Christmas
Gift Wrapping Race
Also called Balot Challenge
Teams wrap an awkward object against the clock. Judged on speed and on how presentable it ends up.
- people
- 8–40
- time
- 10 min
- energy
- High
- materials
- Cheap to buy
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Each team gets paper, tape, scissors and one awkward object. Tables help but the floor works.
- 1Five minutes to wrap the object completely.
- 2No part of the object may show.
- 3Judged on completeness first, neatness second. Speed breaks ties.
What to say3
- 1“Five minutes to wrap — nothing should be showing!”
- 2“Let me check… oh, something's poking out there!”
- 3“Time! Hands up! Don't touch it anymore!”
Host tips3
- Pick genuinely awkward objects. A box is boring; a broom is the whole game.
- Use the noise meter for judging neatness — it makes a subjective call feel fair and gets the room shouting.
- The wrapped objects become raffle prizes afterwards. Saves money and gets a second laugh.
Variants2
One hand each
Every team member may use only one hand. Chaos, immediately.
Blindfolded wrapper
One person wraps blindfolded while the team directs by voice only.
Safety1
- Supervise scissors with kids, or pre-cut the paper.
Good for
Occasions
Christmas
Venues
Indoor, smallIndoor, largeOffice