When choosing holiday gifts, I consider board games a bit of a no-brainer. They work terrifically as hostess gifts, fit the bill for the family who has everything, and the variety of games available means they can work for any aged child.
I wrote earlier this summer about my family’s love of Apples to Apples, but I’m going to mention it again, and remind all readers that there’s a copy of that game (and a lot more) in one of the prize packs of the Amazing Holiday Toy, Book and Game Scavenger Hunt. It’s a great game with two decks of cards (Description and Things). Each turn, the current referee selects a Description and players try to pick, from the cards in their hands, the Things that best match that Description. Along with the original version, there are Junior, Jewish and Bible versions! I guarantee hours of fun and giggles.
What could be hotter this season than the High School Musical Mattel DVD Game? This fun new addition to any family’s game libarary is based on the Disney Channel’s "High School Musical", and features video clips from the movie, original outtakes, and all songs and dances. Sure your 10-year old daughter’s likely to clean your clock, but let her enjoy the moment. Then challenge her to Trivial Pursuit: the 80s edition! Her Troy and Gabriella can’t hold a candle to Dylan and Brenda. (Can I take a moment to comment on how pathetic it is that I was able to reference those characters so easily, and yet often stumble over the names of my own children??!!)
If your kids enjoy UNO as much as mine, they’re bound to enjoy some of the newer variations of the classic card game. UNO’s popularity stems from the fact that it’s easy to learn, as few as two or as many as ten can play it, and it’s always unpredictable. Even more unpredictability is added with UNO Flash game where the player’s turn is determined by the flashing lights of the UNO motherboard. When your light flashes it’s your turn, and you must discard before your time is up. A word of caution…this game is not for the anxious child (or mother). However, my sister and I determined that with its unpredictable flashing lights, it could be adapted to a very fun drinking adult party game.
My suggestion for the family who has everything? Disney Think Fast for Wii. Set up in a game show format, this game will test your family’s knowledge of all things Disney. After picking your contestant and Disney-movie-themed stage, you’re whisked away by the show’s host, Genie from Aladdin. Up to four players compete in a series of trivia games based on Disney animation. Once again every member of the family will get a moment to shine, whether it’s your Lilo and Stitch-loving preschooler, or your classic Snow White expert mother-in-law.
Board games offer something for everyone, but most importantly, they promote interaction. These suggestions will get you started in your holiday shopping, but don’t forget some of the classics from your youth. I was out toy shopping with a friend last week who spoke with such nostalgia about playing the game Operation in her friend’s rec room, and I remarked that I remember spending hours playing the game of Life at my best friend’s house. Share some of those memories with your family this season.
really a nice post , i had alot fun reading it .