Games & Puzzles
Board games
7 kinds worth knowing, 18 picks, and what to check before you buy.
A board game makes a good gift when it gets played, not when it sits in a closet. The people who get the most out of one usually have a regular crowd to play with, like a family that gathers over the holidays or friends who host game nights. Before you choose, think about how many people will usually be at the table, how long they'll want to sit and whether they like to compete or work together. Quick party games like Codenames suit big, chatty groups. Strategy board games suit people who enjoy planning and don't mind a longer rules explanation. If you pick the right size and pace for the group, the game has a good chance of coming out again next month.
Kind 1 of 7
Codenames for groups that love wordplay
Codenames is a team word game. One clue-giver on each team tries to steer teammates toward the right words on a grid while steering them away from the wrong ones. It works best with four or more players, takes a few minutes to learn and plays in short rounds, so people tend to ask for another game. It suits friends who like puns, inside jokes and a bit of table talk. Before buying, check whether the person already owns it, since it's a common shelf staple. Also think about whether their usual group is big enough for two teams.
Kind 2 of 7
Strategy games for planners
Strategy games reward thinking a few moves ahead. That can mean building an economy, managing a deck of cards or outmanoeuvring one opponent on a small board. They suit people who already enjoy games and like a challenge that changes each time they play. Before buying, look at player count, play time and complexity. A long, rule-heavy game can overwhelm a casual player, while a two-player game works well for couples or roommates. Legacy games change permanently as you play, so they're best for a group that meets regularly.
Two-Player Strategy Board Game
A duel-sized game whose real product is the rematch — and the standing grudge.
Deep strategy board game
Ideal for players who enjoy intricate decision-making and long-term planning, offering hours of thoughtful engagement and replayability.
Dynamic deck-building game
Players build and refine their personal deck of cards throughout the game, creating a unique and evolving strategy with each play session.
Elegant abstract strategy game
Perfect for those who appreciate pure strategy and logical thinking, free from thematic elements, focusing on skill and foresight in every move.
Immersive legacy board game
This game offers a campaign-style experience where player choices permanently alter the game components and story over multiple sessions, creating a unique journey.
Kind 3 of 7
Cooperative games where everyone wins together
In a cooperative game, the players work together against the game instead of against each other. The whole table wins or loses as a team. These games suit families with mixed ages, partners who don't like head-to-head rivalry and groups where one sore loser can sour the evening. Some are light party games built around guessing words. Others are longer puzzles that take real planning. Check the play time and the number of players it supports. Also consider whether the group would enjoy lively discussion or quiet problem solving.
Strategy board games
This game challenges players to work together against the game system, fostering teamwork and shared victories for a rewarding experience.
Kind 4 of 7
Family games that bridge the ages
A good family game has simple rules, short turns and enough luck that younger players can beat the adults now and then. These are the games that come out after holiday dinners or on snowy weekends. Dice games, quick party games and roll-and-write games, where everyone marks their own sheet at the same time, all fit here. Before buying, check the recommended age range and make sure the game handles the family's full headcount. Rules that fit on a card or two usually get played more often than a thick rulebook.
Pass the Pigs
A pocket-size push-your-luck game where two pig dice land in wonderfully unlikely poses.
Classic Bananagrams
A simultaneous 144-tile word race with private grids, no board and constant rearranging.
Family board games
A beloved classic offers simple rules and engaging play, perfect for multi-generational gatherings and creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Engaging roll-and-write game
A quick-playing game where players roll dice and mark results on individual sheets, offering satisfying strategic choices in a compact format.
Kind 5 of 7
Classic games that never go out of style
Classic games like chess and cribbage have lasted for generations because the rules are easy to learn but take years to master. They make thoughtful gifts for grandparents, cottage regulars and anyone who likes a quiet game over coffee. Since the rules don't change, what sets one set apart from another is how it's made. Look at the materials, the size of the pieces and whether it's easy to put away. A magnetic or travel-friendly set is handy for people who play on trains, at camp or in small spaces.
Magnetic Wooden Chess Set
The Boxing Day rematch that never ends — pieces stay put through bumps and road trips
Cribbage Board Set
The kitchen-table classic that turns one deck of cards into a decades-long family feud
Kind 6 of 7
Qwirkle for easy, colourful matching
In Qwirkle, players place wooden tiles in rows that share a colour or a shape and score points as the lines grow. You can learn it in a few minutes, and there's no reading involved. That makes it a good fit for mixed-age families, players whose first language isn't English and anyone who likes a calm game with some tactics. It plays well with two players and still works with a small group. Check that the person doesn't already own it, since it's a popular pick for family game shelves.
Qwirkle
A tactile colour-and-shape strategy game that lets children and adults build one shared puzzle.
Kind 7 of 7
Poetry for Neanderthals for big laughs
Poetry for Neanderthals is a silly party game. You have to get your team to guess a word while speaking only in one-syllable words, and breaking the rule gets you bonked with an inflatable club. It's loud and fast, and it suits groups of friends, teens and adults who don't mind looking a bit ridiculous. It works best with four or more players who enjoy wordplay. Think about the crowd before buying. Quiet or competitive strategy players may find it too chaotic, while a lively holiday party will probably love it.
How to choose board games as a gift
- Match the game's player count to the group the person actually plays with, not the biggest gathering of the year.
- Look at play time. A 20-minute game gets played far more often than a three-hour one on a weeknight.
- For newer players, pick games you can explain in five minutes or less.
- Ask a partner or roommate which games are already on the shelf so you don't give a duplicate.
- Choose cooperative games for groups where competition tends to cause friction or leave someone feeling left out.
Usually safe to skip
- Heavy, rule-dense strategy games for casual players often go unopened because nobody wants to learn the rulebook.
- Games that need six or more players can miss for couples or small households who rarely have a full table.
- Legacy games bought for people without a regular group tend to stall partway through the campaign.
Questions people ask about board games
- What's a good board game gift for someone who doesn't play much?
- Pick something short with simple rules, like a word or party game you can learn in a few minutes. Codenames, Just One and Qwirkle are easy to start and don't need a gaming background.
- Are cooperative board games good for families?
- Yes, often. Everyone plays on the same team, so younger kids aren't left losing to adults and the mood stays friendly. Check the age range and play time so the game suits the youngest and oldest players.
- What board game works for just two people?
- Look for a game built for two, like a two-player strategy game, or a classic like chess or cribbage. Qwirkle also works well with two. Many party games need four or more players, so check the box before buying.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All board games picks
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