Our Favorite Board Games to Gift (and Play!)
When the holiday season rolls around, one of my favorite things to shop for on Black Friday is board games. The deals are incredible, and it’s the perfect time to stock up on fun for the whole family! Our family has always loved playing games together — it’s one of our favorite Christmas traditions. Every year, we pick out a few new ones to add to our collection, and it’s always exciting to discover a new favorite.
Over the years, we’ve built quite the lineup of go-to games — ones that never fail to bring out laughter, a bit of competition, and plenty of memories. Some of our absolute favorites include Qwirkle, a colorful and strategic matching game; Yahtzee Free for All, a fast-paced twist on a classic; and Phase 10, a card game that always keeps everyone on their toes.
We also love Wits & Wagers, perfect for trivia lovers; Telestrations, which guarantees endless giggles as drawings go hilariously wrong; and Ransom Notes, a newer favorite that combines creativity and humor in the best way.
In this post, I’m sharing why these games have become staples in our home and why they make such great Christmas gifts — especially when you can grab them at those unbeatable Black Friday prices!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you buy from my link I might make a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay. See the full affiliate disclosure here.
Quirkle
If you love games that blend color, pattern, and a little strategy, Qwirkle is a must-have. It’s simple enough for kids to play but has enough depth to keep adults interested, too. You match tiles by color or shape to build lines and earn points — easy to learn, but surprisingly competitive. It’s one of those games that everyone wants “just one more round” of! Along the vibes of Quirkle, we also love Rummikub, Sequence, and Rack-O.
Yahtzee Free for All
This Yahtzee Free for All version of Yahtzee takes the classic dice game up a notch. It’s faster, more interactive, and perfect for families that like a little friendly rivalry. Players roll to complete cards, but others can steal your spot — so you’re never just waiting your turn. It’s a great mix of luck and strategy that keeps the energy high. If you like dice games, another great game is Farkle!
Phase 10
Phase 10 is a classic for a reason. It’s a rummy-style card game where you complete 10 phases (like sets or runs), but the challenge is staying ahead of the competition. Just when you think you’re doing great, someone finishes their phase early! It’s fun, easy to learn, and great for game nights that stretch late into the evening. If you love card games, you can always play Uno or Flinch–two of our other favorites!
Wits & Wagers
For trivia lovers and party hosts, Wits & Wagers is the perfect blend of knowledge and chance. Even if you don’t know the right answer, you can still win by betting on who you think does! It’s a blast for groups of all ages and works especially well at larger gatherings or holiday parties. Another favorite of ours that takes some skill is Hues and Cues!
Telestrations
If you love games that guarantee laughter, Telestrations is unbeatable. Think of it as a mix between Pictionary and the telephone game — players draw and guess in a hilarious chain of miscommunication. The results are always funny, and no drawing skills are required (in fact, bad drawings make it even better!). Another hilarious engaging game for a slightly older crowd that we really enjoy is Off Topic!
Ransom Notes
Ransom Notes is one of our newer finds, and it’s quickly become a favorite! Players use word magnets to create funny or clever responses to prompts, and the results are always unpredictable. It’s perfect for adults or teens and makes a fantastic party game where creativity (and a good sense of humor) really shine. Another game where the winner is based totally on opinion is Apples to Apples (the Junior version is fun for adults too) which is our longest running go-to game!
Deck the Halls (and the Game Table!)
Board games have a special way of bringing people together — laughter, competition, teamwork, and a little bit of chaos all rolled into one. Every holiday season, I love adding a new favorite to our collection, and Black Friday is the perfect time to snag a few for less. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or yourself, these games are sure to make your gatherings more fun and memorable. So grab your coffee, hunt down those deals, and get ready for hours of laughter and connection this Christmas season!
