Paper Bag Games

Guessing Game

• The paper bag guessing game challenges guests to guess what is inside a paper bag. This is a good game for themed parties like baby showers, bridal showers and Halloween parties; the items in the bag should fit the theme, making the guessing a bit easier. One variation involves one large paper bag with about a dozen items inside. Guests have 30 seconds to reach inside the bag, guess what the items are and write the guesses on a piece of paper. The person with the most correct items wins a prize. For another version, fill small brown paper bags with one item each and seal the tops. Guests must feel the items through the paper bags and decide what is inside.

Compliment Game

• The compliment game works best with a large group of people. Have each guest sit in a chair and wear a large paper bag on his head. Each other guest takes a turn writing a nice or funny message on the person’s paper bag; these comments should be complimentary about the person. When everyone is done, the player gets to read what each person wrote and try to guess who wrote which message. This game works well at a Valentine’s party when guests can be anonymous with their feelings.

Dress Up Game

• A paper bag dress up is a creative game for children. Scholastic.com suggests cutting off the bottoms of large paper bags that have handles so children can wear them with the handles as shoulder straps. Put out various decorating craft supplies like paint, glitter, construction paper, craft feathers, glue and markers. Let the children decorate their dress up paper bag outfits.

Pick-up Game

• In this game, everyone stands around in a circle and attempts to pick up an open paper bag off the floor. The challenge is that each person must use her mouth only to pick up the bag and not touch the floor with any part of her body other than her feet. A variation of this game calls for guests to stand on one foot only while trying to retrieve the bag. A participant gets two tries to pick up the bag; if he fails he is out of the game. After each player's turn, cut a small portion off the top of the bag with scissors. Eventually, there will be very little of the bag left and a winner will be crowned when only one person remains.