Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect gift for every type of board game lover in your life, from the strategy buff to the family-friendly gamer.
- 7 Wonders
- Arkham Horror
- Captain Flip
- Games
- River of Gold
- Seasonal Favorites
- Survive the Island
- The Mandlorian Adventures
- Top Ten
Board games are experiencing a golden age, with an immense variety of options to cater to every type of player. For fans who can’t get enough of tabletop fun, a thoughtful gift that enriches their gaming experience will always be appreciated. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect gift for every type of board game lover in your life, from the strategy buff to the family-friendly gamer.
For the Strategic Mastermind
River of Gold
Age: 14+ / Players: 2-4 / Duration: 60-120 minutes
In River of Gold, players take on the role of river merchants allied with legendary samurai clans, each vying to exploit the river to earn wealth, glory, and wisdom. Will you invest in developing ports, markets, shrines, and more along the banks of the busy river? Or will you rely upon sailing the River of Gold, growing your wealth and influence through delivery contracts, visiting the nobility, and garnering a bit of divine favor during tough times?
The Lord of the Rings – Duel for Middle-earth
Age: 10+ / Players: 2 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
A dark rumour rises from Mordor. The Eye turns to Middle-earth. The hour has come. The Fellowship is reunited. The Heroes prepare for battle. In Duel for Middle-earth, you’ll have to choose sides. Play as the Fellowship of the Ring, prevent the Enemy from gaining ground and destroy the One Ring. Or play as Sauron and send your Nazgûls after Sam and Frodo, spreading your hordes over enemy cities. The fate of Middle-earth is in your hands!
For the Family Gamer
Captain Flip
Age: 8+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: 15-30 minutes
Captain Flip is a game of obvious simplicity explained in less time than it takes to fire a canon: On your turn, draw a character from the bag. Keep it or flip it. Then place it on your board to form your crew. Seems simple, no? With 9 characters with various effects and 4 boards with different tactics, Captain Flip is deceptively strategic and provides an instantly fun and simple gaming experience.
Survive the Island
Age: 8+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
Your expedition to discover the island’s treasures is going great until you suddenly hear rumblings and tremors. Volcanoes begin to wake up from a century-long nap, and some huge, ancestral creatures want to join the party… The island is now slowly sinking into the sea and that’s your cue to leave with as much loot as possible! You won’t be safe until you’re back on land. Other crews of adventurers are also trying to escape, and they don’t seem willing to let you board the few available rafts. Flee the volcanoes and creatures lurking underwater or deep in the forests, but above all, beware of the other explorers… and remember, survival knows no rules!
For the Storyteller
Arkham Horror the Roleplaying Game – Hungering Abyss
Age: 14+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: >120 minutes
An ancient force has come to the city of Arkham that threatens to consume everything in Hungering Abyss, a starter set in the world of Arkham Horror. In this all-in-one box, up to five players take on the role of talented and bold investigators as they try to unravel the mystery behind empty graveyards and the sense of lurking dread that has fallen over the city of Arkham in the height of the 1920s. Whether your loved one is brand new to collaborative storytelling tabletop games or a veteran role-player, this learn-as-you-play adventure is an excellent way to get a feel for both roleplaying games and the unique Dynamic Pool System.
The Mandalorian™ Adventures
Age: 12+ / Players: 1-4 / Duration: 45-60 minutes
A Cooperative Game of Daring Missions
When offered a lucrative job, a lone bounty hunter begins a journey that will put his skills to the test and redefine his world. The Mandalorian: Adventures allows players to experience the thrills of the hit Disney+ series on their tabletops. Navigating unique maps and missions, players must cooperate to accomplish their goals and avoid defeat. Recognizable characters and enemies bring the action to life, and an optional hidden traitor mode ensures no two plays of The Mandalorian: Adventures will ever be the same. Featuring a novel game system that will be intuitive for gamers and easy to teach, you can dive into the world of The Mandalorian and start playing right away!
These picks should help you find the right game for your favorite board game lover. Whether they’re new to gaming or have an extensive collection, there’s something for everyone to unwrap and enjoy this holiday season.
Looking for more great gifts for the gamer in your life? Check out our holiday gift guide here.
