Saran Wrap Ball Game: Rules, Prize Ideas and How to Make One

Picture a ball of plastic wrap the size of a basketball. Inside are candy bars, gift cards, lip balm and silly toys. Everyone wants it, and you only get it while the dice are on the move. That is the saran wrap ball game, and it might be the loudest ten minutes of your holiday party.

This guide walks you through the rules, how to build the ball, how much wrap to buy, and prize ideas for every age. You can make one in under an hour for a small budget.

What Is the Saran Wrap Ball Game?

The saran wrap ball game is a party game where small prizes are wrapped inside layers of plastic wrap to make a big ball. Players sit in a circle. One person unwraps as fast as they can while the player on their left rolls a pair of dice. When that player rolls doubles, they grab the ball and start unwrapping. Any prize that falls out while you hold the ball is yours to keep.

It works for family Christmas, office parties, baby showers and birthday parties. Many people play it as part of their Christmas gift exchange games lineup.

What You Need for the Saran Wrap Ball Game

• 2 to 4 rolls of plastic wrap (about 200 feet each)
• 15 to 30 small prizes
• One “grand prize” for the center
• 2 dice
• Optional: oven mitts, colored plastic wrap, a timer

How to Make a Saran Wrap Ball Step by Step

1. Start with the grand prize. Put the best item, like a $25 gift card in a small box or a rolled-up bill, at the very center.
2. Wrap 10 to 15 layers around it. The center should take the longest to reach.
3. Add a prize, then wrap again. Place one small prize, then wrap 3 to 6 layers before adding the next.
4. Mix sizes. Put flat items like cards between bulky ones so the ball stays round.
5. Twist the wrap now and then. Twisting makes some layers extra tight and slows players down.
6. Finish with smaller prizes near the outside. Early wins keep everyone excited.
7. Add a few “fake out” layers with nothing inside. It builds tension.

Tip: use colored plastic wrap for the outer layers of your saran wrap ball game. Kids love seeing the colors change as they get deeper.

How Much Plastic Wrap Do You Need?

Saran Wrap Ball Game Rules

1. Players sit in a circle. The youngest player usually starts with the ball.
2. The player on their left gets the dice.
3. Say “go.” The ball holder unwraps as fast as possible.
4. The dice roller keeps rolling until they get doubles.
5. When doubles are rolled, the ball passes to the roller, and the dice pass to the next person on the left.
6. Prizes that fall out belong to whoever is unwrapping at that moment.
7. The game ends when the center prize is reached.

Fun Saran Wrap Ball Game Variations

• Oven mitts: The unwrapper must wear oven mitts or winter gloves. It slows them down and causes plenty of laughs.
• Timer version: No dice. Each person gets 15 seconds, then passes.
• Task cards: Wrap small notes like “sing Jingle Bells” or “do 10 jumping jacks” between prizes.
• Steal rule: If you roll a 7, you can steal one prize from anyone.
• Team play: Two teams race to unwrap two balls at the same time.

Saran Wrap Ball Game Prize Ideas by Age

For Kids

• Fruit snacks and small candies
• Stickers, erasers and mini toys
• Hair ties, slime or bouncy balls
• $1 bills or coins

For Teens

• Lip balm and nail polish
• Phone grips or charging cables
• $5 gift cards for coffee or games
• Mini skincare samples

For Adults and Office Parties

• Scratch-off tickets (where allowed)
• Mini hand sanitizers and lotions
• Coffee pods or tea bags
• $5 and $10 gift cards
• Funny desk toys

Christmas Theme Ideas

Want to give the saran wrap ball game a holiday twist? Use red and green wrap in alternating layers so the ball looks like a giant ornament. Tuck in candy canes, mini hot cocoa packets, Christmas socks, tiny ornaments and holiday stickers. For the center prize, try a festive mug stuffed with a gift card. You can also play Christmas music in the background and pause it whenever doubles are rolled, so the whole room knows the ball is changing hands. Teachers can make a classroom version with pencils, erasers and bookmarks so every student leaves with something.

Safety Tips for the Saran Wrap Ball Game

• Skip very small items such as marbles or coins if toddlers are around, since they can be a choking hazard.
• Do not put glass or anything sharp inside the ball.
• Remind players to unwrap, not tear the ball apart with their teeth.
• Set the dice rolling area on a table or tray so dice do not roll under furniture.

Looking for more party ideas? Try our Christmas gift exchange games or the full list of Christmas party games.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make a saran wrap ball game?

About 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of prizes and how many layers you add.

Can I use foil or tape instead of plastic wrap?

Plastic wrap works best because it sticks to itself and is hard to tear quickly. Foil tears too easily.

What do you roll to pass the ball?

Doubles. Some groups use a single die and pass on a 6 for younger kids.

How do I keep it fair?

Add enough prizes so everyone has a good chance. Give anyone who wins nothing a small consolation gift at the end.

Final Thoughts

The saran wrap ball game is cheap to make, easy to explain and loved by every age. Build it the night before, hide it until game time, and get your phone ready for photos.