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Board Game Gifts

A game like this earns a spot back on the table, whether it's a half-hour round or the whole night's plan.

A board game suits people who like an evening round a table, whether that is family, flatmates or a regular games night. Check the number of players, the play time and how long the rules take to learn. Short, easy family board games suit a mixed group, and a longer strategy game suits keen players.

Gift ideas

A retailer can change a price at any time, so check it before you buy.

Who a board game suits

A board game is a gift for the whole table as much as for the person unwrapping it. It suits a household that likes an evening in, a group of friends who keep saying they should do a games night, or a family that plays together every Christmas. It also suits a couple, if you choose a game that plays well with two players.

You'll find short tile games and longer strategy games, themed editions of favourite films and series, and a few classics such as chess and rummy-style tile games. The theme is a good way in for a fan of the film or series.

What to look for in a board game

Four things matter more than the artwork.

  • Number of players. A game that starts at three players is no use to a couple. A game for two to four suits a small household.
  • Play time. Some games finish in half an hour. Others take a whole evening, and a few run over several sessions.
  • How long the rules take. Tile-laying and route-building games are usually explained in a few minutes. Heavier strategy games come with a rulebook you read in advance.
  • The age range. It's a guide to the rules, not to who will enjoy it.

Legacy-style games change as you play. Rules are added and cards altered for good, so they suit a fixed group who can meet again. They are a poor fit for a household that plays once a year.

When a board game is the wrong gift

Someone with no regular players will have a lovely box on a shelf. Someone who groans at rulebooks won't get far with a heavy strategy game. And a three-hour epic for a family that has never finished a game of Monopoly is a threat, not a present.

If you don't know their taste, choose a short game that is quick to learn. Easy to start is a very good quality in a board game.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good board game for a group that doesn't play often?

Choose a game that is explained in a few minutes and finishes in under an hour, such as a tile-laying game. Heavier strategy games reward a keen group, but they can stall a casual one halfway through.

How do I know a board game will suit their group size?

The player range is on the box and in the listing. Match it to the people who usually play, because a game that starts at three players is no use to a couple, and a two-player game leaves a family of five watching.

Is a board game a good gift for someone who lives alone?

Often not, unless friends or family visit and play. A game that plays well with two players fits better, and the player range on the listing says which. A big group game is likely to stay in its box until the next gathering.

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