DIY Surprise Balls

I’ll never forget the first time I unraveled my first surprise ball. My smile only got bigger and bigger as a glorious pile of brightly colored paper started to form afterΒ more and more wonderfully trivial prizes were revealed. By the end, I was left wanting more. So obviously, I had to figure out how to make my own so that I could share the same joy with my friends. Hope you enjoy making these as much as I did!

You’ll need:

Prepare the supplies by cutting the fine crepe paper, lengthwise, into three 1″ strips per color. When picking out the toys, candy, and surprises, be sure to select an assortment of sizes from larger round shaped items to small flat items. Start by wrapping the largest item. Work in a criss cross pattern to cover as much surface area as possible.

After reaching the end of the first strip continue adding 2 more strips of the same color. Put a small dab of glue at the end of the last strip and seal.

Add another larger item and continue wrapping.

Add another item where there may be a space for it – start thinking about where to properly place items in order to form the shape of a ball.

Continue adding items and wrapping . . .

The ball should be taking shape. Save the smaller, flatter item for the last few wraps.

Almost done!

Last wrap!!

Once the ball is finished, decorate the ball with thinner strips andΒ dresden trim.

And you’re finished. They are perfect to stuff stockings with, to give guests as party favors, or to pass around at dinner parties . . . but honestly, does there need to be an excuse to gift someone a surprise ball?!

(all images by HonestlyWTF)

Leave a Comment

153 Comments

  1. Elisa wrote:

    I love the look of these balls, they’re bright and modern and would clash wonderfully with a classic christmas tree! Unfortunately anything I do with my hands turns out a mess, which is one of the reasons why I’m a fashion buyer, rather than a fashion designer…

    Elisa – Wandering Minds fashion
    ourwanderingminds.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  2. Tabetha wrote:

    Wonderful idea! We traditionally do crackers, but I’m thinking this would make for a fantastic change of pace in this year’s stockings!

    http://aclosetintellectual.blogspot.com/

    11.27.12
    Reply
    • Adaline Lang wrote:

      Hi Tabetha. This is Adaline. We are specialized in doing Xmas crackers since 1992 and this paper surprise ball. If you have the itention, pls reply me: sales@hasgift.com

      3.11.20
  3. Jenny wrote:

    This is amazing!!! I want to make these!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  4. angelessya wrote:

    It’s the first time I see this balls, and love the idea!… It’s great for cristmas little presents πŸ˜‰
    http://fashionamimanera.blogspot.com/

    11.27.12
    Reply
  5. Nadja wrote:

    such a cute story and idea! amazing πŸ™‚

    http://www.violetfleur.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  6. Mira wrote:

    IΒ΄ve never seen one before. I need to make one too. They look incredible. Thanks for sharing <3
    xo

    glamDevils

    11.27.12
    Reply
  7. Kimiya wrote:

    that’s so cool!
    youngfashionn.blogspot.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  8. I will make a gift wrap like that definitely!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  9. I need to make one!

    NEW OUTFIT IN http://cravingforbarneys.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  10. Natalie wrote:

    So cute and festive! Love it! http://www.fashionifancy.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  11. Love, love, love this post! You always have the best craft, arty, accessorizing tips! So cute.

    11.27.12
    Reply
  12. Denisa wrote:

    Really great idea. Looks so nice. Have a great day.

    http://www.fashiondenis.com/

    11.27.12
    Reply
  13. Kate wrote:

    How fun is this idea?! And they look like such adorable decor too πŸ™‚

    Kate

    http://www.thrillofthechaise.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  14. nicole wrote:

    Amazing idea!

    Lovely Idea

    11.27.12
    Reply
  15. amazing idea!!! I will do it!!!

    http://www.thestelstyle.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  16. This is such an amazing idea..looks like it may take a while but I am doing it!
    Nothing better than unwrapping a bunh of stuff..lke a stocking only in a ball!
    Sheree xxx

    11.27.12
    Reply
  17. Rachael wrote:

    I love this idea! And its so simple. Definitely something i want to try!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  18. Kimberly wrote:

    Super adorable and what a great idea in lieu of a stocking stuffer. Off to get some goodies!!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  19. ash wrote:

    I love this! My kids have their birthday in two weeks, I’m so doing this! Much more fun than wrapping paper!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  20. Such a cute idea!!! <3 this idea.

