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Board Game Gift Guide For Families

family board game gift guide

Looking to build your family’s board game arsenal, or just looking for a unique and special gift to give your family and friends that they can enjoy for years to come? This board game gift guide for families is filled with ideas!

This  board game gift guide has it all.  From the best games based on age group, to the best card games, to even the best party games.  You’re sure to find something that meets your needs. 

Did you favorite board game make this ultimate list of family games?  Let me know in the comments!

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One of the traditions we plan to pass down to our kids is gifting them a family board game every Christmas.  My parents did this when my sister and I were growing up and we always looked forward to opening our new board game every year.  

Flash forward 20 years later, I happened to marry someone who is just as into board games as I am (& unfortunately really good at them…I can never beat him!) enough so that we have a dedicated game closet!  Our nieces and nephews love going to the game closet and picking out games to play.  I love that we’re keeping the traditional family game night alive in our home.  

Below you’ll find the ultimate board game gift guide for families arranged by age group.  Whether you’re just starting your family game night tradition with your beginner player, or you’re looking for a new game to add your family’s favorites, I’m sure you’ll find several ideas here.  

Board Game Gift Guide for Families: Best First Board Games

first board games for kids
  1. Candy Land $13 (Ages 3+, 2-4 Players)– Who can forget this classic game?
  2. Chutes & Ladders $13 (Ages 3+, 2-4 Players)– I used to love all the “slides” when I was little.  
  3. Sneaky Snacky Squirrel $25 (Ages 3+, 2-4 Players)– This game helps teach your little one matching, sorting, and hand-eye coordination.  It’s a great first game to introduce them to family game night!
  4. Building Site $30 (Ages 2+)– A great game for toddlers!  It teaches kids to follow the rules.  
  5. Busytown $70 (Ages 3+, 2-4 Players)- This GIANT board game (it’s 6 feet long!) encourages kids to get to picnic island before the hungry pigs devour everything in their picnic basket.  
  6. Hi Ho Cherry-O $16 (Ages 3+, 2-4 Players) – Every family needs this classic counting game!
  7. Cootie $10 (Ages 3+, 2-4 Players) – This game encourages kids to mis and match to create crazy critters.
  8. Elefun $28 (Ages 3+, 1-3 Players) – Elefun is an action packed fun game that involves catching butterflies as they fly out the elephant’s trunk!  
  9. Hedgehog Roll $18 (Ages 3+, 1-4 Players)– Play Cooperatively to Outrun a Wily Fox, or Race Competitively to See Who Will Be First to Get Their Hedgehog Home!
  10. Fishing Game $25 (Ages 3+, 2-4 Players) – Catch fish using your magnetic poles!
  11. Honey Bee Tree Game $20 (Ages 3+, 2-4 Players) – Players must carefully remove leaves without dislodging the sleeping bees. The player with the fewest bees in their tray at the end of the game is the winner.
  12. Count Your Chickens $17 (Ages 3+, 2-4 Players) – The baby chicks have flown the coop & Mama Hen needs help to bring them back. Spin & count numbers to travel and collect chicks while working together. Gather all the chicks & everyone wins!
  13. Chasing Fireflies Game $30 (Ages 3+, 2-4 Players) – Kids run about searching for the next Firefly to add to their team jar and capture the magic of fireflies with their own two hands.

Perfect Board Games for Preschoolers

best games for preschool aged kids
  1. Zingo $22 (Ages 4+, 2-6 Players)– It’s like bingo, but for youngsters.  
  2. Memory $10 (Ages 4+, 1+ Players)– This classic game is not only fun, but helps develop memory skills.  
  3. Sleeping Queens $10 (Ages 8+, 2-5 Players)- Such a great game for preschool and school-aged children.  
  4. Sequence for Kids $18 (Ages 3-6, 2-4 Players)– This classic game is redesigned for young kids and requires no reading.  They’ll love this game. 
  5. Enchanted Forest $25 (Ages 4+, 2-4 Players) – This game is a fun, more complicated version of Memory that your kids will love.   
  6. Outfoxed $20 (Age 5+, 2-4 Players)– This “who-dunnit” game will teach your kids to work together to solve the mystery.  
  7. Guess Who $18 (Ages 6+, 2 Players)– Another classic, and for good reason!
  8. Pretty Pretty Princess $17 (Ages 5+, 2-4 Players) – This game was certainly a favorite of mine when I was little and a favorite of my nieces. 
  9. Monopoly Jr. $19 (Ages 5+, 2-4 Players) – Sometimes it’s just more fun to play Monopoly Jr. even as adults.  Teach your little ones the magic of Monopoly with this classic game that comes in several kid-friendly themes.  
  10. Hungry Hungry Hippos $22 (Ages 4+, 2-4 Players) – Who didn’t enjoy this game as a kid?  And, I especially love this dinosaur version, don’t you? 

