How to Play the Candy Bar Game: Fun Christmas Gift Idea

October 4, 2026

Candy bar game setup with wrapped candy bars and dice for Christmas gift game fun

Nothing brings more joy to a holiday party than laughter and friendly competition. The candy bar game is a classic Christmas gift game that spices up any gift exchange with a playful twist. Whether you’re hosting family, friends, or coworkers, this game is sure to be a highlight of your celebration.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to play the candy bar game, including what you need and some handy tips to make your event unforgettable. Let’s dive into the festive fun and get ready to unwrap some smiles!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to set up with minimal materials needed
Encourages laughter and interaction among guests
Perfect for groups of any size, from small families to large parties
Flexible rules that can be adapted for all ages
Creates lasting holiday memories with a fun twist on gift-giving

Ingredients

To play the candy bar game, you’ll need a mix of small prizes and a few key items. Here’s what to gather before the fun begins:

12-15 assorted candy bars, wrapped and unopened
2 standard six-sided dice
1 timer or stopwatch (optional, for timed rounds)
1 large gift bag or basket to hold candy bars
1 prize table or designated playing area

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Game Duration: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 6-12 players
Calories: Varies per candy bar

How to Make How to Play the Candy Bar Game: One of the Best Christmas Gift Games!

Gather all candy bars and place them in a large bag or basket in the center of the playing area.
Arrange players in a circle and give each person a wrapped candy bar as their starting gift.
Decide the order of play; youngest player usually starts and gameplay proceeds clockwise.
On a player’s turn, they roll both dice. If they roll a double (the same number on both dice), they quickly pass their candy bar to the person on their left.
Play continues with players rolling dice and passing candy bars whenever doubles are rolled, creating a lively exchange of gifts.
Set a timer for about 10-15 minutes and let the game continue until it goes off, or play until everyone has rolled a set number of times.
When time’s up, everyone keeps the candy bar they are holding. The surprise is in the switching and the fun of the chase!
Optionally, add fun rules like stealing candy bars on certain rolls or swapping with another player to add excitement.
Enjoy the laughter and camaraderie as everyone unwraps their candy bars and shares stories or jokes.

Tips for the Best Results

Choose a variety of candy bars to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Encourage quick rolling and passing to keep the energy high and the game moving smoothly.
Use festive wrapping paper for the candy bars to add a colorful holiday touch.
Consider adding a small prize for the person who ends with the most unique or funniest candy bar.
Adapt the rules if you have young children by simplifying the dice mechanics or letting adults assist.

Storage and Reheating

The candy bars used in the game are best kept in a cool, dry place before the game to maintain freshness. Avoid exposing them to heat or moisture to prevent melting or spoilage.

If you have leftover candy bars after the game, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag to keep them fresh for several weeks. No reheating is needed—just enjoy as-is!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the candy bar game be played with other treats?

Absolutely! You can use small wrapped snacks, toys, or holiday trinkets instead of candy bars to suit different preferences or dietary needs.

How many players can participate?

The game works best with 6 to 12 players, but you can adjust the number of candy bars and rules to accommodate smaller or larger groups.

Is there an age limit for this game?

There’s no strict age limit. It’s family-friendly and can be easily modified to engage children and adults alike, making it a versatile holiday activity.