The best board game gift ideas for Christmas🎄 2025

Board games are an excellent gift🎄, especially at Christmas time! Because when else do you sit so often at home with your family at the table? We have picked out the best board game gift ideas for Christmas for you.

Only the best board games for our gift ideas🎄

That's exactly why we made sure to pick family-friendly games for our recommendations. But if you have younger kids, you might be more interested in our recommendations for kids 4 to 6 years or kids 8 to 10 years.

New board games only

Also, we have only included recent games here. If you are also interested in older games, then you might be interested in our all-time-top25 or even our recommendations for board-game-classics.

This list was last updated on October 15, 2025. We compared 583 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. So Clover!

    All details for the board game So Clover! and similar games

    So Clover! is a cooperative word-association game that challenges players to think creatively and work together. The essence of the game is to generate and guess keywords based on shared features, aiming to achieve the highest possible team score.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 2.

    More details for So Clover!
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  2. Love Letter

    All details for the board game Love Letter and similar games

    Love Letter is a charming and strategic card game where players vie for the affection of a noble Princess, aspiring to become her most trusted confidant. Utilizing a blend of deduction, risk, and luck, players must navigate the royal court by enlisting influential characters to deliver their love letter to the Princess.

    More details for Love Letter
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Love Letter

    • YouTube Review for the game "Love Letter" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  3. Decrypto

    All details for the board game Decrypto and similar games

    Engage in the riveting team-based challenge of Decrypto, where players strive to correctly interpret coded messages from their teammates while unraveling the intercepted codes of the opposing team.

    Nominated for 15 awards and won 7.

    More details for Decrypto
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 15 - 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Decrypto

    • YouTube Review for the game "Decrypto" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  4. Codenames: Pictures

    All details for the board game Codenames: Pictures and similar games

    Uncover the mystery behind peculiar symbols on the map in Codenames: Pictures, where these enigmatic codes signify locations where spies connect with secret agents. In this clandestine world, two rival spymasters possess knowledge of the agents in each location, communicating coded messages to guide their field operatives to discreet meetings. Operatives must navigate these visual puzzles with utmost precision, as a decoding misstep might lead to an unfortunate encounter with an enemy agent – or worse, an encounter with the deadly assassin! The race is on for both teams to contact all their agents, but only one can emerge victorious.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 3.

    More details for Codenames: Pictures
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Codenames: Pictures

    • YouTube Review for the game "Codenames: Pictures" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  5. Unmatched: Cobble & Fog

    All details for the board game Unmatched: Cobble & Fog and similar games

    Unmatched: Cobble & Fog is a captivating expansion to the Unmatched system, featuring a quartet of iconic characters drawn from literary lore, each with their unique playstyle and abilities. This expansion introduces the Invisible Man, Sherlock Holmes with Dr. Watson, Dracula along with the sisters, and the duo of Jekyll & Hyde, all brought to life in a highly asymmetrical miniature fighting game.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    More details for Unmatched: Cobble & Fog
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. Pictures

    All details for the board game Pictures and similar games

    Players simultaneously attempt to replicate an image using one of five different materials: building blocks, sticks and stones, picture cards, colored dice, or a rope. Afterward, each player guesses which of the 16 displayed images was copied. The game concludes after five rounds, with each player having used every material once. It is also language-independent.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2020

    More details for Pictures
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Pictures

    • YouTube Review for the game "Pictures" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  7. Detective Club

    All details for the board game Detective Club and similar games

    Detective Club is a social deduction and party game that involves both cooperation and deception. Players are drawn into rounds of intrigue, where one player secretly passes clues to their accomplice to reveal a secret word, while others, acting as detectives, try to unveil the conspiracy. Creativity and persuasion play crucial roles as players discuss and defend their choices to avoid suspicion.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.

    More details for Detective Club
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Detective Club

    • YouTube Review for the game "Detective Club" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  8. Ohanami

    All details for the board game Ohanami and similar games

    Ohanami is a serene and strategic card drafting game that seamlessly blends simplicity with deep strategic choices. Over three rounds, players cultivate their gardens by selecting cards and building sequences in a quest for the most points.

