The Envelope Game
Best on a laptop or TV
Playing on a TV
Get any game onto your TV!
- 1 Pick a game. It opens in a new tab
- 2 Plug your laptop into the TV with an HDMI cable
- 3 Play from your laptop. The TV shows your screen
This interactive and nostalgic game gets everyone engaged- after all, everyone has some connection with money! It encourages memory sharing, discussion, and laughter while also stimulating the mind.
Benefits
- Stimulates brain activity
- Sparks memories and conversation
- Fosters social connection
What You Need
- 12 small, colorful envelopes (can be recycled or bought from a stationery store)
- 2 dice
- Monopoly money or play notes
Preparation
- Place different amounts of Monopoly money inside each envelope.
- Label the envelopes from 1 to 12 (adjust the number based on participants).
How to Play
Round 1
- Each participant takes turns rolling one or two dice.
- The number rolled determines which envelope they pick.
- If that number has already been chosen, they can either “steal” that envelope from another player or roll again. (In practice, most prefer to roll again!)
- Once everyone has an envelope, they look inside and count their money. Provide calculators, paper & pencils if needed.
- Discuss: Who thinks they have the most? The least?
Round 2
- Players can choose to keep their envelope or roll again to swap.
- If they roll again, they must swap with the player holding the envelope that matches their roll.
- After all turns are finished, everyone opens their envelopes to reveal their total.
- The person with the most money wins a small prize!
Discussion Possibilities
- How money and currencies have changed over time
- The cost of everyday items “back then” vs. now
- Memories of first earnings or savings
- Special purchases or treats from childhood
Enjoyed this one?
It's one of our free activities. Get 20 more, ready to print for your next session.
Resident
We added a little twist. Each player was given a fake 50$ bill. Before opening the envelopes they were allowed to buy another players envelope. If in agreement they swapped envelopes and the seller got th 50 to add to their count. They had a lot of fun adding this to the game
You can also hand out playing cards, instead of rolling dice. Make sure everyone gets equal # of cards. Then with a second deck that matches the first deck, shuffle and then call the card. If player has the card they can steal someone else's envelope. Same game concept but using cards.
Rec
Question... a lot of our residents probably couldn't see well enough to count the money... would I do it for them and just write it down?
Activity Director
Hi Christina
That's a great idea for the envelope game. Using all ones in large print is helpful for those with low vision.
activity director
I am thinking the same thing for my residence that have low vision. I’m wondering if we just do all ones and that way all the money is the same and they just have to count out the ones. Maybe even finding a large print version. That’s what I’m thinking about trying.
Wellness Director
What if only one or a couple people want to roll a second time? Do you have other envelopes for them to steal if the others do not want to give theirs up? Thank you!
Hi Tracey, even if they don't want to roll again they would have to swap envelopes with someone who rolls and chooses to 'steal' their envelope.
Activity Director
Hi Brad
As with most activities it depends on your residents
Whatever they can tolerate and the timeframe you have are the way to determine this
Activity Coordinator
I've done this game a couple of times now at the Dementia Unit I work at, and it's worked wonderfully. They really love it! As far as the numbers, I have the 12 envelopes but have numbers 1-6, two times each on the envelopes and that has worked. Thanks for this activity!
Manager
Thankyou, sounds like a fun new game to play and as you say brings on great discussions.
I have only ever have played with up to 12 individuals. For more than this, perhaps you could use more dice and make more envelopes accordingly.
The Envelope Game
Best on a laptop or TV
Playing on a TV
Get any game onto your TV!
- 1 Pick a game. It opens in a new tab
- 2 Plug your laptop into the TV with an HDMI cable
- 3 Play from your laptop. The TV shows your screen