These are our family favorite games to give, receive and most importantly – play as a family. Several of them are fun to play with another family or friends for a night of game playing.
- Skip Bo: Good for young and old this game is fun and is about luck – not so much strategy.
- Sorry: Another good game for young and old – and again, all about luck. For a quick game, use only 3 pieces instead of 4.
- Monopoly: This is a classic! Make a shorter game of it by randomly dealing out the properties at the start of the game.
- Sequence: Good for teams – adult with young child works well. No “table talk” is a rule but everyone’s non-verbal eye catching signals seem to get honed here.
- Rummikub: Similar to gin rummy but a board game with tiles. This game is all about sets and runs – good for math and good for all ages.
- Bananagrams: In a bag the shape of a banana, it’s a fast moving game that is all about spelling. Think Scrabble but more free-flowing, easier, and no waiting for your turn.
- The Settlers of Catan: This is a family favorite now that we have teenagers. It’s a game that is sort of a medieval Monopoly. Trade resources for building out your domain.
- Taboo: Fun for older kids or a family game night with friends. Adults and kids like to buzz each other when you say the wrong or “taboo” word. Teams with different ages split up make this fun for a game night with another family.
- Blokus: My personal favorite – think board game of Tetris. Get the pieces to fit and block out your opponent’s pieces. It’s all about board domination and using spaces. Good for 4 players.
- Yahtzee: Everybody loves Yahtzee! Math and yelling are required for this fun game. Good for kids who can write but playing with “partners” means every age can play.
Bonus: Get the book “Hoyle’s Rules of Games.” 
It has rules for every card game or parlor game imaginable. We travel with this book and try to learn a new game wherever we go. If you have this book and a deck of cards, you’ll be set for fun.
What’s your favorite board game to play?
Go Gingham related links:
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Frugal and easy gifts to give – very easy
Wrapping paper alternatives – old maps!
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