UNLOCKING SECRETS & SURPRISES: THE BRIDAL SHOWER PURSE GAME!

Written By: Bec
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Where the craziest items are your ticket to victory! Funny, easy to play and slightly competitive, the 'What's in your purse' game is a great way to get party goers laughing, sharing and talking right from the start.

Ready to reveal a little bit about yourself through the contents of your bag?

See below for detailed instructions plus lots of fun alternative ways to play!

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Related: Ultimate List of Bridal Shower Games
​Related: 40+ Hen Party Games

WHAT'S IN YOUR PURSE? (QUICK OVERVIEW)
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This purse game taps into your competitive side! To play, each guest is given a sheet featuring items that may be found in a purse or handbag. These items are sorted into point categories depending on how common they are (e.g. coins = 1 point, a passport = 20 points). The aim of the game is for participants to empty their purse and mark off any items they have that are also on the list. After 5 minutes, points are added up; with the person or team scoring the most being the winner! Want to mix things up a little? This game can also be played in bingo style, as the 'last person standing', or even as a race to reach a certain number of points.

​How to Play the Purse Bridal Shower Game

​YOU WILL NEED:
Playing cards, party goers (and their purses!), a timer, plus some pens or pencils.

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PREPARATION:
​Start by writing down a list of items that may be found in a purse. Whilst it's good to have some common items on the list, be sure to include some out of the box ideas as well!

Now, assign each item a point value based on how likely it is to be found in a purse. For example, a credit card (common item) may be worth 1 point, whereas a passport (unusual item) may be worth 20. See the item lists and example game cards below for inspiration:

• Common items (1 point each):
  Coins, credit card, driver's licence, key ring, keys, hair tie, lipstick or lip gloss, mobile devices, pen
  
  
• Less common items (5 points each): 
  Bandaid, gift card, gum or breath mints, hand sanitiser, headphones, mascara, mirror, photo, receipt, shopping list, sunglasses
  
  
• Unusual items (10 points each): 
  A reciept from today, book or magazine, coupon, hair brush or comb, hand cream, pepper spray, perfume, tissues, toothbrush, tweezers
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• Unexpected items (20 points each): ​
  Chocolate, jewellery, nail file, nail polish, passport, phone charger, planner or diary, postage stamp, recipe, sewing kit, underwear

Finalise your lists and categories, type them up and print them off. These are your game cards - ready for the big day.


Please Note:
The number of points we assigned each category in the examples above is a guide only. You can mix it up how you feel best!

We recommend having at least 4 different categories, but definitely add more if you wish :)



​HOW TO PLAY THE 'BRIDAL SHOWER PURSE GAME':
Make sure everyone has a game card and purse at the ready. Set a timer (5 minutes, for example).

​When the timer starts, players search their purses for the listed items; marking them off as they go. When the timer rings, ALL players must step away from their bags!

Points are added up and a final score for each individual (or team) is revealed. Whoever ends the game with the most points, wins.

Alternative Ways to Play 'What's In Your Purse?'

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FIRST TO THE POINT
In this version of the game, it's all about point scoring as QUICKLY as possible!

To play, individuals/teams must rummage through their purse as fast as they can (some may even tip the contents EVERYWHERE in a desperate bid to win!). Any physical item they have can be marked off, as long as it matches one of the listed items on their game card. 

Players must add points up as they go, aiming to get to a dedicated score (50, for example), before anyone else.

The first to make it to your pre-determined score is your winner.

LAST PERSON STANDING
Ask everyone to stand, purses at the ready. The host starts the game by reading the first item on the list out loud to the group (for example, 'driver's licence'). If a player can prove that they have that particular item in their purse, they remain standing. If they can't, they are now out and must sit down.

​Continue reading items to the group until there's just one person left in the game (the winner!).

Please Note:
It's important to start with items in the lowest point category first, and then slowly work your way up to the more unique items in the highest point category.

​BRIDAL BINGO, WITH A TWIST
​Hand out bingo cards and pens or pencils (see below for digital download examples). On 'GO!', each person or team searches their purse as quickly as possible - marking off any items they have that are also on the bingo sheet.

The catch?

Items must be removed, and recorded on the bingo sheet, one by one. This means you cannot tip EVERYTHING out and mark them all off in one go!

The first to get five squares in a row and call out 'BINGO', wins.

Handy Tip:
​If nobody has BINGO after a certain amount of time (5 minutes, for example), award the person/team with the MOST items crossed off as the winner!

Related: Bridal Bingo Game

↑ Click here to view these fun bridal shower game cards (instant download)! ↑

Articles & Printables Related to this Fun Game
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​BRIDAL SHOWER GAMES LIST:

So your job is to plan a memorable pre-wedding celebration for your best friend. Food, drink, location, etc. is organised. But what about the games? For an epic list of wedding shower game inspiration, check out our favourite options here...!


Click here to read the article now.

40+ HEN DO GAME IDEAS:

No matter the occasion, it’s a good idea to have a few games up your sleeve. They make the celebration unique, whilst helping guests get to know one-another, have a laugh, and create fantastic memories. For the ultimate list of games, check out this article!

​Click here to read the article now.

Have the Best Time Playing This 'What's In Your Purse' Game!

The purse game: a fun activity that can be enjoyed by a variety of personalities and ages!

As always, we absolutely love hearing about your unique bridal shower games in action. If you would like to share with others how you played (such as different rules) or how your guests' reacted to this game, please let us know via the comments section or social media.

Cheers to an AMAZING party filled with hilarious purse items you totally forgot you had!

Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
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P.S. The image below is perfect for Pinterest... Go on and share this great game - you know you want to! :)