Board games under the Christmas tree: recommendations for all levels
10/12/2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
Christmas is the perfect time for game nights with your loved ones. Here are my all-time favourite board games to provide unforgettable moments.
For me, Christmas is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. And what’s nicer than getting together around a table and playing a good board game? Here are a few tips to help you find the right game.
Games for children
Games shouldn’t be too complicated for children, but still provide the fun factor and excitement. They should stimulate imagination and transport them to another place, whether they’re beginners or little pros. Games like «Animal Upon Animal», «Magic Keys» or «Magic Mountain» are perfect and will make their eyes light up. They’re fun, promote creativity and are quick to grasp.
Games for the whole family
It’s always a highlight for me to have an evening with family, playing games. However, for everyone to really enjoy it – from the youngest to eldest – games with simple rules and a good balance of strategy and luck are the best choice. You can’t go wrong with games like «Carcassonne», «Village Romance» or «Just One».
Games for two players
I love games designed for two people. They often have a special focus because they’re tailored precisely to this dynamic. Whether you like to duel with someone or prefer working together – games like «Sky Team», «7 Wonders: Duel» or «Targi» provide exactly that. They’re intense, tactical and guaranteed fun.
Games for beginners
If I want to introduce board games to people who have only ever played Monopoly, then I go for easy and beginner-friendly titles. Games like «Azul», «Cascadia» or «Ticket to Ride» offer exactly that: quick explanations, lots of fun and no mental overload. Perfect for anyone who’s curious about modern board games but doesn’t fancy complex rules.
Games for experts
But there are also players with completely different preferences – those who like to ponder for hours and strategically plan every move. For them, I select titles that are challenging and thematically deep. So if you want to give a gift to someone who already knows their way around the board game world, then «ISS Vanguard», «Brass Birmingham» or «Terraforming Mars» are your best choice. These games guarantee long evenings full of challenges.
For me, Christmas is a time to have company – and board games are good for bringing people together. Regardless of who you want to give a gift to, with these tips, you’re sure to find one. And maybe you can even play along yourself!
Header image: Shutterstock / berni0004
Riding my motorbike makes me feel free, fishing brings out my inner hunter, using my camera gets me creative. I make my money messing around with toys all day.