    11.27.12
    Reply
  21. EmerJa wrote:

    Great idea. I’m surely going to do it!!:)

    http://www.emerjadesign.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  22. Kristen wrote:

    Love this, going to make a stop at the dollar store for crepe paper.

    11.27.12
    Reply
  23. this is SUCH a cute idea!
    i think i just found my first christmas craft of the season.

    11.27.12
    Reply
  24. Amy wrote:

    Wow! Pound shop here I come, this is a great Christmas craft idea!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  25. Stand Out wrote:

    Lovely balls πŸ™‚
    For a perfect Christmas!!!

    DIY project also on my Blog
    http://standoutfashionblog.blogspot.it/

    11.27.12
    Reply
  26. SO FUN!!! Will be doing this!!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  27. What a great idea!! I must give it a try this year for Christmas Eve dinner. The kids are always asking if they can open a gift on Christmas Eve and I think this beauty of an idea would satisfy them enough to hold on until Christmas morning!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  28. Oh my god – I LOVE this!!!!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  29. Camila wrote:

    This is SUCH a great idea!! I am def going to make these for my friends!!!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  30. Sol wrote:

    Me encantan Β‘yo quiero una!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  31. This is such a great gift idea!

    Kristina Wilde

    http://kristinawilde.blogspot.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  32. Michele wrote:

    What a fun, festive thing!! I love this!! Great idea for kids and grownups!!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  33. wtf…you NEVER disappoint. Love these and will totally share this link with our readers.

    11.27.12
    Reply
  34. allie wrote:

    this is such a cool idea, love it!
    tie-dye-eyes

    11.27.12
    Reply
  35. vanessa wrote:

    this is a great idea!!! i love it!!!!!

    http://ferneva.blogspot.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  36. 11.27.12
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  37. pretty good idea i really like it!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  38. This is amazing, I’ve never seen something like this. I will most definitely try it this year!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  39. Sophie wrote:

    This is an amazing idea! I love how fun and interactive it is:) must try! xx

    http://scattergirll.blogspot.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  40. Rita Kate wrote:

    Woo Hoo. Now I know what to do with all that treasures I got at the Dollar Store and all those Happy Meal toys.

    11.27.12
    Reply
  41. Jeanne wrote:

    This would be awesome for a little bag of catnip in the middle! For the cat, of course. Just do a smaller ball – not HUGE – and kitty will have tons of fun shredding it to bits to get to the fragrant middle. Instant (disposable) cat toy!!
    Instead of something pointy to do the last seal, you can glue a felt mouse to it or other cut shape. Vacuum cleanup is easy!

    Oh yeah, it’s a great idea for the original intent as well. I love these balls, so fun and festive!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  42. Tanya wrote:

    This would be so cute for kids!
    xx Tanya
    http://aciddreamsandsugarhighs.blogspot.com/

    11.27.12
    Reply
  43. Gen wrote:

    Great idea! Very fun~ Never seen this before

    11.27.12
    Reply
  44. Nasyitah wrote:

    What a fun idea to do for any party! Especially colour themed or retro ones! πŸ™‚ I’m so trying it out. Thanks!

    Nasyitah
    http://www.coloursofthedomesticgoddess.wordpress.com

    11.27.12
    Reply
  45. Char wrote:

    I remember..way, way, way back when I was a child in the 50’s that I would save up a whole quarter to buy a surprise ball! That was lots of money then for a child so you know it meant lots to me! The price would be something silly like a simple play ring but the unraveling was the best part of it all! Thanks for sharing. I think I will start this tradition with my grandson this year so he can have such sweet memories!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  46. Stephanie S. wrote:

    Are these not the most fun to do. I think I will have to remember to this for a great friend of mine. She would love it. Thanks for sharing.

