Indeed, it's AWN with these fab suggestions - categorized to help you choose, from Guest Blogger Lynne Favreau.
Girl's on fire this year - to our benefit!
My family have always been board game players. Scrabble, Blokus, Scattagories, Uno, Apples to Apples, and Trivial Pursuit, were our typical fare, but the last few years my daughter's involvement with serious board game players has introduced us to a whole new world.
It used to be you looked up the age recommendation and decided what to buy based on that. Now, we seek games based on whether they are cooperative games, based on strategy or level of chance, how long it takes to learn the rules, or play the game. Does it require diplomacy, or negotiating skills? Is it a two-player or multi-player, or team game?
For comprehensive reviews and details of any of these games check out BoardGameGeeks
Besides reviews, BGG is a good resource for information on add-ons, multiple version, and expansion packs.
Another place to check out is BoardGamePrices if you wish to comparison shop. Also, shop local when you can, look to see if there is a board game shop in your area. Online, besides Amazon, shop at Miniature Market, and Cool Stuff Inc.
Two-Player Games
Quick as you can, make a crossword grid with your tiles. It's bananas!
Codenames Duets, use one-word clues that point to multiple words on the table to find all the agents before time runs out. 14+, 2, or more players, 30 mins.
Jaipur, card game played in three rounds. This is on my wish list. 12+, 2 players, 30 min.
Cooperative Games
The fate of humanity is in your hands! One of my top ten. Easy to learn, the first of what is now a series.
Mysterium is super fun, another in my top ten, but takes some time to learn and set up. One player is the ghost, who tries to help the psychics figure out who killed him or her. Once you play a few times it's a cinch. 10+, 2-7 players, 30-45 min.
Quick, Fun, Easy to Learn
Azul, Stained Glass Of Sintra is second edition (1st Azul). In this version you become a master stained glass crafter. 8+, 2-4 players, 30-45 min.
Celestia, board an aircraft with your team of travelers! 8+, 2-6 players, 30 min.
Sushi Go Deluxe, A family favorite, I've given this to everyone. 8+, 2-5 players, 15min.
Fluxx, this game cracks me up. Every hand can change the rules in play so it keeps you on your toes. There are dozens of versions, including a drinking one.
Youngsters
Zingo everything about this is nice, the tactile feel, the dispenser, the graphics.
Another game I've gifted multiple times. 4+, 2-6 players, 15min.
Those were my picks from the last few years, but I also queried my daughter Eva, COO of Initiative Games for her recommendations.
Space Base, appeals to wide audience, easy to learn. 14+, 2-5, 60min.
Hanabi, build a dazzling fireworks finale! 8+, 2-5 players, 30 mins.
Alchemist, a game of strategy, risk assessment, and deduction. Our family loves this one. 14+, 2-4 players, 120min.
Special Considerations
Until my daughter started playing and developing games I wasn't aware of the accessibility issues for them. Things like color-blindness, cognizance and dexterity, can affect whether someone can enjoy, or play a game or not.
Eva recommended this UK site, Meeple Like Us, on which reviews of dozens and dozens of games have been posted (they call it a teardown), evaluating the good and bad aspects of a game re: how accessible the game is physically, cognitively, and sociologically.
Eva recommended this UK site, Meeple Like Us, on which reviews of dozens and dozens of games have been posted (they call it a teardown), evaluating the good and bad aspects of a game re: how accessible the game is physically, cognitively, and sociologically.
Disclaimer: All photos and recipes originate from the designated website/authors unless otherwise noted.
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