Joybuy Insights

Buying board games: how to choose one that really suits your family

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:

  • Choosing the wrong player group: a game for 2 to 4 players is not automatically suitable for a large family.
  • A playtime that is too long: a board game lasting 60 to 90 minutes may be less practical on a weekday evening.
  • An expansion without the base game: some Monopoly games are expansions and only work with a separately available classic game.
  • Age suitability and small parts: toys with small parts or magnets require extra attention to the age recommendation and supervision.

Which specifications should you check before buying board games?

1. Number of players and playtime

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.

2. Age, language and supervision

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.

3. Base game, expansion or collectible?

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.

Our recommendations for different uses

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.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Hasbro Monopoly Knockout Party Game

Hasbro Monopoly Knockout Party Game - 90cm, 2-8 Players

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Main benefit & advantages

2-8 players; playtime of around 20 minutes; playing board measuring approximately 90 cm; no batteries required.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Goliath Rummikub The Original Classic Game

Goliath Rummikub The Original Classic Game

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The contents and player group are clearly specified. You know in advance that you are buying a complete game rather than a standalone expansion.

Main benefit & advantages

106 tiles; 4 racks; 2-4 players; Dutch game and instruction language; no batteries.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Hasbro Gaming Battleship Grab & Go Board Game

Hasbro Gaming Battleship Grab & Go Board Game - Strategy, Travel Edition

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The travel format means that a large playing board is not awkward to carry. The components stay together in the foldable units.

Main benefit & advantages

For 2 players; dimensions approximately 4,8 × 15,9 × 23,5 cm; approximately 240 grams; no batteries.

Also worth considering alongside board games

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.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about buying board games

Which board game is suitable for a family with different age groups?

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.

How much do board games cost on average?

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.

How should you store board games and components properly?

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.