Discover the perfect holiday presents for every gamer in your life with our ultimate game gift guide!
As the festive season twinkles into view, it’s time for one of my absolute favorite traditions: compiling a comprehensive guide to the best games! While I genuinely adore good food and festive treats, my true passion lies in the thrilling world of board games, card games, and outdoor fun. Our home is a constant hub of laughter, strategic thinking, and friendly competition, all fueled by the joy of playing together.
For several years now, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my carefully curated mini game gift guides. You might think our game closet is overflowing by now (and it certainly is!), but the world of games is ever-evolving, and I’m always discovering new gems that quickly become family favorites. This year is no exception, and I’m excited to share even more fantastic recommendations with you.
The selections you’ll find below aren’t just random picks; they represent some of the most engaging, thought-provoking, and downright fun games we’ve encountered. Each description includes my personal insights, based on countless hours of family gameplay. I’ve noted what makes each game special, which age groups enjoy it most, and any particular nuances that stood out during our play sessions. These italicized notes are designed to give you a real-world perspective, helping you choose the perfect fit for your loved ones.
Before you dive into the latest and greatest, be sure to scroll to the end of this post! There, you’ll find a special “Best Of” section featuring perennial favorites from my previous five years of gift guides. These are the classics that stand the test of time, consistently hitting our game table and bringing joy to all. You’ll also find convenient links to those past guides, offering an even wider array of gaming inspiration.
It’s important to remember that every recommendation in this guide, and indeed in all my gift guides, is genuinely heartfelt and unsolicited. None of these games are sponsored. They are all beloved additions we’ve either purchased ourselves or received as thoughtful gifts. The ultimate testament to their quality? We’ve played them extensively, creating countless cherished memories in the process.
Playing games offers so much more than just entertainment. It’s a fantastic way to foster communication, develop problem-solving skills, encourage strategic thinking, and build stronger family bonds. A dedicated game night can become a cherished ritual, providing a valuable opportunity to disconnect from screens and truly engage with one another. Whether you’re seeking a competitive challenge, a cooperative adventure, or simply a good laugh, the right game can transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary experience.
Disclaimer: This holiday gift guide contains some affiliate links to Amazon, where I’ve purchased many of these games. As always, feel free to explore other retailers to find the best deals!
Unwrap the Fun: Favorite Games of 2017
1. Tapple: A Fast-Paced Word Game for All Ages
Tapple is an incredibly entertaining group game that has quickly become a cornerstone of our family gatherings. We first introduced it during a summer visit to my parents’ house, and it was an instant hit, played repeatedly with roaring laughter. It’s a game that brings out the competitive spirit in everyone while keeping the atmosphere light and engaging. The premise is simple: a category is announced, and players must rapidly name a word within that category, pressing a letter on the electronic timer/board before time runs out. I have a particular soft spot for word games, and Tapple delivers a unique blend of quick thinking and lexical recall, similar to our long-standing favorite, Word on the Street. It’s a fantastic choice for livening up any family game night or party. The game excels at promoting quick word association and vocabulary, making it both educational and exhilarating. The pressure of the timer adds a thrilling element, ensuring no two rounds are ever quite the same.
Our family experience with Tapple has shown it’s suitable for everyone aged 5 and up. For our youngest players, we simply grant them a few extra “strikes” or passes before they are out, ensuring they remain engaged and part of the fun. This flexibility makes it genuinely inclusive for a wide range of ages.
2. Qbitz: A Brain-Bending Pattern Recognition Challenge
Qbitz has captivated our youngest, Cam, so much that she would happily play it every single night (much to her disappointment when it doesn’t happen!). It’s a remarkable game that defies age expectations. Despite being designed for older kids and adults, five-year-old Cam is surprisingly adept, often outperforming us. We opted for the standard version over Qbitz Jr, finding the junior version a bit too simplistic for sustained engagement. What I truly appreciate about Qbitz is how it challenges our brains, pushing us to quickly analyze and recreate intricate patterns using a set of cubes. It’s a fantastic exercise in visual-spatial reasoning and speed. Confession time: I’m often surprisingly bad at it, but my enjoyment never diminishes! The game’s replayability is high, as new pattern cards keep each round fresh and exciting. It’s a perfect gift for anyone who loves puzzles and quick-thinking challenges.
When Cam plays, we deliberately slow down the pace to ensure she has a fair chance and can enjoy the process. However, when it’s a group of players aged 10 and up, Qbitz transforms into a highly competitive and exhilarating race to match patterns.
