Pinch a Parcel

So you’re coming to UK PonyCon, you’ve looked at the schedule and you’re wondering about the event “Pinch a Parcel” - what is it? How do I play? Do I need to bring anything? Wonder no more, as this page explains everything you need to know about our Pinch a Parcel game for both children and adults.

Before the game

To join in with Pinch A Parcel, please bring at least one wrapped pony (or pony themed) gift with you, which is worth at least £5, preferably at least £8 in value (inflation affects ponies too!).

We will have wrapping paper, tape and scissors available if you buy a last-minute gift in our stalls hall, however if possible please wrap your present in advance.

The size, shape and wrapping paper of your parcel will significantly affect its appeal to other players. Occasionally we have seen participants bring large or strangely shaped parcels containing a collection of smaller ponies. It’s quite funny.

Do not include any food or drinks, or items unsuitable for younger people. Second hand or vintage items are permitted, however they must be in good condition.

How to play

  1. Everyone joining in will sit in a circle around the room, with the gifts piled up in the middle. There will be separate rounds for children and adults. Depending on the number of participants, we may run several rounds of the game - listen to the volunteers for more information. Only put your parcel in the middle if you are selected to play that round.

  2. When the time starts, dice will be passed around the circle. When it gets to you, roll it. If you get a 1 or a 6, you can run and grab one parcel from the middle!

  3. Return to your space in the circle, and place the parcel in front of you or to your side. You must not hide the parcel or otherwise make it difficult for somebody else to pinch later (you’ll want to pinch other people’s parcels later right!?)

  4. This will continue until all the parcels from the middle are gone.

  5. When this happens, everyone will continue rolling dice, but now if you get a 1 or a 6, you can pinch a parcel (get it?!) from somebody else!

  6. When the time runs out, NO MORE PINCHING IS ALLOWED. The parcels you have managed to pilfer are now yours!

  7. UNWRAP EVERYTHING, IT’S PONY CHRISTMAS!

  8. If you have lots of presents and see someone without a present, perhaps you’d like to gift them one. If you don’t have a present at the end, talk to the UK PonyCon team for a special gift.

Safety Note

Our volunteers will monitor the game and ask all participants to stop and stay still if they believe any unsafe or unsporting activity is taking place. They may have to abandon the game.

The aim of the game is to pinch as many parcels as possible, so be as ruthless as you like about choosing who take take a parcel from. Please, though, don’t trip or hurt other people as you do so! Just as you can pinch a parcel from someone else, you must allow others to pinch a parcel from you - don’t stop someone taking your amazing-looking parcel - pinch it back on your next turn instead!

If someone is not letting you pinch their parcel, do not fight them for it and instead let one of our volunteers know, who will intervene.

UK PonyCon does not know the contents of the presents. Parents should supervise their children when unwrapping presents and check that the present is suitable for their child. Any concerns can be reported to a volunteer.

Video from 2019

Alex Atkin recorded the adults pinch a parcel game at our 2019 convention. Watch the video below to better understand how pinch a parcel works.