Games add life and color to any party. Minute-to-win-it games are an excellent idea for reunions, gatherings, birthday parties, and family game nights. A family gathering or a birthday party is an ideal setting for you to play games. It will help you have a great bonding time with your loved ones. In this post, we’ve compiled an interesting list of games that can be played within a minute. These games will keep your guests hooked and make sure everyone has a blast at the party. Scroll down.
How To Play Minute-To-Win-It Games?
You can play minute-to-win-it games in three different ways. You can arrange these various types of games based on the number of participants.
1. Individual games
In this style, one player attempts to beat the clock. They have to complete the game within a minute to win. If they do, they receive a prize. If they don’t, another player will attempt to do the same within a minute. As an alternative, you can arrange a series of games where the player plays each game until they cannot complete a task within a minute. Then, if multiple players are playing simultaneously, they can compete to complete tasks before the other.
2. Group games
In this style, two players form a group to challenge two players of another group. However, they will not be competing against a clock. Instead, they’ll be competing to see who can finish first. If you have a smaller group of players, you can set the games in this style. Then, rotate the players so that everyone has an equal chance of winning and everyone has the opportunity to play more games.
3. Team games
In this style, divide the players into teams. They will then choose one player from their team to compete against a player from the opposing team. Then, all the players compete against one another to see who can finish first. The team whose player finishes first wins the most points. If there are more teams, you can assign graded points to them. This style works well when there are a large number of participants. However, if they don’t know each other well, this will be a great icebreaker.
50 Minute-To-Win-It Games
We’ve compiled a list of 50 fun and entertaining minute-to-win-it games. They will instantly lift the mood and bring people together at any gathering. Children, in particular, enjoy such games, and you can include creative games for them as well.
Fun Minute-To-Win-It Games
Anyone can participate in these entertaining minute-to-win-it games. They are simple to arrange and enjoyable for people of all age groups.
1. Cereal jigsaw
This is a fun game that people of all ages can enjoy. It is simple to arrange, and you can adapt it for children or adults. You will need:
Cereal box Scissors
How to play:
Cut the front of the cereal box and then cut it into smaller pieces. You can cut them into smaller pieces if the players are adults and bigger pieces if the players are children. Scatter them on a flat surface. Next, the players have to put the pieces together to make the front of the cereal box. The player who puts it together first is the winner.
2. Suck it up
This game will be enjoyed by all participants, regardless of age. In addition, you can give the M&Ms to the winner for a sweet win. You will need:
M&Ms Drinking straws Two small bowls Timer
How to play:
Put the M&Ms in a bowl. Give each player two bowls, one with M&Ms and one empty. When the timer starts, each player must suck an M&M with the straw to stick to the end and transfer it to the other bowl. The player who transfers the maximum number of M&Ms is the winner.
Minute-to-win-it games are a fun way to promote interaction between people of different age groups. It helps improve social skills and quick thinking.
3. State of affairs
Do you have nerdy friends? Then, you can play this game to keep everyone occupied for a long time. You will need:
A list of states/countries with their capitals Timer
How to play:
Start the timer and start saying out the name of each state or country aloud. Each player has to answer with the name of the capital. The player who manages to say the most capital names is the winner.
4. Volcano
Everyone knows that when a mint is dropped in a bottle of soda, a volcano emerges. So try this experiment with your friends in your backyard. You will need:
Mint Unopened soda bottles with soda
How to play:
Give each player a bottle of soda and some mints. When the game begins, each player has to open their bottles and drop the mint into them. Place the bottle on the ground immediately. In a few moments, the soda erupts. The player who manages to make the highest volcano wins.
5. Build a pyramid
This is a fun game that you can play with your family on family nights. It is a game of balancing and coordination. You will need:
Paper or plastic cups Timer
How to play:
When the timer begins, each player has to build a pyramid by stacking cups. Once it is done, dismantle it, and build it again. The player who manages to do this the maximum number of times wins. You can increase the challenge quotient by asking the players to stack using one hand.
6. Spray it away
This is a fun game for both children and adults. If you’re planning an outdoor activity, make sure you include this game. You will need:
A big trashcan Spray bottles with water Balloons Timer
How to play:
Inflate the balloons and hand a few to each player. Place the trashcan a short distance away. Give each player a spray bottle. Every player must use the spray bottle to transport the ballon to the trashcan. They are not permitted to touch it. If the balloon crashes to the ground, they must restart.
