Do you ever wish you could have a blast at a good old-fashioned party, playing games like hot potato, pin the tail on the donkey, and musical chairs? Take a step back in time and discover the best 1950s party games that will get the whole family having fun together.
By the end of this piece, you’ll know exactly how to host the most successful 1950s themed party, complete with classic games. These games will provide hours of quality entertainment, liven up any family gathering, and bring fond memories to both young and old.
So, gather the family and get ready to have some old-fashioned fun with the top 1950s party games.
Note: This post is an extension of “The Mini Guide to Hosting the Ultimate 1950’s Themed Party“. Inside this post, I talked about invites,decor, music, clothing and food, the essentials for a successful party. This article jumps into deeper into party games.
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Note: If the item you clicked on is no longer available, just do a search for like items. There are loads of vintage items being added to Etsy and eBay daily!
Shopping for vintage games: ETSY has LOADS of vintage 1950s games that you can purchase for a really good deal. A couple I feature below but you should go and check out the site yourself and sang them up before they are gone.
Party Game Ideas for a 1950s Themed Party
Source: Etsy
Bubble Gum Blowing Contest
Rules: Biggest bubble & who can hold the bubble the longest.
Source: Etsy
Hula Hoop Contest
We did this for mother’s 60th Party and it was a hit!. Simple rules as well. Whoever can keep it going the longest wins.
Source: Considerable
Trivia Questions from the 1950s (we also did this at my mom’s party)
Now you can create your own, or you can head to Etsy to download someone else’s hard work, like the example below (just type in 1950s party games) . Totally up to you and the effort you want to put into your party planning.
Source: Etsy
Limbo Contest
Whoever can go under the lowest bar is the winner.
Bingo Card Game-1950s Song Titles
FEBRUARY 2024 UPDATE: The bingo game below is no longer available on Etsy. I have found a similar Bingo Game here.
This version below is from Etsy and is jam packed with fun (and a great price). Here is what the printable digital file contains:
• 50 unique bingo cards for printing (1 card per page, no cutting)
• 75 Caller Slips (must be cut apart)
• Simple instructions for play and preparing for your event
• Sample Bingo Patterns
• BONUS: Caller trivia cheat sheets! Includes the year each song hit the top of the charts and the song’s recording artist.
Source: Etsy
Name that Tune
Play songs from the 1950s and see who can name the song first.
If you are interested in purchasing the 1957 Milton Bradley NAME THAT TUNE GAME, Music Bingo Game it’s available on eBay HERE (at time of posting).
Source: eBay
Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Once again simple rules for this game as well. Blind fold your guests, spin them around and have them pin the tail on the donkey. Closest wins!
Note: On Etsy there is a lot of original versions to be found just type in ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’ and pick what suits your parties needs.
Source: Etsy
You can also search Etsy or eBay for party planning books like the one below (avail as of April 30th, 2024). 1957 “Games and Parties Book”
The “What to do” Index of game ideas for different situations like…”What to do at a picnic” or at a “Wiener Roast”. So many fun ideas!
Source: Etsy-AntiquesBoutiqueNS
Other Party Games:
- Musical Chairs
- Charades
- Hot potato
- Apple Bobbing
- Dance Contest
- Twister
- Card Games
Vintage Board Games
Encourage party goers to give them a try (also they are great for decor ideas).
EXAMPLES:
- Parcheesi
- Checkers
- Monopoly
- Candy Land
- Yahtzee!
Source: Etsy
Question time: What kind of games would you add to the list?
Further Reading:
Food:
- Party Foods of the 1950’s
- 1950s Dessert Ideas For Your Next Party
- Let’s Get Cooking: Vintage Cookbooks 1940s & 1950s
- My 1950’s Betty Crocker cookbook and a few things I have learned from good old Betty herself
- Dig That Dish-The Coolest Vintage Recipe Book Around
Party Games, Party Decor, 1950s Music, 1950s Fashion & More
- Party Game Ideas for a 1950s Themed Party
- 1950s Party Decor that you can buy right now!
- Vintage Dance Crazes
- Vintage Dance Crazes-Part 2
Liz