Top Family Board Games
Christmas 2023 Gift Guide
As the holiday season approaches, the search for the perfect family gift becomes a delightful quest. Family board games are an excellent choice, fostering quality time, laughter, and friendly competition. For those seeking unique and engaging options beyond the mainstream, the hobby market offers a treasure trove of gems. Here's a curated list of the top 10 family board games that are sure to bring joy, simplicity, and fun to your gatherings.
Ticket to Ride:
Designer: Alan R. Moon
Publisher: Days of Wonder
Embark on a cross-country adventure with "Ticket to Ride." Players build train routes across the map, collecting destination cards for points. This game combines strategy and a bit of luck, making it accessible for all ages. The beautiful board and easy-to-understand rules make it an ideal gift for families looking for a captivating yet straightforward gaming experience.
Carcassonne:
Designer: Klaus-Jürgen Wrede
Publisher: Z-Man Games
In "Carcassonne," players collectively build a medieval landscape with tiles depicting cities, roads, and fields. This tile-laying classic is perfect for family game nights, offering a blend of strategic planning and friendly competition. The game's simplicity and quick setup make it an excellent choice for both newcomers and experienced players.
Pandemic:
Designer: Matt Leacock
Publisher: Z-Man Games
Collaborate with family members to save the world from infectious diseases in "Pandemic." This cooperative game challenges players to work together to find cures and prevent global outbreaks. With its engaging gameplay and teamwork dynamics, "Pandemic" provides a unique and thrilling experience for families looking to join forces against a common foe.
Splendor:
Designer: Marc André
Publisher: Space Cowboys
"Splendor" invites players to become wealthy Renaissance merchants, collecting gems and developing their economic empires. This game is known for its elegant design, easy-to-learn rules, and strategic depth. It's a fantastic choice for families that enjoy a mix of strategic thinking and resource management in a beautifully crafted setting.
Codenames:
Designer: Vlaada Chvátil
Publisher: Czech Games Edition
Challenge your family's word association skills with "Codenames." In this party game, players try to guess the words associated with their team's color, while avoiding the opponent's words and the dreaded assassin. "Codenames" is quick, easy to set up, and endlessly replayable, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings.
Azul:
Designer: Michael Kiesling
Publisher: Plan B Games
Embrace the beauty of Moorish art as you compete to decorate the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora in "Azul." The game combines tile-drafting and pattern-building, creating a visually stunning and intellectually satisfying experience. With its simple rules and vibrant components, "Azul" is a great addition to any family game collection.
Dixit:
Designer: Jean-Louis Roubira
Publisher: Libellud
Encourage creativity and imagination with "Dixit." In this storytelling game, players use beautifully illustrated cards to inspire whimsical tales. The challenge lies in creating clues that are neither too obvious nor too obscure. "Dixit" is a unique and enchanting game that promotes communication and laughter, making it a fantastic gift for families of all ages.
Kingdomino:
Designer: Bruno Cathala
Publisher: Blue Orange Games
"Kingdomino" puts a royal twist on the classic domino game, as players compete to build the most prosperous kingdom. With its quick gameplay and strategic depth, this tile-laying game is perfect for families seeking a captivating yet accessible gaming experience. The compact size of the game also makes it an excellent choice for travel.
7 Wonders:
Designer: Antoine Bauza
Publisher: Repos Production
"7 Wonders" introduces players to the wonders of the ancient world as they build civilizations, develop resources, and engage in trade. This card-drafting game accommodates up to seven players, making it an excellent choice for larger family gatherings. With its engaging mechanics and historical theme, "7 Wonders" is a family-friendly strategy game that offers endless replayability.
Quacks of Quedlinburg:
Designer: Wolfgang Warsch
Publisher: North Star Games
Brew up some magical concoctions in "Quacks of Quedlinburg," a delightful push-your-luck game. Players take on the roles of charlatan apothecaries, competing to create the most potent potions without causing explosive results. The game's combination of strategy and randomness ensures a lively and entertaining experience for the whole family.
This holiday season, give the gift of laughter, strategy, and memorable moments with these top 10 family board games. From building train routes to thwarting global pandemics, each game offers a unique and enjoyable experience for players of all ages. These hobby market gems go beyond the ordinary, providing families with hours of entertainment and fostering cherished connections. May your holidays be filled with joy and the sound of dice rolling, cards shuffling, and the shared excitement of family game nights.