7. Rice bowl
This is yet another game that will put the players’ patience to the test. This minute-to-win-it game has grown in popularity in recent times. You will need:
Rice (uncooked, if you want to make it more difficult) Two bowls Chopsticks
How to play:
Give each player two bowls and a pair of chopsticks. Fill one bowl with rice and keep the other empty. When the timer starts, the player should use chopsticks to pick up the rice and place it in the other bowl. The winner is the player who manages to fill the other bowl with the most rice.
8. Name dropper
You can play this game with your friends if you think you know all the celebrities. There will be a lot of name–dropping, and you can improve your general knowledge. You will need:
A list of categories Timer
How to play:
Decide a category and start the timer. The players must say the names of the celebrities belonging to the category. The player who says the maximum names wins. You can also do this in rounds, narrowing down the categories as you go. For example, in the beginning, create broad categories such as movies, sports, etc. Later, you can add categories such as Hollywood actors, music artists, etc.
9. Mr. President
Do you consider yourself to be well-versed with your country’s history? Then, you should play this game with your history-loving friends. You will need:
Timer
How to play:
When the timer starts, each player has to say the names of the Presidents of the USA. The player who says the maximum number of names is the winner.
10. Chain reaction
This game is similar to name-dropping. Make lots of categories for hours of fun. You will need:
A list of categories Timer
How to play:
Announce a category of a chain store or a brand and start the timer. The players must say as many brand names or store names as possible. Then, as you progress, you can narrow down the categories.
11. Ball drop
This minute-to-win-it game needs balance and precision. You can set it up in your home for days when you cannot go out. You will need:
A plastic cup Ping pong balls Chair
How to play:
The player has to stand on the chair. Place the plastic cup some distance away. The player must throw ping pong balls into the cup without tipping it over. The player is declared a winner when three balls are inside the cup.
12. Wrap them
Wrapping presents is an art. This game will present you with endless laughs. You will need:
Empty gift boxes Wrapping paper or newspaper Ribbons
How to play:
The players have 60 seconds to wrap presents properly The player who wraps the most presents correctly is the winner.
13. Roll the dice
Have you got any math enthusiasts in your family? Then, you can play this game with them. You will need:
A pair of dice
How to play:
Divide the players into teams of two. One player rolls the dice, and the other addsthe number on the dice. The player has to roll the dice as many times as they can within a minute. The team with the highest total wins.
14.Unstack it
You have used Jenga to make a tower. Now you have to unstack it in this entertaining game. You will need:
Jenga blocks
How to play:
Stack the Jenga blocks in a tower. Each player has to remove the blocks one by one, trying to keep the tower from falling. The winner is the player who removes the most blocks without causing the tower to collapse.
15. Swish and throw
This is the game if your gang is athletic. It is an energetic game that you can plan on a sunny day outside. You will need:
Plastic bottles Rubber balls
How to play:
Place the plastic bottles at a distance. Weigh them down with water, if necessary. Throw the balls one by one at the bottles. When you hit a bottle, take a step back for the next shot. The player who hits the maximum number of bottles is the winner.
16. Nosedive
This is a game that both children and adults will enjoy. It is usually played to rousing applause and laughter at parties and get-togethers. You will need:
Cotton balls Paper plates Vaseline
How to play:
Give each player two paper plates. Place a few cotton balls on one paper plate. Every player has to apply Vaseline on their nose, hold their hands behind their back, pick the cotton balls with their nose, and drop it on the other plate. They should not touch the balls at any point. A player who transfers five balls first or the player who transfers the maximum number of balls wins.
Minute-To-WinIt Games For Kids
Children enjoy a good challenge. These games are not only entertaining, but they also help children improve their motor skills, communication skills, and teamwork.
17. Bounce the balloon
This game is a fun way to keep children occupied for hours or until the balloon bursts. This minute-to-win-it version of the game is fun too. You will need:
A balloon Stopwatch or timer
How to play:
Inflate the balloon and drop it on the ground. Set the timer to one minute. When the timer starts, the child has to start bouncing the balloon. The balloon should not touch the ground until the timer runs out.
