Visiting with loved ones over the holidays is a great time for catching up, making memories, and sharing laughs. But it can easily turn into World War 3 by bringing up politics, religion or firmly proclaiming YOUR mom’s sweet potato casserole is better than Aunt Martha’s.
How can you avoid a knock-down, drag -out fight with your least favorite sister-in-law???
Two words: BOARD GAMES
One of my friends recently posted this on Facebook and got tons of responses:
It seems people are as passionate about their favorite board games as they are about mom’s casserole! I’ve listed below the most popular ones people shared, along with some of their comments. And I placed a star (*) beside the games we’ve personally played and would recommend.
If you’ve been around here a while you know we’re a game-playing family. From Brody teaching you how to play Monopoly Deal, to me showing you the brand new game, Word Slam, I always love to share our family favorites.
Here’s a list of the 20 Best Family Board Games to Survive the Holidays
Telestrations – Stephanie said, “Perfect for large groups. Make sure to get the 12 person version.” Oh, and I noticed there’s a Telestrations After Dark Board Game. Be careful that one doesn’t show up at Grandma’s house!
- Over 2,000 words, 12 erasable sketch books, 12 dry erase markers, 12 clean-up cloths
- Perfect for bigger parties, family reunions or to entertain a crowd; LOL fun for everyone!
- Award Winning Party Game – great ice breaker
- No Drawing Skills Required; Stick figures & sense of humor welcome!
Settlers of Catan* – This game seems to make it on every road trip with us! But beware, it’s a loooong game. Are you ready to sit at the table with your drunk uncle for over two hours?!?!
- 3-4 Players, 60 minute playing time
- Tons of replay value
- New graphics, board and cards
- Expanded Rule Book
- Winner of “Game of the Century” award
And we also love Settlers of Catan Expansion: Cities & Knights*
- For 3-4 players
- 90 minute playing time
- You need Catan (aka The Settlers of Catan) in order to use this
- Compatible with Catan 4th edition base game and expansions and extensions
- Adds depth and complexity
Watch Ya’ Mouth Family Edition – We’ve seen viral videos from this game all over the internet. Shanna says, “Watch ya mouth gets hilarious!” And I believe her.
- Awarded 2017 Toy of The Year by Australian Toy Association.
- Featured card game on Good Morning America, Buzzfeed’s “The Try Guys” & More!
- 3-10 Players wear cheek retractors and speak out phrases while teammates guess what they are saying. Includes 143 Family-Safe Phrases. Great for all ages including kids who are 8+
Othello – They say it takes a minute to learn….a Lifetime to master! Depending upon how long you’re planning to hang out with Cousin Eddie, you may master this one.
- Includes 64 reversible discs, game board, 2 disc holders and instruction booklet
- Play is simple and strategy is everything
- Great for ages 7 and up
Wits and Wagers* – One of our family’s faves, it combines gambling and wagering (which every man loves), but with questions a 5-year-old can understand! There’s also a Wits and Wagers Party Edition available.
The Game of Things – Joes says, “We have had more fun over the years with this!”
- To start, you just pick a card, read it aloud and ask others to respond with any answer that comes to mind
- Read the hilarious topics and write down your answers, then try and guess who said what
- For 4 or more players ages 14 to adult
Clue* – Seriously, who doesn’t love to find out if Col. Mustard killed Miss Scarlet in the Library with the Candlestick?!?
- Who committed the murder in the mansion?.
- Eliminate the suspects and discover whodunit, with what and where.
- Correctly guess the murderer to win.
(Of course, after you play the game, you’ll have to watch Clue: The Movie. So funny, and so many quotable quotes!!!)
The Resistance – Susan says, “My kids beg to play that every time we are together.”
- The Resistance redefines social deduction – everyone plays till the end of the game
- Your ability to lie to your friends and know when they are lying to you is critical to win
- Not for the faint of heart, or slow of mind – but if you are quick on your feet you’ll be proud of your hard fought victories
- 5 to 10 players, 30 minute playtime
Taboo* – I blame Taboo for any poor grades I got in college. When we should’ve been studying, we were playing this game instead. (Note: We never look this poised and happy when playing Taboo. It’s intense, people!!)
- Classic Taboo game challenges you to guess words and phrases
- You lose a point if you use any of the Taboo words
- Timer keeps track and squeaks when you’re out of time
- Game-changer die lets you change up the game once you’ve mastered the classic version
Dicecapades – Lisa said, “But careful, you may have to arm wrestle Grandma!”
- For 2-6 Players
- Great family game
- Physical challenges, artistic creation and trivia questions
- For 2-6 Players
- Second Edition
- Physical challenges, artistic creation and trivia questions
Farkle – Cindy says, “Decide on Farkle rules ahead of time and declare them. You are welcome.”
- It’s the classic dice-rolling, risk-taking game!
- Roll the dice, hoping for scoring combinations!
- Be safe and take your points, or keep rolling for more and risk losing them all in a Farkle!
- Fun family or group game!
- For 2 or more players, ages 8+
Quelf – Tracy says, “great for a large group, and hilarious!”
- Get ready for a hilarious, unpredictable games night! Winner of over 6 awards, including Board Game Of The Year, Quelf will make you laugh until you cry!
- There are no right or wrong answers, just read each card aloud and follow the instructions!
- Have you ever balanced a shoe on your head? How long can you go without blinking? Have you ever wanted to sit underneath the kitchen table? Well now is your chance!
- Quelf is the ultimate party game made for 3-6 Players ages 12+
Phase 10* – Naima says, “Not a board game, but Phase 10 has led to a lot of trash talking!”
- Rummy-type card game with a twist!
- Be the first player to complete 10 varied phases with two sets of three, one run of seven, or seven cards with the same color
- Each phase is specific for each hand, meaning each player must complete one phase before advancing to the next round!
Ticket to Ride* – We have the U.S. version, but there are many available – Europe, Asia, Nordic Countries, Africa, etc.
- For 2-5 players
- Tons of replay value
- One of the most popular specialty games of all time
- Takes 30-60 minutes to play
- There are 225 Colored Train Cars
Dominion – Layne says, “the best of the best games out there!” Wow, that’s a big statement. I might need to try this one. And it looks like there are a bunch of expansion sets, too.
- Tactical game for 2-4 Players
- 30 minute playing time
- Made in USA. Ages 13 and up
Monopoly Deal* – Gary says, “It only takes about 20 minutes to play a round.” And I agree….unless you have a husband who TOTALLY over thinks every move and slows down the enitre game.” {Insert eye roll here.}
Sequence* – Ashley says, “You can buy the big Sequence mat online versus the little board in the store.” And this is our favorite for game night because you can pit three couples against each other.
- It starts out simple: draw one card and play one card – but New Rule cards quickly make things chaotic
- Players: 2-6
- Playtime: 5-30 minutes
- For ages 8 and up
Bananagrams* and Jumbo Bananagrams – And it’s just fun to say, “Bananagrams.” (I bet you just said it out loud, didn’t you???)
- Perfect for anyone 7 years and up. 1-8 players.
- The anagram game that will drive you bananas
- Players race against each other to build crossword grids
- Crossword race game
- Fast and Fun, Great for Travel
