Buying board games sounds simple, until you have to choose between family games, strategy board games, puzzles and brainteasers, and games featuring well-known brands. An attractive box tells you little about the playtime, number of players or whether a game is suitable for your family.
Pay particular attention to these four common pitfalls:
Start by considering the size and make-up of your group. For games for 2 players, Battleship Grab & Go, Rubik’s Race and the Super Mario game are practical options. For a larger group, Monopoly Knockout is suitable for 2 to 8 players.
Playtime determines how much planning is needed. A game lasting around 15 to 30 minutes often works well for a short gaming session. According to the product information, Rummikub has a playtime of around 60 minutes. According to the product specifications, Ticket to Ride Legacy takes around 90 minutes and is designed for 2 to 5 players.
The age recommendation is an important point to check, not a decorative label. According to the product description, Rummikub is suitable from the age of 7, while Rubik’s Race is also listed as suitable from age 7. Monopoly expansions are intended for ages 8 and over. According to the product information, the LEGO Super Mario Donkey Kong Arcade model is aimed at builders aged 18 and over.
Also check the language of the instructions. Rummikub and Uno Quatro specify Dutch game or instruction language. Ticket to Ride Legacy is an English edition with English instructions. This can affect how accessible the game is for children and new players.
Products with small parts require extra care. Use them in accordance with the safety warnings and keep parts out of reach of children below the stated age. This is particularly important with magnetic toys: according to the product information for the magnetic tiles, loose magnets can pose a danger if swallowed.
Check that you are buying a complete game. Monopoly Buy Everything Expansion and Monopoly Go to Jail Expansion are expansions for the classic Monopoly game. According to the product information, the base game is sold separately. Without the base game, you cannot use the expansion as described.
According to the product description, a POP MART blind box contains a random figure. You cannot request a specific design, and according to the returns information, the seal must not be broken if you want to return or exchange it. This type of product is better suited to collectors than to someone looking for a particular gift.
The following selection is based on verifiable details such as the number of players, playtime, age, components and intended use. Brand claims about educational value or the gaming experience are not presented as guaranteed results. According to the brands’ own product information, some games focus on strategy, cooperation or creative building.
Why it suits this profile: This game is designed for short group games with a larger number of players. According to the product information, it supports individual play or teams and has a playtime of around 20 minutes.
The number of players and estimated playtime are clearly stated. This makes it less likely that you will buy a long game for a short family evening.
2-8 players; playtime of around 20 minutes; playing board measuring approximately 90 cm; no batteries required.
Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, Rummikub combines number combinations with tactical choices. It is suitable for 2 to 4 players and contains 106 tiles and 4 racks.
The contents and player group are clearly specified. You know in advance that you are buying a complete game rather than a standalone expansion.
106 tiles; 4 racks; 2-4 players; Dutch game and instruction language; no batteries.
Why it suits this profile: This compact edition is designed for 2 players and travel. According to the product information, the game components can be stored in the playing units.
The travel format means that a large playing board is not awkward to carry. The components stay together in the foldable units.
For 2 players; dimensions approximately 4,8 × 15,9 × 23,5 cm; approximately 240 grams; no batteries.
If you are looking for a gift, you could also consider LEGO building sets, educational toys, and puzzles and brainteasers. According to the product information, the LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box contains 484 pieces, 35 colours and a storage box. For adults, the LEGO Super Mario Donkey Kong Arcade and LEGO Super Mario Game Boy are designed for building and displaying.
Age suitability and size are particularly important for children. According to the product information, the CUBIC FUN National Geographic Ara 3D puzzle contains 94 pieces and is suitable from the age of 8. For a seven-year-old, our selection of toys for seven-year-old boys can also help you compare games, building sets and other toys.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Consider the youngest and oldest ages in the group, the number of players and the playtime. A family game lasting 15 to 30 minutes is often more accessible than a 90-minute strategy game. Also check whether the instructions are available in a language everyone understands.
The price depends on the number of components, the brand, the size and whether you are buying a base game or an expansion. So do not compare only the price shown on the box. Also check whether accessories, a base game or batteries are required separately.
Keep tiles, cards and playing pieces in bags or in the original insert. Compact travel games such as Battleship Grab & Go are easier to store. Keep games dry and regularly check whether any components are damaged, particularly toys containing magnets or small plastic parts.