3. 6 Nimmt!: The Addictive Card Game for Any Crowd
My cousin, Camille, is a true game connoisseur, so when she texted me insisting that 6 Nimmt! was her new favorite and I needed to get it immediately, I knew it was serious. And she was absolutely right! This card game has instantly become one of my top recommendations for the year. Its brilliance lies in its versatility, accommodating anywhere from 2 to 10 players, making it ideal for both intimate family nights and larger gatherings. The rules are incredibly simple to grasp, allowing new players to jump right in after just one round. Yet, despite its simplicity, every round offers a fresh and unpredictable challenge. Players simultaneously choose a card, then reveal them, strategically adding them to rows with the goal of avoiding taking the dreaded “bull heads.” It’s fast-paced, full of strategic bluffing, and genuinely hilarious when someone’s plan goes awry. Card games often bring out the best in social interaction, and 6 Nimmt! truly excels at creating an atmosphere of lively fun. It’s a testament to how simple mechanics can lead to deeply engaging gameplay.
While Cam (our 5-year-old) usually plays on someone’s team, the game is easily playable by individuals aged 8 and up. The experience becomes noticeably faster and more competitive with teenagers and adults, but its adaptable nature ensures enjoyment across various age groups.
4. Bold: The Addictive Matching Game You Can Take Anywhere
Bold is another card game that has captured our hearts and found a permanent spot in our travel bag. Its compact nature and engaging gameplay make it perfect for those moments when you’re waiting for activities to finish or simply need a quick burst of fun. While it does require a small amount of space to lay out a 4×5 grid of cards, it’s remarkably easy to learn. The objective is to identify specific matches and patterns among the cards as quickly as possible. This simplicity belies an incredibly addictive quality; once you start playing, it’s genuinely hard to stop! The thrill of spotting a “Bold” match before anyone else creates a delightful tension. It’s a fantastic way to sharpen observation skills and focus, and its portability means spontaneous game sessions are always an option. Bold proves that sometimes the most straightforward games are the most captivating.
Bold is another excellent choice for ages 5 and up. Occasionally, we might need to assist Cam in identifying the more complex matches, but more often than not, her keen eye and quick reflexes mean she surprisingly often beats us!
5. Flimsee: Our Go-To Outdoor Game for Endless Fun
Without a doubt, Flimsee stands as one of our all-time favorite outdoor games. My friend Lindsay introduced us to it last summer, and it quickly became an obsession. We played it almost daily, packed it for every road trip, and enthusiastically shared it with countless friends. Its popularity is evident in how many people immediately purchased their own sets – my brother, my dad, and several friends all joined the Flimsee craze. My dad even went a step further and crafted cool custom stands for our set! The beauty of Flimsee lies in its incredible adaptability: it can be played virtually anywhere, and absolutely no athletic ability is required (a huge plus for someone like me!). The game involves tossing discs at targets, but the unique design and rules make it incredibly engaging and accessible. It’s a brilliant way to encourage active play, enjoy the outdoors, and foster friendly competition among all ages. Flimsee embodies the spirit of simple, yet utterly captivating, outdoor entertainment.
Flimsee is truly a game for all ages. While it naturally becomes more competitive when teenagers and adults are involved, we frequently play it as a family. To ensure fairness and fun for our younger players, we often allow them to take a few steps forward from the throwing line.
6. Spontuneous: Sing Your Way to Victory!
I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by how much we adore Spontuneous! This game has quickly become a source of uproarious laughter and unexpected revelations. The premise is brilliantly simple: a player says a word, and everyone else races to sing a song containing that word. It’s truly hilarious, especially witnessing how many obscure songs my husband, Brian, knows – sometimes so random that I demand he looks them up on his phone for verification (like “I Hired a Wino to Decorate My Home”!). What makes Spontuneous so fantastic is its universal appeal; you absolutely do not need to be a skilled singer to play or enjoy it. The joy comes from the quick recall, the occasional off-key attempts, and the sheer absurdity of some song choices. It’s a wonderful icebreaker and a fantastic game for breaking out of your shell and embracing spontaneity. This game is a fantastic gift for music lovers, party hosts, or anyone looking for a lively and memorable game night.
For maximum enjoyment, we all play Spontuneous, but we make sure to divide into teams that balance ages and musical knowledge, ensuring fair play and keeping the energy high for everyone involved.
