Saran Wrap Ball Game: Rules, Prize Ideas and Christmas Variations

The Saran Wrap Ball Game is fast becoming a classic party game… it turns a pile of small prizes into a fast, noisy game. One player races to unwrap a ball of plastic wrap and collect what falls out while the next player rolls dice to try to take over. These clear rules, prize ideas and Christmas variations help you set it up for kids, teens or adults.

It works for a family gathering, classroom party or office celebration. Decide on your prize budget and a few simple rules before you start, then keep the turns moving so everyone gets a chance.

What You Need for the Saran Wrap Ball Game

• One roll of plastic wrap
• Small prizes, treats or slips of paper with prize instructions
• Two dice
• A pair of oven mitts, if you want the unwrapping challenge
• A bowl or tray to keep the dice from rolling away

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Choose prizes that suit the ages and interests of the group. The main prize can be a little bigger, but it does not need to be expensive. Before buying food, check for allergies and dietary needs.

How to Make a Saran Wrap Prize Ball

1. Choose one prize to go in the center. A gift card, small game or wrapped treat works well.
2. Wrap the prize in several layers of plastic wrap, turning the ball as you go.
3. Add another small prize, then wrap it into the ball. Keep adding prizes at different points so they appear throughout the game.
4. Change direction as you wrap. This makes the layers harder to find and pull apart.
5. Use short pieces of wrap in some places and longer pieces in others. Avoid making every layer equally easy to unwrap.
6. Keep building until the ball is a comfortable size for the players and the prizes are covered.
7. Press the loose end down so it does not unravel before the game begins.
8. Set the ball on a table or tray and keep the remaining supplies out of the playing area.

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There is no exact size to aim for. A small group can play with a smaller ball; for a larger group, add more layers and prizes so the game lasts long enough for everyone to have a turn.

Saran Wrap Ball Game Rules

Seat everyone in a circle. Give the prize ball to one player and the two dice to the person beside them. The player with the ball puts on the oven mitts and starts unwrapping while the other player rolls both dice.

1. The player with the ball unwraps it using their hands only. No scissors, teeth or pulling prizes out through a gap.
2. The other player keeps rolling the dice until they roll doubles.
3. When doubles appear, the ball and mitts pass to the dice roller. The dice move to the next player in the circle.
4. The new player starts unwrapping where the last player stopped. The next person rolls until doubles appear again.
5. Any prize that comes free during your turn is yours to keep. Set it beside you before the ball passes on.
6. Continue until the ball is completely unwrapped. The last prize inside goes to the person who unwraps it.
7. Let everyone keep the prizes they collected. There are no eliminations.

Before play begins, tell everyone whether the center prize is the final prize or whether it will be shared or drawn for. For younger children, skip the oven mitts and let them unwrap at their own pace.

Easy Ways to Change the Rules

Play Without Oven Mitts

Let players unwrap with bare hands if you have young children, guests with limited hand mobility or a group that would find mitts frustrating. The dice still decide when the ball moves to the next person.

Use a Timer Instead of Dice

Set a short timer for each turn and pass the ball when it sounds. This version is easier to manage with a large group and avoids a long wait for doubles. Keep the time limit the same for every player.

Try a No-Dice Pass

Play music while one person unwraps. When the host pauses the music, pass the ball to the next player. This version works well for a relaxed family game and needs no dice or scorekeeping.

Saran Wrap Ball Game Prize Ideas

Small, light prizes are easiest to tuck between the layers. Use a mix of practical treats, silly surprises and a few things people will be pleased to take home. If your group has a budget, agree on it before shopping.

Prize Ideas for Kids

• Sticker sheets or temporary tattoos
• Colorful pencils, erasers or mini notebooks
• Bouncy balls or small fidget toys suited to the players’ ages
• Trading cards or little craft supplies
• Hot chocolate packets or individually wrapped sweets, if suitable for the group
• A coupon for choosing a family movie or dessert

Prize Ideas for Teens and Adults

• Snack-size treats, tea bags or hot chocolate sachets
• Lip balm, hand cream or a sheet mask
• Fun socks, a keychain or a small notebook
• A coffee shop or bookstore gift card
• Phone accessories, such as a cable tie or screen cloth
• Scratch-off cards or a small party favor
• A funny note, harmless dare or “choose the next song” card

Low-Cost and No-Cost Fillers

• Wrapped candy or a single-serving snack
• Paper coupons for small privileges, like picking a board game
• Jokes, riddles or conversation prompts
• Reusable household items from a planned group swap, if everyone agrees
• A note that directs the player to a shared prize bowl

For a mixed-age group, use mostly prizes that are suitable for everyone, then add a few age-specific options. Avoid tiny items for very young children, and do not use prizes that could embarrass or single out a player.

Christmas Saran Wrap Ball Game Variations

Fill the Ball With Stocking Stuffers

Use small Christmas gifts, candy canes, festive socks, ornaments and hot chocolate sachets. Keep the value of prizes reasonably even so the game stays lighthearted. Put a slightly larger surprise in the center if you want a finale.

Add Santa’s Challenge Cards

Mix in folded cards with simple seasonal prompts: name a reindeer, hum a Christmas song, or tell the group a favorite holiday treat. Let players pass on any prompt they do not want to do, and keep the challenges suitable for the whole group.

Make a Classroom or Kids’ Party Version

Use pencils, stickers, bookmarks, small craft items and non-food prizes. Skip competitive dares and use the no-mitts version for younger children. Check school rules and family preferences before including food or small toys.

Play as a Team

Pair younger players with an adult, or divide a large group into two teams. Team members take turns unwrapping and rolling, and the team shares the prizes it collects. This keeps the game cooperative and gives everyone a way to join in.

Looking for more ways to keep guests entertained? Also read: Christmas gift exchange games for families and adults, or browse the Christmas games and activities hub.

Tips for a Smooth Game

• Wrap the ball ahead of time and test that the first layer comes away easily.
• Keep the turns moving by having the next dice roller ready.
• Tell players the rules for keeping prizes and winning the center prize before starting.
• Use prizes that fit your budget and the ages in the group.
• Make a no-mitts option available so guests can choose what is comfortable.
• Keep plastic wrap away from faces and bodies, supervise children, and collect all wrap and small prize packaging after the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many prizes do I need?

Plan for a few small prizes per player, plus one center prize if you want one. The exact number depends on how long you want the game to last and how quickly your group unwraps. You can also include notes that send players to a shared prize bowl.

How long does the Saran Wrap Ball Game take?

It depends on the size of the ball, the number of players and how quickly doubles are rolled. Make a smaller ball for a short activity or add more prizes and layers for a longer party game.

Can you play without dice?

Yes. Pass the ball when a timer sounds or when the host pauses the music. This keeps the game simple and works well for groups who would rather not use dice.

Is this the same as a Christmas gift exchange game?

It is a different kind of game. The Saran Wrap Ball Game is a prize-unwrapping challenge, while gift exchange games usually involve each guest bringing or choosing a wrapped present. For more gift swaps, see our Christmas gift exchange game ideas.