What are your board game recommendations for Holiday Gift Exchanges where you don’t necessarily know the recipient of your gift?
- Under $30
- Reasonably available
- Easily taught and played, preferably at the holiday party itself
- Under $30
- Reasonably available
- Easily taught and played, preferably at the holiday party itself
Comments
In Vino Morte - You know that scene from The Princess Bride, with the poison wine? This game is that, for up to 9 players. Dead (haha) simple to teach, very quick to play, great for big groups.
It's cooperative, and supports any # of players. The group has to name things that fit an ever-growing list of restrictions.
Players give clues on a scale from 1-18, and the other players have to guess the number. Simple, fun, and great for non-gamers too.
Very fun, with amazing art and an approachable theme and gameplay. Classic I-cut-you-choose. It is also unique in that it is available at Barnes and Noble.
Absolutely Flip 7
Do you like the "hit me" part of Blackjack? Flip 7, baby!
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/420087/flip-7
I thought declaring yourself the greatest card game of all time was pure hubris, but they knew what they were doing.
Durian
Hanabi
Green Team Wins
Ito
The Mind
Nana / Trio
The Mind
Flip 7
Incan Gold
All of these are bangers I would put my bet on!
Games for small groups: Fluxx, No Thanks, Sushi Go!, 6 Nimmt, Coloretto
Games for large groups: Codenames, A Fake Artist Goes to New York, One-Night Werewolf
Sadly it's only 3-4 players, but if it's available it meets all the other requirements!
https://bsky.app/profile/danweb.bsky.social/post/3lber4t67qc2z
Dice of Crowns, Matches, Puppy Pile, Click Click Boom, and Hit Me would all be easy recommendations.
One of the new “mini” Unlock games might be good.
Seaside is a simple and portable game. It’s also super durable and relatively cheap. Plus it’s very attractive.
Just One is great, but I’ll throw in Green Team Wins as well.
The game design is so elegant and thoughtful while still being an absolute blast with a group.
https://www.newmillindustries.com/store/p/enemy-anemone
North Star's similar game Dude is the same concept, but with variations on saying "Dude." Very fun and very dumb. Highly recommended!
Though I haven’t actually learned any of those from the rulebook so idk how difficult their rulebooks are to learn and play at the event.
Hey publisher: an alternate version with a non-holiday theme would be an easy way to sell a second copy to suckers like me.
the
least
deluxe
version
of anything
ehhhhvvvvaaa
Have you ever had a die from a dice game SHATTER on its first roll?
Beyond that, the many optional rules it offer add complexity without adding interest.
And the production quality was shit.
Telestrations (get the party version with more boards)
New contender: Things in Rings
Monikers is a hoot, assuming people are up for its charades round.
They're both fast, simple, easy to teach, and relatively low investment.
Things in Rings
Regicide
Lots of stuff from Button Shy