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As the holiday season approaches, the search for the perfect Christmas gifts is in full swing. Instead of the latest gadgets or flashy toys, why not consider a gift that brings the family together, fosters laughter, and creates lasting memories? Board games are a fantastic choice, offering entertainment for all ages and skill levels. In this review, I’ll introduce you to some fantastic family-friendly board games that are sure to be a hit under the Christmas tree. These are the games we reach for over and over with our school aged kids.
Otrio
Otrio is a visually stunning and strategically engaging game that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s played on a 3×3 grid, and the objective is to get three of your colored rings in a row either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. What sets Otrio apart is its three different sized playing pieces, each with different stacking rules. This simple twist adds layers of strategy and excitement to the game, making it appealing to both kids and adults.
Electronic Battleship
For a classic naval battle experience, Battleship is the go-to choice. This two-player game challenges opponents to strategically position their fleet of ships on a grid and take turns calling out coordinates to sink the enemy ships. It’s a game of strategy and deduction that’s been enjoyed for generations. The tension builds as you try to outsmart your opponent, making each turn a thrilling moment.
Scrabble
If you’re a word enthusiast or love a good brain teaser, Scrabble is the ultimate word game. Players create words on a game board using letter tiles, with each letter having a point value. The goal is to maximize your points and strategically place your words for bonus squares. Scrabble is not just a game; it’s a wordy battle of wits that’s both educational and endlessly entertaining.
Scattergories
Scattergories is a fast-paced and imaginative game that will test your quick thinking and creativity. Players roll a letter die and have a limited time to come up with words that fit various categories, all starting with the rolled letter. The challenge lies in thinking outside the box and coming up with unique answers while racing against the timer. It’s a great game to stimulate creativity and keep everyone on their toes.
Walk like a Chicken
Walk Like a Chicken is a hilarious game that challenges players to imitate various animals while finding the hidden playing card around your room/house. We love this one, it can get pretty wild searching for a playing card while acting like a shark while also racing the other players!
Guess Who?
Guess Who? is a classic two-player deduction game where players take turns asking yes-or-no questions to determine their opponent’s mystery character. The goal is to narrow down the possibilities until you can confidently guess your opponent’s character before they do the same to you. It’s a game that sharpens deductive reasoning and is great for head-to-head competition. Great for younger players.
The Game of LIFE
The Game of Life is a beloved classic that simulates a journey through life. Players make choices about careers, relatonships, and more as they navigate the ups and downs of adulthood. The game’s charm lies in its storytelling aspect, as players can find themselves on various life paths. It’s an excellent choice for family game night and can spark interesting conversations about life choices.
Telestrations
Telestrations is easy to grasp, making it suitable for players of all ages, from young kids to grandparents. Each round kicks off with a simple word or phrase that transforms into a chain of sketches and guesses as it makes its way around the table. What sets Telestrations apart is the uncontrollable laughter that ensues when you finally reveal the wildly hilarious progression of drawings and guesses.
Whether you’re strategizing in Otrio, sinking battleships in Battleship, or guessing who in Guess who? these games offer something for everyone. They promote friendly competition, critical thinking, and creativity, making them perfect for family gatherings during the holiday season. These classics will provide endless entertainment and create cherished memories that your family will treasure for years to come.
Merry Christmas and happy gaming!
The Quick List:
- Otrio – 2-4 players, quick game, easy to learn, age 8+
- Battleship – 2 players, 30 minute game
- Scrabble – 2-4+ players, 45-60 minute game
- Scattegories – 2-6 players, if playing more than one round 60 minutes
- Walk Like a Chicken – 2+ players, quick game – age 3+, but my older school aged kids still love this if they feel like rough housing with Dad!
- Guess Who? – 2 players (we played teams when kids were younger), quick game
- The Game of Life – 2-4 players, 60 minute game
- Telestrations – 4-8 players, quick game