Board Games for School-Aged Kids

best board games for kids
  1. Pop It Game $14 (Ages 5+, 2-4 Players)– Fun for kids of all ages and the perfect game to pull out when the adults want to play something different.
  2. Sushi Go! Party $22 (Ages 8+, 2-8 Players)– This adorable drafting game about making sushi is extra fun.  
  3. Klask $60 (Ages 8+, 2 Players)– Packs a punch for kids (& adults of all ages) who love action and challenge.  
  4. Ice Cool $20 (Ages 6+, 2-4 Players)– Here’s another game that the little ones love that adults will enjoy too.  
  5. Exploding Kittens $30 (Ages 7+, 2-10 Players)– This game is great for small or larger groups & definitely plan to get the expansion pack as it adds some fun twists to the game!
  6. HedBanz $16 (Ages 8+, 2-6 Players)- Another game that will quickly become a family favorite.  Wear a headband with a card on it and try to guess what the card is by asking simple yes or no questions.  
  7. Watch Ya Mouth $20 (Ages 8+, 3-10 Players)– Each player wears a mouth guard and tries to say a phrase.  Be ready to LOL!  
  8. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza $10 (Ages 8+)– This simple card game is fast paced and highly entertaining.  Elementary and middle school aged kids love this one!
  9. Mia London & The Case of the 625 Scoundrels $24 (Ages 5+, 2-4 Players)– Phew!  That’s quite a name for this fantastic educational game with a really clever design
  10. Piece of Pie $20 (Ages 8+, 2-4 Players)– Nothing like adding in a little math education on game night.  This cute game sneaks in some fractions while you’re all having fun!  
  11. Robots $20 (Ages 12+, 2-5 Players)– This amazing game was nominated for the 2020 Kinderspeil and for good reason!  It’s a simple enough game to take on the road with you for long car rides, and also introduces kids to the concept of time.  
  12. Pie Face $25 (Ages 5+, 2+ Players) – A great game for families that aren’t afraid of getting a little messy!
  13. Meeple Land $37, (Ages 10+, 2-4 Players)– Perfect for families with young plates looking to dive into a slightly more complicated game while still being fun for adults as well.  
  14. Gods Love Dinosaurs $40 (Ages 8+, 2-5 Players)- This is a super fun tile placement game that combines a great theme (ahem…dinosaurs), with fun mechanics and beautiful components.  
  15. Marvel United $35 (Ages 8+, 1-4 Players)– Do you have a super hero fan in your midst?  This is the perfect game that kids and adults can play together.  
  16. Don’t Make Me Laugh $28 (Ages 5+, 2+Players) – This fun twist on charades requires no guessing. Instead, simply pick a card and act out the instructions, giving it your all! This popular improv game is great for all ages.
  17. Apples to Apple Jr. $15 (Ages 9+, 4-8 Players)- I remember my niece receiving this game for Christmas when she was little and we played for hours on Christmas Eve.  Definitely a family favorite.
  18. Girl Talk $21 (Ages 10+, 2-10 Players) – Another one of my favorites growing up, this truth or dare game is perfect for sleepovers with friends or cousins.  
  19. Mall Madness $25 (Ages 9, 2-4 Players) – Shop till you drop with this shopping game!  I think I still have my 1990’s original version in our game closet!
  20. Build A Burger Game $28 (Ages 6+, 2+ Players) – 2 players race to build a custom burger from the recipe card they choose! Buns, lettuce, cheese, tomato? What’s on your burger?

Board Game Gift Guide: All Time Best Family Board Games

best board games for families
  1. Hues and Cues $25 (Ages 8+, 3-10 Players) – This game wins for most vibrant board as it features 480 colors.  The whole family will be “art majoring” as you try to connect clues with a single hue.  
  2. Exit the Game $15 (Ages 12+, 1-4 Players)– If you love escape rooms, then this game series is for you.  
  3. Pit $17 (Ages 8+, 3-8 Players)– This game is an oldie (first sold in 1904) but goodie.  It’s a fast paced, loud game, where you and your family trade stocks.  
  4. Can’t Stop $50 (Ages 9+, 2-4 Players)– Just like the name, you won’t be able to stop playing this addictive dice game.  Push-your-luck time and time again as you work your way down a track.  
  5. Decrypto $23 (Ages 12+, 3-8 Players)– This exceptional code name game takes it to the next level.  You’ll want to figure out their word before they figure out yours. 
  6. Chronicles of Crime $40 (Ages 12, 1-4 Players)– This game is for all you fellow crime junkies who love solving crimes.  You play this game using an app, and it’s super interactive.  
  7. King of Tokyo $45 (Age 8, 2-6 Players)– A fight to the death dice game between giant monsters.
  8. The Chameleon $17 (Ages 14+, 3-8 Players)- This hidden identity bluffing game will have you trying to figure out who the chameleon is in your family who’s lying right to your faces.  The only time when lying is ok.  Ha!
  9. Azul $40 (Ages 8+, 2-4 Players)- Regarded as one of the most beautiful games out there, but also will keep you on the edge of your seat.  
best board games for families

11. Just one $25 (Ages 8+, 3-7 Players)– This game one the Oscars of Gaming award and will have you laughing and cheering for hours.  

