The season of cosy nights in with friends and family is a great time to bust out some board games. The last decade has seen a boom in newer, more interesting game experiences, as families seek alternatives to Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit. There’s been the German-designed hit Catan, and more recently a range of social deduction games like Exploding Kittens. But there are also many fun, family-friendly titles that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Here are our favourites.
This simple card-naming game is easy to pick up and will keep everyone entertained. Players race against the clock to see who can name three things on a chosen card in just five seconds. It’s quick, addictive and makes a great stocking filler.
The Nightmare Before Christmas fans will love this card-based strategy game which pits you against Jack, Oogie Boogie, Sally and Santa Claus as they vie to create the most magical holiday ever. It takes 45 minutes to an hour to play and is one of the best co-operative games for kids this year.
This is a bluffing game that’s as much about being clever as it is about knowing what your opponents have in their hands. It can be a bit chaotic at times but it’s a lot of fun and will give you a good laugh as you try to steal your opponent’s coveted cards.