Pass the parcel

from the comments on this post: http://momm-eh.blogspot.com/2007/01/party-game-ideas-for-3-year-olds.html

http://www.haloscan.com/comments/mothership/549656828874246682/#234888

Sit in a circle, pass around a parcel loosely wrapped in layers of paper. When the music stops, the kid holding the parcel takes off a layer of paper - the 2 year olds and 3 year olds probably need adult help so they don't unwrap the whole thing. You could use gift bags and fabric bags and boxes for some of the layers. In the middle you should have treats or mini toys for all to share.

http://www.haloscan.com/comments/mothership/549656828874246682/#234890

with the additional twist I saw done once where the child who unwraps gets a task to do -- you have a list of tasks and give the right one to each child. Things like, "sing ABC" or "twirl around" or "make a funny face." You control the music to make sure each child gets one turn. Birthday child gets a second turn at the end and opens the box of treats and hands them out.