12. Wingspan $60 (Ages 14+, 1-5 Players)– Another “Oscars of Gaming” award winner, this beautiful game about bird-enthusiasts will transport you across America and beyond as you collect birds for your reserves.  

13. Codenames Pictures $35 (Ages 10+, 2-5 Players)– This sequel to Codenames, this version will have players looking at pictures instead of words to guess the clues.  

14. Castles of Mad King Ludwig $60 (Ages 13+, 1-4 Players)– Image the Mad King Ludwig (who actually existed in real life- we toured his castle in Germany) has commanded you to build him a castle.  It’s a race to compete with other “architects” to create the most unique and glorious castle.  

15. Patchwork $14 (2 Players)– Players compete to create their own, unique quilt in this fast fun game. Perfect for date night in front of the fire.  

16. Wits and Wagers Deluxe Edition $25 (Ages 6+, 3+ Players)– We love this game in our home.  It’s perfect for trivia-savvy people, which is my husband for sure.  This game feels like you’re on a game show. 

17. Ticket to Ride $55 (Ages 8, 2-5 Players)– A very popular game amongst families, uplevel and get the new Europe edition that includes new rules and extra challenges.  

18. Parks $50 (Ages 10+, 1-5 Players)– This game is a gorgeous, education, and thematic experience.  “Parks” will inspire your family to become hikers that aspire to visit as many National parks as they progress on their hikes.  

19. Dixit $40 (Ages 8, 3-6 Players)- An artistic game that requires the use of imagination and storytelling skills.

20. Trekking the National Parks $50 (Ages 10, 2-5 Players)Share the Joy of the National Parks: Share your memories, and dream about where you’ll travel to next.

best board games for families

21. Telestrations $30 (Ages 12, 4-8 Players)– Another fun classic family game to add to your arsenal of games.  

22. Time’s Up! $20 (Ages 12+, 3+ Players)– This game is like a step up from traditional charades and gets progressively more difficult as you move through the rounds.  Perfect for a larger group too!

23. Name 5 $20 (Ages 12+)– Start playing this game and next thing you know you’ve spent hours around the table losing track of time.  

25. Say Anything $27 (Ages 8+, 3-6 Players)– You read a question, everyone else writes an answer, then you choose your favorite one.  It gives everyone in the family to chance to say anything.  

26. Catan $55 (Ages 10+, 3-4 Players)– This is a game of trading, strategy, skill, and luck.  Beware of robbers!

27. Tattoo Stories (Ages 12+, 2-4 Players)- Tattoo Stories is a clever take on a Pictionary style drawing game that is perfect for virtual game nights over Zoom too so you can include family near and far in game night.  

28. Talent Show $14 (Ages 7+, 2-10 Players)– This new party game allows players to “perform” to whatever level they’re comfortable.  Whether you’re dreaming of being on Broadway one day or prefer to be a wallflower, this game will get you out of your shell as you draw, sing, mime, or write your way to talent show victory!

29. Trophies $15 (Ages 8+, 2-30 Players)– This is the perfect game to gift and play right away.  It’s simple to learn and comes with lots of fun, shouting, and laughter! 

30. Elf Card Scramble $25 (Ages 12+, 2-5 Players) – Enjoy this entertaining Christmas board game with friends and family as you journey across this Elf movie themed board game packed with imagery and inspired moments from this comedic Christmas movie favorite.

31. A Game of Cat & Mouth $25 (Ages 7+, 2 Players) – A fiercely competitive, magnet-powered, highly addicting, Pinball’ish game! A Game of Cat & Mouth is all about fast-flinging and quick thinking with a touch of precision.

