Item: Pass the Parcel
Rating: 70
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

70/100

Pass The Parcel is a digital recreation of the classic party game, and while it's simple, it's highly effective for families. It solves the mess and prep time of wrapping real layers of paper. The app allows for enough customization—like adding your own music or forfeit challenges—to keep kids engaged during birthdays.

It’s not a game you’d play alone, but as a utility for parents, it’s a lifesaver. The interface is a bit dated, but the functionality is solid. It turns any smartphone or tablet into the centerpiece of a party game, making it a handy tool to have in your digital 'parenting kit'.

Reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

Dinsun Review

This is it. This is the bottom of the barrel. It’s a random timer that plays music. You could do the same thing with a Spotify playlist and a blindfold. I’m honestly offended that this takes up space in the App Store. The interface is rudimentary, the music is generic stock filler, and there is zero 'gameplay' provided by the app itself.

It’s a utility for people who are too lazy to pause their own music. As a gamer who respects craftsmanship, this feels like an insult. It does exactly what it says, I guess, but that’s like giving five stars to a light switch because it turns the light on. It’s the most basic piece of software imaginable. If you pay for this, you have only yourself to blame.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

It actually stops the music occasionally

Useless if you have a finger and a music player
Ugly, basic UI
Absolutely no entertainment value on its own

Technical Report

Performance: It’s a timer; it works.

Accessibility:

Large Start/Stop Button

Audience Fit

Buy if: You are literally unable to press 'pause' on your phone.

Skip if: You are anyone else.

Similar Games:

Musical Chairs App
Random Timer

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 13
Playtime: 0.5 hours
Status: Finished one round of a child's game

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

944803208

$0.99 4+★5 1 reviews

Author : Christopher Harrison

Pubish Date : Tue Dec 02 2014

Last Update Date : Sun Oct 06 2019

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 4.1Sun Oct 06 2019

Oooh Dark Mode!
Fixed a crash when updating to iOS 13
A refreshing update to the classic game Pass the Parcel ( /Hot Potato).
This intuitive way of playing removes the previous issue where someone would have to deal with the music by randomly stopping the music.
You can select music straight from your music library, either a couple of songs or an entire playlist.
No music on your device? No problem, there's inbuilt music ready to play with any game.
Simply start the app, choose your music source and parcel messages.
Then you're ready to go!
Press the start button, then begin passing that present round!
Requires iOS 10.3 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Dark Mode, Custom Messages, Choose your own music. Ready for any game of pass the parcel!
A refreshing update to the classic game Pass the Parcel ( /Hot Potato).
This intuitive way of playing removes the previous issue where someone would have to deal with the music by randomly stopping the music.
You can select music straight from your music library, either a couple of songs or an entire playlist.
No music on your device? No problem, there's inbuilt music ready to play with any game.
Simply start the app, choose your music source and parcel messages.
Then you're ready to go!
Press the start button, then begin passing that present round!

Ratings & Reviews

5 out of 5 with 1 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Pass The Parcel brings the beloved children's party game to your iPhone or iPad. Perfect for birthdays or family gatherings, the app allows you to set the number of layers, add custom 'forfeit' challenges for players, and use your own music library. When the music stops, tap to unwrap a layer and reveal the surprise!