How to Hide the Afikomen

Tips for how to hide the afikomen- and how to find it too!

Celebrating Passover means incorporating lots of traditions, from reading the Haggadah to dipping your pinky in wine for the 10 plagues to filling every spot on the Seder plate. But if you've got kids at your table (or adults who act like kids - no judgment), there's one tradition that steals the show every single year: the afikomen hunt.

What Is the Afikomen?

Let's start with the basics. On the seder table, there are three pieces of matzah stacked together, usually in a matzah cover or special cloth. Early in the seder, the leader breaks the middle matzah in half. The larger piece becomes the afikomen - a Greek word meaning "dessert" or "that which comes after."

We wrap it in an afikomen bag or napkin and set it aside. Later, it gets hidden, and that's when the fun begins.

What Does the Afikomen Represent?

The afikomen carries layers of meaning in the Passover story:

• The bread of haste: It symbolizes how our ancestors left Egypt so quickly that their bread didn't have time to rise. They wrapped up their dough and carried it on their backs - just like we wrap the afikomen and tuck it away.
• The Passover sacrifice: In ancient times, the afikomen represented the korban Pesach, the lamb offered at the Temple. Today, it's the last thing we eat at the seder, echoing that tradition.
• Redemption and hope: Some say the hidden and then found afikomen represents what was lost and will be restored - a symbol of redemption.

Why Do We Hide the Matzah on Passover?

Hiding the afikomen keeps kids engaged during a long seder (let's be honest - it keeps everyone engaged). But beyond the entertainment value, there's meaning here too. The idea of searching for something hidden and bringing it back to the table mirrors the Passover themes of seeking freedom, finding hope, and completing the journey.

Plus, the seder literally cannot end without it. The afikomen must be eaten before the meal concludes. So, if you want that fourth cup of wine? You need to find that matzah.

Who Hides the Afikomen?

This varies by family tradition! There are two main approaches:

The adult hides it: The seder leader (or a designated grown-up) sneaks away to hide the afikomen somewhere in the house. The kids search for it after the meal, and whoever finds it gets a prize.

The kids "steal" it: In some families, it's the children's job to sneakily swipe the afikomen from the table and hide it themselves. Then they hold it for ransom, negotiating with the adults for a prize before returning it to complete the seder. (Entrepreneurship starts early.)

Either way, it's a highlight of the night - and a great way to make Passover memories.

When Do You Hide the Afikomen?

The afikomen is set aside early in the seder, during a step called Yachatz (the breaking of the middle matzah). The actual hiding usually happens sometime during the meal, while everyone is distracted by brisket and matzah ball soup.

The search happens after the meal, before the seder can officially wrap up. No afikomen, no ending - which gives kids (or sneaky adults) some serious bargaining power.

Who Is Supposed to Find the Afikomen?

Traditionally, the kids do the hunting. The first one to find it wins the prize - and the glory.

But here's the thing: every family does it differently. Some families award the finder, some reward everyone who participated, and some let the kids negotiate as a team. There's no wrong way to do it (as long as the matzah eventually makes it back to the table).

What Does the Afikomen Winner Get?

This is where things get fun. Afikomen prizes can range from a few dollars to something more meaningful - whatever works for your family.

Need ideas? Here are some crowd favorites:

• Cash (a classic)
• Chocolate gelt or Passover candy
• Small toys or games like Let My People Go are great for all ages!
• Books
• A special outing or privilege (extra screen time, picking the next movie, etc.)

Looking for inspiration? Browse our Afikomen Gifts and Prizes collection for fun, creative ideas that kids actually love.

How to Make an Afikomen Bag

Want to make the tradition even more special? Use a dedicated afikomen bag to wrap and hide the matzah. These come in all kinds of styles, from embroidered silk to playful, kid-friendly designs - and they make the whole ritual feel more intentional.

You can also DIY it: decorate a cloth napkin or small drawstring bag with fabric markers, and let the kids personalize their own. It becomes a keepsake and part of the tradition.

Fun Afikomen Hiding Spots

Now for the important stuff: where to actually hide it. Here are some tried-and-true spots:

• Under a couch cushion (a classic for a reason)
• Between books on a shelf
• In a kitchen drawer
• Tucked inside a coat pocket in the closet
• Behind a picture frame
• Inside a houseplant
• In the fridge (wrapped well!)
• Taped under the seder table (our personal favorite)

Pro tip: Keep it in one room or area to contain the chaos. Or give "warmer" and "colder" hints to help little ones. Or go full escape-room mode with clues and riddles. Up to you.

Adults Can Play Too

 

No kids at your seder? You can still do the afikomen hunt. It's fun, it's silly, and honestly - why should kids have all the good traditions?

Maybe the winner gets bragging rights. Maybe they get an extra glass of wine. Maybe they get to skip cleanup. Whatever motivates your crowd.

Shop Afikomen Essentials

Ready to upgrade your afikomen game? We've got you.

👉 Afikomen Bags - beautiful, fun, and reusable year after year
👉 Afikomen Prizes - gifts and goodies that make winning feel extra sweet

Chag Sameach - and happy hunting!