Looking for a Christmas game that gets everyone laughing, guessing, and actually wanting to participate? Say hello to your new holiday party MVP: Guess What’s In The Stocking!
This game is pure genius because it’s ridiculously simple to prep, works for mixed-age groups, and turns a basic stocking into the star of your party. Plus, watching Uncle Bob confidently guess “reindeer antler” when it’s actually a candy cane? Comedy gold.
Why You’ll Love This Game
Best for: Family gatherings, office holiday parties, mixed-age groups
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 4-20+ (the more, the merrier!)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
This is the perfect game when you need something that’s:
- Zero learning curve – If you can feel and guess, you can play
- Actually engaging – Everyone’s invested in proving they have the best “touch detective” skills
- Flexible – Works for kids, adults, or your whole extended family reunion
What You’ll Need:
1 Christmas stocking (a thick, opaque one works best – grab one from Walmart for a buck or use that fancy velvet one from your decor stash)
10-15 winter/Christmas-themed items (see our list below!)
Paper and pens for each player
A timer (your phone works perfectly)
Optional: A small prize for the winner
Best Items to Hide in Your Stocking:
The secret to a great round? Mix easy-to-identify items with tricky ones! Here’s your ultimate stocking-stuffer list:
Easy Picks (Everyone Will Get These):
- Bell
- Candy cane
- Pine cone
- Glove or mitten
- Christmas cookie cutter
Medium Difficulty:
- Unbreakable ornament ball
- Candle (a small taper or tea light)
- Bow or large ribbon
- Star decoration
- Mistletoe sprig
The Tricky Ones (These Will Stump Them!):
- Small string of fairy lights (all bundled up)
- Miniature bottle brush Christmas tree
- Cinnamon stick bundle
- Small wrapped gift box
- Jingle bell cluster
Pro Tip: Write down your master list of items BEFORE you stuff the stocking – trust us, you’ll forget what you put in there once the game starts!
How to Play: Step-by-Step
Setup (Do This Before Guests Arrive):
1. Gather your items and create your master list. Count them so you know the exact total.
2. Stuff that stocking! Pack it full, but leave enough room at the top to tie or clip it closed. You want items snug enough that they’re hard to identify, but loose enough that players can feel around.
3. Seal it up with a ribbon, clip, or just tie the top closed. No peeking allowed!
Game Time:
1. Gather your players and hand each person a slip of paper and a pen.
2. Announce the number of items hidden inside. (This is crucial – it gives them a target!)
3. Pass the stocking around the circle. Each player gets 60-90 seconds to feel, squeeze, and investigate the stocking. No shaking allowed – that’s cheating!
4. Start the timer for each person’s turn to keep things fair and moving.
5. Write down your guesses. After feeling the stocking, players write their list of what they think is inside. Encourage them to guess the exact number of items you announced!
6. The big reveal! Once everyone has had their turn and written their guesses, it’s time for the moment of truth. Pull out each item one by one, holding it up for all to see.
7. Tally the scores. Players mark off each correct guess. The person with the most correct answers wins!
Pro Tip: Build suspense during the reveal by pulling items out slowly and letting players react. The groans of “I FELT THAT!” are half the fun.
The Winner Gets:
The stocking full of goodies (they earned it!)
A wrapped gift you’ve prepared
Bragging rights until next Christmas
First pick of cookies at dessert time
Indoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids
25 ready-made clues = zero stress for you – Just print, hide, and watch kids stay engaged for hours while you actually enjoy your coffee
Instant download, works today – Get it in minutes, print on regular paper, create Christmas magic in under 15 minutes of setup
Saves Christmas on bad weather days – Perfect indoor activity when kids are bouncing off walls and you need them happily occupied
One purchase, use it every year – Blank templates let you customize for different ages or create new versions as kids grow
Outdoor Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids
Gets kids outside and active – Burns energy while solving 25 riddles and challenges around the yard (lifesaver when they’re hyped on holiday sugar)
Instant download, 15-minute setup – Print, hide clues, done. Perfect last-minute activity that looks like you planned for weeks
Works with your yard decorations – Turns your Christmas lights and lawn decor into part of the adventure kids will beg to do again
Reusable every year – Blank templates let you customize for different ages or add new challenges as kids grow
Difficult Christmas Scavenger Hunt Printable for Adults – Twelve Days of Christmas
Actually challenging puzzles for adults – 30 clever clues including ciphers, logic puzzles, and cryptic riddles that will genuinely stump your smartest friends
Print and play in minutes – Download, print, hide. Setup takes less time than wrapping gifts, but creates hours of laughter and memories
Flexible for any group – Pick 12 clues for a quick adventure or all 30 for an epic night. Customize with blank cards for personal inside jokes
Fresh Twists to Keep It Interesting Year After Year
Playing this game annually? Switch up your theme to keep everyone guessing! Here are our favorite variations:
Sweet Tooth Stocking
Perfect for kids’ parties or anyone with a sweet tooth!
- Wrapped fun-size candy bars
- Lollipops
- Packs of gum
- Small boxes of candy (like Junior Mints or Milk Duds)
- Chocolate coins
- Candy canes (still festive!)
Camping Adventure Stocking
Great for outdoorsy families or summer holiday gatherings!
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Box of matches
- Marshmallows (in their bag)
- Travel bug spray
- Compass
- Carabiner
- S’mores ingredients
Arts & Crafts Stocking
A hit with creative kids and crafty adults!
- Glue stick
- Small paintbrush
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors (safety scissors for kids)
- Ribbon spool
- Sticker sheet
- Pipe cleaners
Sports Fan Stocking
Perfect for your competitive crew!
- Golf ball and tee
- Tennis ball
- Sweat towel
- Batting glove
- Whistle
- Compression arm sleeve
- Shock absorber
- Hand wraps
Fun Variation: Do a “His & Hers” double stocking game! Prep two stockings – one with traditionally “manly” items (tools, sports stuff, fishing gear) and one with spa/beauty items. Watch the chaos unfold as everyone tries to guess both!
Why This Game Is a Total Winner
Here’s the thing: Guess What’s In The Stocking hits that sweet spot of being simple enough that Grandma can play, but challenging enough that your competitive cousin will actually try. There’s something oddly hilarious about watching grown adults intensely concentrate while fondling a stocking, and the trash talk that happens during the reveal is chef’s kiss.
Plus, you can prep this entire game during a commercial break. No complicated rules to explain, no teams to divide, no app to download – just pure, tactile guessing fun.
So grab a stocking, raid your holiday decor bin, and get ready to host a game that’ll have everyone saying, “Let’s play that again!” Because the best holiday memories happen when everyone’s laughing, guessing, and celebrating together.
Pro Tip: Take photos of people’s concentrated “feeling faces” during the game. Trust us, they’re pure holiday card gold!
More Christmas Party Ideas to Keep the Fun Rolling:
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