I highly recommend these great family board games, and I think they are essential purchases

Herd Mentality | $24.99 $15.99 at Amazon
Save $9 - Of all the party games in my collection, this is the one I always recommend for families. It's quick, very easy to understand, and no-one is put on the spot. That means anyone who doesn't like the pressure of trivia games can rest easy; the whole point is to go with the crowd, not to stand out. While that discount isn't a record low price, it is still very good value for what you're getting here. It'll prove a big hit at Christmas.

Buy it if:
✅ You want an easy-going, accessible party game
✅ You'll be playing with lots of people

Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a more strategic game

Price check:
💲 Walmart | $26.01

UK price: £19.99 £14.99 at Amazon (with voucher)

Everdell | $75 $59.98 at Amazon
Save $15 - Want something a little more involved? This excellent but still family-friendly strategy game is a real winner, particularly at this time of year when all you want to do is get cozy with a hot mug of something and a good game. As noted in our Everdell review, it provides gentle but rock-solid strategy that everyone can really dig into. Oh, and it's cute as a button...

Buy it if:
✅ You want an accessible strategy game
✅ You adore the cute-n-cozy vibe

Don't buy it if:
❌ You'd prefer a party game

Price check:
💲 Amazon | $79.99

UK price: £45 £34.29 at Magic Madhouse

Kingdomino | $24.99 $14.99 at Amazon
Save $10 - Of all the accolades in the world of board games, there's one that stands in higher regard than any other; the Spiel des Jahres, or game of the year awards. Kingdomino won the 2017 awards, and that tells you a lot about its quality. This one is a tile-laying game where you've got to connect terrain tiles to build your kingdom, but the twist is that you've got two sections to match and connect.

Buy it if:
✅ You love thoughtful matching games
✅ You like easy and breezy games

Don't buy it if:
❌ You aren't a fan of tile-laying games

Price check:
💲 Walmart | $14.99

UK price: £21.99 £14.49 at Zatu Games

Heat: Pedal to the Metal | $74.99 $37.50 at Amazon
Save $37.49 - It says a lot about a board game when the community can't stop talking about it, and I am always hearing great things about this racing game. This white-knuckle racer is a dash to the finish line, but you've got to make sure you don't push your car too hard and overheat. How well can you balance risk vs. reward? You'll find out soon enough. Particularly if you make use of the tournament system...

Buy it if:
✅ You love strategy games
✅ You want something you can keep coming back to

Don't buy it if:
❌ You want something lighter

Price check:
💲 Walmart | $99.98

UK price: £62.49 £44.49 at Amazon

Catan (2025 edition) | $54.99 $27.50 at Walmart
Save $27.49 - If there's one game I think everyone needs to try, it's this one. As noted in our (very positive) Catan review, it's the perfect 'gateway' game for those who are new to the hobby, or anyone hoping to try something a little more complex than Monopoly or Clue this year. Although this one was slightly cheaper last week for the Black Friday sale, it's still excellent value as is. That's because the average cost is between $45 and $48.

Buy it if:
✅ You want an accessible strategy game
✅ You'd like a family-friendly game

Don't buy it if:
❌ You want something a bit deeper

Price check:
💲 Amazon | $29.99

UK price: £49.99 £22.49 at Waterstones

Ticket to Ride (2025 edition) | $54.99 $27.50 at Walmart
Save $27 - If you ask me, Ticket to Ride might just be one of the greatest family games ever made. Indeed, that's why I gave it such a high score in my Ticket to Ride review; its laid-back strategy is the kind of thing you can get your teeth into, but isn't overly competitive. With that in mind, getting the refreshed 2025 version for a whole lot less is going to catch my eye. Don't sleep on this one if you're keen to get something new you can play with your family for Christmas!

Buy it if:
✅ You like more relaxed games
✅ You enjoy light strategy

Don't buy it if:
❌ Ugh, trains

Price check:
💲 Amazon | $29.99

UK price: £44.99 £38.23 at Amazon