Saran Wrap Ball Game: Rules, How to Wrap It and What to Put Inside

November 2, 2026

The Saran Wrap Ball Game is a party favorite: a big ball of plastic wrap with prizes hidden in every layer, two dice, and a race against the clock. It works for Christmas, birthdays, baby showers and family reunions, and it's always the game people ask to play again. Here are the rules, how to wrap the ball, and what to put inside.

Skip the prep: Christmas Minute to Win It + Charades is an instant download for $3.99.

Saran wrap ball game in play: unwrapping the plastic wrap ball in oven mitts while rolling dice for doubles

What you need

A roll of plastic wrap (a standard roll makes a ball about the size of a cantaloupe)
10 to 20 small prizes, plus one bigger prize for the center
2 dice
Oven mitts (optional, but they make it funnier)
3 or more players

How to play the Saran Wrap Ball Game

Players sit in a circle. Give the ball to the first player and the two dice to the player on their left.
Say "Go!" The player with the ball unwraps as fast as they can. Anything that falls out is theirs to keep.
At the same time, the player with the dice rolls both dice again and again, as fast as they can.
When they roll doubles (1-1, 2-2 and so on), they shout "Doubles!" The ball passes to them, and the dice pass one seat to the left.
Keep going until the last layer comes off. Whoever unwraps the center prize wins it.

Dice and turn rules that prevent arguments

Only the player holding the ball may unwrap. Everyone else keeps hands off.
Prizes that fall out while you hold the ball are yours, even if they roll away.
If a die rolls off the table, pick it up and keep rolling. It doesn't count as doubles.

How to wrap a saran wrap ball

Start with the center prize, like a gift card, small toy or bag of candy. Wrap it tightly.
Add 3 or 4 layers of plastic wrap, pulling tight so it stays round.
Add a small prize, then wrap 3 or 4 more layers. Repeat.
Put bigger prizes deeper inside and small candies near the outside, so the excitement builds.
Aim for 10 to 20 prize layers, and finish with a few extra layers on the outside.

Give yourself about 20 minutes the day before. Tight layers make the ball last longer during play.

What to put in a saran wrap ball

Mix crowd-pleasers with a few silly surprises. Ideas by category:

Candy and treats: chocolate coins, mini candy bars, candy canes, gum, hot cocoa packets
Small fun: stickers, mini puzzles, bouncy balls, holiday erasers, putty
For grown-ups: lottery scratch cards, a coffee gift card, lip balm, hand warmers, fun socks
Silly surprises: a single sock, a tiny rubber duck, a joke on a slip of paper, googly eyes

Budget tip: 10 to 20 prizes from a dollar store make a full ball. Put one prize everyone will want in the very center.

Variations

Oven mitt rule: whoever unwraps must wear oven mitts. It slows things down and doubles the laughs.
Small group (3 to 5 players): pass the dice after every roll so turns move faster.
Classroom: use stickers, erasers and pencils as prizes, and give each student one turn.
Adults only: add scratch tickets and gift cards to raise the stakes.

The Saran Wrap Ball is the perfect finale after a round of Christmas Minute to Win It games and Christmas charades. For a complete party plan, see our guide to Christmas party games.

Printable saran wrap ball game sign, winner certificates and team name cards

Printable Saran Wrap Ball Game kit

Our Christmas Minute to Win It + Charades Party Kit includes a complete Saran Wrap Ball Game kit: a rules page, dice and turn rules, a step-by-step wrapping guide with a layer diagram, prize ideas and a printable game sign to display at the party. It also has 24 Minute to Win It games, 100 charades cards and three ready-made party plans, for $3.99.