    11.27.12
    Reply
  47. Leanne wrote:

    This is absolutely genius!! I will definitely be doing this. πŸ™‚

    11.27.12
    Reply
  48. Natalie wrote:

    So adorable! I would love to receive these as stocking stuffers, I will try a version on my own. Thanks!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  49. Sophie wrote:

    I’ve never even heard of surprise balls, but this is way cute. Not to mention affordable, fun, and original!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  50. cathy wrote:

    I’ve never ever seen or heard of anything like this, BUT this is sooo cool! I definitely want to try this out, especially for Christmas!! (:
    x
    Win a Gold Peter Pan Collar Necklace here!
    http://onceuponasprinkle.blogspot.com/2012/11/giveaway-win-gold-peter-pan-necklace.html
    x
    Check out my recent outfit post:
    http://onceuponasprinkle.blogspot.com/2012/11/grids-roses_25.html

    11.27.12
    Reply
  51. Naomi wrote:

    AMAZE-BALLS!!!

    11.27.12
    Reply
  52. These are so cool!!! Please do some more xmas diy’s!! πŸ™‚
    http://www.bonnieclydemarni.com/

    11.28.12
    Reply
  53. Briliant idea. How come I have never though of that. Definitely will do it for Christmas.

    Thanks a lot.

    http://www.styleandjoy.org

    11.28.12
    Reply
  54. Stella wrote:

    Cute balls. Love to make this.

    11.28.12
    Reply
  55. VIOLA wrote:

    I’m he one being assigned to organize our christmas party. ANd thanks to this!

    11.28.12
    Reply
  56. It looks amazing! I love it.

    xoxo

    http://www.sannejorna.com

    11.28.12
    Reply
  57. What a great idea!! I’ve never seen these before but I’m definitely going to try doing them for an upcoming party! Thanks!

    11.28.12
    Reply
  58. This is so fun! My kids would have a blast ripping through these during the holidays! I sense you just added another link to our developing chain of holiday traditions.

    11.28.12
    Reply
  59. Kym wrote:

    What a neat idea! I’ve never received a “Surprise Ball”, this would be such a nice treat for my younger brother and nephews. Thanks for sharing!

    11.28.12
    Reply
  60. oh, what a wonderful idea to make someone happy! i really want to make these

    11.28.12
    Reply
  61. Michelle D. wrote:

    Until this very moment I had neither recieved a surprise ball nor knew what it was. I feel so unloved πŸ™ I want to get one but i guess I’ll have to make it for myself.

    11.28.12
    Reply
  62. Jerrell wrote:

    I love this! I am definitely putting these in my siblings’ stockings this Christmas! So fun!

    11.28.12
    Reply
  63. Brings back such great memories I can’t wait to make some

    11.29.12
    Reply
  64. Alexandra wrote:

    These are awesome Christmas gifts! I love’em!
    Thanks for posting the tutorial. πŸ˜€

    11.29.12
    Reply
  65. Kathryn wrote:

    I love this idea! May try these for Christmas Eve; we are hosting and the kids would love these! Thanks for posting.

    11.29.12
    Reply
  66. Sanne wrote:

    WOW great idea to gift something!

    11.29.12
    Reply
  67. Jennifer wrote:

    I love the unique little goodies that are in the surprise ball shown! My dollar store doesn’t have anything nearly that cute. Any suggestions about where to look for some fun surprises, especially those that have a more vintage feel?

    11.29.12
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      @Jennifer try Powell’s – they sell nostalgic candies and toys online.

      11.29.12
  68. Lauren wrote:

    What a great idea for an activity for a school or library! It would be inexpensive to supply the crepe paper and some tiny treats like the chocolate wrapped coins you have here. Totally cute for the holidays. For more gift ideas try my post

    11.29.12
    Reply
  69. Gabrilea wrote:

    I made these for my friends wedding, as there where lot of children, it was one of the best ideas how to concentrate children in such event…. they had lot of time for playing.

    11.30.12
    Reply
  70. Vanessa wrote:

    I think you could push a hanger throught the top layer and hang them as an ornament (filled with awesome surprises!)

    11.30.12
    Reply
  71. Lauren wrote:

    I have been making these for yeeeears and they always go over smashingly! So fun πŸ™‚

    11.30.12
    Reply
  72. Jannette wrote:

    I have been having a hard time lately. I saw this and it made me smile. i might try this.

