Games & Puzzles
Card games
6 kinds worth knowing, 24 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Card games are one of the easiest gifts to get right. They're small and they get played, whether that's at the cottage, during a holiday visit or at the kitchen table after dinner. Most people buying them are shopping for a friend, a roommate, a couple or a host who likes having something to pull out when guests arrive. The ones that last are quick to learn and play well with different group sizes. A game like UNO works for almost everyone, and a good deck of cards covers dozens of games in one box. Think about who will be at the table, not just who opens the gift.
Kind 1 of 6
UNO and quick family matching games
UNO is the match-the-colour-or-number game most people already know, which is exactly why it works as a gift: nobody needs to read the rules before playing. It suits mixed-age groups, families with kids who can recognize numbers, and friends who want something light. Newer versions add harsher rules and more stacking, which keeps it fresh for people who have played the original to death. Before buying, check whether they already own the classic deck, and whether the variant's rules suit a younger or more competitive crowd.
Engaging quick play family card game
Perfect for family game nights, this game offers simple rules and fast-paced fun that appeals to players of various ages.
Kind 2 of 6
A good deck of playing cards
A standard 52-card deck is the most flexible card game gift there is, covering euchre, crib, rummy, solitaire and poker nights. It suits grandparents, card-night regulars and anyone who likes a game at the cottage or on a camping trip. Decks meant for outdoor use or travel handle spills and damp picnic tables better than paper ones. Before buying, look at card stock, how easily the cards shuffle, and whether the box will survive being tossed into a bag. A small collection of pocket games makes a nice add-on.
Classic standard playing card deck
This versatile deck provides endless entertainment for traditional card games or creative new pastimes for all ages.
Kind 3 of 6
Fast, loud slap-and-shout party games
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a fast reaction game: players flip cards while chanting the five words, then slap the pile when the card matches the word. Rounds are short, the rules take a minute to explain, and it tends to get noisy. It suits roommates, young adults, family gatherings and hosts who want an icebreaker. Other speed and party games scratch the same itch. Before buying, consider the group: slapping games suit people who don't mind a little chaos, while charades-style decks suit groups who like to perform.
Spot It! Classic
A pocket-size visual race with one shared symbol hidden on every pair of round cards.
Hilarious adult party card game
Designed to spark laughter and lively conversation, this game is an ideal addition to adult gatherings and social events.
Kind 4 of 6
Table games for people who play online
Plenty of people play card games on their phones or with friends online. A physical game gives them the same strategy or trivia fix at an actual table. Deck-building, deduction and co-op card games suit players who like thinking a few moves ahead. Trivia and conversation decks suit couples and friends who'd rather talk than compete. Before buying, check the player count, how long a game takes and how complex the rules are. Heavier strategy games reward regular groups, while trivia boxes work with whoever happens to be visiting.
Family Trivia Game Box
Kids versus parents, loser does the dishes — the post-turkey showdown in a box
No Wrong Answers Core Deck
More than 70 prompts that turn a quiet dinner table into an easy group conversation.
Page-a-Day Trivia Calendar
One gift, a year of morning rituals — the office quiz that never runs out.
Sarcastic Affirmation Card Deck
Daily affirmations, minus the sincerity — self-care for the chronically unimpressed.
Strategic deck-building card game
Challenges players to build powerful card combinations and execute clever tactics, offering deep replayability for strategy enthusiasts.
Kind 5 of 6
SKYJO and compact games for travel
SKYJO is a card game where each player flips and swaps cards in their own grid, trying to finish with the lowest score. It's easy to teach, mixes luck with small decisions, and works for kids and adults at the same table. The box is small enough for a carry-on or a cottage weekend bag. It suits families, couples and friends who want something a notch deeper than a pure matching game. Before buying, check the recommended player count, and whether they'll want a notepad handy for scoring.
Portable compact travel card game
Its small size makes it perfect for on-the-go entertainment, easily fitting into luggage or a backpack for trips and outings.
Kind 6 of 6
Card shufflers and table accessories
An automatic card shuffler mixes one or more decks at the push of a button. It's a practical gift for regular card-night hosts, for people who play games that use several decks, and for anyone who finds shuffling awkward. Card holders do a similar job for young kids and players with small hands, since they can see their whole hand without gripping it. Before buying, check how many decks the shuffler takes, what kind of batteries or power it needs, and whether it handles thicker plastic cards.
Wooden Card Game Holders (Set)
The quiet hero that gets grandma and the little cousins back into the card game
How to choose card games as a gift
- Match the game to the usual group size, since some games drag with two players and others fall apart past six.
- Choose games that take a minute or two to explain if the recipient hosts mixed or casual crowds.
- Pair a classic deck with an accessory, like a shuffler or card holders, for someone who already plays often.
- For families, check that younger players can handle the reading or counting the game needs.
- Ask what they already own, since popular games like UNO often end up with a duplicate box.
Usually safe to skip
- Heavy strategy card games for casual players, since long rulebooks often mean the box never gets opened.
- Crude adult party decks for mixed company or family visits, where they tend to cause awkwardness rather than laughs.
- Novelty decks with hard-to-read card faces, which look good on the shelf but are frustrating to actually play with.
Questions people ask about card games
- What card game is good for a whole family at Christmas?
- Pick something with short rounds and simple rules, like UNO, SKYJO or Spot It! Classic. Kids and adults can play on even terms, and people can join or drop out between rounds without breaking up the game.
- Is a deck of playing cards a good enough gift on its own?
- It can be, especially a sturdy deck built for travel or outdoor use. To make it feel more complete, add a card shuffler, card holders or a pocket collection of smaller games.
- What card game works for just two people?
- Couples and roommates usually do well with trivia or conversation decks, or with SKYJO, which plays fine with two. Check the player count on the box first, since many party games need at least three or four players to work.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All card games picks
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