18. Chopstick race
This is a great game to improve children’s fine motor skills and also reduce fighting at breakfast. Breakfast time will never be the same anymore. You will need:
Cereal Chopsticks Two small bowls Timer
How to play:
Give each player two bowls. One bowl will be filled with cereal, and the other will be empty. Each player has a pair of chopsticks. When the timer starts, each player has to pick a cereal from the bowl and drop it into the other bowl with their chopsticks. The player who manages to transfer the maximum number of cereal is the winner.
19. Penny stack
At birthday parties, this is a fun children’s game to play. You can award the winning child with the pennies as a prize. You will need:
Pennies Timer
How to play:
Give each player 25 pennies. When the timer starts, they have to stack the pennies using only one hand. The first player who manages to stack the pennies or the player who stacks the maximum number of pennies wins.
20. Oreo stack
Children love Oreo. Challenge them to a game of stacking Oreos to see how far they can go before the tower collapses. You will need:
Oreos Timer
How to play:
Give some Oreos to each player. When the timer begins, each player has to start stacking the Oreos to make the largest tower. The player whose tower is biggest before the minute is over is the winner.
21. Water pong
This is a variant of the well-known adult game Beer Pong. Children can enjoy this game just as much as adults if the beer is replaced with water. You will need:
Ping pong balls Plastic glasses Water Table
How to play:
Fill the cups with water and place them on one side of the table. Then, from the other end, the players have to throw ping pong balls into the cups. The player who drops the maximum number of balls in the cups is the winner.
22. Wrap it up
This game is a great idea for Halloween parties and birthday parties. Children usually love making a mess, so this is the perfect outlet for them. You will need:
Ribbons, toilet paper, or streamers Timer
How to play:
Divide players into teams of two. One player must cover the other in ribbons or streamers or toilet paper as much as they can. The team that covers the players maximum is the winner.
23. Bottle to bottle
This is a fun minute-to-win-it game that is not simple as it appears. This game requires patience and a high level of precision from children. You will need:
Two empty soda bottles M&Ms, beads, cereal, gummy bears, jelly beans, or any small item to fill the bottles Duct tape
How to play:
Tape two empty soda bottles together side by side. Fill one bottle with small items. The players have to shake and toss the bottles to transfer the contents of one bottle into the other. They cannot touch the items by hand. The player who can transfer the maximum number of items from one bottle to another is the winner.
24. Traffic yam
This is a fun indoor game that doubles up as a minute-to-win-it game. So prepare for guffaws and hoots of laughter. You will need:
Sweet potatoes Duct tape
How to play:
Stick two duct tapes on the floor to indicate the start and finish lines. Each player has to push a sweet potato towards the finish line with their nose.
25. Iron man
Make your own iron man with this minute-to-win-it game. Test your children’s balancing skills with this game. You will need:
Iron nuts Chopsticks
How to play:
Each player has to stack the iron nuts on top of each other before the minute runs out. The player who stacks the most iron nuts is the winner.
26. Lego builders
Children simply adore Lego sets. So make a simple minute-to-win-it game with the blocks. You will need:
Lego blocks Paper and pen
How to play:
Write down the instructions for a Lego construction on paper. The players must build a structure following the instructions. If the children are very young, you can simply ask them to create a tower. The one with the tallest tower wins.
27. Captain America superhero game
If your children are Captain America fans, you can plan this game for them on their birthday or a special occasion. You will need:
Paper plates in white, red, and blue Basket or box Masking tape
How to play:
Apply the tape to the floor and place the basket 20 feet away. The players stand behind the tape and throw the paper plate “shields” into the basket. The player who throws the maximum plates into the basket is the winner. If you are playing individually, you can ask each player to throw a certain number of plates before the minute is up.
28. Sticky hands
Even if your children dislike creepy crawlies, they may enjoy this game. They could even pretend they are Spiderman. You will need:
Sticky hands Plastic spiders
How to play:
Put a few plastic spiders on a table. Give each player a sticky hand. The players have to pick the spiders with the sticky hand. The player who picks the most spiders wins. Alternatively, you can ask them to pick up a certain number of spiders before the minute is up.
29. Balance the book
This is an excellent game for improving your children’s gross motor skills. For this game, you can create a short race track in your living room. You will need:
Books Duct tape
How to play:
Apply duct tape to the floor and create a race track. The players have to stand at the start line and place a book on their heads. Then they must attempt to reach the finish line balancing the book. They should not touch the book with their hands. If a player drops the book, they must start again. The player who finishes first or the player who completes the most circuits back and forth wins.
