers, spouses and kids. They help make the event an "event."

8. Planning the Holiday Party Menu
While pot-luck events are fine in the summer, I suggest you have the event catered and try to have at least on wow food item.

9. Party Favors & Employee Gifts
Depending on you budget you may want to a small holiday gift. Check out these various Christmas party favors.

Gifts
Check with the boss or president of the company to see if you are you in charge of getting gifts? Just know what is expected of you, that way you are sure to succeed.

10. RSVP's, Prep Work, Party Time
Last go over your RSVP's a week before the event to confirm numbers, two days before the event make sure you have all decorations, food, music and party supplies ready to go and make any last minute changes if needed and finally Have a great Holiday Party!

Final Note of Advice - Keep some items a secret.
And here is why, often if you share everything and something falls through people get disappointed. However, if you share only a little and then surprise them and over deliver; then they tend to enjoy the event more.

Sarah - The Party Game Ideas Lady
Party Game Ideas your source for Christmas Games

* Party Game Ideas may receive compensation if a purchase is made thru one of the linked items noted in this blog.

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Sarah - The Party Game Ideas Lady