    More details for Ohanami
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  9. Silver & Gold

    All details for the board game Silver & Gold and similar games

    Silver & Gold is a board game that offers players the thrill of discovering distant islands filled with golden treasures.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Silver & Gold
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  10. Flamme Rouge

    All details for the board game Flamme Rouge and similar games

    Flamme Rouge presents an exhilarating bicycle racing experience where strategy, timing, and tactical decisions are paramount to success. This fast-paced game captures the intensity of a real bike race, offering players a blend of excitement and strategic gameplay.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 2.

    More details for Flamme Rouge
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Flamme Rouge

    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  11. Secret Hitler

    All details for the board game Secret Hitler and similar games

    Secret Hitler is a compelling board game set in the tumultuous political landscape of 1930s Germany. This game of deception and deduction requires players to conceal their identities while working towards opposite goals, depending on whether they are liberals or fascists.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Secret Hitler
    • 5 - 10 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  12. Fantasy Realms

    All details for the board game Fantasy Realms and similar games

    Fantasy Realms immerses players in the role of rulers striving to build the most powerful realm. This card game is all about strategic combinations and choices, with every decision shaping the strength and nature of your realm.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for Fantasy Realms
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  13. Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One

    All details for the board game Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One and similar games

    Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One is a highly asymmetrical miniature fighting game that brings together a roster of legendary figures, each represented by a unique deck that reflects their individual style and mythology. The game combines tactical movement with a no-luck combat resolution system, offering a distinct play experience that emphasizes skill and adaptability.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    More details for Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  14. Santorini

    All details for the board game Santorini and similar games

    Santorini is a beautifully re-imagined strategy game that combines abstract elements with accessible gameplay, suitable for a wide range of players.

    Nominated for 7 awards.

    More details for Santorini
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  15. Insider

    All details for the board game Insider and similar games

    Insider is a unique board game that offers a fresh and engaging experience for players. With its distinctive gameplay and innovative mechanics, it stands out in the world of board games.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Insider
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Insider

    • YouTube Review for the game "Insider" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Insider" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  16. Star Wars: Jabba's Palace – A Love Letter Game

    All details for the board game Star Wars: Jabba's Palace – A Love Letter Game and similar games

    Jabba's lair is a place of danger and deception. Players compete with members of the Rebel Alliance and the residents of Jabba's Palace, using the abilities of iconic characters while trying to outsmart their opponents. The game retains the simple and fun mechanics of the original, introducing Agenda cards that offer new victory conditions and additional strategic depth.

    More details for Star Wars: Jabba's Palace – A Love Letter Game
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  17. Bärenpark

    All details for the board game Bärenpark and similar games

    Bärenpark is a charming and strategic board game that invites players to delve into the world of bear parks. Your task is to construct a visually appealing and efficiently designed bear park.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 4.

    More details for Bärenpark
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Bärenpark

    • YouTube Review for the game "Bärenpark" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Bärenpark" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  18. 6 nimmt! 25 Jahre

    All details for the board game 6 nimmt! 25 Jahre and similar games

    Players aim to collect as few points as possible in the game. After shuffling the 104 number cards and laying out four to start the rows, each player receives ten cards. Players simultaneously choose and reveal a card, adding it to a row based on its number, and if the sixth card is added to a row, the player takes the previous five cards.

    More details for 6 nimmt! 25 Jahre
    • 2 - 10 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  19. ICECOOL2

    All details for the board game ICECOOL2 and similar games

    ICECOOL2 is both a standalone game and an expansion for ICECOOL. It introduces tasks on 1-point cards, fish movement power on 2-point cards, and an optional tournament scoring. Combining both ICECOOL sets allows for new layouts, a new game mode called "The Race," play for up to eight players, and the ability to create custom layouts.

    More details for ICECOOL2
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for ICECOOL2

    • YouTube Review for the game "ICECOOL2" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  20. Set & Match

    All details for the board game Set & Match and similar games

    Players bring tennis to the dining table, flicking a coin instead of hitting a ball with a racket. The board represents a tennis court, and players aim to land the coin in high-scoring areas while following traditional tennis scoring. The game concludes when a player wins the predefined number of sets.

    More details for Set & Match
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  21. ICECOOL

    All details for the board game ICECOOL and similar games

    ICECOOL is an energetic and playful flicking game set in a penguin school, where players assume the roles of rascally penguins trying to snatch fish and the vigilant Hall Monitor trying to maintain order.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 6.