7. The Quest for El Dorado: An Epic Expedition for Strategy Fans
My brother’s enthusiastic recommendation for The Quest for El Dorado immediately piqued my interest, and it certainly did not disappoint! Ravensburger consistently produces high-quality, engaging games, and this one is a true gem. It’s a captivating strategy exploration game that skillfully blends elements reminiscent of classics like Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, and other popular tile-laying and exploration board games. Players build a deck of cards that represent their abilities to traverse different terrains, strategically navigating the board to be the first to reach the legendary city of El Dorado. The deck-building mechanic is smooth and intuitive, allowing for diverse strategies and exciting decision-making. Every turn offers meaningful choices, and the thrill of optimizing your path and outmaneuvering opponents is incredibly satisfying. This game is perfect for those who enjoy a deeper strategic experience without overly complex rules. It promotes careful planning, adaptation, and a bit of friendly competition, making it a wonderful addition to any board game collection.
This game is definitely best suited for players aged 10 and up, as it involves strategic thinking and planning. It truly shines when played by a group of adults or older teenagers who can fully appreciate its tactical depth.
8. Kan Jam: The Ultimate Disc-Tossing Outdoor Challenge
Kan Jam is another seriously fun outdoor game that guarantees hours of engaging play. I initially bought this for my dad, and it’s remarkable how such a straightforward concept can utterly captivate both competitive children and adults for extended periods. The game involves two teams of two, using a flying disc to score points by hitting or deflecting the disc into a “kan.” It’s a dynamic blend of precision, teamwork, and strategy. The excitement builds with every throw, and the thrill of making a perfect shot or a last-minute save is incredibly satisfying. Kan Jam is fantastic for improving hand-eye coordination and fostering cooperative play. It’s robust enough for spirited play and can be set up in a backyard, park, or beach, making it incredibly versatile. This game is an excellent gift for active families or anyone who enjoys outdoor sports and a healthy dose of competition.
Similar to Flimsee, Kan Jam is suitable for all ages. To keep the game fair and enjoyable for our younger participants, we often give the smaller kids a head start by allowing them to stand a step or two closer to the target.
9. Djubi: Reinventing the Classic Game of Catch
Djubi has been a massive hit with my boys! Jackson received it for his birthday, and his cousin Walker also got one from his aunt and uncle, proving its widespread appeal. My sons seem to have an endless appetite for games that offer a creative twist on the classic game of catch. Djubi takes the simple act of throwing and catching a ball and elevates it with unique launchers and loops. It’s incredibly satisfying to launch the Djubi ball with accuracy and even more fun to catch it. They play this game everywhere – from our somewhat chaotic bonus room indoors to the wide-open spaces outside. It’s a fantastic way to encourage active play, improve coordination, and burn off some energy, whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a rainy day indoors. The durable design means it stands up to enthusiastic play, making it a lasting source of entertainment.
Djubi is great for all ages with appropriate modifications. However, it’s arguably the most fun and rewarding for kids and adults who already possess a decent ability to throw and catch a ball easily (unlike some of us!).
*These are games I’ve recommended in the past that continue to be favorites year after year, proving their timeless appeal and endless fun.*
Enchanted Forest
(A truly magical game that sparks imagination and wonder, making it one of my favorite games to play with the kids ever. It’s perfect for fostering storytelling and memory skills.)
Codenames
(This ingenious word association game remains a weekly staple in our home, providing endless deduction and team-based fun. Codenames Pictures is also super fun, offering a visual twist, and I’m eagerly eyeing the newest cooperative Codenames Duet game for even more collaborative challenges.)
Battle of the UFO’s
(This game has cultivated a loyal cult following for good reason – and it notoriously sells out within hours every time I feature it! A true triumph, this non-battery game is arguably the funnest of the century, lovingly crafted by an adorable mom-and-pop shop in Idaho.)
Cover Your Assets
(Still one of the most frequently played card games during our Sunday afternoons, offering a lively mix of strategy and card-collecting fun that never gets old.)
Animal Trivia Challenge
(A constant source of learning and amusement, this trivia game is another cherished favorite, with Brian playing it with the kids almost every Sunday, expanding their knowledge of the animal kingdom.)
Sleeping Queens
(This delightful card game consistently receives more positive feedback than almost any other recommendation! Many of you love it just as much as we do for its charming theme and engaging, gentle strategy for younger players.)
Explore More Game Gift Guides:
2016 Game Gift Guide: Even More Family Fun
2015 Game Gift Guide: Games, Games, Games!
2014 Game Gift Guide: Top Holiday Picks for Kids (This guide combines game recommendations with other fantastic gift ideas for children.)
I hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to find the perfect game to gift this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a brain-teasing strategy game, a laugh-out-loud party game, or an active outdoor challenge, there’s something here for everyone. Games are more than just objects; they’re experiences waiting to happen, opportunities for connection, and building blocks for lasting family memories. Happy gifting, and may your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of game-playing adventures!