    11.30.12
    Reply
  73. Cheryl wrote:

    When I was a kid (back in the 50’s), we always had these for Christmas in our stockings…of course back then, they were “made in Japan” & the prizes were little tin toys & whistles, etc., but I still remember the thrill of unwrapping these wonderful surprise balls! To see the magical treasures hidden beneath that colorful paper. How fun! πŸ™‚ Thank you for bringing back those wonderful memories for me! πŸ™‚

    11.30.12
    Reply
  74. Elif wrote:

    Wonderland! I noticed this page recently and I’m so sorry for being late.

    12.1.12
    Reply
  75. Michelle wrote:

    wow this really made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, my friends are gonna DIE when they get these! theyre amazzinnggggg. ahhh i cant wait to make these! likewise ive never heard of surprise balls like many others but im so so so happy you brought it up.

    THANK YOU AS ALWAYS!

    12.1.12
    Reply
  76. Axelle wrote:

    omg this is amazing ! i’ll definitely give this a try ! πŸ™‚ xoxo

    12.1.12
    Reply
  77. Clare wrote:

    LOVE! THOSE! COLOURS!

    12.3.12
    Reply
  78. Your take on surprise balls is beautiful. I love love them and I am surely making my own this year. Thanks!

    12.4.12
    Reply
  79. Mackenzie wrote:

    LOVE these!! Thinking of so many fun ideas to use them for.. kids’ class party craft (5th grade), Stocking stuffer, white elephant gift. Thanks for the tutorial!!

    12.4.12
    Reply
  80. this is so amazing!!! <3 <3 <3 definitely doing this!!!!
    http://www.miouprincesslovespink.blogspot.gr

    12.5.12
    Reply
  81. Eileen wrote:

    What a wonderful idea! Question about crepe paper. You suggest cutting crepe paper lengthwise into three 1″ strips. All of the crepe paper I’m seeing is about 2″ wide. Cutting an entire roll of it in half seems so tedious! Any suggestions on where to buy 1″ crepe rolls? Will a 2″ strip work as well?

    12.7.12
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      @Elleen I’m using crepe paper sheets. I think a 2″ strip might work however. It’s worth a try!

      12.7.12
  82. Kaely wrote:

    I made these for all of the kids in our family last Christmas. It gets a bit tedious if you’re making a lot of them. One thing that I found helpful was occasionally using a full sheet of tissue/crepe paper wrapped around the ball and then adding more strips on top of the tissue paper. It really helped when I needed to even out the shape of ball or if I had something that was ripping through the crepe strips.

    12.10.12
    Reply
  83. jen wrote:

    i made these over the weekend…almost 30 of them (oy my back)! they turned out great, though not all of them were round as i used army parachute toys for the middle of some and didn’t quite have enough things to even it out. but whatever–the point is the unwrapping!! πŸ™‚ giving these to the kids i coach, who i am sure will get a kick out of it–thx for posting such an easy and fun diy.

    12.17.12
    Reply
  84. Valery wrote:

    These are really great! I have used this idea for my children’s birthday parties. I have used old ribbon, lace and wrapping paper when I made mine. The crepe paper is even better though. The colours are just so much fun. Both the adults and the children love them! You have done a lovely tutorial. We will be making more for this years New Year’s Party.

    12.29.12
    Reply
  85. Kristina wrote:

    I made these for the whole family and it was SUCH a hot. Everybody had fun unraveling them, and I so loved watching them do it! Thank you for the idea!

    1.2.13
    Reply
  86. Kristina wrote:

    Haha, it was a HIT, not a hot. Stupid phone. πŸ™‚

    1.2.13
    Reply
  87. Key wrote:

    I’ve never seen these before. Great idea. My grandaughters BD’s coming up. I think I might find out how many will be there and make them for party favors and send them along with her present .. tysm for sharing .. Kristina

    1.10.13
    Reply
  88. Claire wrote:

    I did this for a kris kringle this past holiday. I customized the ball by using gifts I thought my kk would use/enjoy, instead of one time toys (I thought of it as a substitute for a stocking). I included mini altoids, a pair of lace underwear, a mini spoon from sur la table, one small gourmet chocolate truffle, wool socks, a quote from my kk’s favorite poet, and a mini domino w her favorite number. It was a complete success! Thank you for the tutorial!