    ⭐️ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2017

    More details for ICECOOL
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for ICECOOL

    • YouTube Review for the game "ICECOOL" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  22. 7 Wonders: Architects

    All details for the board game 7 Wonders: Architects and similar games

    7 Wonders: Architects invites 2-7 players into a fast-paced race to leave a lasting legacy in the ancient world by constructing an architectural marvel. Each player starts with an unconstructed wonder and embarks on a journey to gather resources, develop their society, and achieve greatness.

    Nominated for 15 awards and won 5.

    🔥 Deal: 12% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for 7 Wonders: Architects
    • 2 - 7 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  23. CABO (Second Edition)

    All details for the board game CABO (Second Edition) and similar games

    Spy, swap, and sneak in this simple card game to find the unicorn Cabo. The goal is to minimize the total value of your cards, but you start the game not knowing what they are. Use special powers to look at your own cards, spy on your opponents' cards, or swap a card with an opponent, and call "CABO" when you believe you have the lowest value to end the round. The player with the lowest total value wins.

    More details for CABO (Second Edition)
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  24. Lovecraft Letter

    All details for the board game Lovecraft Letter and similar games

    Lovecraft Letter transports you into the eerie world of H.P. Lovecraft in the 1920s. This card game, a unique take on the Love Letter system, blends mystery with an "insanity" mechanic that adds depth and intrigue to the gameplay.

    More details for Lovecraft Letter
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 5 - 15 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Lovecraft Letter

    • YouTube Review for the game "Lovecraft Letter" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  25. Similo

    All details for the board game Similo and similar games

    Similo is a cooperative deduction game where players work together to guess a secret character from a set of twelve displayed in the middle of the table. Each version of Similo - such as Fables, History, or Myths - comes with a deck of thirty beautifully illustrated cards by Naïade, featuring characters that share a common theme.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Similo
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 10 - 15 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  26. Wandering Towers

    All details for the board game Wandering Towers and similar games

    Players aim to bring all their wizards home to the Raven Castle before their opponents. The game board is set up in a circle with towers placed in a specific order, and each player starts with a certain number of wizards and movement cards. Players move their wizards or towers based on their played cards, capture opponents' wizards to fill their potion bottles, and ultimately try to place their last wizard in the Raven Castle to win. The game can also be played in teams with a variant that adds various spells.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 8.

    More details for Wandering Towers
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  27. Century: Spice Road

    All details for the board game Century: Spice Road and similar games

    Century: Spice Road is the first game in a series that delves into the rich and vibrant history of spice trading. Set against the backdrop of the legendary Silk Road, players take on the roles of caravan leaders, journeying across continents to trade spices and achieve fame and glory. This game combines elements of strategy and resource management, making it an engaging experience for players who enjoy economic and trading games.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 2.

    More details for Century: Spice Road
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Century: Spice Road

    • YouTube Review for the game "Century: Spice Road" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  28. Exploding Kittens: Party Pack

    All details for the board game Exploding Kittens: Party Pack and similar games

    Players take turns drawing cards in a cat-themed version of Russian Roulette until someone picks an exploding kitten and loses. The deck includes cards to avoid explosions, force opponents to draw multiple cards, or shuffle the deck. This standalone game accommodates 2 to 10 players and features content from the Exploding Kittens series and its app.

    More details for Exploding Kittens: Party Pack
    • 2 - 10 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  29. When I Dream

    All details for the board game When I Dream and similar games

    When I Dream is a whimsical and imaginative board game that delves into the world of dreams, blending elements of storytelling, deduction, and teamwork in a playful setting.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for When I Dream
    • 4 - 10 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for When I Dream

    • YouTube Review for the game "When I Dream" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  30. Bohnanza: 25th Anniversary Edition

    All details for the board game Bohnanza: 25th Anniversary Edition and similar games

    The 25th Anniversary Edition includes a new bean variety and three game variants, one featuring a collector's coin. Players plant and harvest bean cards to earn coins, managing their hand without changing the order of cards. On their turn, a player lays down cards, trades with others, and eventually collects coins based on their beans before the game concludes with a final harvest.

    More details for Bohnanza: 25th Anniversary Edition
    • 2 - 7 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

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