Christmas Gift Wrap Race: Easy Party Game Rules
Race to wrap a box with mittens, one hand or a partner. Learn how to set up the speed-wrapping game, score it and adapt it for kids and adults. No prep needed.
What You Need
The Christmas Gift Wrap Race is a speed challenge where players wrap a box as fast as they can. Add mittens or one hand to make it extra silly.
How to Set Up
- Cut one sheet of wrapping paper for each player. Make it big enough to wrap the box with a small overlap.
- Set the tape in small strips on the edge of the table, or hand each player a roll.
- Place a box and paper at each player’s spot.
- Choose a judge to start the race and score the wraps.
How to Play
- Each player stands behind their table.
- The judge says “Ready, set, wrap!”
- Players wrap their box. The paper must fully cover the box with no gaps.
- When finished, they put the box in the middle of the table and raise a hand.
- The judge writes the finish order: first, second, third and so on.
- After all have finished, the judge looks at each wrap and scores neatness out of 10.
- Add the points.
Scoring and Winning
Give 5 points to the first finisher, 4 to the second, 3 to the third, 2 to the fourth and 1 to everyone else. Add neatness points out of 10. The highest total wins. If there is a tie, hold a second race.
Tips for a Fun Game
- Pick boxes that are all the same size for a fair race.
- Use paper with a small pattern to hide mistakes if you want shy players to feel comfortable.
- Make a rule that tape must be used only on the edges.
- Play holiday music and give a short break between rounds.
Variations
- Little kids: Use a small box and let an adult hold the paper while the child tapes.
- Mitten wrap: Everyone wears oven mitts.
- Partner wrap: Each partner may use only one hand, tied behind the back for the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play the gift wrap race?
Give each player a box, paper and tape. On go, they wrap the box as neatly and quickly as they can. The fastest neat wrap wins.
What makes the gift wrap race harder?
Wear oven mitts, use only one hand, or wrap in pairs where each partner uses one hand.
How do you judge a gift wrap race?
Give points for speed and for neat edges, no holes and a bow. A judge can score each wrap out of 10.
