One of the biggest reasons I didn’t get into the home party business sooner than I did was that I always hated those silly games played at home parties, wedding showers and baby showers.

I really thought it was ridiculous that grown women wanted to play silly games. But once I saw that I could earn a decent income working part time at something fun – home parties - I decided that maybe I could tolerate a few silly games.

The problem with playing games is that you have to award prizes. Finding inexpensive gifts becomes something important to each demonstrator. You don’t want to spend so much on prizes that you’re not making any money, especially if sales are low. There will be some parties hardly worth leaving home. And there will be others where you’ll sell twice or three times the average. The numbers average out.

Some home party plans have small gifts available thorough them. If not, here are some inexpensive gift ideas:

Check your local craft or sewing store’s bargain bin. One year, a sales rep discovered battery-operated white candles with brass holders in the bargain bin at our local craft store. A set of 6 candles was on sale for $2.50. That was a bargain. She gave one candle for a prize, meaning the prize cost her only about 42 cents each.

Visit the closest dollar store to find sets of things – magnets, candles, etc. Give only one of a set for a prize.

Are you crafty? Make inexpensive bookmarks or ornaments to give away.

You get the idea. Find something inexpensive to give as prizes. If you start your business giving out more expensive prizes, your guests will expect that at the next party booked.

If you’re like I was and don’t like playing games, there is one game that satisfies the need of those who want games and doesn’t bother those who don’t like them. Playing one game shouldn’t be too difficult for anyone.

When you’re preparing for your party, place an inexpensive gift in a plain brown paper bag. On the outside, write “WORM.” You might want to paste a gummy worm on the outside of the bag also.

As the party begins, hold the bag in your hands and say, “My name is _______ and this is a worm.” Then pass the bag to the person on your right and ask her to say her name and “this is a worm.” While the bag is being passed, pay attention to the introductions of the guests, in case you didn’t get their names when they came in. Everyone likes to be called by name. Remembering names is good business.

When the bag has been passed to each guest, take it back and ask which guest was the first to arrive. Hand the bag to the first guest to arrive, saying, “Well, everyone knows the early bird gets the worm.” Some people attend multiple parties, and they’ll remember this game and make a point of at least being on time. Word gets around that being early or on time is rewarded at your parties. And if parties can get started on time, you’ll be leaving on schedule as well.

Another game that is simple to remember is one that is also played at wedding and baby showers. For a home party, it’s called “match the hostess.” The hostess and each guest need a piece of paper and a pencil. You can either ask questions about your products or about the season or about anything else you desire. Ask about 8 questions. The hostess reads her answers and the person who matches the most of them wins. The problem with this game is that if everyone knows the hostess rather well, there may be 2 or three winners. You’ll need enough prizes just in case that happens.

Questions could be:

About products:

Which is your favorite product?
Which product does the hostess have in her kitchen (or bathroom or living room) right now?
Which is your least favorite product?

About seasons:
 

Christmas
Name 1 reindeer.
What’s your favorite Christmas carol?
Name another Christmas carol.
What is your favorite Christmas cookie?
Do you prefer red or green?

If the guests are real game players, here’s one that gets rather wild. Tell the guests that if the answer to you question is yes, they should move one seat to the right. If the answer is no, they should stay where they are. Guests end up sitting on top of one another and laughing about it. The first to arrive back in her original seat wins. (Again, you need to be prepared for multiple winners.)

Sample questions (You need more questions than guests. It’s a good idea to have a list of as many as 30 or 40 questions, in case none apply and they all just sit there.)

Do you have blue eyes?
Are your ears pierced?
Did you make your bed this morning?
Are you wearing any red?
Are your toenails painted?
Are you driving a green car?
Do you have more than 3 children?
Do you have more than 6 grandchildren?
Are you having fun?
Are you wearing a black slip?
Are you wearing brown shoes?
Did you bring a purse?

When people have fun at home parties, they tend to buy more. So, playing a few games is often worth it in terms of sales. Just be sure you don’t spend too much on gifts or prizes.

While you’re shopping for gifts, you might want to find a simple thank you gift for your hostess too. Many home party plans have a thank you gift built into the program. But a simple gift from the demonstrator is a nice touch too.

Some sales reps like to give a simple gift to each guest or to any guest who brings someone with them. (Remember, the more people, the higher the sales.)

Now, let the games begin!