A perfect hostess gift reflects the care and attention of the gathering itself. From intimate evenings to big parties, these board game options suit a variety of hosts and occasions.
- Azul
- Chromino
- Games
- Just One
- Klink
- Patchwork
- Piles!
- Seasonal Favorites
- Splendor
- Ticket to Ride
- Top Ten
- Tornaloco
Hosting a gathering is no small feat and bringing a hostess gift is a lovely way to show appreciation, especially during the holidays. This guide features crowd-pleasing board games, tailored for different occasions and personalities. Whether it’s a cozy game night or a family dinner party, these gifts are sure to delight any host.
Cozy Game Night
These games make the perfect hostess gifts for a small, intimate party.
Patchwork
Age: 8+ / Players: 2 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
Perfect to bring to an intimate soirée, Patchwork is a cozy, light, two-player board game where players each attempt to piece together a quilt using oddly shaped, Tetris-like tiles.
Splendor Duel
Age: 10+ / Players: 2 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
Splendor Duel is a revamped version of the hit game Splendor, but specifically designed for two players. Choose your gemstones and cards wisely, but don’t forget to watch your opponent!
Azul Mini
Age: 8+ / Players: 2-4 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
Decorate the most beautiful palace wall with gorgeous tiles in this colourful and tactical game. Each turn, players choose a coloured tile from the center of the game and place it on their board in the most strategic way possible. The best combinations earn the most points. This MINI version of Azul makes a great hostess gift!
Family Dinner Party
Looking for something to bring the hostess of the yearly family holiday party? Look no further! These games make the perfect gift for the family hostess with the mostest.
Klink
Age: 7+ / Players: 3-5 / Duration: 15-30 minutes
Great as a hostess gift, Klink is a fast-paced and easy card-driven game of numbers and strategy. Each round the first player takes two cards, peeks at one, and decides to uncover both to add to their points or pass them to another player, who then faces the same decision. The goal of the game is to finish with the lowest score. Twists in scoring and special actions spice things up adding an interesting level of interaction.
Chromino
Age: 6+ / Players: 1-8 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
A colourful alternative to traditional dominoes, Chromino makes a great hostess gift option. Each player in turn places a chromino on the board, making sure to connect 2 squares of the same colour. The first player to place all his chrominoes wins the game. Pretty simple, right? Sure, but your opponents will try to block you, so keep your wits about you. A simple, but surprisingly addictive game!
Ticket to Ride – Express – Paris
Age: 8+ / Players: 2-4 / Duration: < 15 minutes
Enjoy the City of Light! Take your hostess to the glamorous Paris of the roaring twenties. Jump aboard an open platform bus, cruise down les Champs-Elysées, admire the Eiffel Tower, and conclude your day by enjoying a picturesque sunset from a charming terrace in Montmartre. In this fast-paced Ticket to Ride game, players race one another to visit the most iconic locations of the city!
Party Time!
You’ve got the hostess gift, and now you’re looking for something to play during the big shin dig? Check out these great party games for all your holiday festivities.
Piles
Age: 8+ / Players: 2-8 / Duration: < 15 minutes
A fast-paced set collecting game with no turns and no time to waste. Don’t fold under pressure. Only the best with the mess will win this race. If you enjoy fun, classic games like Speed and Spoons then you’ll love this easy to learn family game. PLAY WITH ANYONE: There is no text and no need to speak other than laughter.
Tornaloco
Age: 6+ / Players: 2-6 / Duration: < 15 minutes
Tornaloco is a game where your speed and memory are put to the test to win the most Tornado cards. Be the first to place your cards in the correct order to win the round. Sounds easy, right? Don’t be so sure! A little game with simple rules that is sure to make your party totally loco!
Just One
Age: 8+ / Players: 3-7 / Duration: 15-30 minutes
Just One is a cooperative party game in which players share hints to find as many mystery words as possible. Just don’t repeat another player’s clue, or you’re out. Perfect for those holiday parties where togetherness is the name of the game.
First to Worst
Age: 8+ / Players: 2+ / Duration: 30-45 minutes
First to Worst is the ultimate multi-generational game of polarizing priorities! In this fun collaborative game, players try to get into each others’ heads by guessing how fellow players rank various topics in priority order of 1 through 5. Match more right than wrong and victory is yours! You’re all playing together against the game, so if you lose, there is no one to blame but yourself!
A perfect hostess gift reflects the care and attention of the gathering itself. From intimate evenings to big parties, these board game options suit a variety of hosts and occasions. So, next time you’re invited to a get-together, use this guide to select a memorable gift that says thank you with flair.
Looking for more great hostess gifts or party games? Check out our holiday gift guide here.
