Saran wrap ball game: rules and what to put inside
Short answer. Wrap small prizes into a big ball of plastic wrap, with the best prize in the middle.
In a circle, one player unwraps as fast as they can while the next player rolls 2 dice. On doubles, the ball moves on, and you keep every prize you freed.
A ball built in layers
The best prize sits in the center. Smaller prizes are wrapped in, one layer at a time, so a prize drops out every few turns of the wrap.
How do you play the saran wrap ball game?
Sit in a circle with the ball and 2 dice
Give the ball to the youngest player or the guest of honor. The dice go to the player on their left.
Unwrap while the next player rolls
On "go", the player with the ball starts unwrapping. At the same moment, the player with the dice starts rolling, as fast as they can.
Doubles stop the turn
When the roller gets two of the same number, they shout "doubles". The unwrapper stops at once, even halfway through a strip.
Pass the ball and the dice to the left
The roller takes the ball and becomes the unwrapper. The dice move one more seat to the left.
Keep what falls out
Every prize you free while you hold the ball is yours. Put it in front of you, out of the way of the wrap.
The last layer wins the big prize
Whoever unwraps the center keeps it, and the game is over.
These are the house rules on this page and in the printable sheet. Many families add their own twists, so agree on them before the first roll.
Saran wrap ball game rules to print
2 pages: the rules with the safety checks, then the build steps. Tape it to the box of prizes or read it out before you start. Print to fit Letter or A4.
Open PDF to print: Saran wrap ball game rules to printPDF · LetterHow do you make a saran wrap ball?
You need a roll of plastic wrap, a bag of small prizes and one bigger prize for the center. Clear tape helps but is optional. A ball for 8 players takes about half an hour to build.
Start with the center prize
Pick the best prize, or put it in a small box so the ball has a firm core. Wrap it tightly until you cannot see it.
Add a prize, then wrap it in
Lay one small prize on the ball and wrap over it several times. Turn the ball each time, so it stays round.
Space the prizes out
Wrap more between prizes near the center, so the game slows down as the big prize gets close. Put a few quick, easy prizes near the outside.
Stick on a few surprises
Tape a flat note such as "swap a prize with the player on your left" between 2 layers. A few notes keep everyone watching.
Finish with a thick outer layer
Wrap the last few turns tightly, then tuck in the end. A loose end makes the first turn too easy.
For a big group, make two balls and start them on opposite sides of the circle. Each ball needs its own pair of dice.
What do you put in a saran wrap ball?
Choose prizes that are small, flat or round, and light enough to wrap in. Things that bend, crush or leak spoil the ball for everyone. Wrapped sweets in their own packets are a classic filler between the bigger prizes.
| Who is playing | Good prizes | Leave out |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 3 to 5 | Chunky crayons, sticker sheets, a small board book, a bath toy, a hair clip | Small balls, marbles, coins, hard sweets, anything with small parts |
| Ages 6 to 8 | Mini figures, card games, scented markers, slap bracelets, a small puzzle | Slime that leaks, anything sharp |
| Ages 9 to 12 | Fidget toys, lip balm, gel pens, a mini notebook, keyrings, gift cards | Prizes that only one child would like |
| Teens | Phone grips, hair ties, face masks, a phone stand, snacks, gift cards | Anything that feels like a joke at one person |
| Adults | Mini hand cream, coffee sachets, a nice pen, lip balm, gift cards | Alcohol, unless every adult playing drinks |
| Mixed ages | Treats in packets, card games, socks, stickers, small tools | Anything only one age group can use |
Gift cards and paper money are popular in an adult ball. Fold them into a small zip bag, so the wrap does not crease them. Keep the center prize clearly better than the rest, since everyone will be racing for it.
To set a spending limit, add up the prizes before you wrap.
Do you need dice for the saran wrap ball game?
2 dice are the classic way, because doubles come up about once in 6 rolls. That usually gives each unwrapper a few seconds, though now and then a turn runs long. For even turns, add a 30-second timer as a backup. Use dice the roller can throw quickly, on a tray so they do not roll away.
No dice? Try one of these instead:
- Music: play a song and pass the ball when it stops, as in pass the parcel.
- A timer: give each player a set number of seconds, then pass the ball on.
- Count aloud: the next player counts to ten, then takes the ball.
For other dice games at the same party, our white elephant dice game has an online dice roller with rule tables and a game clock.
Which version fits your group?
Kids' party
Use more prizes and less wrap, so young players free something on most turns. Help the youngest players start each strip. A thin layer at the start keeps small children from giving up.
Oven mitts or gloves
Make the unwrapper wear oven mitts or thick winter gloves. It slows everyone down and is very funny to watch. Take the mitts off the moment the turn ends, so nobody gets too warm.
Adults only
Use stronger wrap and fewer, better prizes. Add notes such as "swap a prize with the player on your right" or "give one prize away". Agree before the game that funny is fine and unkind is not.
Teams
Play in pairs: one person unwraps and the other holds the ball steady. Teams swap jobs every turn. This is a good way to include players who find the wrap hard to grip.
Christmas or birthday
The game works at any party. At Christmas, use red and green wrap and a festive center prize. At a birthday, the birthday person starts with the ball.
What should you check before kids play the saran wrap ball game?
Plastic wrap can cover a child's nose and mouth. Never let babies or toddlers play, and gather all loose wrap into a bin bag as the game goes on. Keep the bag out of reach of small children.
Match the prizes to the youngest player. Toys for children under 3 may not have small parts, and hard sweets, small balls and coins are choking risks for young children. If little ones are at the party, give them a separate prize bag instead of a place in the circle.
Check every prize label for allergens before you wrap it. Once it is in the ball, nobody can read it.
Which gifts fit inside a saran wrap ball?
Pick small, light gifts that keep their shape.
For a grown-up ball with fewer, better prizes, save the nicest small gift for the center.
What else do people ask about the saran wrap ball game?
How many prizes go in a saran wrap ball?
Plan on about two to three prizes per player, plus the center prize. Fewer prizes make a slower, tenser game, which suits adults. More prizes keep small children happy.
How long does the game take?
Most balls take twenty to forty minutes, depending on how much wrap you use. Wrap more tightly to make it last longer.
Is it the same as the plastic wrap ball game?
Yes. The saran wrap ball, the plastic wrap ball and the cling film ball are all the same game. Saran is a brand name that many people use for any plastic wrap.