Classic Family Board Games- That Every Family Should Play

classic board games for families
  1. Monopoly $16 (Ages 8+, 2-6 Players)– this classic is one of our absolute favorite and I think we have it in every theme possible.  And, if you’re looking to up the ante on game night, try Monopoly Deal which is probably 100x more fun than traditional Monopoly.
  2. Life $20 (Age 8+, 2-4 Players) – Choose your career, get married, have some babies, and win at the game of LIFE! 
  3. Trouble $10 (Ages 5+, 2-4 Players)– Great game for younger players! 
  4. Scrabble $15 (Ages 8+, 2-4 Players)– Another Wilson family favorite.  Adam always somehow uses all of his letters on a mega word and beats us all.  
  5. Jenga $11 (Ages 6+, 1+ Players)– This timeless game uses skill, luck, and strategy to keep the tower from toppling over.  Always a crowd favorite.  
  6. Uno $10 (Ages 7+, 2-10 Players)– Classic game that’s easy for young players to learn and enjoy!  And for even more fun, try Uno Attack!
  7. Operation $19 (Ages 6+, 1+ Players)– My favorite game as a kid that had me convinced I’d be a great surgeon one day!
  8. Sorry! $21 (Ages 6+, 2-4 Players)– I remember playing this classic board game all the time as a kid.  Do you?  
  9. Clue $10 (Ages 8+, 2-6 Players)– This game probably is what began my current real crime obsession and I still love playing it!

Fun Family Card Games

  1. Cover Your Assets $16 (Ages 7+, 2-6 Players)– This cut throat competitive card game will pit you against yourLigretto $23 (Ages 8+, 2-4 Players)- Another fast-paced card game where it’s race to get rid your cards the fastest.  
  2. Show Me The Monet $17– This beautiful card game features real art by real artists.  Thing Go Fish with a classical art theme and deeper strategy.  
  3. The Mind $13 (Ages 8+, 2-4 Players)– This little game has a big challenge in store for players. 
  4. Phase 10 $10 (Ages 7+, 2-6 Players) – My mom’s favorite…definitely a must have card game!
  5. Skip-Bo $14 (Ages 7+, 2-6 Players)– Some of our family’s absolute favorite card games.  
  6. On a Scale of One to T-Rex $20 (Ages 7+, 2-6 Players)
  7. Unstable Unicorns $20 (Ages 14+, 2-8 Players)– In this award winning card game, you use strategy to collect unicorns, but be on the look out for your opponents who are trying to destroy you!
  8. Bears vs. Babies $25 (Ages 10, 2-5 Players) – Bears vs Babies is all about building amazing monsters, eating delicious babies and destroying the competition!
  9. Tacocat Spelled Backwards $15 (Ages 7+, 2 Players) – A lil’ board game with a cat who is also a taco. With Tacocat on the line, anything can happen in this palindrome-powered tug-of-war! 
  10. You’ve Got Crabs $20 (Ages 7+, 4-10 Players) – Try to collect four of the same card before any of the other teams, then pass a secret signal to your teammate. If your partner sees your signal and yells, “you’ve got crabs, ” you gain a point. If an opponent sees your signal and yells, “you’ve got crabs, ” you lose a point.

Board Game Gift Guide for Families- Best Party Games for Families

best party games for families
  1. Wavelength $40 (All Ages, 2-20 Players)– Two teams take turns trying to read each other’s minds.  It’s the game that brings out the most interesting conversations you wish you would have at your party.  
  2. Hey Robot $25 (Ages 14+, 2-20 Players)– You need a smart speaker/Alexa to play this fun game.  Divide into two groups and the object of the game is to get Alexa to say the word on the card.  It’s hilarious!
  3. Monikers $25 (4-16 Players)– Players take turns trying to get their teammates to name well-known people.  
  4. Werewolf $15 (Up to 35 Players)– Everyone has an identity and you’re trying to discover who the werewolf is. 
  5. Speechless $30 (3-8 Players)– Act out words in 90 seconds to a room full of people.  No teams.  So much fun!
  6. The Game of Things $33 (Ages 14+, 4+ Players)– Read hilarious topics and write down your answers, then try to guess who said what.  
  7. LCR Wild $10 (Ages 5+, 3+ Players)– Another favorite party game where you throw dice and lose or gain chips.   
  8. Beat That! $25 (Adult, 8+ Players) – Ever had the satisfaction of throwing a paper ball in the bin from across the room? Well, that feeling is what this game is all about. Bet on your skills with solo challenges, battle royales, buddy ups, and duels.
  9. Pando $25 (Ages 14+, 4-12 Players) – PANDO is the cure for the common party game, the antidote for uncomfortable gatherings.  If trivia about your personal life scares you, we suggest you buy Bingo and hire a therapist.
  10. CatchPhrase $22 (Ages 12+, 4+ Players) – Grab some friends and have an instant party with the Ultimate Catch Phrase game. It’s a fun, fast, active, and hilarious game.
  11. Throw Throw Burrito $25 (Ages 7+, 2-6 Players) – The World’s First Dodgeball Card Game – Collect matching sets of cards faster than your opponents while simultaneously ducking, dodging and throwing squishy airborne burritos.

I hope you enjoyed this board game gift guide for families.  Did you family’s favorite game make the list?  Looking for more gift ideas?  Click here, here, & here for more holiday gifting ideas!  

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