Free Printable Pass the Prize Game Ideas – The Pass the Prize game (also called Pass the Present, Pass the Gift, or Left-Right Pass game) is a simple, high-energy group activity popular at parties, classrooms, baby showers, holiday gatherings, and office events across the USA. One person reads a short poem or list of directions aloud while players pass a wrapped prize around a circle. Directions like “pass left,” “pass right,” “pass to the person wearing blue,” or “pass to the youngest” keep everyone moving and guessing. The person holding the prize when the reading ends wins it.
It requires almost no setup, works for mixed ages, and needs only one (or a few) wrapped prizes plus a printed sheet. It’s ideal for birthday parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, classroom celebrations, family reunions, and baby showers.
How to Play Pass the Prize?
- Print one copy of the game sheet (or poem).
- Wrap a small, age-appropriate prize (candy, small toy, gift card, socks, or a classroom treat).
- Have players sit or stand in a circle.
- Hand the prize to one person to start.
- A non-player (or host) reads the directions slowly and clearly.
- Players follow each instruction immediately.
- When the final line is read, the person holding the prize keeps it.
Variations include using multiple prizes for larger groups, themed poems for holidays, or a set of direction cards instead of a continuous poem.
Where to Get Legitimate Free Printables?
Here are trusted, currently available free resources (no purchase required). All are designed for standard US Letter (8.5 x 11) paper and can be printed at home.
- Teachers Pay Teachers freebie – Pass the Prize: A Fun Following Directions Game by Jessica Finch. This version uses 36 printable direction cards instead of a single poem. Players draw a card and follow the instruction while passing a prize cup. It works well in classrooms or therapy settings and is free to download after creating a free TPT account.
Download the free following-directions Pass the Prize game - Purely Printables – Thanksgiving Pass the Present Game. Two ready-to-print poem versions with left/right and descriptive prompts (e.g., pass to the person wearing brown or the youngest). Perfect for Friendsgiving, classroom parties, or family dinners. Direct PDF download available on the page.
Get the free Thanksgiving Pass the Present printable - Tulamama – Pass the Prize Baby Shower Game. A neutral, single-sheet poem version designed specifically for baby showers. It requires only one printout and one wrapped prize.
Download the free baby shower Pass the Prize game - Printables for Life – Free Christmas Left-Right Across Game. Multiple original holiday stories with left, right, and across directions. Suitable for Christmas parties, family gift exchanges, or classroom events.
Download free Christmas left-right pass games
These sources are free, require no payment, and provide direct access to the printable files or clear download instructions. Always print on regular paper or cardstock and test your printer settings for best results.
Free Printable Pass the Prize Game Ideas
Practical Tips for Success
- Choose prizes everyone will enjoy so no one feels left out.
- For larger groups (15+), use two or three prizes spaced around the circle.
- Have a non-player read the directions so everyone can participate fully.
- Practice reading the poem once beforehand for smooth pacing.
- Laminate direction-card versions for repeated classroom use.
- Adapt generic versions for birthdays, graduations, or office parties by swapping a few lines.
Brief FAQ
Is the Pass the Prize game the same as Pass the Parcel?
Similar idea, but Pass the Prize usually uses a single continuous poem or set of spoken directions rather than multiple layers of wrapping with tasks inside each layer.
What ages is it best for?
It works for ages 5 and up, including mixed adult and child groups. Younger kids may need simpler prompts.
Do I need special supplies?
No. Just a printer, paper, one wrapped prize, and a group of people.
Can I use it year-round?
Yes. Many free printables are holiday-themed, but the TPT freebie and baby-shower version are generic enough for any occasion.
The free printable Pass the Prize game remains one of the easiest, lowest-prep ways to add laughter and movement to any USA gathering. Download one of the resources above, wrap a small prize, and you’re ready to play in minutes.