Saran Wrap Ball Game
The Saran Wrap Ball game is the plastic wrap ball game everyone fights over at Christmas: layer by layer, players unwrap a giant ball of plastic wrap stuffed with candy, cash, and little prizes while the next person rolls to steal their turn. Here is how to make a saran wrap ball, the rules, what to put inside, and fun variations.
What is the Saran Wrap Ball game?
The Saran Wrap Ball game (also called the plastic wrap ball game) is a fast, giggly party game where small prizes are wound into layers of plastic wrap to make one big ball. Players take turns unwrapping the ball and keep whatever prizes fall out in their hands, while the next player rolls dice trying to steal the ball away. It is a holiday-party favorite because it is cheap to make, works for any age, and the prizes keep everyone hooked to the very last layer.
It pairs perfectly with a gift exchange game like White Elephant or Secret Santa, use the ball as a warm-up or a party finale.
How to make a saran wrap ball
You only need plastic wrap and a pile of small prizes. Here is how to build it:
- Pick a grand-prize center. Start with the best prize (a gift card, folded cash, or a fun gadget) as the core of the ball.
- Wrap it tight. Wind plastic wrap around the center several times to lock it in place and give the ball a round shape.
- Add prizes as you go. Keep wrapping, tucking in candy, coins, and small items every few layers. Turn the ball constantly so prizes spread all the way around, not in one spot.
- Vary the direction. Change the wrapping direction often. It makes the ball harder to unwrap and the game last longer.
- Finish plain. Add a few prize-free outer layers so the first unwrapper has to work before the first reward drops out.
Tip: use a full roll of plastic wrap for a group of 8 to 12 players. Make two balls for a bigger crowd so the game moves faster.
Saran wrap ball game rules
Sit in a circle
Give the ball to the first player and a pair of dice to the person on their left.
Unwrap while the next player rolls
The first player unwraps as fast as they can while the player to their left rolls the dice, trying for doubles.
Keep what falls out
Whatever prizes drop out while you are holding the ball are yours to keep.
Pass on doubles
The moment the roller gets doubles, the ball passes to them. They unwrap while the next player starts rolling.
Play to the core
Keep going around the circle until the ball is completely gone and the grand-prize center is claimed.
No dice? Set a 20 to 30 second timer instead, and pass the ball each time it buzzes.
What to put in a saran wrap ball
The prizes make the game. Mix a few bigger rewards with lots of small ones so there is a surprise in almost every layer. Crowd-pleasers to put inside:
- Fun-size candy and chocolate, the classic filler for any age.
- Small gift cards and folded cash as the grand-prize center.
- Mini toys and party favors for kids' versions.
- Lip balm, mini sanitizer, and keychains, useful little stocking-stuffer types.
- Novelty scratch tickets and coins for a grown-up game.
- Plenty of plastic wrap to build the ball itself.
Keep items flat and small so they tuck neatly between layers. Anything round or bulky makes the ball lumpy and easy to tear open too fast.
Fun saran wrap ball game variations
Christmas edition
Fill it with holiday candy, ornaments, and a gift-card center. A perfect party opener before the White Elephant.
Kids' version
Swap dice for a timer, use candy, stickers, and small toys, and let every child get a turn so no one misses out.
Oven-mitt mode
The unwrapper must wear bulky oven mitts. It is much harder, much funnier, and the ball lasts way longer.
Saran wrap ball game questions, answered
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