Holiday Gifts: Games for Board Gamers

Betrayal at House on the Hill (2nd Edition)

Betrayal at House on the HilI is a game that’s easy to learn, easy to teach, and has a very high replay value. That makes it great for a captive audience that you can force into repeated sessions. Such as your family! Every game goes differently. Even if you happen to get the same haunt (scenario) the house is built differently every single time.

Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

Arguably Vlaada's masterpiece (and I will fight anyone who says otherwise), Through the Ages is a phenomenal civilization game that doesn't even include a map. Tableau building and resource efficiency at its finest, Through the Ages uses cards to build, conquer, and develop. Perfect for a long winter's night, this is a must play for any Eurogame fan.

Ticket to Ride: Germany

I may consider myself to be a hardcore gamer, but nothing warms my uppity heart like Ticket to Ride. The newest release set in Germany uses the Märklin map, but with a different way to score passengers. Though the board game lover in your life might be far past the gateway phase, you can always rely on Ticket to Ride for a solid experience.

Zen Bins: 2-in-1 Token Tray

If there's one thing gamers love besides gaming, it's organizing their games. As an ideal stocking stuffer, these 2-in-1 token trays will save your gamer hours in the craft store bead aisle, trying to find the perfect storage solution. Plus, they're stackable, allowing them to cuddle up in any sized game box.

Exit: The Secret Lab

The Exit series is the best escape room experience you can have on your dining room table. Although it is just a one-time experience, this small box is well worth price of admission with tons of mind-bending puzzles that defy expectations at every turn.

Mansions of Madness (2nd Edition)

If board-gamer-slash-horror-fan describes anyone in your life, then look no further than this glorious box of monsters, mystery, strategy, storytelling, and plenty of carnage. No other game in my collection comes close to matching the sheer excitement generated by Mansions of Madness (2nd Edition) every time it comes off the shelf.

T.I.M.E. Stories

Send the board gamer in your life on an unforgettable adventure this Holliday season with T.I.M.E. Stories. This innovative, award winning design is as much an awesome experience as it is a fun game!

7 Wonders

If you have a gaming friend on your list, check to see if they have 7 Wonders in their collection. If not, this modern classic is a must have. It is surprisingly accessible, tactically synergetic, plays quickly no matter the player count and accommodates up to seven players. This is a versatile and smart design that will remain an evergreen for years to come.

Queendomino

Queendomino is a perfect fit for just about any occasion and group. This familiar-feeling, tile-laying, dominoes-style gem is simple to teach, plays smoothly and offers enough complexity to make it an ideal gift under anyone’s tree.

Axis & Allies: Anniversary Edition (2nd Edition)

Two words: heavy bombers. This classic, fondly remembered beer and pretzels wargame is back in its definitive edition. Even lapsed gamers from the 80s and 90s will enjoy seeing this blast from the past again, as will your History Channel-watching uncle or grandpa.

Carcassonne: Big Box 2017

An all-new compilation of the seminal tile-laying game containing a whopping 11 expansions. Some gamers may think they've moved on from it and a whole generation may have missed it. Rectify those mistakes with a lovely set that will offer lots of fun for years to come.

Modern Art

Do your friends or loved ones a favor and buy them a game that is better than just about anything else on the market. This Knizia classic is one of the best and most compelling auction games ever made.