The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by gifting the board gamer in your life something they’ll absolutely love? Whether it’s a game of strategy or adventure, we’ve got you covered with this year’s top picks. Let’s dive into the ultimate holiday gift guide!
These games are packed with strategy and decision-making, perfect for those who love a deep, rewarding challenge.
7 Wonders – Dice
Age: 10+ / Players: 3-7 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
Guide one of the seven largest cities of antiquity to prosperity in 7 Wonders Dice. During the game, you will construct a wonder that defies time, make scientific advances, develop commerce, manage your resources, and handle your gold reserve prudently — all while keeping an eye on neighboring cities since ignoring them has a heavy price! Build civilizations, gather resources, and chase victory—ideal for family gatherings or game night.
Forest Shuffle
Age: 10+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: 45-60 minutes
Experience the miracles of the forest in this clever card game. In Forest Shuffle, 2-5 players compete in gathering the most valuable trees and attract species, thus creating an ecological balanced habitat for flora and fauna. A perfect gift for nature lovers who want a touch of strategy.
Great Western Trail: El Paso
Age: 12+ / Players: 1-4 / Duration: 60-120 minutes
El Paso at the end of the 19th century: five railroad companies have connected the Sun City to their network and made it a major hub for the cattle trade. Ranchers from the surrounding parts of Texas and Mexico drive their cattle into the city to send them on their long journey to the north, east, and west of the United States. Take on the role of the ranchers of that time and bring your best cattle to El Paso to earn money and victory points. This is a must-have for anyone who loves resource management and trailblazing adventures.
Epic tales and thrilling quests await in these immersive games.
The Hobbit: There & Back Again
Age: 10+ / Players: 1-4 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
The Hobbit: There & Back Again is a competitive adventure game where players draft dice to make pathways, collect resources, and perform actions that help them to reach their chapter goal. Gather courage, choose your path, and make tough decisions as you strive to complete your grand adventure. A perfect gift for fans of Middle-earth and storytelling games.
The Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship
Age: 14+ / Players: 1-5 / Duration: 60-120 minutes
The Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship™ is a cooperative game for 1-5 players where each player controls 2 characters, lending their unique abilities to protect Frodo, battle enemies in pivotal locations, and evade the menacing Nazgûl and Sauron’s searching Eye. Will you protect the One Ring or wield its power? A great addition for any Tolkien enthusiast’s collection.
Star Wars™: Battle of Hoth
Age: 8+ / Players: 2-4 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
Star Wars: Battle of Hoth is a game of heroic and fast-paced miniatures battles set on the ice planet and re-enacting one of the most famous scenes of Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back. This strategic wargame allows players to take control of the Empire or Rebel forces. Plan your attacks, outmaneuver your opponent, and rewrite the fate of Hoth. A must-have for Star Wars and tactics fans alike.
Sometimes you want a game that challenges your mind without the stress—strategic depth wrapped in soothing themes that appeal to the whole family.
Pergola
Age: 10+ / Players: 1-4 / Duration: 45-60 minutes
Step into the shoes of cheerful gardeners and carefully pick the perfect blend of flowers to attract charming pollinators – bees, butterflies, and other delightful insects – while crafting your dream garden! In Pergola, you get to be a cheerful gardener, ready to bring your dream garden to life! Your mission is to plant a wonderful mix of flowers that will invite all sorts of charming insects to visit. Every decision you make will shape the beauty of your little garden oasis. So, roll up your sleeves and let your creativity bloom as you create a delightful haven in nature! Light, whimsical, and perfect for a cozy afternoon game session.
Postcards
Age: 10+ / Players: 1-4 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
Welcome to Postcards, a board game about exploring the beauty of France — one postcard at a time! Hop on your bicycle and set out on a picturesque adventure, as you compete with your friends to enjoy the most unforgettable holiday! Designed for 1-4 players, Postcards is a family friendly game that takes you on a journey across France, filled with inspiring culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious local cuisine. Perfect for a small, intimate group.
For those who thrive on thrilling duels and tactical brilliance.
Star Wars™: Unlimited
Age: 12+ / Players: 2 / Duration: 15-30 minutes
Give the gift of galactic adventure this holiday season with Star Wars: Unlimited. In this fast-paced, easy-to-learn trading card game, players face off in exciting head-to-head battles full of iconic Star Wars characters, building and customizing their decks for ultimate intergalactic dominance. Whether building decks or embracing epic battles, this is a dream gift for fans of the saga.
Star Wars™: Legion
Age: 14+ / Players: 2 / Duration: >120 minutes
Warfare is an inescapable part of the Star Wars universe, from the Rebel Alliance’s defeat in the Battle of Hoth to a few elite Rebel strike teams taking on a legion of stormtroopers on the Forest Moon of Endor. You can seize your chance to get your boots on the ground and lead your troops to victory with Star Wars: Legion. With stunning, detailed models, this game is both an engaging hobby and a fiercely competitive experience.
Duel for Cardia
Age: 9+ / Players: 2-4 / Duration: 15-30 minutes
As a sign of gratitude for his release, a powerful djinn created the wonderful city of Cardia. Legend has it that whoever defeats the four factions and seizes their powerful sigil rings will rule the city. Duel for Cardia is a fast-paced, strategic card game for two players: choose your cards wisely to defeat your opponent. This quick-playing game is ideal for couples or friendly rivals.
Some gamers adore the artistic and narrative side of board gaming.
Ink
Age: 8+ / Players: 1-4 / Duration: 45-60 minutes
Ink is an unforgiving medium. However, when mastered with care, its spontaneity and brilliance can create visual effects of astonishing richness. INK invites you to deploy your talent by creating sumptuous paintings worthy of the greatest collections. When art meets strategy, ink flows like a river. Fun, and packed with creativity, it’s a great pick for families and artistic players alike.
This season, give the gift of connection, challenge, and adventure through board games. No matter who you’re shopping for, this guide has something for every type of gamer. Let’s spread joy this holiday season with shared tabletop experiences. 🎲✨
Happy gifting!
Liked these games? Find out where you can find them, here.
