Fun games for special occasions

When groups of good friends come together for a celebration, it’s almost impossible not to have a good time. If you like the idea of further developing the bonds between you, there are few better ways of achieving this aim than indulging in group games.

Regardless of the occasion, games help to break down barriers and, especially in the case of activities that rely more on luck than any kind of skill, allow everyone to compete on an equal footing. If you’re stuck for ideas on the best games for particular occasions, the following guide will help get you started.

Baby shower games

If you need a little more help with some ideas, are on a tight budget or simply don’t have time to plan anything yourself, you can find a list of printable baby shower games including titles such as Baby Bingo and What’s In your Diaper Bag, at the Pampers.com website.

These hilarious titles, all of which can be downloaded for free, will enable you to make this special occasion even more memorable and enjoyable for all.

Birthday games

Why should children have all the fun? Many of the classic games we played when we were young can be even more fun when played as an adult. From balloon shaving - in which teams first have to draw a face on an inflatable balloon, then apply shaving foam and then shave the face using a plastic knife without bursting it, or crocodile racing in which teams crouch down so they are sitting on one another's laps and then have to move, crocodile style, across a finish line - such games can easily liven up your event and ensure everyone goes home with a smile on their face.

If some of these games are too energetic for the more elderly members of your party, you can also return to classics such as charades, or card games such as cheat. If you don’t have the exact items you need for a particular game, don’t be afraid to improvise. As long as they are having fun, it’s unlikely your guests will even notice.

Group games

Introducing an element of gameplay into more formal occasions can help create strong connections between individuals, especially if they do not know each other well. Gathering around a board game can provide hours of competitive fun, but in many cases, such games are only suitable for relatively small numbers of players. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available if you need to cater to a larger group.

If you’re having a dinner party, consider creating your own murder mystery event. You can put together the details yourself or purchase a kit instead. The best games for such situations have a strong element of strategy so that individuals have to interact with one another with a sense of purpose in order to have a better chance of winning. Playing games in this way removes the need for anyone to engage in awkward small talk and also prevents the more confident, outgoing individuals from dominating the conversation at the expense of other guests.