Minute-To-Win-It Christmas Games
Christmas is a joyous occasion that brings your family together. Play these games during Christmas to spread some holiday cheer.
30. Marshmallow munch
This is the perfect Christmas game to play with your family and friends. It also keeps the cold at bay, and children who like marshmallows will enjoy this game. You will need:
Mini marshmallows Hot chocolate Small bowls Timer
How to play:
Put the mini marshmallows in small bowls. Set the timer to one minute and start it. The players have to race to finish the marshmallows and drink the hot chocolate before the minute ends. The first player to finish the task is the winner.
31. Stuff it
This is yet another fun marshmallow game that will be a big hit with children. However, you can make this game more enjoyable by adding your touches. You will need:
Mini marshmallows Timer
How to play:
When the timer goes, each player has to pick one marshmallow and place it inside their mouth. Continue to do this until their mouth is filled with marshmallows. Count the number of marshmallows they put in their mouth while they put it in. The player who has managed to stuff the maximum number of mini marshmallows is the winner. You can ask them to say something with their mouth full or act like an animal to make the game funnier.
32. Candy cane catch
Christmas time is a joyous occasion time for all. Make it more enjoyable with this simple minute-to-win-it game. You will need:
Ribbon Chairs Candy canes
How to play:
Tie the ribbon between two chairs and pull them apart to make the ribbon taut. The players must stand on the chairs. The goal is to drop the candy cane on the ribbon and make it stay there. The player who manages to achieve the goal the maximum number of times is the winner.
33. Toy touchdown
This is yet another Christmas game for the family to enjoy. It fosters a sense of well-being and encourages teamwork. You will need:
Plastic ornaments Christmas basket Duct tape Pantyhose
How to play:
One player on the team is the carrier. Tie the basket around their middle using pantyhose. Apply duct tape to the floor. All the other players have to stand beyond that line. Each player throws the plastic ornaments towards the player with the basket who tries to catch them. They must not touch the objects with their hands. The first team that collects five toys is the winner.
34. Elf toss
This tossing game is an all-time favorite among children. Play it at Christmas for some brownie points. You will need:
Plastic elves Small holiday buckets
How to play:
Place three buckets in a row. One will be 5 feet away, the second will be 7 feet away, and the third bucket will be 10 feet away. Each player has to throw at least one elf into each of the buckets within a minute.
35. Snowman shake
Even if you do not have any snow at Christmas, do not worry. This game will bring back all the laughs. You will need:
White ping pong balls Tissue boxes Duct tape
How to play:
Decorate the ping pong balls to resemble snowmen’s Attach the tissue box behind a player using duct tape. Fill the tissue box with the balls. The players have to shake their bodies to remove all the balls out of the box. The player who removes all the balls first is the winner.
36. Cold balloon pop
If you are feeling cold, it is time to warm up with this game. So get ready for loads of fun this Christmas. You will need:
Balloons Snow gloves
How to play:
Inflate the balloons and drop them on the floor. Each player should burst the balloons while wearing snow gloves. The player who bursts the most balloons is the winner.
37. Pile of kisses
How nimble are your fingers? Test your skills with this Christmas minute-to-win-it game. You will need:
Hershey kisses Two bowls
How to play:
Give each player two bowls. Fill one with wrapped Hershey kisses. When the timer starts, the players have to unwrap them one by one and drop them in the other bowl. The player who makes the largest pile of kisses is the winner.
38. New Year eve countdown
The next big event after Christmas is the New Year. So bring in the New Year with this game. You will need:
Ping pong balls Marker Tissue box
How to play:
Write the numbers 1 to 5 on the ping pong balls and drop them into the tissue box. The players have to roll and shake them around to arrange them in ascending order in a line.
39. Jingle bells
These adorable jingle bells will get you in the Christmas spirit. Who knows, Santa Claus might even drop by your home for a cozy chat. You will need:
Jingle bells Gift boxes Wrapping paper
How to play:
Fill the boxes with a different number of jingle bells and gift wrap them. The players should shake the boxes and try to guess the number of bells inside them. You can also ask them to arrange them in ascending order. Open the boxes and count.
