Looking to mix up game night? Or perhaps looking for creative ways to entertain one? Check out the best options in this 2020 Game Gift Guide.
In a year that has been more than a little unusual, there is one thing we have done more of than ever: play games as a family! We've spent countless afternoons and nights gathered around the table laughing as we played our favorite games.
More than ever, we have also relied on games for one to help us through those times when being at home grew more than a little tedious.
Here are our picks of the best games for 2020.
Mystic Market
A special thanks to Thinkfun for sending us some of these games to try.
Mystic Market is a face-paced, economics card game where you buy and sell Potions and ingredients. At any moment, the market may shift, and the Phoenix Feathers you were about to sell for 15 coins are now worth a measly 5 coins.
You can craft potions to foil the other player's plans so that you can become the ultimate potion master.
Though the recommended age is 10+, my seven-year-old quickly learned this game. This is easily one of my kid's top three favorite games.
Age: 10+
Number of Players: 2–4
Dog Crimes
In this game, one of six dogs committed a crime; it's your job to solve it. There are 40 exciting mysteries to solve. All six dogs have unique traits, and the game board also supplies additional information.
It's perfect for dog lovers and those who enjoy a good mystery game and a great way to keep kids entertained when they don't have others around to play with.
The recommended age is eight and up, but my seven-year-old had no issues with the game. (And she enjoyed Cat Crimes, which is virtually the same when she was six.)
Age: 8+
Number of players: 1
Clue
Clue is a classic game that needs no introduction, but I had to include it here because it is a family favorite. I have lost count of how many times we've played Clue this year.
If you are new to Clue, it is a murder mystery game where you have to uncover who performed the crime, with what weapon, and in what room.
This game is good for hours of family fun!
Age: 8+
Number of players: 3- 6
Moon Spinner
The Moon Spinner is a lunar themed puzzle. Six colored circles form a crescent moon when aligned properly. The goal of the puzzle is to scramble the circles then unscramble the back to their original position.
Think a Rubik's cube, but flat.
This one took me back to my childhood in a totally wonderful way.
Age: 8+
Number of Players: 1
Skyjo
Skyjo is a fast-paced card game that the whole family will love. We love to play this when my parents visit because up to eight players can play.
The goal is to get as few points as possible by flipping and trading your cards. When the first player uncovers all of their cards, the game is over, and whoever has the fewest points wins.
My daughter has been enjoying this game for about a year now. Like many games, children younger than the recommended age may be able to play.
Players: 2 - 8
Age 8+
Pocket Brain Teasers
Pocket Brainteasers are a collection of four different and equally brilliant brain teasers.
They are fun for kids and adults alike! I especially enjoy these when I need to get my mind off something for a few minutes.
Each provides a different level of difficulty, making them perfect for new and experienced puzzle solvers.
They'll make great stocking stuffers.
Age: 8+
Number of Players: 1
Uno Flip!
Uno Flip is a fun twist on a classic. The cards are all double-sided, and when someone plays a FLIP card, everyone has to turn their cards over.
The deck's light side is like classic UNO, while the dark side carries super-tough penalties. Not surprisingly, my kids all prefer the dark side, with its Draw Five and Skip Everyone cards. (Because what could be more fun than making your big brother draw five cards and then have to flip a handful of cards?)
Players: 2 to 6
Age: 7+
Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle
The Ender Dragon seeks to halt your journey through the world of Minecraft. She has placed 40 trials that await you.
To solve them, you must use the most powerful tool in your arsenal—your mind. You must use the visual clues to place the magnetic Minecraft pieces on the Crafting Table in the correct arrangement.
This is another great game for one that was loved by all three of my kids - from my seven-year-old to my sixteen-year-old.
Age: 8+
Number of Players: 1
Chicken War
Chicken war is a unique deduction game. Each of the 81 chicken tiles included has a unique combination of traits. You secretly select a chicken to be your leader, and then you must recruit nine more chickens to join your army.
For your chicken to be invited to your yard, it needs to have only two matching traits with the leader. At any moment, your opponents can throw an egg at you if they think they've uncovered your leader. If they're right, you're out of the game.
The game's age recommendation is eight and up, and I'd recommend this for those under 12. My teen sons were not impressed with this game, while my 7-year old liked it.
Age: 8+
Number of Players: 2–4
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