    1.5.14
    Reply
  89. Diana wrote:

    We used to buy these surprise balls at Hemphill Wells Dept store in Lubbock Texas in the 50’s always wanted to make them now I will.

    3.12.14
    Reply
  90. Holly wrote:

    Hey! wtf?:) These are absolutely adorable!! The older I get, the harder it is to think of good gift ideas; so, I often buy lots of little gifts and hope that the receivers will like at least a thing or two. πŸ™‚ Though I appreciate most anything done for me, I feel a little lazy using gift bags, & good stockings can be pricey. Thank you thank you thank you for this option!!

    P.S. I wonder: to avoid having to cut so many strips, could the thinner ribbons be used just on the visible outer layers? Inner layers might turn out less pretty, but could that save time and tears (and tears:)? Maybe even help with getting a ball shape faster? Anyone know? Thanks in advance!

    4.25.14
    Reply
  91. Jane wrote:

    I found this site while writing a poem. I wanted to find the name for the crepe paper balls my parents used to bring me when I was a child. I loved them. I was the kind of kid who unwound each strand carefully and examined each prize. I love the internet. Here they are–surprise balls. I will make them too.

    8.22.14
    Reply
  92. Kimi wrote:

    so cool! πŸ˜€ i’d definitely do this

    3.30.15
    Reply
  93. Susan wrote:

    Love this. Going to make for soldiers box. And also kidling.
    http://www.strumandsparkle.com

    4.4.15
    Reply
  94. Judy wrote:

    I got one or two of these as a kid! I’m 71 now and have never forgotten how much fun the anticipation can be!

    10.1.15
    Reply
  95. Glenda Block wrote:

    Omg I just love the balls. Mine wouldn’t look perfect like that though

    10.2.15
    Reply
  96. Clara Higgins wrote:

    I won one of these at church 60 years ago. It was so much fun. Hadnt thought of it again until lastnight and searched and found this link. Now I can share this memory with my Grandchildren. Cant wait to make them. What a wonderful ornament to unwrap off the Christmas tree!!!!!!

    10.7.15
    Reply
  97. Laura wrote:

    I make these for nieces and nephews every year. Mine turn out sort of bigger, like around 8 to 10 inches, because I usually put a larger item in the center to start it off – it’s surprising what will fit in there, it gets really compacted by the outer wrapping. I’ve put knit hats, balled-up PJ pants, and small stuffed animals in the center. Gloves and pairs of socks are really good for helping with the roundness too, as you keep wrapping. I suggest putting a sticker or tab of paper or tape or something where the end of the wrapping is, so kids can easily know where to start unwrapping.

    12.4.15
    Reply
  98. Laura wrote:

    P.S. when I make the bigger balls, I don’t cut strips, I just use the crepe paper as is.

    12.4.15
    Reply
  99. Joann wrote:

    we do this every Christmas but as a game for everyone in the family. For the bigger prizes I wrap in funny wrapping paper. I put in notes that say give to the right,tops across from you or go left and so on. It is fun and if we have guests that we never got a gift for this is great for this. T is fun!!!! Also builds unity and makes fun memories.

    12.7.15
    Reply
  100. candida wrote:

    In the instructions is says….

    Prepare the supplies by cutting the fine crepe paper, lengthwise, into three 1β€³ strips per color.

    It is 1′ (1 foot not 1 inch) three 1′ strips per color.

    πŸ™‚

    1.31.16
    Reply
  101. sandy wrote:

    In 1965, I was newly married and my husband was still in graduate school. Money was scarce so I made surprise balls for my younger family members. They were a hit and are still remembered to this day. Balloons, small whistles and stickers fit easily. It really does not matter because the fun is in unwrapping the ball. Wish I had thought of it this year for the 18 grandkids!!

    12.20.17
    Reply
  102. Carolyn DeNeut wrote:

    May I ask where you found the embellishments (tree, snowflake, crown)? These are BEAUTIFUL!! Thank you for sharing.

    12.4.20
    Reply