Anything Boules

Anything Boules is a playful twist on the traditional French lawn game. Instead of metal boules, players use random household objects—think socks, Lego/Duplo bricks, toy blocks, or even rolled-up paper balls. The goal remains the same: toss your item as close as possible to a target, usually called the jack.

Because the objects have unpredictable shapes and weights, every round is full of surprises, laughter, and chaos—in the best way! It’s a great indoor or outdoor game for developing hand-eye coordination, turn-taking, and friendly competition, with zero special equipment required.

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Materials Needed

• 1 small target object (the jack) — a button, coin, or ball

• 3–6 throwable items per player — e.g. rolled-up socks, Lego/Duplo bricks, blocks, scrunched paper, plastic animals

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Tools Needed

• None

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Steps

1. Choose a Jack: Place a small object a few feet away to serve as the target.

2. Pick Your “Boules”: Each player selects 3 (or more) throwable items. The wackier the shape, the more fun!

3. Take Turns: Players take turns tossing their items, aiming to land as close as possible to the jack.

4. Score the Round: The item closest to the jack scores 1 point. Continue playing rounds to a set total (e.g. first to 10 points).

5. Add Obstacles (optional): Set up cushions or boxes to throw around or bounce off for extra challenge.

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Variations

• Weirdest Objects Wins: Award bonus points for the most creatively strange “boule” of the game.

• Trick Shot Round: Players must throw from under the leg, behind the back, or while spinning.

• Team Play: Form teams and alternate turns, just like traditional pétanque.

• Theme Throwdown: Use only kitchen items, only toys, or only things that start with a certain letter.