Have Some Screen-Free Fun with Your Family This Year
Board games, like some of the holidays spent out of screens and distraction with your friends and family, do bring people together—be it figuring out mysteries or coming up with plans. Even new board games and ancient board games have something to share among participants, regardless of the player’s age and playing capability.
If you are looking for gift ideas for holiday board game lovers, we have you covered. Here are the best games to give this year. You might need fun games for adults, choices for families, or games for kids—all that and more can be found here.
Scrabble Deluxe Edition
For the fans of word games, classic board games, and timeless entertainment.
Betrayal at The House on The Hill
For those who enjoy scary stories, planning, and unexpected twists.
Quick Picks: Best Board Games for Gifts
- Mysterium- It is an interesting cooperative whodunit game where the players are invited to become part of a mysterious and collaborative world.
- Ransom Notes: Fun wordplay with magnetic word tiles.
- Wavelength—suitable for party nights with groups.
- Freelancers—A first-time fantasy roleplaying game.
- Fiction—A word puzzle game with a deceptive twist.
- Scrabble Deluxe Edition—A modern twist on an old classic.
- Betrayal at House on The Hill—A chilling integration of strategic gameplay with horror story elements that will keep one seated on the edge of a chair.
- Ark Nova—Design and build the zoo of your dreams while conserving populations of endangered animals worldwide at the same time.
- Wingspan: Good, calming gameplay for the nature lover.
Let’s explore these top picks in detail!
1. Mysterium: The Ultimate Cooperative Mystery Game
For whodunit fans, teamwork and strategy.
If you love mystery solving, then you should get Mysterium. This game takes all the intrigue of a classic whodunit and gives it beautiful atmospheric visuals. In this game, one player becomes a ghost and offers silent clues with illustrated cards while the others are psychic detectives trying to solve the murder.
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This cooperative board game is great for any game night with family and friends on a rainy day.
- Cool for the following reason: it’s interesting, well-designed, and easy to learn.
- Price: $27-$35 on Amazon
2. Ransom Notes: Hilarious Party Game with Wordplay
For people who enjoy word games, fun parties, and fast rounds.
Want a fun game that is easy to play? Ransom Notes uses magnetic word tiles to answer quirky, open-ended prompts. No complicated rules or setup required—just creativity and a sense of humor!
It’s a great party board game or casual game where everyone’s answers grow increasingly silly and funny.
- Why it’s fun: Instant fun, no need for lengthy instructions, and all ages welcome.
- Price on Amazon: $35
3. Wavelength: Test Your Team’s Communication Skills
For fans of group games, creativity, and teamwork.
Wavelength is a fun party game in which the two teams try to guess how well their teammates’ clues are understood. A spinning wheel and fun category prompts like “Hot vs. Cold” bring lots of laughter and discussions.
It is a good choice for families and big groups for board games over the holiday season.
- Why it’s cool: Suitable for parties, replay value, and zero downtime.
- Price: $34 at Amazon.
4. Freelancers: Role-Playing Made Easy
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For fans of: Fantasy adventures and storytelling.
Ever wanted to try D&D but found the time required? Freelancers make the experience very easy with a companion app that helps in guiding the storytelling for you. With voice narration, music, and no prep time needed, it is the ultimate introduction to RPGs.
It is a great gift for fantasy fans who would love to get an easy but entertaining board game.
- Why it’s good: Beginner-friendly, app-assisted, and story-driven.
- Price at Amazon: $58
5. Fiction: Wordle with a Twist
For those who love word games, problem-solving, and fast-moving games.
If you have a friend who is pretty good at Wordle, Fiction is a new challenge for you. Players need to guess a secret word, but there is a twist; the person giving clues has to lie about one letter. It is a smart game that makes everybody think and plan.
- Why it’s good: Good for word game fans and puzzle enthusiasts alike.
- Price: $24 on Amazon
6. Scrabble Deluxe Edition: The Classic Game, Elevated
For the fans of word games, classic board games, and timeless entertainment.
Make game night better with the Deluxe Edition of Scrabble. Scrabble features a rotating wooden board, so playing shouldn’t ever present an odd angle. This makes for an excellent gift to any lover of word games, as this game will fit into any kind of home decor.
- Why it’s good: Evergreen investment with functionality and beauty.
- Price: $130 on Amazon
7. Betrayal at The House on The Hill: Spooky Strategy Fun
For those who enjoy scary stories, planning, and unexpected twists.
Betrayal at The House on The Hill is an exploration of a creepy mansion where, halfway through, a player turns into a traitor and the rest have to stay alive together. With 50 horror scenarios, every game is unique, and it’s full of suspense.
- Why it’s awesome: For those adventure-seekers and enthusiasts of strategic board games.
- Price: $43 on Amazon
8. Ark Nova: Build Your Dream Zoo
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For fans of: strategy board games and animals.
In Ark Nova, you build a zoo that does good for animals. More than 125 different animal cards are available, making the game new every time you play. It is a fun, warm board game for families and friends.
- Why it’s great: Exquisitely made, unique theme, and with loads of replayability.
- Price: Walmart, $54
9. Wingspan: Relaxing Nature-Themed Game
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For nature lovers and for those who like educational board games.
Wingspan is this really cool game where one collects different birds to create an ultimate wildlife preserve. A simple guide and beautiful design make it a wonderful board game for kids and adults. More than that, it’s an enriching educational experience because it teaches the player about different bird species.
- Why it’s great: It’s relaxing, beautiful, and educational.
- Price: $54 at Walmart
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re shopping for classic board games, strategy lovers, or fun board games for adults, there’s a perfect pick on this list. Board games make wonderful holiday gifts, offering screen-free entertainment and unforgettable moments with loved ones.
Get the whole family together this holiday season and make memories playing one of these must-have games.