40. Partridge in a pear tree
If “12 days of Christmas” is your favorite Christmas song, you must play this game with your family. You will need:
A sheet of paper Tape A small bucket Badminton birdies Blindfold
How to play:
Print out a picture of a pear on the sheet of paper. Divide players into teams of two. One player has to attach the picture of the pear to their front using tape and hold a bucket on top of their head. The other player has to wear a blindfold and stand at a distance with some birdies in their hand. They have to throw the birdies, and the first player has to try to catch them in the bucket without touching them. Theycannot move to catch the birdies as they are pear trees. They may communicate with the other player to help them throw accurately. The team which manages to catch the maximum number of birdies wins.
Minute-To-Win-It Games For Adults
When you hold an adults-only party, there might be some alcohol flowing. These games are perfect drinking games.
41. Cookie face
This is a super fun game you can play at kitty parties and family reunions. So get ready to exercise your facial muscles with this game. You will need:
Oreo Timer
How to play:
Place the Oreo on your forehead. Start the timer. Moving your face only, bring it to your mouth. If it falls, place it on your forehead again. The player who achieves the goal first is the winner.
42. Scoop it up
This is another fun game to play with adults. It will keep them entertained for quite some time, and there will be plenty of laughs. You will need:
Ping pong balls Two small bowls Plastic spoon
How to play:
Put 4-5 ping pong balls into one bowl. Place both bowls in front of the player. The player sits with a spoon in their mouth. Then the player has to put their hands behind their backs, pick up each ping pong ball from one bowl and drop it into the other. The player who drops the maximum balls within a minute is the winner.
43. Apple stacks
This game will test your ability to maintain your balance.Therefore, you must play this game if you believe you are an expert at balancing things. You will need:
Apples Timer
How to play:
Provide each player with some apples. When the timer starts, they have to start stacking the apples one on top of the other. The player who manages to make the biggest apple tower wins.
44. Thread it
This game sounds pretty simple but can get quite frustrating. Nevertheless, this is a great game to play during kitty parties and other adult get-togethers. You will need:
Needles Spools of thread Scissors Timer
How to play:
Give each player several needles, a spool of thread, and a pair of scissors. When the timer starts, each player has to thread the string through the needle and cut it. Take another needle and thread it again. The player who threads the maximum number of needles within a minute is the winner.
45. Eggs-cellentspooner
This is a notch harder than the ping pong ball game, scoop it up. If you don’t mind some mess, play this game for endless laughter. You will need:
Two bowls Eggs Spoon Timer
How to play:
Give each player two bowls and a spoon. Place several eggs in one bowl. When the timer starts, each player must transfer the eggs from one bowl to another by holding the spoon in their mouth. The player who transfers the maximum number of eggs wins.
46. Beer pong
Beer pong is a popular drinking game that adults play at parties. Watch the shots go awry as the players drink more beer. You will need:
Plastic cups Beer Ping pong balls Table
How to play:
Fill the plastic cups in half with beer and place them on one edge of the table. The players must take turns to stand on the other side and throw ping pong balls into the cups. If a ball lands in a cup, they should drink the beer in it. The more they drink, the more their target goes wider.
47. Name the tune
This game will appeal to your music-loving friends. In addition, the game can help you improve your memory and recall skills. You will need:
A sheet of paper Pen Music player Timer
How to play:
Play 12 five-second clips of music. Each player must write down the names of the track they think was played. The player with the correct entries wins.
48. Mental math
How many of you recall what you learnedin school? This game will put your math skills to the test. You will need:
A list of math problems Timer
How to play:
Each player must solve as many problems as they can within a minute. The player who solves the most problems wins. Put in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions to confuse the players.
49. Choosing cups
This can double up as a drinking game if there are only adults at the party. This is a game where the tipsier you get, the funnier it becomes. You will need:
Plastic cups Beer Stickers
How to play:
Stick some stickers on the underside of a few cups. Place these cups among other cups randomly in a line and fill all the cups with beer. The players have to lift each cup to see if there is a sticker beneath it. If there is a sticker, they have to drink the beer in the cup. The player who finds the maximum stickers within a minute wins.
50. Bouncing basketball
This is a minute-to-win-it game that is fun when played while drinking. You can quickly adapt this game for children. You will need:
Ping pong balls Small bucket
How to play:
Give each player ten ping pong balls. Place the bucket at some distance. The players have to bounce their balls and drop it into the bucket. The balls have to bounce at least once. You cannot throw them directly into the bucket. The floor should allow the balls to bounce. Every time a ball into the bucket, the player should take a shot.
